Information Processing Apparatus, Delivery System, Program, and Information Processing Method

Abstract

To reduce cost and time for maintaining a logistics robot that is permanently provided in an apartment.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 manages a vehicle 20 for package delivery and a logistics robot 30 that is permanently provided in an apartment. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 15 that obtains information about the necessity of maintaining the logistics robot 30, from the logistics robot 30; transmits information of the logistics robot 30 that needs maintenance, to the vehicle 20; and instructs the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that needs maintenance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a delivery system, a program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the field of logistics, various technologies have been studied for delivering packages in the final leg from the final destination to the delivery address.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a large delivery vehicle travels close to the delivery address, and a small logistics robot delivers the package from near the delivery address to the final delivery address. In Patent Document 1, the large delivery vehicle transports the small logistics robot together with the package close to the delivery address, and from near the delivery address, the small logistics robot stacked with the package transports the package to the delivery address.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The logistics robot that finally delivers the package to the delivery address may not be transported together with the package by a large delivery vehicle, but may be permanently installed in, for example, an apartment complex. In this case, if the large delivery vehicle delivers the package close to the apartment complex, the delivery to each household in the apartment complex can be executed by the logistics robot permanently installed in the apartment complex.

[0006] When a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex malfunctions, maintenance is required. When maintenance is necessary, it is difficult for the management company of the apartment complex or the like to perform the maintenance. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the logistics robot permanently installed in the apartment complex and perform maintenance at a robot manufacturer or the like.

[0007] In order to collect the logistics robot permanently installed in the apartment complex, if a dedicated vehicle for collection is dispatched to the apartment complex to collect the logistics robot, it will cost time and money.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the cost and time required for maintaining a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that manages a vehicle for delivering goods and a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex, acquires information on whether maintenance of the logistics robot is necessary from the logistics robot, transmits information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, and a control unit that instructs the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance is provided.

[0010] The delivery system according to the present disclosure is the above-described information processing apparatus, a vehicle for delivering goods, a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex, and includes

[0011] The program according to the present disclosure is for an information processing apparatus that manages a vehicle for delivering goods and a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex, acquiring information on whether maintenance of the logistics robot is necessary from the logistics robot, Sending information of the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle; Instructing the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance; Performing operations including the above.

[0012] The information processing method according to the present disclosure is An information processing method in a delivery system including a vehicle for delivering goods, a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment house, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device obtains information on whether maintenance of the logistics robot is required from the logistics robot; sends information of the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle; instructs the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance; and includes the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the cost and time for maintaining the logistics robot permanently installed in the apartment house.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a delivery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration and outline of the delivery system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] The delivery system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a vehicle 20, and a logistics robot 30. The information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the logistics robot 30 are communicably connected via a network 40. The network 40 may be a network including a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0018] In FIG. 1, one information processing device 10, one vehicle 20, and one logistics robot 30 are shown, but the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the logistics robot 30 may each be two or more.

[0019] The apartment house 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of houses 102. The apartment house 100 also has a waiting space 101. The logistics robot 30 is permanently installed in the apartment house 100 and normally waits in the waiting space 101.

[0020] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a dedicated computer configured to function as a server. The information processing device 10 may be a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer).

[0021] The information processing device 10 can communicate with the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 via the network 40. The information processing device 10 manages the vehicle 20, which is a vehicle for delivering packages, and the logistics robot 30 permanently installed in the apartment house 100.

[0022] The vehicle 20 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto and may be any vehicle. The vehicle 20 may be, for example, a gasoline vehicle, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), etc., but is not limited to these. Further, the vehicle 20 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous driving vehicle that travels without a driver.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the vehicle 20 is a vehicle for delivering goods. When the vehicle 20 delivers goods to any one of the houses 102 in the apartment complex 100, it travels on the public road and heads towards the vicinity of the apartment complex 100. When it arrives in the vicinity of the apartment complex 100, the vehicle 20 delivers the goods to the logistics robot 30 waiting in the waiting space 101 of the apartment complex 100. The logistics robot 30 that has received the goods delivers the goods to the destination house 102.

[0024] In addition, when there is a logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, the vehicle 20 collects the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance in the apartment complex 100. When the vehicle 20 collects the logistics robot 30, it transports the collected logistics robot 30 to a facility where the logistics robot 30 can be maintained.

