Management system, management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a management system, a management method, and a program that can efficiently transport objects to be transported.SOLUTION: The management system of this embodiment is a management system that includes a server that manages schedules including transport tasks using multiple robots within a facility. The server acquires expected arrival information indicating the expected arrival time and expected arrival location of objects to be transported at the facility, identifies a type of robot that can transport the objects to be transported that is expected to arrive based on the expected arrival information, and updates the schedules of other robots so that the identified robot can receive the objects to be transported at the expected arrival location in accordance with the expected arrival time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing autonomous vehicles within a hospital. Within the hospital, the autonomous vehicles transport medical supplies, medicines, linens, specimens, meals, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-81320 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when a robot such as an autonomous vehicle transports an object, there is a demand for efficient transport service (also called transport task). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The management system of this embodiment is a management system that includes a server that manages schedules including transport tasks using multiple autonomous mobile robots within a facility, and the server obtains expected arrival information indicating the expected arrival time and expected arrival location of the transport target at the facility, and based on the expected arrival information, the server identifies a type of autonomous mobile robot that can transport the transport target that is expected to arrive, and the server updates the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the transport target at the expected arrival location in accordance with the expected arrival time of the transport target.

[0006] The management method of this embodiment is a management method that uses a computer to manage a schedule that includes transport tasks using multiple autonomous mobile robots within a facility, and involves obtaining arrival schedule information that indicates the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival location of the transport target at the facility, identifying an autonomous mobile robot of a type that can transport the transport target that is expected to arrive based on the arrival schedule information, and updating the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the transport target at the estimated arrival location in accordance with the estimated arrival time.

[0007] The program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute a management method for managing a schedule that includes transport tasks using multiple autonomous mobile robots within a facility. The management method acquires estimated arrival information indicating the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival location of the transport target at the facility, identifies a type of autonomous mobile robot that can transport the transport target based on the estimated arrival information, and updates the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the transport target at the estimated arrival location in accordance with the estimated arrival time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a management system, a management method, and a program that can efficiently transport objects to be transported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the management device. [Figure 3] This is a timetable showing the schedule before and after the adjustment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a management method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential means for solving the problems.

[0011] (Overall composition) The management system according to this embodiment is a system for managing autonomous mobile robots capable of executing transportation services (also referred to as transportation tasks). FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the management system 1. The management system 1 includes a management device 100, robots 200-202, accessory units 300, 302, 303, and 304, a network 600, and a user terminal 400. The management system 1 is a system for managing the multiple robots 200-202 and their accessory units 300, 302, 303, and 304. The management device 100 manages the schedules of the multiple robots 200-202 and the multiple accessory units 300, 302, 303, and 304.

[0012] The robots 200 to 202 are autonomous mobile robots that perform transportation services. The robot 200 autonomously moves around medical and welfare facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and elderly care facilities. The robots 200 to 202 are used to transport medicines, medical equipment, meals, tableware, medical records, supplies, specimens, linens, people, and the like. The objects to be transported may be people such as patients. The system according to this embodiment can also be used in commercial facilities such as shopping malls. The robots 200 to 202 have wheels, a chassis, a motor, sensors, a battery, a controller, and the like. The robots 200, 201, and 202 are different types of robots. The robots 200 to 202 are assigned unique identification numbers (IDs).

[0013] The robot 200 performs transportation services using an attachment unit 300. The attachment unit 300 is a transport unit used in combination with the robot 200 to transport an object. The attachment unit 300 is a wheeled wagon or cart on which an object can be loaded. The carriage portion of the robot 200 serves as a stage on which the wagon or the like is loaded.

[0014] The robot 200 has a lifting function for lifting the accessory unit 300. When the carriage portion of the robot 200 enters under the accessory unit 300, the lifting stage or the like lifts the accessory unit 300. This allows the robot 200 to carry the item housed in the accessory unit 300 to its destination. By attaching the accessory unit 300, the robot 200 becomes capable of performing transportation services. The accessory unit 300 for transportation is used for serving and clearing food in restaurants, medical and welfare facilities, etc. The transport unit may also be used for transporting parts in factories, transporting specimens in hospitals, transporting linen in hotels, etc.

