Autonomous Asset Loading Bots for In-Vehicle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset delivery systems and vehicle technologies are limited in functionality, requiring extensive manual human intervention and lacking dynamic components for efficient asset loading and delivery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of apparatuses with asset loading components and delivery bots within logistics vehicles, equipped with sensors for autonomous asset movement and navigation, enabling automated loading and delivery operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static shelving carts are used for asset storage in carrier vehicles, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to extensive manual human intervention required for loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through autonomous delivery bots that automatically navigate to storage units, load assets using integrated loading components, and deliver them to destinations without human intervention. The bots autonomously perform tasks that would otherwise require manual operation by carrier personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems comprising delivery bots equipped with sensors, navigation systems, and automated loading components. The mechanical system transitions from static shelving requiring human manipulation to dynamic autonomous robots with integrated actuators and control systems.
2Productivity
If static loading devices are used for asset loading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to extensive manual human operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system operates autonomously through delivery bots that self-navigate to storage units, automatically identify assets using sensors, and execute loading operations without human operator intervention. The system performs loading tasks independently, improving productivity while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic autonomous system. Delivery bots move dynamically throughout the vehicle interior, adjusting their positions and orientations to access different storage units and execute loading operations efficiently.
3Reliability
If manual asset handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error in asset delivery processes
Solution Approach 1:
Manual handling operations are replaced with automated sensor-based systems that detect, track, and verify asset locations and delivery destinations. The automated system eliminates human error through consistent, programmable operations while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor asset positions, delivery bot navigation, and loading operations. Feedback from these sensors enables real-time adjustments and verification, ensuring accurate asset delivery while maintaining autonomous operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If static vehicle components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited functionality for asset delivery operations
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery bot serves multiple functions: navigating to storage units, identifying assets using sensors, loading assets with integrated loading components, and delivering them to various destinations. This multi-functional design increases adaptability while consolidating capabilities into a single autonomous platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle interior transforms from static shelving to a dynamic environment with autonomous robots that can navigate, maneuver, and interact with storage units. The delivery bots adapt their behavior based on real-time conditions, enhancing system versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus may automatically move one or more assets to or from one or more storage units to or from a delivery bot. The apparatus and the one or more storage units and the delivery bot may be stored in a logistics vehicle. The delivery bot may be configured to deliver or pick up the one or more assets to or from one or more delivery or pickup locations that are outside of the logistics vehicle.