AMR Vertical Height Extension for Visibility and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods to ensure safe and collaborative operations between autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and human associates within material handling facilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of autonomous mobile robots equipped with a vertical height extension system that can move between a lowered and raised position, enhancing visibility and facilitating communication with human associates through visual and audio indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the autonomous mobile robot operates with a low profile to drive under payloads, then the robot can navigate and maneuver under payloads effectively, but the visibility and detectability of the robot by human associates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the robot by deploying an extendable vertical indicator that rises above the robot's body. This dimensional extension allows the robot to maintain a low profile for navigation while simultaneously providing vertical visibility for detection by human associates, resolving the contradiction between low-profile operation and visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous mobile robot maintains a low vertical height for maneuverability, then the robot can operate in confined spaces, but the robot's visibility and communication capability with human associates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic vertical indicator that can extend and retract based on operational needs. The indicator extends to communicate status information to human associates and retracts when not needed, allowing the robot to maintain low vertical height for maneuverability while providing visibility and communication capability when required.
3Ease of operation
If the autonomous mobile robot uses visual and audio indicators for communication, then the robot can improve collaboration with human associates, but the complexity of the robot's system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (visual indication through the vertical indicator, audio warnings, and status communication) into a single integrated system. The vertical indicator serves both as a visibility element and a communication device that can display different visual patterns for different status information, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive collaboration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous mobile robots having vertical height extension systems for augmented visibility may include a drive mechanism, a lift mechanism, and a vertical height extension including an extension mechanism and a vertical indicator. The vertical height extension may be actively or passively actuated between lowered and raised positions. In addition, the vertical height extension may include a breakaway feature to prevent raising or cause lowering of the vertical indicator in the presence of a payload above the robot. Further, the vertical height extension may include various actuators, emitters, or elements to communicate various attributes of the robot to human associates in proximity, thereby promoting safe, collaborative operations.