Autonomous Delivery Dispatch Using Cost-Transparent Item Suggestions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) are underutilized for delivery due to perceived expense, and users lack transparent and comprehensive cost information for delivery options.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to select delivery options through a mobile application, which communicates with a database server to present multiple delivery options, including UAV/AGV services, and considers opportunity costs by recalling past user behavior and item dimensions to suggest additional items for combined delivery, ultimately dispatching the appropriate robotic delivery mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional delivery services are used, then delivery cost is reduced, but delivery time and convenience are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery costVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of delivery method from traditional ground-based services to autonomous aerial vehicles, transforming the delivery paradigm to achieve both cost reduction and time improvement simultaneously through automated drone delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical delivery systems (trucks, vans) with autonomous aerial vehicles that use aerodynamic propulsion, substituting one mechanical system with a more efficient aerial-based system that reduces both cost and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If autonomous robotic delivery mechanisms are deployed, then delivery efficiency is improved, but perceived expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidperceived expense

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous robotic delivery mechanisms operate independently without human intervention, performing self-navigation, self-delivery, and self-return to base, which eliminates labor costs and reduces overall expense while maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple identical autonomous vehicles that can be deployed in fleets, where each vehicle is a standardized copy that reduces per-unit cost through economies of scale and standardized manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If multiple delivery options are presented to users, then user decision quality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost information transparencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments delivery options into distinct categories (traditional delivery, autonomous aerial delivery, same-day delivery) with clearly defined parameters for each, making complex information manageable and comparable for users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the complex delivery system and the user, translating complex system parameters into user-friendly cost comparisons and delivery option presentations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11829898B2Autonomous robot delivery systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

A robotic delivery system includes a server, a dispatch module, and a robotic delivery vehicle. The dispatch module transmits a suggested item to the dispatch application being executable on a client device operated by a user; transmits an item cost for the suggested item to a dispatch application; receives, from the dispatch application, a selection of the suggested item from the user of the client device; transmits a message directing the robotic delivery vehicle to deliver the suggested item having been selected; and transmits a message to a facility associated with the robotic delivery vehicle.