Unleashing Robotic Potential with Real-Time Operating
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE PRECISION IN PRODUCTION
BLACKBERRY QNX
Unleashing Robotic Potential with Real-Time Operating
By Winston Leung , Senior Product Marketing Manager at BlackBerry QNX
In manufacturing — where precision is paramount — the role of robotics in shaping efficient assembly lines , welding processes , and material handling cannot be overstated . The demand for precise synchronization in these operations is key ; any deviation can lead to misalignments , defective products , and decreased overall throughput .
Particularly critical in automotive assembly , even the slightest jitter or latency issues can disrupt the seamless integration of components , resulting in quality control complications and increased production costs .
Embedded software addresses these challenges as highperformance , hard real-time operating systems emerge . They are designed for a spectrum of applications from robotic arms to autonomous mobile robots ( AMRs ) to drones . These systems must address present needs and align with Industry 5.0 ’ s trajectory , which is built upon an even greater collaboration between humans and robots than we see today .
Manufacturing Challenge : The High-Stakes Precision Struggle The critical demand for precision in production creates formidable challenges , particularly when it comes to high-speed robotic movements . Systems and devices requiring microprocessors with memory management units , such as robot manipulators , land and aerial drones , and automated guided vehicles ( AGVs ) require hard real-time operating systems to facilitate seamless kernel execution across multiple cores . This provides the performance needed for safety-critical systems , particularly in advanced robotics and industrial controls .
The issue of jitter , defined by unpredictable timing variations , looms as a substantial threat to the meticulous accuracy required in these operations . This concern is amplified in scenarios where milliseconds wield immense significance , as observed in the intricacies of automotive assembly lines .
The repercussions of heightened jitter extend beyond mere inconveniences : They manifest as misaligned components and the creation of defective products , both of which contribute to a palpable decline in overall operational efficiency .
As industries strive for heightened productivity , the precise calibration of robotic movements emerges as a keystone that necessitates a strategic approach to address the intricacies of timing variations and safeguard the delicate orchestration of highspeed operations .
Manufacturing Solution : Real- Time Operating Systems as a Precision Compass Maximizing the performance of robotic systems , particularly in the face of high-speed movements , requires a strategic ally in the form of real-time operating systems ( RTOS ). Precision becomes a guiding compass for unparalleled efficiency .
Enhanced System Throughput RTOS optimizes the overall performance of robotic systems by finely tuning task scheduling and execution . This meticulous orchestration ensures that critical operations take precedence , resulting in increased throughput and heightened production rates .
Optimized Processor Utilization At the core of RTOS lies the ability to minimize processor utilization . By efficiently managing tasks and system resources , RTOS guarantees judicious use of processing power to prevent unnecessary delays and bottlenecks . This not only boosts overall robotic system efficiency but also yields significant cost savings by maximizing available processing power .
Power-Safe Recovery Introducing resilient power-safe recovery mechanisms , RTOS enables robotic systems to gracefully handle unexpected events or faults . In case of a failure , the system can recover seamlessly without compromising precision . This minimizes downtime and helps ensure uninterrupted operation . This resilience is crucial to maintain a consistent level of precision in production processes .
Fast Boot Capabilities The fast boot capabilities of RTOS significantly reduce the start-up time of robotic systems . This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where rapid deployment and initiation of operations are critical . With minimized start-up times , manufacturers can enhance the agility of their production processes to respond promptly to market demands while maintaining the desired level of precision .
6 PECM Issue 68