[0015] The robot 201 is a transport robot that independently performs transport services. For example, the robot 201 is provided with a storage unit for storing objects to be transported, and transports the objects without using the auxiliary unit 300. The robot 201 can lock the storage unit to safely transport the objects.

[0016] The robot 202 performs the transport service using an attached unit 302. The attached unit 302 is a transport unit used in combination with the robot 202 to transport the object to be transported. Specifically, the attached unit 302 is a wheeled wagon or cart, and has multiple shelves. For example, the attached unit 302 is used for serving or clearing dishes. Therefore, tableware, which is the object to be transported, is placed on each shelf of the attached unit 302. Of course, the attached unit 302 may also be used to carry objects other than tableware.

[0017] The robot 202 is a cart-type mobile body. Like the robot 200, the robot 202 has a lifting function for lifting the accessory unit 302. When the cart portion of the robot 202 enters under the accessory unit 302, an elevator stage or the like lifts the accessory unit 302. This allows the robot 202 to carry the accessory unit 302. The robot 202 can transport the tableware placed on the accessory unit 302 to a destination. By attaching the accessory unit 302, the robot 202 can perform transportation services such as serving or clearing dishes.

[0018] Furthermore, the robot 202 can perform a transportation service using the attachment unit 303. Here, the attachment unit 303 has a stretcher, a litter, or the like for transporting a person such as a patient. Then, the person gets on the attachment unit 303. The robot 202 gets under the attachment unit 303, and the lifting stage lifts the attachment unit 303. The robot 202 carries the attachment unit 303. This allows the robot 202 to transport the person to the destination. The robot 202 uses the attachment unit 302 or the attachment unit 303 depending on the object to be transported.

[0019] The management system 1 may be equipped with a robot that transports a person independently without using the auxiliary unit 303. In this case, the robot may be a stretcher-type transport robot or a wheelchair-type transport robot. The management system 1 may be equipped with a stretcher-type assist robot, a wheelchair-type assist robot, a walking assist robot, etc. The transported object is not limited to an object, but also includes a person. An object or a person that is a transported object is also called a transport target.

[0020] Furthermore, at least one of the robots 200 to 202 may perform a service other than the transportation service. Examples of other services include cleaning, security, and guidance services. Here, the robot 200 performs multiple services such as cleaning, security, and guidance using the attached unit 304. The robot 200 performs various services by combining the attached unit 300 with the robot 200. Different attached units 304 are provided for the robot 200 depending on the service. By replacing the attached unit 304, the robot 200 becomes a multi-service robot that performs multiple services.

[0021] The attachment units 304 include a cleaning unit for cleaning, a security unit for security, and a guidance unit for guidance. The robot 200 is equipped with any one of the attachment units. In other words, the attachment units 300 are detachable from the robot 200. The robot 200 is equipped with an attachment unit 300 according to the service to be performed. The robot 200 switches between the attachment unit 300 and the attachment unit 304 depending on the service to be performed.

[0022] The cleaning attachment unit 304 is a unit for cleaning a facility. The cleaning attachment unit 304 has a vacuum cleaner that sucks up dirt and the like. Alternatively, the cleaning attachment unit 304 has a brush, a floor wiping pad, a mop, and the like. When the robot 200 moves with the cleaning attachment unit 304 attached, the floor surface is cleaned. In other words, the floor surface is cleaned in the area where the robot 200 moves. By attaching the cleaning attachment unit 304, the robot 200 can perform a cleaning service. Furthermore, the cleaning attachment unit 304 may be a remotely controllable robot vacuum cleaner. In this case, the robot 200 performs a cleaning service by remotely controlling the cleaning attachment unit 304 via wireless communication.

[0023] The security accessory unit 304 is a unit for guarding a facility. The security accessory unit 304 has various sensors for detecting intruders and abnormalities, for example. For example, the security accessory unit 304 has sensors such as a camera, an infrared camera, a distance sensor, a light sensor, a heat sensor, and a smoke sensor. The security accessory unit 304 may also have a lighting device for illuminating intruders or abnormal locations. The accessory unit 304 may also have an alarm function for issuing an alert when an abnormality is detected. By attaching the security accessory unit 304, the robot 200 becomes able to perform security services.

