Work support system

Abstract

To improve work efficiency while reducing the burden on workers.SOLUTION: A server processing circuit is configured to determine a work location where work is requested, and to transmit location information indicating the work location to a mobile communication device. The mobile unit processing circuit is configured to receive the location information from a management server via the mobile communication device, and to generate a movement command based on the location information for autonomously moving an autonomous mobile body toward the work location, to obtain support information for the work at the work location, and to output the support information to a worker via a human-machine interface in a state that the autonomous mobile body arrives at the work location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work support system, an autonomous mobile body for work support, and a work support method.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a system for detecting abnormalities by monitoring sensor data in a factory is known. An operator who repairs the system goes to the abnormality detection point and performs repair work to eliminate the abnormality.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] An autonomous mobile unit for work support according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a mobile unit processing circuit, a mobile unit communication device electrically connected to the mobile unit processing circuit and capable of communicating with a management server, and a machine interface electrically connected to the mobile unit processing circuit. The mobile unit processing circuit is configured to receive location information indicating a work location where work is required from the management server via the mobile unit communication device, generate a movement command to autonomously move the autonomous mobile unit toward the work location based on the location information, acquire support information for the work at the work location, and output the support information to the worker via the man-machine interface when the autonomous mobile unit has arrived at the work location.

[0008] A work support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes determining a work location where work is required, generating a movement command to autonomously move an autonomous mobile body toward the work location based on location information indicating the work location, acquiring support information for the work at the work location, and outputting the support information to a worker via the man-machine interface of the autonomous mobile body when the autonomous mobile body has arrived at the work location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, even if a worker does not have prior knowledge of the information necessary for the work at the work site, they can obtain support information for the work from an autonomous mobile device after arriving at the work site. Therefore, the work can be made more efficient while reducing the burden on the worker. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the work support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the management server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the database shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the autonomous mobile unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the work support system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the work support system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an overall diagram of the work support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an overall diagram of the work support system according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment. The work support system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that supports workers 5 who perform repair work to resolve abnormalities occurring in a factory 2 in a predetermined area. For example, the factory 2 is automated, or factory automated, at least in part. The factory 2 has a plurality of transport lines 3 through which workpieces are transported sequentially. For example, the plurality of transport lines 3 include a production line for producing a final product from raw materials. The plurality of transport lines 3 may also include an inspection line for inspecting the raw materials or the final product during the production process, and a logistics line for receiving the raw materials and shipping the final product.

[0013] Part or all of the work transport operations on each transport line 3 may be automated. The production line is equipped with a transport device that transports the work objects to a predetermined number of work locations in sequence. For example, the transport device may be implemented by a belt conveyor. The work objects are subjected to operations (processing, assembly, etc.) set to correspond to each work location, which are carried out by workers or machines. In the factory 2, abnormalities may occur that disrupt normal operations. For example, transport abnormalities may occur, or processing equipment may malfunction. In such cases, a repair worker 5 responsible for resolving the abnormality will perform repairs to resolve the abnormality.

[0014] The work support system 1 detects abnormalities occurring in the factory 2 based on the detection results of the field sensor 4, which will be described later. When the work support system 1 detects an abnormality, it notifies the repair worker 5 of the work location P where the abnormality has occurred and repair work is required. Upon receiving notification of the abnormality, the repair worker 5 moves to the work location P notified by the work support system 1 and performs repair work to resolve the abnormality.

[0015] When the work support system 1 detects an abnormality, it autonomously moves the autonomous mobile body 12 described later to the work location P. The autonomous mobile body 12 supports the repair work by the repair worker 5 at the work location P. For example, the autonomous mobile body 12 presents information necessary for the repair to the repair worker 5. For example, the autonomous mobile body 12 may carry tools and / or replacement parts necessary for the repair into the work location P. For example, the autonomous mobile body 12 may carry out waste and / or abnormal parts generated during the repair out of the work location P. Since the repair work is less frequent than the normal work carried out at each work location of the conveyance line 3, the number of repair workers 5 is smaller than the number of each work location. For example, the number of repair workers 5 arranged in the factory 2 is smaller than the number of conveyance lines 3.

[0016] A field sensor 4 is provided on each conveyance line 3 or around it. The field sensor 4 is an abnormality detection sensor capable of detecting an abnormality at a specific point of the conveyance line 3. That is, the field sensor 4 is a sensor for detecting or estimating that an event requiring repair work has occurred within the factory 2. The field sensor 4 may be provided for each work location on the conveyance line, or may be provided around a location on the conveyance line 3 where an abnormality is likely to occur. The field sensor 4 is electrically connected so as to be able to transmit the communication detection result to the management server 11 described later. For example, for example, the field sensor 4 transmits information indicating the detection result together with the identification information set for each field sensor 4 to the management server 11 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0017] The type of the field sensor 4 differs according to the type of the abnormality to be detected. The field sensor 4 can detect values of mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, optical or chemical characteristics. The field sensor 4 may be either a contact type sensor or a non-contact type sensor. The field sensor 4 can be selected from a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a current sensor, a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a camera, a pH (hydrogen ion exponent) sensor, a switch, a microphone, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The repair worker 5 carries the portable information terminal 6. The portable information terminal 6 can be an information - processable terminal such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. Note that the worker 5 may not carry the portable information terminal 6. An installed - type information terminal having a large - sized display may be installed in a place where the repair worker 5 can see it. Such a portable information terminal or installed - type information terminal is an information display device and is connected to the management server 11 described later so as to be able to transmit and receive signals. The information display device is configured to be able to display the work location P where an abnormality has occurred based on the information transmitted from the management server 11.

[0019] The work support system 1 includes a management server 11 and an autonomous mobile body 12. The management server 11 is, for example, arranged in the factory 2. The management server 11 receives the detection signals of each on - site sensor 4 via the communication network as described above. The management server 11 may be composed of a plurality of distributed servers. Note that the management server 11 may be arranged outside the factory 2 as long as it can communicate with the on - site sensor 4 and the autonomous mobile body 12.