[0025] The logistics robot 30 is a robot that autonomously delivers goods without a driver. The logistics robot 30 may be a vehicle-type robot that can move by autonomous driving. The logistics robot 30 is permanently installed in the apartment complex 100. Usually, the logistics robot 30 waits in the waiting space 101 of the apartment complex 100. The logistics robot 30 may be an in-building logistics robot that specializes in delivering goods to each house 102 in the apartment complex 100. The logistics robot 30 is not limited to a vehicle-type robot and may be a humanoid robot or any flying object (drone) that can fly autonomously.

[0026] The logistics robot 30 delivers the luggage transferred from the vehicle 20 to the house 102. When the logistics robot 30 arrives at the destination house 102, it delivers the luggage to the resident of the destination house 102.

[0027] The logistics robot 30 can self-diagnose whether maintenance is required for itself. The logistics robot 30 transmits information on whether maintenance is required to the information processing device 10.

[0028] The information processing device 10 acquires information on whether maintenance is required from the logistics robot 30. The information processing device 10 transmits information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20. The information processing device 10 instructs the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance. The information processing device 10 instructs the vehicle 20 to transport the collected logistics robot 30 to a facility where the logistics robot 30 can be maintained.

[0029] When the vehicle 20 arrives at the apartment building 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed, the vehicle 20 collects the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance. The vehicle 20 transports the collected logistics robot 30 to a facility where the logistics robot 30 can be maintained.

[0030] Next, the configurations of the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the logistics robot 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0032] The information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0033] The communication unit 11 includes a communication module that connects to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 11 may include a communication module corresponding to a LAN (Local Area Network). In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various information via the network 40. The communication unit 11 can communicate with the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 via the network 40.

[0034] The storage unit 12 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store a system program, an application program, and various information received by the communication unit 11. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updated, for example, with information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 11. A part of the storage unit 12 may be installed outside the information processing apparatus 10. In that case, a part of the storage unit 12 installed outside may be connected to the information processing apparatus 10 via an arbitrary interface.

[0035] The input unit 13 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the user's operation. For example, the input unit 13 includes, but is not limited to, a physical key, a capacitive key, a touch screen provided integrally with the display of the output unit 14, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0036] The output unit 14 includes one or more output interfaces that output information and notify the user. For example, the output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display that outputs information as an image, a speaker that outputs information as voice.

[0037] The control unit 15 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 15 executes processes related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 while controlling each part of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the vehicle 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0039] The vehicle 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, a control unit 25, a positioning unit 26, and a drive unit 27.

[0040] The communication unit 21 includes a communication module that connects to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 21 may include a communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), and 5G (5th Generation). In one embodiment, the vehicle 20 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various information via the network 40. The communication unit 21 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 10 and the logistics robot 30 via the network 40.

[0041] The storage unit 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used for the operation of the vehicle 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store a system program, an application program, and various information received by the communication unit 21. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updated by, for example, information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 21.

[0042] The input unit 23 includes means for inputting information to the vehicle 20. For example, the input unit 23 includes any imaging module capable of imaging the surroundings of the vehicle 20. The imaging module includes one or more cameras, and each camera is disposed at an appropriate position of the vehicle 20 so as to be able to image the surroundings of the vehicle 20. Further, the input unit 23 may include a voice recognition function together with means for inputting voice information. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 23 may include any means for acquiring information around the vehicle 20.

[0043] The output unit 24 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display for outputting information as video, or a speaker for outputting information as voice. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The output unit 24 performs display output of data received from the information processing device 10, or data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0044] The control unit 25 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 25 executes processing related to the operation of the vehicle 20 while controlling each part of the vehicle 20.

[0045] The positioning unit 26 includes one or more devices that acquire the position information of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the positioning unit 26 includes, for example, a receiver corresponding to GPS (Global Positioning System), but is not limited thereto, and may include a receiver corresponding to any satellite positioning system. The positioning unit 26 may constantly acquire the position information of the vehicle 20, or may acquire it periodically or aperiodically.

[0046] The drive unit 27 includes a drive mechanism related to the movement and travel of the vehicle 20. Further, the drive unit 27 includes any drive mechanism that enables loading of goods onto the vehicle 20, transfer of the goods loaded on the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30, and unloading of the goods loaded on the vehicle 20 at a designated location. Further, the drive unit 27 includes any drive mechanism that enables loading the logistics robot 30 into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20. For example, the drive unit 27 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can linearly slide the goods and the logistics robot 30.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the logistics robot 30 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0048] The logistics robot 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, a control unit 35, a positioning unit 36, and a drive unit 37.