[0024] The guidance accessory unit 304 is a unit for guiding visitors to a facility. For example, the guidance accessory unit 304 provides guidance to visitors to the facility, such as a route to their destination. The guidance accessory unit 304 has an input device that allows the visitor to input their destination. The input device has a touch panel and buttons. The input device also has a microphone for voice input. The robot 200 moves to the destination to guide the visitor. The guidance accessory unit 304 may have a display device for displaying the route and a speaker for outputting the route as voice.

[0025] In this way, by using the attachment unit 304 in combination with the robot 200, the robot 200 can perform a plurality of different services. In other words, the robot 200 performs a service according to the attached attachment unit 304. Of course, the number of types of robots that can be introduced is not limited to two. For example, the number of types of robots may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, robots that perform services other than transportation services may be introduced. Dedicated robots that perform various services such as cleaning services, security services, and guide services may be introduced.

[0026] In this way, by using the attachment unit 304 in combination with the robot 200, the robot 200 can perform a plurality of different services. In other words, the robot 200 performs a service according to the attached attachment unit 304. A unique identification number (ID) is assigned to the attachment units 300, 302, 303, and 304. Of course, at least some of the services may be performed by the robot 200 alone. Furthermore, the robots 201 and 202 may perform services other than the transport service.

[0027] The management system 1 may be provided with a plurality of attachment units 304 for one service. The management system 1 may be provided with two or more attachment units 300. In this case, two robots 200 can simultaneously perform a transport service using the attachment units 300. Of course, two or more attachment units 300, 302, or 303 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple types of attachment units may be prepared for a service performed by one robot. For example, the shape and size of the attachment units 300 may differ depending on the content of the transported item.

[0028] User U1 or user U2 can make a service request, such as a request for transport of an item, using the user terminal 400. For example, the user terminal 400 is a tablet computer or a smartphone. The user terminal 400 may be any information processing device capable of wireless or wired communication.

[0029] In this embodiment, the robots 200-202 and the user terminal 400 are connected to the management device 100 via a network 600. The network 600 is a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). Furthermore, the management device 100 is connected to the network 600 by wire or wirelessly. Communications between the devices may be based on a general-purpose communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0030] Various signals transmitted from the user terminals 400 of users U1 and U2 are first sent to the management device 100 via the network 600, and then transferred from the management device 100 to the target robots 200-202. Similarly, various signals transmitted from the robots 200-202 are first sent to the management device 100 via the network 600, and then transferred from the management device 100 to the target user terminals 400. The management device 100 is a server connected to each device and collects data from each device. Furthermore, the management device 100 is not limited to a single physical device, but may include multiple devices performing distributed processing. Furthermore, the management device 100 may be distributed and located in edge devices such as the robots 200-202. For example, part or all of the management system 1 may be installed on the robots 200-202.

[0031] The user terminal 400 and the robots 200-202 may transmit and receive signals without going through the management device 100. For example, the user terminal 400 and the robots 200-202 may transmit and receive signals directly via wireless communication. The management device 100 may also collect data from monitoring cameras and communication devices (not shown).

[0032] Assume that multiple types of robots 200-202 are used in a facility. The management device 100 assigns services to each of the robots 200-202. Each of the robots 200-202 is equipped with an accessory unit 300 corresponding to the assigned service and performs the service. The services performed by the robots 200-202 may be input by the user U1 or the user U2, or may be scheduled in advance. For example, the user U1 or the like requests a service by operating the user terminal 400. The user U1 or the like can input the type of service to be performed. The user U1 or the like may also input the area and time period in which the service is to be performed. The management device 100 creates a schedule for the robots 200-202 to efficiently perform the service.

[0033] User U1 or user U2 may operate the user terminal 400 to request a delivery service. In this case, user U1 or user U2 inputs information about the delivery item. Furthermore, user U1 or user U2 may input arrival schedule information indicating the expected arrival date of the delivery item. The management device 100 assigns a robot to perform the delivery service based on the arrival schedule information. Then, the management device 100 transmits a control signal for the robot to perform the service.

[0034] In such an overall configuration, the management system 1 can be constructed as a whole by distributing the elements of the management system 1 among the robots 200-202, the user terminal 400, and the management device 100. It is also possible to construct the management system 1 by collecting the essential elements for realizing the transportation of the transported items into a single device.

