Delivery Robot Avoidance Control for Idle-Path Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control methods for delivery robots are logically chaotic, leading to mutual influence and congestion when multiple robots move or stop in a distribution area, particularly when idle robots obstruct task-performing robots, affecting efficiency and causing local congestion.
Innovation Solution
A control method for delivery robots that identifies idle robots obstructing task-performing robots and controls the idle robots to avoid the obstructed path by determining their distance from a preset home point and guiding them to either return to the home point or move to a designated avoidance area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple delivery robots are deployed in a distribution area, then delivery capacity and work efficiency are improved, but mutual influence and congestion occur when robots move or stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that receives path information from all delivery robots and determines whether they will collide. The server acts as a mediator to coordinate robot movements, allowing multiple robots to operate simultaneously while preventing congestion and mutual interference through centralized path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the paths and states of delivery robots. When a potential collision or obstruction is detected, the system provides feedback to adjust robot behavior, such as pausing or rerouting, thereby maintaining efficient operation while preventing congestion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If idle delivery robots are allowed to remain stationary in the distribution area, then they are ready for task assignment, but they block the moving paths of delivery robots performing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the state of delivery robots dynamic by allowing them to switch between moving and pausing based on real-time conditions. Idle robots can dynamically pause at designated locations when task-performing robots need to pass, and then resume movement or accept tasks when the path is clear, thereby balancing readiness with path clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the distribution area into different functional zones, including designated pause areas for idle robots and clear paths for task-performing robots. This spatial segmentation allows idle robots to remain available without blocking critical movement corridors.
3Ease of operation
If existing control methods are used for multiple delivery robots, then basic movement control is achieved, but the control logic becomes chaotic and avoidance rules are not clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control method that handles multiple scenarios (collision avoidance, path obstruction, task assignment) through a single integrated server-based system. This multi-functional approach simplifies control logic by providing unified rules for all robot interactions, replacing chaotic decentralized control with clear centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a control method for delivery robots, wherein a distribution area has a preset home point. The control method includes: identifying a second delivery robot that obstructs a first delivery robot, wherein the first delivery robot is in a working state of heading to one or more target positions, and the second delivery robot is in an idle state; determining a distance between the second delivery robot and the home point; and controlling the second delivery robot to avoid the first delivery robot according to the distance between the second delivery robot and the home point. In view of the situation that an idle delivery robot may obstruct a delivery robot performing a task, the disclosure proposes an avoidance judgment logic to control the idle delivery robot to avoid, thereby improving distribution efficiency and preventing congestion.