[0049] The communication unit 31 includes a communication module that connects to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 31 may include a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, and 5G. In one embodiment, the logistics robot 30 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives various information via the network 40. The communication unit 31 can communicate with the information processing device 10 and the vehicle 20 via the network 40.

[0050] The storage unit 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 32 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used for the operation of the logistics robot 30. For example, the storage unit 32 may store a system program, an application program, and various information received by the communication unit 31. The information stored in the storage unit 32 may be updated, for example, with information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 31.

[0051] The input unit 33 includes means for inputting information to the logistics robot 30. For example, the input unit 33 includes any imaging module capable of imaging the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. The imaging module includes one or more cameras, and each camera is arranged at an appropriate position of the logistics robot 30 so as to be able to image the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. Further, it is desirable that the imaging module has a function of reading the display of the delivery destination attached to the package. In addition, the input unit 33 may include a voice recognition function together with means for inputting voice information. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 33 may include any means for acquiring information around the logistics robot 30.

[0052] The output unit 34 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display for outputting information as video, or a speaker for outputting information as voice. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 34 outputs, for example, data received from the information processing device 10, data stored in the logistics robot 30, or data obtained by the operation of the logistics robot 30, etc. to the user as display or voice output.

[0053] The control unit 35 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 35 executes processes related to the operation of the logistics robot 30 while controlling each part of the logistics robot 30.

[0054] The positioning unit 36 includes one or more devices that acquire the position information of the logistics robot 30. Specifically, the positioning unit 36 includes, for example, a receiver corresponding to GPS, but is not limited thereto, and may include a receiver corresponding to any satellite positioning system. The positioning unit 36 may constantly acquire the position information of the logistics robot 30, or may acquire it periodically or aperiodically.

[0055] The drive unit 37 includes a drive mechanism related to the movement and travel of the logistics robot 30. In addition, the drive unit 37 includes any drive mechanism that enables loading of goods onto the logistics robot 30, delivery of the goods loaded on the logistics robot 30 to the user, and unloading of the goods loaded on the logistics robot 30 to the designated location. For example, the drive unit 37 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can linearly slide the goods.

[0056] (Operation of the delivery system) The operation of the delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0057] The vehicle 20 is a vehicle for delivering goods. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 20 will be described as an arbitrary self-driving vehicle that travels without a driver.

[0058] When delivering goods to the house 102 in the apartment complex 100, the control unit 15 of the information processing device 10 transmits a delivery instruction for the goods to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11. The delivery instruction for the goods includes information necessary for delivering the goods. For example, the delivery instruction for the goods may include information such as the address of the destination house 102 and the movement route to the apartment complex 100 where the destination house 102 is located.

[0059] When the vehicle 20 loaded with luggage receives a luggage delivery instruction from the information processing device 10, it moves to the apartment house 100. When it arrives at the apartment house 100, the vehicle 20 delivers the luggage to the logistics robot 30.

[0060] The logistics robot 30 delivers the luggage handed over from the vehicle 20 to the destination house 102.

[0061] The logistics robot 30 may need maintenance due to some kind of failure or the like. When maintenance is required, the logistics robot 30 needs to be transported to a facility where maintenance is possible and be maintained.

[0062] The control unit 35 of the logistics robot 30 can self-diagnose whether maintenance is required for the logistics robot 30. The control unit 35 periodically executes self-diagnosis and transmits information on the necessity of maintenance to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 may transmit information on the necessity of maintenance periodically, or may transmit information indicating that maintenance is required when maintenance is required.

[0063] The control unit 15 of the information processing device 10 acquires information on the necessity of maintenance from the logistics robot 30 via the communication unit 11.

[0064] When there is a logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, the control unit 15 transmits information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11.

[0065] The information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance transmitted by the control unit 15 to the vehicle 20 includes information on the location of the apartment house 100 where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed and identification information of the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance.

[0066] The information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance may further include information on the moving route to the apartment building 100 where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed. When receiving the information on the moving route, the vehicle 20 can automatically move to the apartment building 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed based on the acquired information on the moving route.

[0067] The control unit 15 instructs the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance. The control unit 15 may instruct the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance by transmitting a collection command for the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11. When transmitting the information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, the control unit 15 may also transmit a collection command for the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20.