[0035] (Control system) The management device 100 has a server computer or the like, and performs calculations for controlling and managing the robots 200 to 202. The management device 100 can be implemented as a device capable of executing a program, such as a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. The functions described below can also be realized by a program. The management device 100 manages the robots 200 to 202 based on the item ID of the item, the unit IDs of the attached units 300, 302, 303, and 304, and the robot IDs of the robots 200 to 202.

[0036] For example, the management device 100 manages the schedules of the multiple robots 200-202 so that the robots 200-202 can efficiently perform services. For example, when the management device 100 receives a service request from a user terminal 400 or the like, it selects one robot 200 from the multiple robots 200-202 and instructs the robot 200 to perform the service. Alternatively, the management device 100 instructs the robot 200 which accessory unit 300 to use.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the management device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the management device 100 includes a calculation processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 140. The calculation processing unit 110 includes an arrival schedule information acquisition unit 111, an identification unit 112, a robot control unit 113, and a schedule adjustment unit 117.

[0038] The arithmetic processing unit 110 may perform arithmetic processing other than these. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 110 may perform route planning according to the schedule of each robot. In this case, the management device 100 transmits a movement route to each robot. Of course, the robot may perform route planning. In this case, when the management device 100 transmits route points, destinations, etc. to the robot, the robot performs route planning.

[0039] The storage unit 120 stores a floor map 121, robot information 123, transported item information 126, and schedule information 127. Fig. 2 shows part of the information stored in the storage unit 120, and information other than the information shown in Fig. 2 may also be stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the storage unit 120 may store programs, control parameters, etc.

[0040] The floor map 121 is map information of the facility. This floor map 121 may include information on the expected arrival location, which will be described later. For example, the floor map 121 may be one that has been created in advance. Furthermore, the floor map 121 may not be map information of the entire facility, but may be map information that includes only a portion of the area where the service is scheduled to be performed. Each robot autonomously travels to its destination by referring to the floor map.

[0041] The robot information 123 includes information about the robots 200-202 operating in the facility. The robot information 123 includes information about the model numbers of the robots 200-202, the services they can perform, the types of goods they can transport, and the accessory units they can attach. The storage unit 120 stores the robot information 123 as a database in which various information is stored for each robot ID. The robot information 123 may include the robot's current location, movement route, information indicating whether a service is being performed or is paused, and information about the service being performed. The robot information 123 may also include information about the accessory units in use and the goods being transported.

[0042] The package information 126 includes information about the package. For example, the package information 126 includes information such as the package identification number (ID), package contents (type), package origin, package destination, receipt time, or arrival time. The package information 126 indicates whether the package is a medicine, medical equipment, meal, tableware, medical record, equipment, specimen, linen, or person. The package information 126 may also include information about the size or weight of the package. The package information 126 may also include information indicating the package status, such as in transit, before delivery (before loading), or delivered. The storage unit 120 stores the package information 126 as a database in which this information is associated with each package ID. When a new package delivery request is received from the user terminal 400, package information is added. Furthermore, after delivery is completed, information about the package may be deleted from the list.

[0043] The schedule information 127 includes information indicating the schedules of the multiple robots 200-202. For example, the schedule information 127 includes information about the services to be performed by each robot. The schedule information 127 includes information about the type of service, the scheduled start time, and the scheduled end time. The schedule information 127 may include information about the area or location where the service is to be performed. For example, the schedule information 127 may include information about the location where the delivered goods are to be received and the location of the delivery destination. The storage unit 120 stores the above information as the schedule information 127 for each robot as a database. The schedule information 127 may also include information about accessory units used by the robot.

[0044] The arrival schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires arrival schedule information. The arrival schedule information is information indicating the scheduled arrival time of the delivery item (also referred to as the delivery target) at the facility. The arrival schedule information includes information regarding the scheduled arrival time and scheduled arrival location of the delivery item. Furthermore, the arrival schedule information includes information regarding the type of delivery item (delivery item type). Furthermore, the arrival schedule information may include information such as the delivery destination. For example, the user U1 can operate the user terminal 400 to input arrival schedule information such as the scheduled arrival time, scheduled arrival location, and delivery item type. The arrival schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires the arrival schedule information before the scheduled arrival time at the facility.

