Autonomous Delivery Robot Deployment for Mixed-Use Vehicle Fleets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current package delivery systems are inefficient due to reliance on human drivers for last-mile logistics, high labor costs, and limited flexibility in using vehicles for both passenger and package transport, especially in urban areas where human involvement can be minimized during pandemics.

Innovation Solution

Deployment of autonomous delivery robots on vehicles that can navigate to addresses and deploy to deliver or pick up packages using existing infrastructure, allowing for optimized routing and simultaneous passenger transport, with robots capable of navigating through varied environments and obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If human drivers are used for last-mile package delivery, then packages can be delivered to destinations, but labor costs are high and human involvement cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of package deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of delivery system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into two independent components: an autonomous vehicle for transportation and a delivery robot for package handling. This segmentation allows the vehicle to operate autonomously while the robot performs specialized delivery tasks, reducing overall system complexity compared to fully autonomous vehicles with integrated robotic arms and navigation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery robot acts as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle and the final delivery location. The robot is deployed from the vehicle to perform package handling at the destination, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between vehicle delivery and doorstep delivery without requiring the vehicle to have complex integrated delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If vehicles are used exclusively for passenger transport during peak hours, then passenger service is optimized, but vehicles remain inactive during off-peak hours wasting space and resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle utilization rateVSAvoidflexibility of vehicle use

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle is designed with multi-functionality to serve both passenger transport and package delivery purposes. During peak hours, the vehicle operates as a rideshare vehicle; during off-peak hours, it transitions to package delivery mode, maximizing utilization rates and eliminating idle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's function is made dynamic and adaptable based on time of day and demand patterns. The system automatically transitions between passenger transport and package delivery modes, allowing the same fleet to respond dynamically to changing operational requirements and maximize productivity throughout different periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If autonomous vehicles deliver packages to curbside locations, then delivery can be automated, but customers must retrieve packages themselves causing delays and traffic issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of package deliveryVSAvoiddelivery time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery robot performs self-service by autonomously navigating from the vehicle to the customer's doorstep, carrying the package independently, and placing it at the delivery location without requiring customer intervention. The robot then returns to the vehicle automatically, eliminating waiting time and traffic delays associated with curbside delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If more vehicles are deployed for package delivery, then delivery capacity increases, but fleet costs and parking space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capacityVSAvoidnumber of vehicles required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The same autonomous vehicle fleet serves dual purposes of passenger transport and package delivery, eliminating the need for separate dedicated delivery fleets. This multi-use approach increases delivery capacity without proportionally increasing the number of vehicles required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges passenger transport and package delivery operations into a single integrated fleet management system. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified system, the company can optimize vehicle utilization and reduce the total number of vehicles needed while maintaining or increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11928638B2Systems and methods for mixed-use delivery of people and packages using autonomous vehicles and machines

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 AGILITY ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

People and packages are delivered to and picked up from delivery locations by autonomous vehicles that also carry autonomous robots. When a package needs to be picked up or delivered at a particular location, an autonomous robot is deployed from the delivery vehicle and takes the package to the doorstep or other predetermined location or picks up the package from that location and brings it back to the delivery vehicle. After this pickup or delivery, the autonomous robot stows itself back in the delivery vehicle.