Collaborative Autonomous Robots for Sequential Task Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robotic devices are often specialized for specific tasks and lack the ability to collaborate effectively with other devices, limiting their versatility and efficiency in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A system for robotic collaboration that includes two autonomous robots, each equipped with sensors, processors, and communication devices, allowing them to capture environmental data, generate maps, and execute tasks in a coordinated manner, with the ability to provide different services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous robotic devices are built to serve only a particular type of function, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal autonomous robotic platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable end effectors and modular attachments. The base robot includes standardized interfaces for mounting different tools (grippers, welders, painters, etc.), allowing a single robot chassis to adapt to various tasks without redesigning the entire system. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by enabling functional versatility while maintaining a common platform architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is divided into modular components: a standardized mobile platform, interchangeable end effectors, and separate sensor/actuator modules. This segmentation allows individual components to be optimized for specific functions while the overall system maintains versatility through reconfiguration. The modular design reduces the complexity of managing multiple specialized robots by breaking them down into shared base components and specialized attachments.
2Productivity
If autonomous robotic devices execute tasks individually, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but productivity and efficiency are limited in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fleet management system that coordinates multiple autonomous robots to work together on complex tasks. The system includes a central controller that assigns tasks, monitors progress, and dynamically reassigns work based on robot availability and task requirements. This merging of multiple individual robots into a coordinated team enables parallel task execution and improves overall productivity while the centralized control architecture manages the complexity of inter-robot coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The collaborative robot system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where robots report their status, location, and task progress to the fleet manager, which in turn provides real-time task assignments and coordination instructions. This feedback loop enables dynamic task allocation and coordination, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile autonomous robotic device is created that can be customized based on intended function, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal autonomous robotic platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable end effectors and modular attachments. The base robot includes standardized interfaces for mounting different tools (grippers, welders, painters, etc.), allowing a single robot chassis to adapt to various tasks without redesigning the entire system. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by enabling functional versatility while maintaining a common platform architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customization through parameter configuration rather than physical redesign. The robot's control software includes configurable parameters for different task modes, sensor calibrations, and operational characteristics that can be adjusted to match specific application requirements. This software-based parameter customization allows versatile adaptation to different functions while maintaining the same hardware platform, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity compared to building custom hardware for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system for robotic collaboration, including a first robotic chassis including a memory storing instructions that when executed a processor effectuates operations including capturing data of an environment and data indicative of movement, generating a first map of the environment based on the captured data, and the robot executing a first part of a task. The system also includes a second robot including a memory storing instructions that when executed by a processor effectuates operations including capturing data of an environment and the second robot executing a second part of the task after the first robot completes the first part of the task, the completion of the first part of the task being indicated by a signal received with the processor of the second robot.