Autonomous Refuse Bin Transport for Scheduled Curbside Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste management systems require user intervention for transferring refuse to collection locations, which can be inconvenient and unsanitary.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robotic device equipped with a chassis, wheels, motor, suspension system, rechargeable battery, control system, sensors, and a refuse container, capable of autonomously transporting refuse bins between storage and collection locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile robotic device is used to autonomously transport refuse bins, then user convenience and sanitation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile platform for navigation, a refuse container for storage, and a communication system for coordination. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to provide autonomous waste management, resolving the contradiction between improved ease of operation and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device autonomously transports refuse bins without requiring user intervention for operation. The device self-navigates to collection locations, self-manages the refuse container, and self-coordinates with collection vehicles through communication systems, thereby improving user convenience while the automated functions manage the inherent complexity.
2Productivity
If autonomous transport capability is added to the robotic device, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic device performs multiple functions: it serves as a navigation platform, a refuse storage unit, and a communication node. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, productivity in waste management is enhanced while the overall system complexity is managed through functional integration rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device prepares for waste collection by autonomously positioning the refuse container at designated collection locations before the actual collection process begins. This preliminary action streamlines the waste management workflow, improving productivity while the automated positioning manages the complexity of coordination.
3Reliability
If communication systems are integrated for coordination with collection vehicles, then reliability of waste collection increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device incorporates communication systems that act as intermediaries between the refuse container operations and collection vehicles. This intermediary communication layer ensures reliable coordination and information exchange, improving collection reliability while the standardized communication protocols manage the complexity of vehicle-device interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an autonomous robot to empty refuse. A sensor positioned on the robot captures sensor data of an environment of the robot as the robot navigates within the environment and a processor of the robot generates a map of the environment based on at least the sensor data. The processor receives a schedule for emptying refuse stored in a container of the robot at a refuse collection location from an application of a communication device. The processor determines a path of the robot from a storage location of the robot to the refuse collection location and actuates the robot to autonomously drive along the path according to the schedule.