Autonomous Asset Delivery Bot for Vehicle Loading and Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset delivery systems and vehicle technologies are static and limited in functionality, requiring extensive manual human intervention for loading and unloading assets, and lack autonomous components for moving assets to or from logistics vehicles to destination locations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a logistics vehicle with asset loading components and a delivery bot, equipped with sensors for automatic guidance and a launch component that allows the delivery bot to traverse outside the vehicle, enabling autonomous movement and delivery of assets to or from storage units and delivery locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual human intervention is used for loading and unloading assets, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through the delivery bot that autonomously navigates to storage units, loads assets using its own robotic mechanisms, and delivers packages without human intervention. The bot serves itself by independently completing the entire delivery workflow from asset retrieval to final delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system. The delivery bot uses robotic arms, sensors, and automated navigation to substitute human hands and eyes, transforming a manually-operated mechanical process into an automated electromechanical system that increases loading speed and reduces labor intensity.
2Device complexity
If static shelving carts are used in carrier vehicles, then vehicle simplicity is maintained, but asset delivery functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static shelving carts to a dynamic delivery bot that can actively navigate, select, and deliver assets. The bot's mobility and automated operations transform the vehicle from a passive storage container into an active delivery system, enhancing functionality without significantly increasing overall vehicle complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery bot serves multiple functions: it navigates autonomously, identifies and selects specific assets using sensors, loads packages onto itself, and delivers them to various destinations. This multi-functional robot replaces multiple specialized components, providing versatile delivery capabilities while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Device complexity
If loading devices are made static, then device simplicity is maintained, but manual operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is integrated into the delivery bot, which autonomously performs loading operations. The bot uses its own robotic mechanisms to grasp, lift, and position assets, eliminating the need for external operators. The system serves itself by independently completing the loading function without human assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors act as intermediaries between the delivery bot and the assets, enabling the bot to detect asset locations, identify targets, and guide its loading operations. This intermediary sensing system bridges the gap between the robotic mechanism and the physical assets, automating the loading process while maintaining system simplicity.
4Productivity
If autonomous delivery bot is deployed, then manual labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: navigation system for movement, sensor system for detection, robotic arm for loading, and control system for coordination. By dividing the complex autonomous function into separate manageable segments, the system achieves high delivery efficiency while keeping each component relatively simple and maintainable.
Data Source
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.