Cleaning Robot Guard Control for AI-Based Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning robots are limited in their ability to determine specific tasks based on objects in their vicinity due to limited sensor combinations, often relying on a single sensing method without information about the object, leading to inefficient avoidance and movement strategies.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a camera and AI models to capture images of objects and determine appropriate tasks, using a guard portion to descend and interact with objects, allowing for optimized task performance such as avoidance, interaction, or movement based on object attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cleaning robot uses a limited sensor combination for object detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and task differentiation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing methods (camera, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, laser sensor) into an integrated sensing system. This merging allows the robot to capture comprehensive object information including images, thermal signatures, distance data, and detailed spatial characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is designed with multi-functional sensors that can perform multiple detection tasks. For example, the camera system can identify object type, color, and shape, while the infrared sensor can detect both thermal properties and presence. This universality allows a single sensor combination to provide diverse object information for differentiated task execution.
2Ease of operation
If a cleaning robot performs uniform avoidance driving for all objects, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different object attributes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs dynamic task selection that adapts to detected object attributes. Based on object identification results (type, size, shape, color), the system dynamically adjusts the driving behavior - performing avoidance for certain objects, moving them to designated areas for others, or pushing them away. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation through automated decision-making while achieving high versatility in response to different object characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different driving strategies are applied to different object types and locations. The system identifies specific object attributes and applies localized appropriate actions - for example, avoiding fragile objects, moving lightweight objects to designated areas, or pushing heavier objects away from cleaning paths. This local quality approach enables tailored responses that improve adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through rule-based differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If a cleaning robot uses multiple sensing methods for object identification, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into specialized modules, each responsible for specific detection functions. The camera module handles visual identification, the infrared module detects thermal properties, the ultrasonic module measures distance, and the laser module provides precise spatial mapping. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while the integrated system achieves comprehensive object characterization, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by a cleaning robot, of performing a task, is provided. The method includes capturing an image of an object in a vicinity of the cleaning robot, determining a task to be performed by the cleaning robot, by applying the captured image to at least one trained artificial intelligence (AI) model, controlling a guard portion to descend from in front of an opened portion to a floor surface of the cleaning robot, according to the determined task, and driving towards the object so the object is moved by the descended guard portion.