[0020] At least one autonomous mobile body 12 is arranged in the factory 2. The autonomous mobile body 12 is configured to autonomously move to the destination point without human operation. The autonomous mobile body 12 is, for example, an unmanned mobile body that no one rides on. The autonomous mobile body 12 is, for example, a UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) or an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), but it may also be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), etc. The movable range of the autonomous mobile body 12 includes a plurality of lines 3. The autonomous mobile body 12 can move between potential work locations where an abnormality may occur within the factory 2. In this embodiment, the number of autonomous mobile bodies 12 is less than the number of repair workers 5, but it is not limited thereto.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the management server 11 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the management server 11 includes a processor 21, system memory 22, storage memory 23, communication device 24, and database 25. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system memory 22 may include RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage memory 23 may include ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage memory 23 may include a hard disk, flash memory, or a combination thereof.

[0022] The storage memory 23 stores server-side support programs. One example of a server processing circuit is a configuration in which the processor 21 executes the server-side support programs read from the storage memory 23 into the system memory 22. The server-side support programs can be stored in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium is a non-transitory and tangible medium. The storage memory 23 stores identification information set individually for each field sensor 4 and location information indicating the installation location of the field sensor 4 corresponding to each identification information, in a manner that correlates with each other. Therefore, the processor 21 of the management server 11 can determine the location where an abnormality occurred, i.e., the work point P that requires repair, based on the identification information of the field sensors 4.

[0023] The server communication device 24 can communicate with the field sensor 4 by wire, wireless, or a combination thereof. The server communication device 24 can communicate with the autonomous mobile unit 12 via a wireless communication network. The database 25 stores information to support the work performed by the repair worker 5 to resolve the abnormality detected by the field sensor 4 (see Figure 1).

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the database 25 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the database 25 stores the correspondence between input information for estimating abnormal conditions and support information for assisting repair work to resolve the abnormalities. The input information is information for outputting the support information. The input information includes, for example, basic abnormality information and additional information. The basic abnormality information is information obtained from the detection signal of the field sensor 4. One example of the basic abnormality information is information indicating that the vibration is excessive. The additional information is information obtained from the detection signal of the state sensor 61 (see Figure 4) of the autonomous mobile unit 12. The input information may also include worker attribute information indicating the attributes of the person performing the repair work.

[0025] Database 25 stores a correspondence between input information for estimating an abnormal state, the abnormal state estimated based on the input information, and support information for resolving the abnormal state. The input information may include additional information such as detection values ​​from the field sensor 4 (basic abnormal information), detection values ​​from the state sensor 61 provided on the autonomous mobile body 12, and worker input information entered by the repair worker 5. By referring to Database 25 based on the input information, the corresponding abnormal state can be estimated. Database 25 pre-stores support information for resolving the estimated abnormal state. It is preferable that the information stored in Database 25 (each type of input information, abnormal state, and support information) be updated periodically or irregularly. The correspondence may be pre-stored or the relationships may be updated by machine learning.

[0026] For example, the management server 11 is given input information that the vibration value and / or transport load detected by the field sensor 4 installed near the transport line 3 exceeds the normal range. In addition to the field sensor 4, the input information may also include information provided to the management server 11 from the repair worker 5 and / or the status sensor 61 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. For example, the management server 11 is given input information that the transported object has stopped, as detected by the status sensor 61 installed on the autonomous mobile unit 12 through photography. In this case, the database 25 associates the input information with the abnormal state so that the abnormal state is presumed to be a transport failure. When the abnormal state is presumed to be a transport failure, the database 25 stores information on repair work to resolve the transport failure as support information.

[0027] The support information may include, for example, information showing maintenance procedures for conveying motors to resolve conveying defects (e.g., jams), disassembly procedures for conveying equipment, instructions for checking the preceding process of the defective area, instructions for checking the following process of the defective area, and contact numbers for conveying equipment suppliers. The support information may be provided in text, images, and / or video.

[0028] It is preferable that the database 25 stores multiple types of abnormal states. In this case, the processor 21 of the management server 11 refers to the database 25 and selects a corresponding abnormal state from the multiple types of abnormal states based on the given input information. It is preferable that the database 25 stores multiple types of support information corresponding to a single abnormal state. In this case, the processor 21 of the management server 11 may refer to the database 25 and output multiple methods for resolving the estimated abnormal state. This enhances the effectiveness of support for repair work. The server-side support program stored in the storage memory 23 of the management server 11 may output the support information according to a flowchart that differentiates the support information according to the YES / NO answer from the repair worker 5. The database 25 may store information from instruction manuals for various equipment. The database 25 may also store past repair history and repair details as support information.

[0029] As described above, the additional information includes information obtained from the detection signal of the autonomous mobile unit 12's state sensor 61 (see Figure 4). The additional information may also include information input by the repair worker 5 who directly confirmed the abnormal location via the autonomous mobile unit 12 (see Figure 4). As an example, the additional information may include information that directly indicates an abnormal condition such as a transport failure, information that a bolt has fallen out, or information that is a cause of the abnormal condition such as deterioration of the vibration-damping rubber.

[0030] The aforementioned input information includes information obtained from worker identification information read by the ID reader 63 (see Figure 4) of the autonomous mobile unit 12. Examples of worker attribute information include the worker's skill level and height. Alternatively, instead of a database 25 storing correspondence relationships, a configuration may be adopted in which support information is output based on the input information using machine learning such as artificial intelligence.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the autonomous mobile unit 12 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the autonomous mobile unit 12 includes wheels 31, an inbound carrier 32, an outbound carrier 33, an autonomous driving unit 34, and a support unit 35. The wheels 31 are thrust generators for moving the body of the autonomous mobile unit 12. These thrust generators may be propellers or the like instead of wheels 31. The inbound carrier 32 is provided on the body of the autonomous mobile unit 12 and carries work materials used for repair work. These work materials include, for example, tools, parts, and materials. The outbound carrier 33 is provided on the body of the autonomous mobile unit 12 and carries waste materials generated by the repair work. These waste materials include, for example, garbage and broken parts.

[0032] The autonomous driving unit 34 includes a positioning sensor 41, a speed sensor 42, a surrounding sensor 43, a prime mover 44, a steering actuator 45, a braking actuator 46, and a controller 47. Each element 41 to 47 of the autonomous driving unit 34 is electrically connected to one another. The positioning sensor 41 detects the position coordinates of the autonomous mobile body 12. The positioning sensor 41 may be a satellite positioning sensor, or it may acquire position coordinates by wirelessly communicating with multiple locators installed on the ground using radio waves, sound waves, light, or magnetism. As a positioning principle using such locators, for example, the AOA (Angle Of Arrival) method, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) method, TOA (Time of Arrival) method, TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival) method, etc., can be used.

