Autonomous Ground Vehicle Personalized Communication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing coexistence of humans and robots in shared environments leads to perception problems and discomfort due to robots appearing intimidating or non-emotional, with humans unsure of robot destinations and movements, causing fear and tension.
Innovation Solution
Autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) equipped with sensors and emitters that detect persons of interest (PoIs) within a threshold distance and transmit personalized messages, using geolocation data and non-publicly available information to facilitate communication and navigation, while also employing deterrents to manage potential threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robots operate autonomously in shared environments without communication capabilities, then automation efficiency is improved, but human comfort and perception are worsened due to intimidating appearance and unpredictable movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication systems including emitters, transmitters, and displays as intermediary components between the autonomous vehicle and humans. These intermediaries enable the vehicle to convey its identity, destination, and status information, mediating the interaction and reducing human discomfort while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the autonomous vehicle receives sensor data about its environment and human presence, processes this information, and adjusts its communication output accordingly. This feedback loop allows the vehicle to adapt its messaging to human needs and concerns, improving comfort without sacrificing automation.
2Ease of operation
If robots communicate with humans using standardized messages, then communication simplicity is improved, but personalization and effectiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically adjusts message content, timing, and delivery method based on real-time sensor data about human presence, location, and context. The system transitions from static predefined messages to dynamic personalized communication, selecting from multiple message templates based on situational factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as message content, delivery timing, spatial distribution, and modality based on detected human characteristics and context. This allows the same communication system to adapt to different humans and situations while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Speed
If autonomous vehicles navigate without detecting specific persons, then navigation speed is improved, but safety and threat management are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and classification of persons of interest before navigation decisions are made. By identifying potential threats or important persons in advance using sensor data and biometric matching, the vehicle can plan safer routes and communication strategies without significantly delaying navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies selective detection efforts focused on specific persons of interest rather than continuously monitoring all environmental factors. This partial action approach maintains navigation speed while improving safety by concentrating computational resources on identifying and responding to relevant human targets.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful to communicate with a person of interest (“PoI”) via an autonomous ground vehicle (“AGV”) on a product delivery route. In some embodiments, autonomous product delivery systems are provided to enable communications with a PoI, comprises: an AGV on a product delivery route that includes one or more control circuits, one or more sensors in electrical communication with the one or more control circuits and configured to communicate sensor data to the one or more control circuits, and one or more emitters in electrical communication with the one or more control circuits. The control circuit uses sensor data to detect the presence of PoIs when they are positioned within a threshold distance relative to the AGV on the product delivery route, and in response thereof, cause the emitters to transmit a personalized message to the detected PoIs.