Automated robotic system and method for preparation of food items
A system and methods for automated food preparation is disclosed. In some embodiments, the automated food preparation system comprises a multi-phase process and systematic system for sequentially performing preparation and assembly tasks that are synchronized in timing with tasks performed. The automated food preparation comprises robotic elements, sensor array, a synchronization program and mechanical structures configured to operate as activated according to the synchronization program. The automated food preparation system as illustrated is capable of performing a wide range of food preparation steps in a food preparation environment.
1 . An automated food preparation system, comprising:
a plurality of trays, each identified by a unique identification code, and each tray carrying a unique order wherein each unique identification code allows each unique order to be processed non-sequentially;
at least two conveyors to convey the trays, to a plurality of stations associated with each conveyor, wherein the plurality of stations each comprise a mechanical structure to add a food component identified by the unique identification code to the unique order on each particular tray including at least a first station associated with each conveyor with a cutting module, the cutting module comprising a hopper for storing a vegetable and a cutting blade, and a second station associated with each conveyor with a fluid dispensing module;
a plurality of sensors positioned in relation to each station the plurality of sensors positioned to determine a presence of the unique order on each particular tray as it moves on one of the at least two conveyors past each particular sensor; and
an action controller coupled to the plurality of sensors which receives a first signal, indicating the presence of the unique order on each particular tray, at the first station and executes a first action by the cutting module, to slice the vegetable with the cutting module and position a sliced portion of the vegetable on the unique order with a single manipulator robot arm, the action controller receives a second signal, indicating the presence of the unique order on each particular tray, at the second station and executes a second action by the fluid dispensing module to dispense a sauce over the unique order, the action controller receives a third signal and executes a third action by adding a side order to each particular tray.
2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a dual manipulator robot arm which packages the unique order.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least two conveyors are controlled by a motor.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least two conveyors are a first conveyor for a first type of food preparation and further comprising a second conveyor for a second type of food preparation distinct from the first type of food preparation.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the cutting module comprises a plurality of mechanical structures positioned over the first conveyor, the cutting module configured to slice a plurality of different vegetable items in response to the first signal or the second signal indicative that the particular tray is aligned with the mechanical structures.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of mechanical structures comprises a predesignated number of mechanical structures constructed with a slicing mechanism configured to slice food items that are inserted into the mechanical structures, operations of each of the mechanical structures synchronized by the action controller.
7 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a robotic mechanism coupled to the action controller, the robotic mechanism operable to perform an action on the unique order.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first set of sensors operable in an identification phase of automated food preparation, a second set of sensors operable in a cutting phase of automated food preparation, a third set of sensors operable in a fluid dispensing phase of automated food preparation, and a fourth set of sensors operable in a cooking phase of automated food preparation.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the action controller synchronizes actions in an automated food preparation phase, including an identification phase, a cutting phase, a fluid dispensing phase, a cooking phase.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the action controller further synchronizes: 1) transition from the identification phase to the cutting phase by a first transition synchronizer routine, 2) transition from the cutting phase to the fluid dispensing phase by a second transition synchronizer routine, 3) transition from the fluid dispensing phase to the cooking phase by a third transition synchronizer routine, and 4) transition from the cooking phase to an output phase by a fourth transition synchronizer routine, wherein the output phase includes packaging of the unique order for delivery to consumers.
11 . A method for automated food preparation, comprising:
identifying each of a plurality of trays with a unique identification code, and each tray carrying a unique order wherein each unique identification code allows each unique order to be processed non-sequentially;
providing at least two conveyors to convey the trays, to a plurality of stations associated with each conveyor, wherein the plurality of stations each comprise a mechanical structure to add a food component identified by the unique identification code to the unique order on each particular tray including at least a first station associated with each conveyor with a cutting module, the cutting module comprising a hopper for storing a vegetable and a cutting blade, and a second station associated with each conveyor with a fluid dispensing module;
positioning a plurality of sensors in relation to each station to determine a presence of the unique order on each particular tray as it moves on one of the at least two conveyors past each particular sensor; and
coupling an action controller to the plurality of sensors and to receive a first signal, indicating the presence of the unique order on each particular tray, at the first station and executes a first action by the cutting module, to slice the vegetable with the cutting module and position a sliced portion of the vegetable on the unique order with a single manipulator robot arm, the action controller receives a second signal, indicating the presence of the unique order on each particular tray, at the second station and executes a second action by the fluid dispensing module to dispense a sauce over the unique order, the action controller receives a third signal and executes a third action by adding a side order to each particular tray.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of sensors is coupled to a limit switch configured to determine when the particular tray passes the limit switch.
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least two conveyors are controlled by a motor.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least two conveyors are a first conveyor for a first type of food preparation and further comprising a second conveyor for a second type of food preparation distinct from the first type of food preparation.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the cutting module comprises a plurality of mechanical structures positioned over the first conveyor, the cutting module configured to slice a plurality of different vegetable items in response to the first signal or the second signal indicative that the particular tray is aligned with the mechanical structures.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of mechanical structures comprises a predesignated number of mechanical structures constructed with a slicing mechanism configured to slice food items that are inserted into the mechanical structures, operations of each of the mechanical structures synchronized by the action controller.
17 . The method of claim 11 , further providing a robotic mechanism coupled to the action controller, the robotic mechanism operable to perform an action on the unique order.
18 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first set of sensors operable in an identification phase of automated food preparation, a second set of sensors operable in a cutting phase of automated food preparation, a third set of sensors operable in a fluid dispensing phase of automated food preparation, and a fourth set of sensors operable in a cooking phase of automated food preparation.
19 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the action controller synchronizes actions in an automated food preparation phase, including an identification phase, a cutting phase, a fluid dispensing phase, and a cooking phase.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the action controller further synchronizes the following: 1) transition from the identification phase to the cutting phase by a first transition synchronizer routine, 2) transition from the cutting phase to the fluid dispensing phase by a second transition synchronizer routine, 3) transition from the fluid dispensing phase to the cooking phase by a third transition synchronizer routine, and 4) transition from the cooking phase to an output phase by a fourth transition synchronizer routine, wherein the output phase includes packaging of the unique order for delivery to consumers.