On-Demand Teleoperation for Autonomous Robot Task Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning between autonomous operation and teleoperation, particularly in complex environments where robots may become stuck or require human intervention.
Innovation Solution
The development of an autonomous robot system with on-demand teleoperation capabilities, allowing robots to operate autonomously while triggering human intervention via teleoperation when faced with tasks beyond their capabilities, and seamlessly resuming autonomous operation once the issue is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot operates autonomously without teleoperation capability, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the robot encounters tasks beyond its capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between autonomous operation and teleoperation modes based on real-time task requirements and robot capability assessment. When the robot encounters a task beyond its capabilities, it automatically requests human teleoperation assistance, and when the task is resolved, it resumes autonomous operation. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by maintaining high productivity through autonomous operation while ensuring reliability through on-demand teleoperation support.
2Reliability
If the robot transitions to teleoperation when stuck, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to human intervention overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of robot operational status, task progress, and capability matching. When the robot detects it is stuck or cannot complete a task autonomously, the feedback mechanism triggers a teleoperation request. After human intervention resolves the issue, the system feedback confirms task completion and automatically transitions back to autonomous mode. This feedback-driven approach minimizes time loss by activating teleoperation only when necessary and automatically resuming autonomous operation as soon as possible.
3Productivity
If the robot maintains full autonomous operation, then productivity is maximized, but adaptability deteriorates when facing novel or complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
Human teleoperation acts as an intermediary when the autonomous robot encounters novel or complex environments beyond its programmed capabilities. The robot maintains autonomous operation for routine tasks to maximize productivity, but when facing unfamiliar situations, it seamlessly transitions to teleoperation mode, allowing a human operator to provide adaptive control. This intermediary human intervention enables the system to handle diverse and novel environments while maintaining high productivity for standard operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An autonomous robot with on demand human intervention is disclosed. In various embodiments, a robot operates in an autonomous mode of operation in which the robot performs one or more tasks autonomously without human intervention. The robot determines that a strategy is not available to perform a next task autonomously. In response to the determination, the robot enters a human intervention mode of operation.