[0033] The speed sensor 42 detects the movement speed of the autonomous mobile body 12. The surrounding sensor 43 detects obstacles and other objects around the autonomous mobile body 12 and may be an infrared sensor, camera, laser sensor, etc. The prime mover 44 generates the driving force to drive the wheels 31. The prime mover 44 may be, for example, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof. The steering actuator 45 steers the wheels 31. The braking actuator 46 drives the brakes that brake the wheels 31. The steering actuator 45 and the braking actuator 46 may be electric motors.

[0034] The controller 47 includes a processor 51, system memory 52, and storage memory 53. The processor 51 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system memory 52 may include RAM. The storage memory 53 may include a hard disk, flash memory, or a combination thereof. The storage memory 53 stores a map of the factory 2 and an autonomous driving program. An example of a mobile processing circuit is one in which the processor 51 executes the autonomous driving program read from the storage memory 53 into the system memory 52.

[0035] The processor 51, which executes the autonomous driving program, generates a patrol command to make the autonomous mobile unit 12 patrol within the factory 2 until it receives a command from the management server 11 to move to the location where the anomaly occurred. Specifically, the processor 51 refers to a map stored in the storage memory 53 and controls the prime mover 44, steering actuator 45 and braking actuator 46 to make the autonomous mobile unit 12 patrol based on detection signals from the positioning sensor 41, speed sensor 42, surrounding sensors 43, etc.

[0036] When the processor 51 executing the autonomous driving program receives a movement command specifying a destination point, it refers to a map stored in the storage memory 53 and determines a route to the destination point. The processor 51 executing the autonomous driving program controls the prime mover 44, steering actuator 45, and braking actuator 46 based on detection signals from positioning sensors 41, speed sensors 42, surrounding sensors 43, etc., so that the autonomous mobile vehicle 12 travels along the determined route. The autonomous mobile vehicle 12 may also communicate with the management server 11 and refer to a map stored in the management server 11. Part or all of the autonomous driving program may be executed by the management server 11. The management server 11 may determine the route to the destination point. The management server 11 may remotely control the prime mover 44, steering actuator 45, and braking actuator 46.

[0037] The support unit 35 includes a state sensor 61, a material sensor 62, an ID reader 63, a mobile communication device 64, a man-machine interface 65, and a controller 66. Each element 61 to 66 of the support unit 35 is electrically connected to one another. The state sensor 61 detects state information indicating an abnormal state at a specific work location. The state sensor 61 may be selected from, but is not limited to, a camera, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a microphone, etc. When the autonomous mobile unit 12 arrives at the location where the abnormality was detected by the field sensor 4 (see Figure 1), the camera of the state sensor 61 takes a picture of the location of the abnormality. The state sensor 61 may also be a sound collection sensor and may detect abnormal noises generated at the location where the abnormality occurred. The state sensor 61 may also be a gas sensor and may detect abnormal odors generated at the location where the abnormality occurred.

[0038] The state sensor 61 is preferably a sensor more suitable for detailed analysis of abnormal conditions than the field sensor 4. For example, while the field sensor 4 is installed in the factory 2, the state sensor 61 may be movable so as to be able to approach the location where the abnormality occurred. The state sensor 61 may have higher detection accuracy than the field sensor 4. Compared to the field sensor 4, the detection range of the state sensor 61 may be set to be narrower due to its higher detection accuracy.

[0039] The material sensor 62 detects unique information (e.g., identification information) of work materials present in the incoming carrier 32. The material sensor 62 also detects unique information (e.g., identification information) of post-work materials present in the outgoing carrier 33. If IC tags are provided on the work materials and post-work materials, the material sensor 62 can function as an IC tag reader. If IC tags are not provided on the work materials and post-work materials, the material sensor 62 can function as a camera, and the materials can be recognized from the shape of the materials acquired by image recognition technology.

[0040] The ID reader 63 reads the identification information of the repair worker 5 from the ID device held by the repair worker 5. For example, if the repair worker 5 is carrying an IC tag, the ID reader 63 can be an IC tag reader. The mobile communication device 64 communicates with the server communication device 24 via a wireless communication network. The man-machine interface 65 is capable of outputting information to the worker 5 and allowing the worker 5 to input information. The man-machine interface 65 is, for example, a touch panel display, an audio input / output device, etc. If the man-machine interface 65 is a display, the display has a larger screen than the display of the portable information terminal 6.

[0041] The controller 66 includes a processor 71, system memory 72, and storage memory 73. The processor 71 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system memory 72 may include RAM. The storage memory 73 may include a hard disk, flash memory, or a combination thereof. The storage memory 73 stores a mobile device support program. An example of a mobile device processing circuit is one in which the processor 71 executes the mobile device support program read from the storage memory 73 into the system memory 72. The mobile device support program may be stored in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium is a non-transitory and tangible medium.

[0042] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the processing of the work support system 1 in Figure 1. The processing described below is performed by the server-side support program being executed on the processor 21 of the management server 11 and the mobile-side support program being executed on the processor 71 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. The following explanation will follow the flow shown in Figures 5 and 6, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 as appropriate.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the management server 11 monitors for any abnormalities in the detection signals of multiple field sensors 4 in order to get an overview of the entire factory 2 (step S1). The autonomous mobile unit 12 patrols the factory 2 until a movement command specifying a destination point is issued (step S2).

[0044] The management server 11 determines the work location where repair work by the repair worker 5 is required. Specifically, the management server 11 has pre-stored the locations of each field sensor 4. When the management server 11 detects an abnormality in any of the detection signals of the field sensors 4, it identifies the source field sensor 4 from the source information contained in the detection signal indicating the abnormality. As a result, the management server 11 identifies the location of the field sensor 4 that transmitted the detection signal indicating the abnormality as the location of the abnormality. The management server 11 identifies this location of the abnormality as the work location P (see Figure 1) where repair work by the worker 5 is required (step S3).