[0068] Among the plurality of vehicles 20 during delivery of packages, the control unit 15 may transmit the information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20 located closest to the apartment building 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed, and instruct the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance. Alternatively, among the plurality of vehicles 20 during delivery of packages, the control unit 15 may transmit the information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20 that is scheduled to deliver packages to the apartment building 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed, and instruct the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance.

[0069] The control unit 15 instructs the vehicle 20 to transport the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to a facility where maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible. The control unit 15 may instruct the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance by transmitting a command requesting transportation to a facility where maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11. When transmitting the information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, the control unit 15 may also transmit a command requesting transportation to a facility where maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible to the vehicle 20.

[0070] When the vehicle 20 receives a recovery command for the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance from the information processing device 10, it moves to the apartment complex 100 where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed. At this time, the vehicle 20 may autonomously move to the apartment complex 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed based on the information on the movement route to the apartment complex 100 received from the information processing device 10.

[0071] When the control unit 25 of the vehicle 20 arrives at the apartment complex 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed, it transmits a message indicating the arrival to the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance via the communication unit 21. The control unit 25 transmits a message indicating the arrival to the logistics robot 30 that can be identified by the identification information of the logistics robot 30 included in the information of the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance acquired from the information processing device 10.

[0072] The message indicating the arrival at the apartment complex 100 transmitted by the control unit 25 may include information on the location where the vehicle 20 is parked.

[0073] When the logistics robot 30 receives a message indicating that the vehicle 20 for recovering the logistics robot 30 has arrived at the apartment complex 100, it moves to the location where the vehicle 20 is parked.

[0074] The control unit 25 of the vehicle 20 can detect whether the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance has arrived at the location where the vehicle 20 is parked, for example, by analyzing the image captured by the imaging module included in the input unit 23. Alternatively, the vehicle 20 can detect whether the logistics robot 30 has arrived at the location where the vehicle 20 is parked by acquiring the position information of the logistics robot 30 from the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance.

[0075] When the control unit 25 detects that the logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance has arrived at the location where the vehicle 20 is parked, it controls the drive unit 27 to automatically load the logistics robot 30 into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20. At this time, the control unit 25 controls the drive unit 27 to load the logistics robot 30 into the empty space in the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20 where no luggage is placed.

[0076] When the vehicle 20 loads the logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20, it moves to a facility where the maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible. After all the deliveries of the luggage scheduled for delivery are completed, the vehicle 20 may move to a facility where the maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible. Alternatively, if a facility where the maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible is near the luggage delivery route, the vehicle 20 may move to a facility where the maintenance of the logistics robot 30 is possible during the luggage delivery.

[0077] With reference to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5, the operation of the delivery system 1 will be described.

[0078] Step S101: The logistics robot 30 periodically performs a self-diagnosis on whether maintenance is required, and transmits information on the necessity of maintenance to the information processing device 10.

[0079] Step S102: When there is a logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance, the information processing device 10 transmits the information of the logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance to the vehicle 20.

[0080] Step S103: When there is a logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance, the information processing device 10 transmits a recovery command for the logistics robot 30 in need of maintenance to the vehicle 20.

[0081] The information processing apparatus 10 may execute the processes of step S102 and step S103 simultaneously. The information processing apparatus 10 may execute the processes of step S102 and step S103 on the vehicle 20 that is located closest to the apartment house 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed among the plurality of vehicles 20 during delivery of packages.

[0082] Step S104: When the vehicle 20 receives a collection command for the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance from the information processing apparatus 10, the vehicle 20 moves to the apartment house 100 where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed.

[0083] Step S105: When the vehicle 20 arrives at the apartment house 100 where the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance is permanently installed, the vehicle 20 transmits a message indicating its arrival to the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance.

[0084] Step S106: When the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance receives a message indicating that the vehicle 20 for collecting the logistics robot 30 has arrived at the apartment house 100, the logistics robot 30 moves to the location where the vehicle 20 is parked.

[0085] Step S107: The vehicle 20 detects whether the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance has arrived at the location where the vehicle 20 is parked.

[0086] Step S108: When the vehicle 20 detects that the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance has arrived at the location where the vehicle 20 is parked, the vehicle 20 automatically loads the logistics robot 30 into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20.

[0087] Step S109: When the vehicle 20 loads the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 moves to a facility where the logistics robot 30 can be maintained.

