ATM Self-Orchestration System Using Extended Reality for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current maintenance and repair processes for automated teller machines (ATMs) are inefficient due to the need for manual coordination by the controlling entity, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies, especially when multiple external entities are involved and network connectivity is disrupted, and often requires technical expertise that may be in short supply.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intelligent self-orchestration system within the ATM using extended Reality (XR) technologies, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, to autonomously identify maintenance needs, generate maintenance queues, and assign tasks to support personnel based on availability, expertise, and proximity, allowing for simultaneous collaboration between remote and onsite personnel while enforcing access privileges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual coordination by the controlling entity is used to manage maintenance and repair of ATMs, then access control and security can be maintained, but maintenance efficiency and response time deteriorate due to the need for multiple external entities to be scheduled sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the maintenance coordination function from the controlling entity and assigns it to an autonomous coordinator module within the ATM network. This allows different external entities (hardware vendors, software providers, currency handlers) to be independently scheduled and coordinated without requiring sequential approval from the controlling entity, thereby maintaining security while improving maintenance efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
An autonomous coordinator module is introduced as an intermediary between the controlling entity and multiple external support entities. This coordinator manages authentication, authorization, and scheduling of maintenance activities, enabling parallel coordination of multiple entities while the controlling entity maintains overall security policies without being involved in day-to-day scheduling
2Reliability
If the ATM notifies the controlling entity of maintenance needs, then centralized control is maintained, but the maintenance process is thwarted when network connectivity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous coordinator module is pre-configured with maintenance protocols, authentication credentials, and decision-making algorithms. When network connectivity is available, it synchronizes with the controlling entity to receive updated policies. When connectivity is lost, the pre-configured coordinator can independently authorize and schedule maintenance activities without real-time communication with the controlling entity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on network connectivity status. When connected, it operates in centralized mode with real-time coordination. When disconnected, it automatically transitions to autonomous mode where the local coordinator module makes decisions independently, ensuring maintenance can proceed without delays while maintaining security through pre-established authorization rules
3Manufacturing precision
If technical experts are deployed for ATM maintenance, then repair quality is improved, but scheduling delays occur due to limited availability of highly skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities where the ATM and autonomous coordinator automatically diagnose issues, generate maintenance tickets, and schedule appropriate personnel without manual intervention. The coordinator module automatically matches maintenance needs with available expertise levels, routing complex issues to experts and simpler tasks to less experienced personnel, thereby reducing scheduling delays while maintaining repair quality through automated task-appropriate assignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where maintenance outcomes are automatically recorded and analyzed. This feedback loop enables the autonomous coordinator to learn from past maintenance activities, improve diagnostic accuracy, and optimize personnel allocation. The system continuously refines its understanding of which personnel are best suited for specific tasks based on actual performance data, reducing scheduling delays while maintaining high repair quality
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external entities are authorized to work on different aspects of the ATM, then comprehensive maintenance coverage is achieved, but coordination complexity increases and sequential access is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ATM into distinct functional domains (hardware, software, currency handling, security) and assigns specific external entities to each domain with targeted authorization. The autonomous coordinator module manages these segmented authorizations independently, allowing entities to work in parallel on different segments without requiring coordination for each interaction, thereby reducing overall coordination complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous coordinator module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an authentication server, authorization manager, scheduler, and communication hub for all external entities. This universal coordinator handles all coordination tasks through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate coordination mechanisms for each entity pair, reducing coordination complexity while enabling comprehensive multi-entity maintenance coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Self-orchestration and -management of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) leveraging the use of extended Reality (XR) amongst support personnel to perform the maintenance/repair. Issues and events required to address the issues are identified at the ATM and a maintenance queue is generated, and subsequently managed, at the ATM that includes an ordered listing of the events and assigned support personnel for each event, along with access credentials for each support personnel. Management of the maintenance queue includes notifying the support personnel of their event assignments of the requisite timing requirements. XR is used to facilitate maintenance and repair in a collaborative and, in some instances simultaneous, manner between remote and onsite support personnel. Various different XR operational modes are implemented to assist support personnel in accomplishing the assigned events without the need for extensive training and/or experience.