[0045] The management server 11 transmits location information indicating the work location P to the mobile communication device 64 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S4). The support unit 35 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the location information (step S5) and generates a movement command to autonomously move the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P based on the location information (step S6). The autonomous driving unit 34 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 drives the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P in accordance with this movement command.

[0046] The management server 11 sends a work command to the portable information terminal 6 held by a specific repair worker 5 who is closest to the work site P among the multiple repair workers 5, prompting them to move to the work site P (step S7). Note that the order of steps S4 and S7 is arbitrary and can be performed substantially simultaneously. The portable information terminal 6 held by the repair worker 5 receives the location information (step S8), and the worker 5, after seeing the location information displayed on the portable information terminal 6, heads to the work site P to perform the repair work (step S9).

[0047] The management server 11 may prompt a repair worker 5 who is closest to the work site P to move, or it may select a repair worker 5 from among several repair workers 5 to prompt for movement, depending on the type of abnormality. For example, the management server 11 may determine whether the abnormality is a mechanical or electrical failure and send information prompting the repair worker 5 in charge to move for repair to their mobile device 6. The management server 11 may send information prompting multiple repair workers 5 to move for repair to their mobile devices 6, and once it determines that a repair worker 5 has arrived, it may send information to the remaining repair workers 5 to cancel their movement.

[0048] When the autonomous mobile unit 12 arrives at work point P, the status sensor 61 detects status information indicating the state of the abnormal location (step S10). For example, the autonomous mobile unit 12 uses the camera of the status sensor 61 to capture an image or video of the area monitored by the field sensor 4 that detected the abnormality, saves this image or video as detailed abnormality information in the storage memory 73, and transmits this detailed abnormality information to the management server 11 as additional information. The monitored areas for each field sensor 4 are pre-stored by the management server 11 or the autonomous mobile unit 12. The processor 21 of the management server 11 uses image processing technology to recognize the difference from the normal state from the received image or video. The information obtained from the field sensor 4 is basic abnormality information, while the information obtained from the status sensor 61 is one of the detailed abnormality details. This detailed abnormality information may include, as an example, information indicating that a bolt has fallen out.

[0049] When worker 5 arrives at work site P, they input worker identification information into the autonomous mobile device 12 by having the ID reader 63 read the IC tag they are carrying (step S11). The autonomous mobile device 12 receives the input worker identification information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S12).

[0050] Worker 5 visually inspects the abnormal area at work site P and inputs information about the abnormality identified visually into the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 as worker input information (step S13). The worker input information is one of the details of the abnormality. Examples of worker input information include information that the vibration-damping rubber is deteriorated and information that an abnormal noise is occurring. The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the input worker information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S14).

[0051] The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the information stored in the storage memory 73 in steps S10, 12, and 14 to the management server 11 as additional information (step S15), and the management server 11 receives the additional information (step S16). The additional information is information transmitted from the autonomous mobile unit 12 to the management server 11 and is different from information transmitted to the management server 11 from devices other than the autonomous mobile unit 12. The additional information includes status information detected by the status sensor 61, worker identification information read by the ID reader 63, and worker input information input from the man-machine interface 65.

[0052] Furthermore, the autonomous mobile unit 12 may transmit the status information as additional information to the management server 11 as soon as the status information is detected by the status sensor 61, without waiting to acquire the worker identification information and worker input information. The additional information does not have to include at least one of the worker identification information and the worker input information.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the management server 11 diagnoses an anomaly based on the received additional information (step S17). Specifically, in the management server 11, the processor 21 that executes the server-side support program refers to the database 25 (see Figure 3) and determines support information to assist with repair work based on the input information. The processor 21 determines the support information based on the basic anomaly information obtained from the field sensor 4 and the additional information obtained from the autonomous mobile unit 12.

[0054] For example, the processor 21 determines the repair procedure as support information based on basic abnormality information that the vibration is excessive, detailed abnormality information including information that a bolt has fallen out and information that the vibration-damping rubber is deteriorated, and worker identification information. For example, the support information may include instructions to stop the operation of the abnormal part, specifications of tools to be used, instructions to replace the bolt and vibration-damping rubber, and instructions to restart the abnormal part. If the abnormal part is determined to be at a high place and the worker identification information determines that the worker 5 is short, the support information may also include a specification to use a step stool.

[0055] The server communication device 24 of the management server 11 transmits the determined support information to the mobile communication device 64 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S18). The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the support information (step S19) and causes the man-machine interface 65 to output the support information (step S20). The man-machine interface 65 may display the support information on the screen or output it as audio. The worker 5 starts the repair work according to the support information displayed on the man-machine interface 65 (step S21).

[0056] Worker 5 performs work using work materials loaded onto the loading carrier 32 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. For example, worker 5 uses tools, bolts, vibration-damping rubber, etc., loaded onto the loading carrier 32 as work materials. The material sensor 62 detects the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32, making it possible to understand which work materials were used for the work (step S22). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits first material information, indicating the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32 and used for the work, to the management server 11 (step S23). The management server 11 receives the first material information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 and obtains information on the work materials used for the work (step S24).

[0057] When worker 5 places the materials generated from the repair work into the transport carrier 33, the materials are detected by the materials sensor 62. For example, when a faulty part replaced during the repair work is placed into the transport carrier 33, the materials sensor 62 detects information about the replaced part, making it possible to identify the materials generated from the repair work (step S25). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits second material information indicating the materials placed into the transport carrier 33 to the management server 11 (step S26). The management server 11 receives the second material information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 and obtains information about the materials (step S27).

[0058] When the repair work is completed (step S28), the worker 5 inputs "work completed" to the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S29). Upon receiving the work completed input, the autonomous mobile unit 12 saves the completion of the repair work instructed by the support information as work log information in the storage memory 73 (step S30). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the work log information to the management server 11 via the mobile communication device 64 (step S31).

[0059] The management server 11 receives the work log information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S32). The management server 11 saves the first material information, the second material information, and the work log information as a performance log in the storage memory 23 or database 25 (step S33). After that, the management server 11 returns to step S1, and the autonomous mobile unit 12 returns to step S2. At an appropriate time during its patrol, the autonomous mobile unit 12 delivers the processed materials placed in the transport carrier 33 to a predetermined location. The autonomous mobile unit 12 is capable of moving between multiple points within the factory 2, and can continuously support work at the first point and work at the second point.

