Auto-Follow Cart Robot Using Multi-Sensor User Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carts require manual operation, leading to user inconvenience and potential loss of control, especially in busy environments where users may distract themselves from the carts, resulting in carts moving away from users.
Innovation Solution
A cart robot equipped with a combination of sensors, including TOF, LiDAR, UWB, and cameras, that enables auto-follow functionality, allowing the cart to track and follow a user while avoiding obstacles, and provides a power-assist function to ease manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates as users must continuously handle the cart
Solution Approach 1:
The cart robot autonomously follows the user by detecting their position and automatically navigating to maintain optimal distance, eliminating the need for continuous manual handling while providing self-service functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated sensor-based tracking systems (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and motorized wheel assemblies that automatically adjust cart position and orientation based on detected user location
2Ease of operation
If sensors are added for auto-follow function, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules (camera module, LIDAR module, ultrasonic sensor module) positioned at different locations on the cart, each performing specific detection functions that collectively enable comprehensive auto-follow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: obstacle detection, user position tracking, distance measurement, and navigation guidance, allowing a single integrated system to handle various operational requirements through unified control
3Extent of automation
If sensor modules are installed at one side, then auto-follow function is enabled, but sensor interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor modules are positioned at specific locations optimized for their detection functions: ultrasonic sensors at the front for obstacle detection, LIDAR and cameras at elevated positions for user tracking, ensuring each sensor operates in its optimal local environment without interference from others
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cart robot effectively maintains user convenience by automatically following and assisting with cart movement, reducing the burden on users and enhancing safety and efficiency in crowded spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor module including a plurality of TOF sensors installed in at least part of the main body in forward and lateral directions of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor module including a LiDAR sensor installed at the front of the main body
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor module including an ultrasonic sensor installed at the rear of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A cart robot performing an auto-follow function of following a user, the cart robot, including a storage space storing goods; a main body coupled to a lower portion of the storage space and supporting the storage space; a handle assembly connected to a rear side of the main body; a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the main body and moving the main body in a direction of force applied to the handle assembly; and a plurality of sensor assemblies provided at front side of the main body for sensing an obstacle in a forward direction and sensing and tracking a location of a transmission module.