[0088] As described above, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 15 acquires information on the necessity of maintenance of the logistics robot 30 from the logistics robot 30, transmits information on the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance to the vehicle 20, and instructs the vehicle 20 to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance. The vehicle 20, which the control unit 15 instructs to collect the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, is a vehicle for delivering luggage. Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when there is a logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance, the logistics robot 30 can be collected by the vehicle 20 that is delivering luggage without dispatching a dedicated collection vehicle. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can reduce the cost and time required for maintaining the logistics robot 30 permanently installed in the apartment house 100. Thus, since the time required for maintaining the logistics robot 30 can be reduced, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can improve the operating rate of the logistics robot 30 in the apartment house 100.

[0089] In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can effectively utilize the empty space in the luggage compartment of the vehicle 20 for delivering luggage by loading the logistics robot 30 that requires maintenance into the empty space in the luggage compartment of the vehicle 20 for delivering luggage.

[0090] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing a plurality of steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capacity of the device that executes each step or as necessary. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0091] For example, in the above-described embodiment, some of the processing operations executed in the information processing apparatus 10 may be executed in the vehicle 20 or the logistics robot 30. Also, in the above-described embodiment, some of the processing operations executed in the vehicle 20 may be executed in the information processing apparatus 10 or the logistics robot 30. Further, in the above-described embodiment, some of the processing operations executed in the logistics robot 30 may be executed in the information processing apparatus 10 or the vehicle 20.

[0092] For example, it is also possible to configure a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a computer to function as the information processing apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, it is also conceivable to store a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing apparatus 10 and the like according to the embodiment in the memory of the electronic device, and to read and execute the program by the processor of the electronic device. Therefore, the disclosure according to one embodiment can also be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0093] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed in the apartment house 100 has been described as an example, but the facility where the logistics robot 30 is permanently installed is not limited to the apartment house 100. The logistics robot 30 may be permanently installed in any facility that is the target of luggage delivery.

[0094] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below. However, note that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] An information processing apparatus that manages a vehicle for luggage delivery and a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment house, acquires information on the necessity of maintenance of the logistics robot from the logistics robot, transmits information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, and a control unit that instructs the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance An information processing apparatus comprising: [Appendix 2] In the information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, The control unit is an information processing apparatus that instructs the vehicle to transport the collected logistics robot to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. [Supplementary Note 3] In the information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, The information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance includes the information on the location of the apartment building where the logistics robot is permanently installed and the identification information of the logistics robot. [Supplementary Note 4] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, The control unit is an information processing apparatus that instructs the vehicle located closest to the apartment building where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed to collect the logistics robot. [Supplementary Note 5] An information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, A vehicle for delivering packages, A logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment building, A delivery system comprising the above. [Supplementary Note 6] In the delivery system according to Supplementary Note 5, When the vehicle arrives at the apartment building where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed, the vehicle transmits a message indicating its arrival to the logistics robot. [Supplementary Note 7] In the delivery system according to Supplementary Note 6, When the logistics robot receives the message indicating the arrival of the vehicle, the logistics robot moves to the location where the vehicle is parked. [Supplementary Note 8] In the delivery system according to Supplementary Note 7, When the logistics robot that requires maintenance arrives at the location of the vehicle, the vehicle automatically loads the logistics robot into the cargo compartment. [Supplementary Note 9] In the delivery system according to Supplementary Note 8, The vehicle delivery system is such that when the vehicle loads the logistics robot into the cargo compartment, the vehicle moves to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. [Appendix 10] A program that causes an information processing device that manages a vehicle for delivering goods and a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment house to acquire information on the necessity of maintenance of the logistics robot from the logistics robot, send information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, and instruct the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance. A program that causes the information processing device to execute operations including the above. [Appendix 11] In the program according to Appendix 10, A program that further causes the information processing device to execute an operation including instructing the vehicle to transport the collected logistics robot to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. [Appendix 12] In the program according to Appendix 10 or 11, A program in which the information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance includes information on the location of the apartment house where the logistics robot is permanently installed and identification information of the logistics robot. [Appendix 13] In the program according to any one of Appendices 10 to 12, A program that further causes the information processing device to execute an operation including instructing the vehicle located closest to the apartment house where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed to collect the logistics robot. [Appendix 14] An information processing method in a delivery system including a vehicle for delivering goods, a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment house, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device acquires information on the necessity of maintenance of the logistics robot from the logistics robot, sends information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, Instructing the vehicle to collect the logistics robot that requires maintenance; An information processing method including the above. [Appendix 15] In the information processing method described in Appendix 14, the information processing apparatus further includes instructing the vehicle to transport the collected logistics robot to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. [Appendix 16] In the information processing method described in Appendix 14 or 15, the information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance includes the information on the location of the apartment complex where the logistics robot is permanently installed and the identification information of the logistics robot. [Appendix 17] In the information processing method described in any one of Appendices 14 to 16, the information processing apparatus further includes instructing the vehicle located closest to the apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed to collect the logistics robot. [Appendix 18] In the information processing method described in any one of Appendices 14 to 17, when the vehicle arrives at the apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed, the vehicle further includes transmitting a message indicating the arrival to the logistics robot. [Appendix 19] In the information processing method described in Appendix 18, when the logistics robot receives the message indicating the arrival of the vehicle, the logistics robot further includes moving to the location where the vehicle is parked. [Appendix 20] In the information processing method described in Appendix 19, when the logistics robot that requires maintenance arrives at the location of the vehicle, the vehicle further includes automatically loading the logistics robot into the cargo compartment.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 1 Delivery system 10 Information processing device 11 Communication unit 12 Memory unit 13 Input unit 14 Output unit 15 Control unit 20 Vehicle 21 Communication unit 22 Memory unit 23 Input unit 24 Output unit 25 Control unit 26 Positioning unit 27 Driving unit 30 Logistics robot 31 Communication unit 32 Memory unit 33 Input unit 34 Output unit 35 Control unit 36 Positioning unit 37 Driving unit 40 Network 100 Apartment building 101 Waiting space 102 House