[0060] According to the configuration described above, even if worker 5 does not have prior knowledge of the information necessary for the work at work site P, they can obtain support information for the work from the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 after arriving at work site P. Repair worker 5 is saved the trouble of carrying a work manual and referring to it while heading to work site P. Therefore, the work can be made more efficient while reducing the burden on worker 5. In the disclosure described above, support information was sent after receiving additional information, but the support information may be sent at the same time as the work command is sent.

[0061] Based on the additional information transmitted from the autonomous mobile unit 12, the management server 11 determines the support information, thereby increasing the usefulness of the support information for the requested task. Furthermore, since the autonomous mobile unit 12 acquires detailed information about the work location P, there is no longer a need to use advanced sensors for the field sensors 4. Therefore, the cost of the numerous field sensors 4 deployed in the factory 2 can be reduced. In some cases, the number of field sensors 4 can be reduced, and the detection range of the field sensors 4 can be narrowed.

[0062] Since the management server 11 determines support information based on the status information detected by the autonomous mobile unit 12 at the work site P, the usefulness of the support information for the requested work can be increased.

[0063] The management server 11 determines support information based on the worker input information entered into the autonomous mobile device 12 by the worker who has checked the status of work site P, thereby increasing the usefulness of the support information for the requested work.

[0064] Since the aforementioned additional information includes worker identification information, it is possible to provide support information tailored to the worker. For example, support information tailored to the skill level of repair worker 5 may be displayed.

[0065] Since the autonomous mobile unit 12 includes a transport carrier 32 for carrying work supplies used in the work, it prevents wasteful situations where a worker arriving at work site P realizes they are short on items to be used in the work (e.g., tools, materials, etc.) and has to go to another location to get them. It also eliminates the need for worker 5 to carry an unnecessarily large amount of items to work site P.

[0066] Since information about the work materials used in the work is transmitted to the management server 11, information about the materials used in the work can be easily managed.

[0067] Since the autonomous mobile unit 11 includes a transport carrier for carrying post-work materials generated by the work, the autonomous mobile unit 12 can deliver the post-work materials generated by the work to a designated location, thereby reducing the workload for the worker 5.

[0068] Information about materials after the work is completed is sent to the management server 11, making it easy to manage the items generated by the work.

[0069] Work log information indicating the work performed by worker 5 is stored in the storage memory 73 of the autonomous mobile unit 12, and the work log information is transmitted from the mobile unit communication device 64 to the management server 11. As a result, the management server 11 can easily manage work performance and utilize it for future business improvements.

[0070] A work command prompting worker 5 to move to work site P is sent to the portable information terminal 6, allowing worker 5 to proceed to work site P at the appropriate time.

[0071] The autonomous mobile unit 12 patrols the factory 2 until a movement command for work is generated. Therefore, even when no work is being performed, the autonomous mobile unit 12 can be used to monitor the factory 2, and the worker 5 can easily access the autonomous mobile unit 12.

[0072] The items transported on the transport line 3 are not particularly limited and may include not only assembled products but also processed foods, electronic components and integrated circuits, pharmaceuticals, etc. While factory 2 is shown as an example of line manufacturing where parts are processed at each work location, it may be a factory with other manufacturing configurations. For example, factory 2 may be a manufacturing plant for chemical materials, metal materials, printed products, etc., where processing is performed continuously, or it may be an automated warehouse for loading and unloading goods. The disclosed technology described above may be applied to only a part of the factory, not the entire factory. In this disclosure, the autonomous mobile unit 12 executes a program to patrol factory 2 until it receives a command to move to work point P, but it may be configured to stop at a predetermined location. As an abnormal state, in addition to a failure state that causes line 3 to stop, a pre-repair state where a failure may occur in the future may also be determined as an abnormal state. This allows repairs to be carried out without stopping line 3.

[0073] (Second Embodiment) Figure 7 is an overall diagram of the work support system 101 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the work support system 101 is a system that supports medical work occurring in a hospital 102. The hospital 102 has a plurality of work occurrence areas. The work occurrence areas include, for example, a nurse center 103A, a patient room 103B, an examination room 103C, an operating room 103D, etc. The work occurrence areas are equipped with field sensors 104 that detect when an event requiring work has occurred. The field sensors 104 can be selected from room cameras, nurse call switches, doctor call switches, surgical robot sensors, etc.

[0074] The work support system 101 comprises a management server 11 and an autonomous mobile unit 12. Since the basic functions of the management server 11 and the autonomous mobile unit 12 are the same as in the first embodiment, they will be described using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The management server 11 is located in the hospital 102, but may be located outside the hospital 102. The autonomous mobile unit 12 is capable of moving between multiple potential work locations within the hospital 102. In this embodiment, the number of autonomous mobile units 12 is less than the number of workers 105, but is not limited to this. Workers 105 include nurses, doctors, etc.

[0075] Since the processing of the work support system 101 in the second embodiment is similar to the processing of the work support system 1 in the first embodiment, the processing of the work support system 101 will be explained following the flow shown in Figures 5-6, with appropriate reference to Figures 2-4 and 7. As shown in Figure 5, the management server 11 monitors the detection status of multiple field sensors 104 in order to grasp the overall situation of the hospital 102 (step S1). The autonomous mobile unit 12 patrols within the hospital 102 until a movement command specifying a destination point is issued (step S2).

[0076] When the management server 11 receives a detection signal from the field sensor 104 indicating the occurrence of medical work, it refers to the source information of the detection signal and identifies the location where the medical work occurred. The management server 11 identifies this location as the work site P (see Figure 7) where medical work by worker 105 is required (step S3).

[0077] The management server 11 transmits location information indicating the work location P to the mobile communication device 64 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S4). The support unit 35 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the location information (step S5) and generates a movement command to autonomously move the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P based on the location information (step S6). The autonomous driving unit 34 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 drives the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P in accordance with this movement command.

[0078] The management server 11 sends a work command to the portable information terminal 6 held by worker 105, who is in charge of work site P, prompting him to move to work site P (step S7). The portable information terminal 6 held by worker 5 receives the location information (step S8), and after seeing the location information displayed on the portable information terminal 6, worker 5 heads to work site P to perform medical work (step S9).

