Cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning robots face challenges in efficiently navigating and cleaning large areas while avoiding obstacles and require human intervention for handling unknown objects or getting stuck, leading to inefficient cleaning and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows users to control robots remotely through an electronic device, enabling them to view and interact with the robot's environment, move objects, and provide instructions for navigation and cleaning tasks using graphical displays or voice commands, reducing the need for autonomous object recognition and classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SLAM techniques are used for systematic navigation, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the user and the robot. This intermediary handles complex object recognition, classification, and navigation decision-making, allowing the robot to execute simple commands while the user manages high-level task planning through an intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation and control functions are segmented between multiple components: the robot handles autonomous movement and basic obstacle avoidance, the remote device handles object recognition and task planning, and the user provides high-level instructions. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple simpler components.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous navigation is implemented, then robot independence is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device serves multiple functions: it acts as an additional sensor for object recognition, a classification system for identifying objects, a planning system for determining navigation paths, and a communication interface for user interaction. This multi-functionality consolidates complex capabilities into a single external device.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote device acts as an intermediary that enhances the robot's perception capabilities without adding complexity to the robot itself. It processes sensor data, identifies objects, and translates user intentions into robot commands, bridging the gap between simple robot actuators and complex environmental understanding.
3Device complexity
If random bounce navigation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning coverage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation approach dynamically adapts to user needs. The system can operate in fully autonomous mode using simple random bounce when basic coverage is sufficient, or transition to remote-controlled mode with systematic navigation patterns when complete coverage and object manipulation are required. This dynamic adaptation allows optimization based on real-time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through autonomous operation for routine cleaning tasks, handling basic navigation and obstacle avoidance without user intervention. When complex tasks requiring object manipulation arise, the system seamlessly transitions to remote-controlled mode, maintaining productivity while reducing overall user burden.
Data Source
AI summary
Measures for use operating a robot having one or more sensors. At the robot, a representation of an environment of the robot is generated by operating the one or more sensors to sense a set of parameters representative of the environment of the robot. The representation includes at least one surface in the environment other than a surface on which the robot is located. Control data is received from the electronic user device. The control data indicates a desired action to be performed at the at least one surface in the environment of the robot. In response to receipt of the control data, the robot is caused to perform the desired action at the at least one surface in the environment of the robot.