[0045] For example, the estimated time and location of collection of a sample taken from a patient are the estimated arrival time and location. Alternatively, if a patient is transported to a hospital by ambulance or other means, the time and location at which the patient arrives at the hospital are the estimated time and location of arrival of the transported item. User U1 may also input information indicating whether the transported item is an emergency or not, and the priority of the transport. Then, the following schedule adjustment process may be performed only for items requiring emergency transport. Of course, the estimated arrival information may be automatically input by a computer.

[0046] The identification unit 112 identifies a type of robot that can transport the transport object that is scheduled to arrive, based on the arrival schedule information. For example, the identification unit 112 identifies a robot that can transport the object, based on the type of the object. As described above, each robot can transport different objects. The identification unit 112 identifies a robot that can transport the object, with reference to the robot information 123. The identification unit 112 may identify a robot to transport the object with reference to the floor map 121, the schedule information 127, or the robot information 123. The robot identified by the identification unit 112 to transport the object indicated in the arrival schedule information is set as the identified robot.

[0047] When there are two or more robots capable of transporting the goods, the identifying unit 112 identifies a specific robot so that the transport service can be performed more efficiently. For example, the identifying unit 112 refers to the schedule information 127 and the robot information 123 to identify a robot that is near the expected arrival location at the expected arrival time. Furthermore, the identifying unit 112 identifies an available robot that is not performing another service at the expected arrival time. Alternatively, the identifying unit 112 refers to the robot information 123 to identify a robot that has available space in a storage location for the accessory unit 300, etc.

[0048] The robot control unit 113 controls the robots 200 to 202 to perform the scheduled service. For example, the robot control unit 113 generates a control signal to attach an accessory unit 300 or the like for performing the service. Alternatively, the robot control unit 113 generates a control signal to move the robot 200 to a destination so as to perform the service.

[0049] The schedule adjustment unit 117 adjusts the schedules of multiple robots based on the expected arrival information. For example, by referring to the schedule information 127, the specific robot is moved to the expected arrival location at the expected arrival time indicated in the expected arrival information. In this way, the specific robot can be moved to the expected arrival location indicated in the expected arrival information by the expected arrival time. Since the specific robot is waiting at the expected arrival location, the period during which the transport target waits at the facility can be shortened.

[0050] For example, a transport company that transports items such as luggage can streamline its transport schedule. It can also shorten the time it takes for the person to receive appropriate treatment at a facility. The robot can quickly load the items at the scheduled arrival point and transport them. This allows for efficient transport of items. Furthermore, items can be transported appropriately and efficiently even during times when there are fewer employees, such as late at night or on holidays.

[0051] Furthermore, if another service is assigned to the specific robot at or around the scheduled arrival time, the schedule adjustment unit 117 changes the schedule so that the other robot will perform that service. In other words, the schedule adjustment unit 117 assigns the service that was scheduled to be performed by the specific robot to the other robot. The schedule adjustment unit 117 updates the schedules of the specific robot and robots other than the specific robot so that the specific robot can receive the transported item at the scheduled arrival location in accordance with the scheduled arrival time.

[0052] The schedule adjustment process will be explained using Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a timetable showing the schedule before and after adjustment. Fig. 3 shows the schedules of three robots. In the following explanation, the IDs of the three robots will be assumed to be #1 to #3.

[0053] Robot #1 can perform cleaning services and transport services. Robot #1's transport service allows it to transport specimens and medicines. Robot #1 cannot transport linen, people, etc. Robot #1 cannot perform security services. Robot #2 can perform cleaning services, security services, and transport services. Robot #2's transport service allows it to transport specimens and medicines. Robot #2 cannot transport linen, people, etc. Robot #3 can perform cleaning services, guidance services, security services, and transport services. Robot #3's transport service allows it to transport specimens, medicines, and patients (people).

[0054] In FIG. 3, "Charging" indicates that each robot is charging its battery. While charging, the robot is stopped at the charging station and is not performing any service. Assume that the estimated arrival information acquisition unit 111 acquires estimated arrival information indicating that a patient (person) is scheduled to arrive at 12:00. Here, since only robot #3 can transport the person, the schedule adjustment unit 117 changes the schedule so that robot #3 is assigned the transport task for the item indicated in the estimated arrival information. Furthermore, the security service that was assigned to robot #3 before the schedule adjustment is assigned to robot #2.

