Autonomous Robot Object Tracking via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robot systems require oversight to ensure proper functioning and efficient operation, particularly in tasks involving the retrieval and storage of physical objects, where existing systems lack effective monitoring and management of attributes like quantity, weight, and location.
Innovation Solution
An automated fulfillment system with autonomous robot devices equipped with sensors and image capturing devices, communicating through a network with a computing system that receives requests, groups objects, and navigates to retrieve and store items based on identifiers, using sensors to detect changes in attributes and update a database for accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous robot systems operate without human intervention, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor robot operations and transmit data to a computing system. The system compares actual performance against expected outcomes and provides feedback signals to correct deviations, ensuring reliability while maintaining autonomous operation. This closed-loop control enables the system to self-correct without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing system that acts as a mediator between autonomous robots and human operators. This intermediary monitors robot operations, processes sensor data, and manages coordination between multiple robots, providing oversight without requiring direct human intervention in daily operations.
2Reliability
If sensors and monitoring systems are added to autonomous robots, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. For example, sensors can detect object presence, measure weight, identify locations, and monitor robot status all through integrated detection mechanisms. This reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions into integrated sensor systems and unified computing platforms. Rather than separate systems for each monitoring task, the invention merges detection, processing, and control functions into cohesive units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If multiple autonomous robots operate in the same facility, then productivity is improved, but coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central computing system that acts as an intermediary coordinator between multiple autonomous robots. This mediator receives task assignments, allocates work among robots based on current status and capabilities, and resolves conflicts in real-time, enabling scalable multi-robot operation without increasing coordination complexity at the robot level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements inter-robot feedback mechanisms where robots continuously report their status, location, and task progress to the coordination system. This feedback enables dynamic task allocation and conflict resolution, allowing multiple robots to work efficiently together while maintaining simple individual robot architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
Described in detail herein is an automated fulfillment system including a computing system programmed to receive requests from disparate sources for physical objects disposed at one or more locations in a facility. The computing system can combine the requests, and group the physical objects in the requests based on object types or expected object locations. Autonomous robot devices can receive instructions from the computing system to retrieve a group of the physical objects and deposit the physical objects in storage containers.