[0079] When the autonomous mobile unit 12 arrives at work site P, the state sensor 61 detects state information indicating the state of work site P (step S10). For example, the autonomous mobile unit 12 saves an image or video of work site P taken by the camera of the state sensor 61 as state detailed information in the storage memory 73, and transmits this state detailed information to the management server 11 as additional information. The processor 21 of the management server 11 may use image processing technology to recognize the difference from the normal state from the received image or video. While the information obtained from the field sensor 4 is basic state information, the information obtained from the state sensor 61 is one of the state detailed information. This state detailed information may include, as an example, information indicating that the intravenous fluid is empty. The state sensor 61 may include an intravenous fluid volume sensor, pulse sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, echo, electrocardiogram, exhalation sensor, etc.

[0080] When worker 105 arrives at work site P, he / she inputs worker identification information into the autonomous mobile device 12 by having the ID reader 63 read the IC tag he / she is carrying (step S11). The autonomous mobile device 12 receives the input worker identification information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S12).

[0081] The worker 105 visually inspects the condition of work site P and inputs information indicating the condition observed visually into the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 as worker input information (step S13). The worker input information may include, for example, information that the IV needle has fallen out of the patient. The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the input worker information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S14).

[0082] The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the information stored in the storage memory 73 in steps S10, 12, and 14 to the management server 11 as additional information (step S15), and the management server 11 receives the additional information (step S16). The additional information includes status information detected by the status sensor 61, worker identification information read by the ID reader 63, and worker input information input from the man-machine interface 65.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, the management server 11 diagnoses the status of work site P based on the received additional information (step S17). The database 25 of the management server 11 stores the correspondence between input information and support information for assisting medical work. The input information includes, for example, the basic status information and the additional status information. The additional information includes detailed status information and worker attribute information. The basic status information is information obtained from the detection signal of the field sensor 4. One example of the basic status information is information that a nurse call has been issued.

[0084] The aforementioned status details include information obtained from the detection signal of the status sensor 61 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. The status details may also include information input via the autonomous mobile unit 12 by a worker 105 who directly confirmed the status of the work site P. Examples of the status details include information that the intravenous fluid is empty, or information that the intravenous needle has fallen out of the patient. The worker attribute information includes information obtained from worker identification information read by the ID reader 63 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. Examples of the worker attribute information include the worker's qualifications and skill level.

[0085] The management server 11 refers to the database 25 and determines support information to assist medical work based on the input information. The processor 21 determines support information based on the basic status information obtained from the field sensor 104 and additional information obtained from the autonomous mobile body 12. As an example, the processor 21 determines the procedure for medical work as support information based on the basic status information that a nurse call has been issued, the detailed status information including the information that the IV fluid is empty and the IV needle has fallen out of the patient, and the worker identification information. For example, the support information may include instructions to disinfect the patient's arm, instructions to replace the IV bag with a new one, instructions to disinfect the IV needle, and instructions to reinsert the IV needle into the patient's arm. If the worker identification information determines that the worker 105 has a low skill level, the support information may include instructions to have another worker report the situation.

[0086] The management server 11 transmits the determined support information to the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S18). The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the support information (step S19) and causes the man-machine interface 65 to output the support information (step S20). The man-machine interface 65 may display the support information on the screen or output it as audio. The worker 5 starts the medical work according to the support information displayed on the man-machine interface 65 (step S21).

[0087] Worker 5 performs work using work materials loaded onto the loading carrier 32 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. For example, worker 5 uses medical tools such as syringes and hemostatic bands, and medical materials such as medicines, IV bags and gauze, which are loaded onto the loading carrier 32, as work materials. The material sensor 62 detects the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32, making it possible to understand which work materials were used for the work (step S22). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits first material information indicating the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32 and used for the work to the management server 11 (step S23).

[0088] The management server 11 receives first material information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 and obtains information on the work materials used in the work (step S24). When worker 5 places post-work materials generated by the medical work into the transport carrier 33, these post-work materials are detected by the material sensor 62. Post-work materials include, for example, empty IV bags that have been replaced, collected blood, objects for pathological examination (e.g., collected organs, cells, etc.), and used gauze. When post-work materials are placed into the transport carrier 33, the material sensor 62 detects information on these post-work materials, making it possible to understand the post-work materials generated by the medical work (step S25). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits second material information indicating the post-work materials placed into the transport carrier 33 to the management server 11 (step S26).

[0089] When the medical work is completed (step S28), the worker 5 inputs "work completed" to the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S29). Upon receiving the work completed input, the autonomous mobile unit 12 saves the completion of the medical work instructed by the support information as work log information in the storage memory 73 (step S30). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the work log information to the management server 11 via the mobile communication device 64 (step S31).

[0090] The management server 11 receives the work log information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S32). The management server 11 stores the first material information, the second material information, and the work log information as a performance log in the storage memory 23 or database 25 (step S33).

[0091] The autonomous mobile device 12 may be used for attendance management. The worker 5 has the ID reader 63 of the autonomous mobile device 12, which is nearby, read the identification information of the ID device they are carrying, and inputs their attendance or departure time into the man-machine interface 65. The autonomous mobile device 12 transmits the input attendance or departure data to the management server 11. The management server 11 stores the received attendance or departure data in the attendance management database.

[0092] (Third embodiment) Figure 8 is an overall diagram of the work support system 201 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the work support system 201 is a system that supports work that occurs outdoors 202. Outdoors 202 is equipped with field sensors 204 that detect the occurrence of events requiring work, such as vehicle accidents or malfunctions of outdoor equipment. The field sensors 204 can be selected from cameras mounted on drones 203, sensors and switches provided on outdoor equipment, etc.

[0093] The work support system 201 comprises a management server 11 and an autonomous mobile unit 12. Since the basic functions of the management server 11 and the autonomous mobile unit 12 are the same as in the first embodiment, they will be described using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The management server 11 is located in a predetermined facility. The autonomous mobile unit 12 is capable of moving between multiple potential work locations outdoors 202. The workers 205 include road service staff, maintenance staff, etc.