[0055] By doing this, even when there is an urgent request to transport an item, the entire system can efficiently transport the item. Furthermore, the schedule is updated so that other services, such as security services, and the transportation of other items are assigned to robots other than the specified robot. Therefore, the entire system can efficiently perform services.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the communication unit 140 has a communication interface for communicating with the user terminal 400 or the robots 200 to 202. The communication unit 140 transmits control signals for controlling the robot and schedule information 127 to the robot. The communication unit 140 may also transmit information such as a destination and a travel route to the robot. The communication unit 140 receives a service request from the user terminal 400.

[0057] The management system 1 may also be introduced in facilities such as medical and welfare facilities. When the estimated arrival information indicates that the person to be transported is a human, the type of autonomous mobile robot capable of transporting the person to be transported who is scheduled to arrive may be one or more of a stretcher-type transport robot, a stretcher transport assist robot, a wheelchair-type robot, and a walking assist robot. This allows people who require emergency transport to be transported quickly. For example, emergency patients brought in by ambulance or patients whose condition has suddenly changed can be transported quickly.

[0058] At least one of the autonomous mobile robots may comprise a main robot that acts autonomously as the main robot, and an accessory unit that, when combined with the main robot, enables the main robot to transport a predetermined type of transported object. This allows the robot to transport a variety of transported objects, improving convenience.

[0059] 4 is a flowchart showing the management method. The arrival schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires arrival schedule information indicating the expected arrival time and expected arrival location of the transported item (S11). The identification unit 112 identifies a robot that can transport the transported item (S12). The schedule adjustment unit 117 updates the schedules of the identified robot and other robots (S13). In this way, the transport service can be performed efficiently.

[0060] The management device 100 and the robots 200 to 202 may use machine learning models such as deep learning for route planning and drive control. Furthermore, machine learning models such as deep learning, such as RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), may also be used for detecting surrounding objects.

[0061] Furthermore, some or all of the processes of the robots 200 to 202 and the management device 100 described above can be implemented as computer programs. Such programs can be stored on various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and provided to a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Furthermore, the programs may be provided to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable media can provide the programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Management System 100 Management device 110 Processing unit 120 Storage section 200 robots

Claims

1. A management system including a server that manages a schedule including transportation tasks using a plurality of autonomous mobile robots within a facility, the server acquires arrival schedule information indicating an estimated arrival time and an estimated arrival location of the transport target at the facility; the server identifies a type of autonomous mobile robot that can transport the transport target that is scheduled to arrive based on the arrival schedule information; the server updates the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the object at the scheduled arrival location in accordance with the scheduled arrival time of the object. Management system.

2. 2. The management system of claim 1, wherein when the facility is a medical and welfare facility and the person to be transported indicated by the expected arrival information is a person, the type of autonomous mobile robot capable of transporting the person to be transported who is scheduled to arrive is any one or more of a stretcher-type transport robot, a stretcher transport assistance robot, a wheelchair-type robot, and a walking assistance robot.

3. The management system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of autonomous mobile robots comprises a main robot that acts autonomously as the main robot, and an accessory unit that, when used in combination with the main robot, enables the main robot to transport a predetermined type of transported object.

4. A management method for managing a schedule including transportation tasks using a plurality of autonomous mobile robots within a facility using a computer, comprising: acquiring arrival schedule information indicating an estimated time and location of arrival of the transport target at the facility; Identifying a type of autonomous mobile robot that can transport the transport target that is scheduled to arrive based on the arrival schedule information; updating the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the object at the scheduled arrival location in accordance with the scheduled arrival time of the object; Management method.

5. A program that causes a computer to execute a management method for managing a schedule including transportation tasks using a plurality of autonomous mobile robots within a facility, The management method includes: acquiring arrival schedule information indicating an estimated time and location of arrival of the transport target at the facility; Identifying a type of autonomous mobile robot that can transport the transport target that is scheduled to arrive based on the arrival schedule information; updating the schedules of the identified autonomous mobile robot and other autonomous mobile robots so that the identified autonomous mobile robot can receive the object at the scheduled arrival location in accordance with the scheduled arrival time of the object; program.

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