Claims

1. A delivery system comprising a vehicle for delivering packages, a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device includes a communication unit and a control unit, and the control unit, acquires from the logistics robot, via the communication unit, information on whether maintenance of the logistics robot is required, which has been transmitted by the logistics robot, transmits, via the communication unit, information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, transmits, via the communication unit, a recovery instruction for the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle, and the vehicle transmits, to the logistics robot, a message indicating its arrival when it arrives at the apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed. A delivery system.

2. In the delivery system according to Claim 1, the control unit instructs the vehicle, via the communication unit, to issue a command to transport the recovered logistics robot to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. A delivery system.

3. In the delivery system according to Claim 1, the information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance includes information on the location of the apartment complex where the logistics robot is permanently installed and identification information of the logistics robot. A delivery system.

4. In the delivery system according to Claim 1, the control unit transmits, via the communication unit, a recovery instruction for the logistics robot to the vehicle located closest to the apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed. A delivery system.

5. In the delivery system according to Claim 1, when the logistics robot receives the message indicating the arrival of the vehicle, it moves to the location where the vehicle is parked. A delivery system.

6. In the delivery system according to Claim 5, when the logistics robot that requires maintenance arrives at the location of the vehicle, the vehicle automatically loads the logistics robot into the cargo compartment. A delivery system.

7. In the delivery system according to Claim 6, when the vehicle loads the logistics robot into the cargo compartment, it moves to a facility where the logistics robot can be maintained. A delivery system.

8. An information processing method in a delivery system comprising a vehicle for delivering packages, a logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment complex, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device, Obtaining, from the logistics robot via a communication unit, information on whether maintenance of the logistics robot transmitted by the logistics robot; Transmitting, via the communication unit, information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance to the vehicle; Instructing, via the communication unit, the vehicle to issue a recovery command for the logistics robot that requires maintenance; When the vehicle arrives at an apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed, transmitting a message indicating the arrival to the logistics robot; An information processing method including the above.

9. In the information processing method according to Claim 8, The information processing apparatus further includes instructing, via the communication unit, the vehicle to carry the recovered logistics robot to a facility where maintenance of the logistics robot is possible.

10. In the information processing method according to Claim 8, The information on the logistics robot that requires maintenance includes information on the location of the apartment complex where the logistics robot is permanently installed and identification information of the logistics robot.

11. In the information processing method according to Claim 8, The information processing apparatus further includes transmitting, via the communication unit, a recovery command for the logistics robot to the vehicle located closest to the apartment complex where the logistics robot that requires maintenance is permanently installed.

12. In the information processing method according to Claim 8, When the logistics robot receives the message indicating the arrival of the vehicle, the logistics robot further includes moving to the location where the vehicle is parked.

13. In the information processing method according to Claim 12, When the logistics robot that requires maintenance arrives at the location of the vehicle, the vehicle further includes automatically loading the logistics robot into the cargo compartment.

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