[0094] Since the processing of the work support system 201 in the third embodiment is similar to the processing of the work support system 1 in the first embodiment, the processing of the work support system 101 will be explained following the flow shown in Figures 5-6, with appropriate reference to Figures 2-4 and 8. As shown in Figure 5, the management server 11 monitors the detection status of the field sensors 204 of multiple drones 203 that are patrolling the area 202 in order to grasp the entire area. (Step S1) The autonomous mobile unit 12 patrols the area 202 until a movement command specifying a destination point is issued. (Step S2)

[0095] When the management server 11 receives a detection signal from the field sensor 204 indicating the occurrence of recovery work, it refers to the source information of the detection signal and identifies the location where the recovery work occurred. The management server 11 identifies this location as the work site P (see Figure 8) where recovery work by the worker 205 is required (step S3).

[0096] The management server 11 transmits location information indicating the work location P to the mobile communication device 64 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S4). The support unit 35 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the location information (step S5) and generates a movement command to autonomously move the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P based on the location information (step S6). The autonomous driving unit 34 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 drives the autonomous mobile unit 12 toward the work location P in accordance with this movement command.

[0097] The management server 11 sends a work command to the portable information terminal 6 held by worker 205, prompting him to move to work site P (step S7). The portable information terminal 6 held by worker 205 receives the location information (step S8), and after seeing the location information displayed on the portable information terminal 6, worker 205 heads to work site P to perform recovery work (step S9).

[0098] When the autonomous mobile unit 12 arrives at work site P, the state sensor 61 detects state information indicating the state of work site P (step S10). For example, the autonomous mobile unit 12 saves an image or video of work site P taken by the camera of the state sensor 61 as state detailed information in the storage memory 73, and transmits this state detailed information to the management server 11 as additional information. The processor 21 of the management server 11 may use image processing technology to recognize the difference from the normal state from the received image or video. While the information obtained from the field sensor 204 is basic state information, the information obtained from the state sensor 61 is one of the state detailed information. Examples of this state detailed information include information indicating that a vehicle tire is flat, or information indicating that smoke is coming from outdoor equipment.

[0099] When worker 205 arrives at work site P, he / she inputs worker identification information into the autonomous mobile device 12 by having the ID reader 63 read the IC tag he / she is carrying (step S11). The autonomous mobile device 12 receives the input worker identification information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S12).

[0100] The worker 205 visually inspects the condition of work site P and inputs information indicating the condition observed visually into the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 as worker input information (step S13). The worker input information may include, for example, information that the road surface is wet, information that outdoor equipment is hot, or information that there is an injured person. The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the input worker information and stores the received worker identification information in the storage memory 73 (step S14).

[0101] The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the information stored in the storage memory 73 in steps S10, 12, and 14 to the management server 11 as additional information (step S15), and the management server 11 receives the additional information (step S16). The additional information includes status information detected by the status sensor 61, worker identification information read by the ID reader 63, and worker input information input from the man-machine interface 65.

[0102] As shown in Figure 6, the management server 11 diagnoses the status of work site P based on the received additional information (step S17). The database 25 of the management server 11 stores the correspondence between input information and support information for assisting recovery work. The input information includes, for example, the basic status information and the additional status information. The additional information includes detailed status information and worker attribute information. The basic status information is information obtained from the detection signal of the field sensor 204. The basic status information may include, for example, information that a vehicle's wheel is stuck in a gutter, or information that an abnormal signal has been emitted from a sensor of an outdoor device.

[0103] The aforementioned status details include information obtained from the detection signal of the status sensor 61 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. The status details may also include information input via the autonomous mobile unit 12 by a worker 205 who directly confirmed the status of the work site P. Examples of the status details include information that a vehicle tire is flat, information indicating that smoke is coming from outdoor equipment, information that the road surface is wet, and information that outdoor equipment is overheating. The worker attribute information includes information obtained from worker identification information read by the ID reader 63 (see Figure 4) of the autonomous mobile unit 12. Examples of the worker attribute information include the worker's qualifications and skill level.

[0104] The management server 11 refers to the database 25 and determines support information to assist in the recovery work based on the input information. The processor 21 determines the support information based on the basic status information obtained from the field sensor 204 and the additional information obtained from the autonomous mobile body 12. For example, the processor 21 determines the recovery work procedure as support information based on the basic status information that the vehicle's wheels are stuck in a ditch, the detailed status information including the information that the vehicle's tires are flat and that there are injured people, and the worker identification information. For example, the support information may include instructions to move the injured person to a safe place, instructions to free the wheels from the ditch using a designated tool, and instructions to replace the flat tire with a spare tire. If the worker identification information determines that worker 5 has the required qualifications, the instructions may also include instructions to provide first aid to the injured person.

[0105] The management server 11 transmits the determined support information to the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S18). The autonomous mobile unit 12 receives the support information (step S19) and causes the man-machine interface 65 to output the support information (step S20). The man-machine interface 65 may display the support information on the screen or output it as audio. The worker 205 starts the recovery work according to the support information displayed on the man-machine interface 65 (step S21).

[0106] The worker 205 performs work using work materials loaded onto the loading carrier 32 of the autonomous mobile unit 12. For example, the worker 205 uses tools, medical equipment, etc., loaded onto the loading carrier 32 as work materials. The material sensor 62 detects the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32, making it possible to understand which work materials were used for the work (step S22). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits first material information indicating the work materials taken out of the loading carrier 32 and used for the work to the management server 11 (step S23).

[0107] The management server 11 receives first material information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 and obtains information on the work materials used in the work (step S24). When the worker 205 places the post-work materials generated by the recovery work into the transport carrier 33, the post-work materials are detected by the material sensor 62. Post-work materials are, for example, used medical equipment. When the post-work materials are placed into the transport carrier 33, the material sensor 62 detects information on those post-work materials, making it possible to understand the post-work materials generated by the recovery work (step S25). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits second material information indicating the post-work materials placed into the transport carrier 33 to the management server 11 (step S26). The management server 11 receives the second material information (step S27).

[0108] When the recovery work is completed (step S28), the worker 205 inputs "work completed" to the man-machine interface 65 of the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S29). Upon receiving the work completed input, the autonomous mobile unit 12 saves the completion of the recovery work instructed by the support information as work log information in the storage memory 73 (step S30). The autonomous mobile unit 12 transmits the work log information to the management server 11 via the mobile communication device 64 (step S31).

