Delta Robot Controller
Embedded Files
Timeline
October 2024
(2 Weeks)
Role
UX/UI Designer
Deliverable
B2B Platform for PC
Platform
Figma
Overview
Delta Robot is a palletizing system designed to stack products onto pallets efficiently. In this project, the system was used specifically to stack 15x15 cm lead plates and separators for battery manufacturing. The process is controlled through custom software that enables workers to manually create stacking orders and command the Delta Robot to execute them. The software also allows users to design and save stacking patterns for future use, increasing flexibility and operational efficiency.
My Role as UX/UI Designer
In this project, the Delta Robot hardware had already been fully developed by the mechanical team, and the software team was beginning the development phase of the controller software. I joined during this stage to redesign the user interface, focusing on making it more intuitive and user-friendly while aligning closely with the functionality defined by the mechanical team.
Design Process
I was involved in this project during the coding phase, when the control software was still under development but already included the core features defined by the mechanical team. My role as a UX/UI Designer was to redesign the user interface based on these existing functionalities, focusing on improving usability and creating a more user-friendly experience before handing it off to the engineering team for further development.
💡 Ideate
Robot Flow
Before redesigning the UI, I began by understanding the operational workflow of the Delta Robot. The machine consists of three main components: the Plate Pile, the Claw Mechanism, and the Conveyor System. These components work together to stack 15x15 cm lead plates and separators, which are then transferred to the next stage of the battery manufacturing process. Gaining a clear understanding of this flow was essential to ensure the UI aligned with the machine’s functions and supported smooth operator interaction.
The Delta Robot workflow consists of the following steps:
1. Plate Pile Setup: There are four types of plates used in the stacking process:
Negative Lead Plate
Glass Mat Separator (Facing Up)
Positive Lead Plate
Glass Mat Separator (Facing Down)
Each type has two piles, making a total of eight piles in the system.
2. Stacking Process: The Claw Mechanism picks plates from the top of each pile, following a predefined stacking order. Plates are stacked in sequence directly onto the conveyor belt.
3. Transfer to Next Stage: After stacking is complete, the Conveyor moves the assembled stack out of the robot's working area, preparing it for the next step in the battery manufacturing process.
Information Architecture
Created an information architecture to clarify the overall structure of the controller software, centering on the Delta Robot workflow and the core features provided by the mechanical team. The software is organized into three main features:
1. Stack Order: Allows users to manually create and manage stacking sequences.
2. Stack Pattern: Enables the creation and saving of custom stacking patterns for repeated use.
3. Robot Order: Sends commands to the Delta Robot to execute specific stacking tasks based on the defined orders and patterns.
🖥️ High-Fidelity Prototype for PC
Mockups and High-Fidelity Prototype
After gaining a clear understanding of the Delta Robot workflow, I began designing the controller software interface for the master computer, guided by the structured information architecture. The redesigned UI retains select elements from the previous version while consolidating all core functionalities into a streamlined single-page layout to enhance usability.
In this updated version, all key commands are placed in the right-side navigation bar, allowing operators to access and manage all features from a single screen. This layout improves operational efficiency and minimizes unnecessary navigation. The interface includes three main features:
MAIN FEATURE 1
Stack Order
The controller software allows users to manually create and manage stacking sequences by interacting with the pile section located in the right-side navigation bar. Each colored panel represents a different type of plate used in the stacking process, and includes a percentage indicator showing the remaining quantity of plates in each pile. This visual feedback helps operators make informed decisions during manual stacking operations.
MAIN FEATURE 2
Stack Pattern
The controller software allows users to create custom stacking patterns for repeated use by pressing the “+ Add Pattern” button in the right-side navigation bar. A pop-up menu will appear, enabling users to build a stacking pattern similar to the manual Stack Order process and save it under a custom name.
Once saved, the pattern will be listed in the pattern section, making it easily accessible for future stacking operations and improving workflow efficiency
MAIN FEATURE 3
Robot Order
After completing a stack setup, the controller software allows users to operate the Delta Robot using five command buttons located in the right-side navigation bar:
1. Start – Initiates the stacking process based on the current stack order.
2. Pause – Temporarily halts the stacking operation without resetting progress.
3. Stop – Completely stops the operation and returns the Delta Robot to its default position.
4. Delete – Removes the current stack order from the software.
5. Undo – Reverts the last action or setting to the previous state.
These controls give operators straightforward command over the robot's actions, ensuring flexibility and control during the stacking process.
Design System
After the redesign phase, the team decided to implement a dark mode theme for the controller software to reduce eye strain in industrial environments. While the overall interface uses a minimal color palette, I introduced four distinct colors to represent different plate types in the stacking process. This color differentiation enhances visual clarity and usability, helping operators quickly identify plate categories and reducing the likelihood of errors during manual input.
◆ Colors
For User Interface
For Plate Types
◆ Typography : Inter
◆ UI Components
Key Takeaways
The Delta Robot Controller was my second experience designing a user interface in the field of robotics. Compared to the Conveyor Controller project, this was a more focused and less complex task, as it involved developing a controller for a single machine. I joined the project during the coding phase, after the mechanical team had completed the construction of the Delta Robot. My role was to redesign the user interface based on the functions defined by the mechanical team, which meant I did not have full visibility into the initial planning or client requirements.
To start, I collaborated closely with the mechanical team to understand how the Delta Robot works and what specific features were required in the software. I then translated these into a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. My design approach was influenced by my previous hands-on experience with laser cutting machines, which helped me think from an operator’s perspective.
The high-fidelity prototype is now complete and ready for handoff to the engineering team. Looking ahead, the following steps are recommended to refine the project further:
◆ Conduct usability testing with workers to enhance ease of use and identify areas for functional improvement.
◆ Establish a clear and efficient design handoff process for the engineering team.
◆ Create a user manual to support workers in learning and using the software effectively.
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