Autonomous Object Replacement for Vacant Space Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of replacing objects in facilities is slow and error-prone, leading to delays in filling vacant spaces, as existing methods lack efficient automation and synchronization across systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central computing system and autonomous robot devices that navigate facilities to detect vacant spaces, determine replacement objects based on attributes, and autonomously retrieve and deposit them, utilizing image capturing and machine vision for precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual object replacement processes are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through autonomous robot devices that independently navigate facilities, detect vacant spaces using image capturing devices, determine replacement objects based on attributes, retrieve objects from storage, and deposit them in designated locations without human intervention. The central computing system coordinates these autonomous operations, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system combining central computing systems and autonomous robot devices. Image capturing devices and machine vision algorithms substitute for human visual inspection, while automated navigation and object manipulation replace manual physical actions. This substitution dramatically increases productivity while maintaining operational precision.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a central computing system for coordination and decision-making, autonomous robot devices for execution, image capturing devices for detection, and databases for object attribute storage. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently developed, tested, and maintained. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable components with well-defined interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot devices are designed as multi-functional units capable of navigation, object detection, object retrieval, and object deposition. The central computing system serves multiple purposes including coordinating robot operations, processing image data, determining replacement objects, and managing database queries. This universality reduces the number of separate systems needed, thereby managing overall complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Loss of time
If manual object replacement is performed, then system complexity remains low, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in manual processes. Robot devices can navigate, detect, retrieve, and deposit objects in a continuous workflow coordinated by the central computing system. Multiple robot devices can operate simultaneously across different locations in a facility, eliminating the sequential nature of manual replacement and dramatically reducing the time required to fill vacant spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide systems and methods to enable object replacement. A central computing system can receive data associated with quantities of like physical objects from remote systems. The central computing system can adjust the first quantity of the like physical objects stored in the first one of the remote systems based on the second quantity of the like physical objects stored in the at least another one of the remote systems. The central computing system can determine the like physical objects are absent from the facility. An autonomous robot device can detect a vacant space at the designated location at which the like physical objects are supposed to be disposed. The autonomous robot device using the image capturing device can capture an image of the vacant space. The central computing system can determine a set of like replacement physical objects to be disposed in the vacant space.