[0109] The management server 11 receives the work log information from the autonomous mobile unit 12 (step S32). The management server 11 stores the first material information, the second material information, and the work log information as a performance log in the storage memory 23 or database 25 (step S33).

[0110] In the embodiments described above, examples were shown where the work support system is applied to tasks occurring in areas such as factories, hospitals, and outdoors. However, the work support system may also be applied to tasks occurring in other areas. For example, the work support system may be applied to logistics warehouses, offices, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, smart cities, firefighting, disaster relief, social infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and more.

[0111] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the enumerated functions, or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the enumerated functions. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, then the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or the processor.

[0112] As described above, the embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the embodiments to create new embodiments. For example, some components or methods in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and some components in an embodiment can be separated from other components in that embodiment and extracted as appropriate. Furthermore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1,101,201 Work support system 5,105,205 workers 6. Mobile Information Terminals 11 Management Server 12 Autonomous Mobile Units 21 processors 32 Delivery Carriers 33. Transport Carrier 61 State Sensor 64 Mobile communications devices 65. Human-Machine Interface 71 processors P work point

Claims

1. A management server including a server processing circuit and a database, An autonomous mobile body comprising: a mobile processing circuit; a mobile communication device electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit and capable of communicating with the management server; a human-machine interface electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit; and a state sensor capable of detecting state information indicating the state of a work location, The aforementioned database stores the correspondence between input information, including additional information, and support information. The server processing circuit is, The system monitors whether any abnormalities have occurred in the detection signals of the multiple field sensors installed at the site. Identifying the locations of the field sensors that show abnormalities among the aforementioned multiple field sensors as work locations where work is required, The system is configured to transmit location information indicating the work location to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is Receiving the location information from the management server via the mobile communication device, Based on the location information, a movement command is generated to cause the autonomous mobile body to move autonomously toward the work point. The autonomous mobile unit is configured to transmit the additional information, including the state information detected by the state sensor, to the management server when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work point, The server processing circuit is, Referencing the aforementioned database and determining support information for the work at the aforementioned work site based on the aforementioned additional information, It is configured to transmit the aforementioned support information to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is The system is configured to receive the support information via the mobile communication device when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work site, and to display the support information to the worker on the human-machine interface or output it as audio. The aforementioned worker is a specific worker selected from among multiple workers, A work support system comprising a server processing circuit configured to select a specific worker from among the multiple workers to whom to send a work command prompting movement to the work location, depending on the type or location of the abnormal condition at the work location.

2. The aforementioned worker is a specific worker among several workers, The server processing circuit is, To generate information prompting the aforementioned multiple workers to move to the aforementioned work location, The work support system according to claim 1, configured to generate information instructing the remaining workers to stop moving when it is determined that the specified worker has arrived at the work location.

3. The work support system according to claim 1, wherein the input information includes information obtained from worker identification information read by the ID reader of the autonomous mobile body.

4. A management server including a server processing circuit and a database, An autonomous mobile body comprising: a mobile processing circuit; a mobile communication device electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit and capable of communicating with the management server; a human-machine interface electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit; and a state sensor capable of detecting state information indicating the state of a work location, The aforementioned database stores the correspondence between input information, including additional information, and support information. The server processing circuit is, The system monitors whether any abnormalities have occurred in the detection signals of the multiple field sensors installed at the site. Identifying the locations of the field sensors that show abnormalities among the aforementioned multiple field sensors as work locations where work is required, The system is configured to transmit location information indicating the work location to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is Receiving the location information from the management server via the mobile communication device, Based on the location information, a movement command is generated to cause the autonomous mobile body to move autonomously toward the work point. The autonomous mobile unit is configured to transmit the additional information, including the state information detected by the state sensor, to the management server when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work point, The server processing circuit is, Referencing the aforementioned database and determining support information for the work at the aforementioned work site based on the aforementioned additional information, It is configured to transmit the aforementioned support information to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is The system is configured to receive the support information via the mobile communication device when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work site, and to display the support information to the worker on the human-machine interface or output it as audio. A work support system in which the server processing circuit is configured to substantially simultaneously perform the following: transmitting the location information to the mobile communication device and transmitting a work command to an information terminal prompting it to move to the work location.

5. The work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the autonomous mobile unit further includes an unloading carrier for loading post-work materials generated by the work.

6. The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is Receiving information on materials after the aforementioned work, The work support system according to claim 5, further configured to transmit the information of the materials after the work to the management server.

7. The autonomous mobile unit further includes storage memory, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is To store work log information indicating the work performed by the worker in the storage memory, A work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to transmit the work log information to the management server via the mobile communication device.

8. A management server including a server processing circuit and a database, An autonomous mobile body comprising: a mobile processing circuit; a mobile communication device electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit and capable of communicating with the management server; a human-machine interface electrically connected to the mobile processing circuit; and a state sensor capable of detecting state information indicating the state of a work location, The aforementioned database stores the correspondence between input information, including additional information, and support information. The server processing circuit is, The system monitors whether any abnormalities have occurred in the detection signals of the multiple field sensors installed at the site. Identifying the locations of the field sensors that show abnormalities among the aforementioned multiple field sensors as work locations where work is required, The system is configured to transmit location information indicating the work location to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is Receiving the location information from the management server via the mobile communication device, Based on the location information, a movement command is generated to cause the autonomous mobile body to move autonomously toward the work point. The autonomous mobile unit is configured to transmit the additional information, including the state information detected by the state sensor, to the management server when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work point, The server processing circuit is, Referencing the aforementioned database and determining support information for the work at the aforementioned work site based on the aforementioned additional information, It is configured to transmit the aforementioned support information to the mobile communication device, The aforementioned mobile processing circuit is The system is configured to receive the support information via the mobile communication device when the autonomous mobile unit arrives at the work site, and to display the support information to the worker on the human-machine interface or output it as audio. A work support system comprising a server processing circuit configured to transmit a work command to an information terminal prompting the worker to move to the work location.

9. The work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mobile body processing circuit is configured to generate a patrol command to make the autonomous mobile body patrol within a predetermined area when no movement command has been generated.

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