Delivery Robot Door Module Control for Safe Automatic Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery robots lack the capability to safely and automatically unload objects when a customer is not present at the destination, leading to potential damage due to insufficient delivery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A delivery robot control apparatus equipped with a camera, motors, and sensors that determine the position of a door module within the robot, allowing for precise control and safe unloading of objects onto the ground, even in the absence of a customer, using a combination of motor control and sensor feedback to manage the unloading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an object is dropped from the delivery robot when the user is not present, then the delivery can be completed automatically, but the object may be damaged due to improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
A door module is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the internal loading space and the external environment. The door module includes a conveyor that can receive objects from the internal conveyor and place them on the ground through controlled movement, rather than direct dropping. This intermediary structure enables automatic delivery while protecting objects from damage.
2Measurement precision
If a robot arm is used to deliver objects, then precise placement can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery mechanism is segmented into multiple independent conveyor modules: an internal conveyor for moving objects within the robot, and a door module conveyor for transferring objects to the ground. Each conveyor handles a specific segment of the delivery process, achieving precise placement through coordinated operation of simpler components rather than a complex robot arm.
3Productivity
If multiple objects are delivered to multiple destinations simultaneously, then delivery efficiency increases, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door module is designed to be movable between different positions corresponding to different destinations. The controller can dynamically adjust the door module's position and the conveyor's operation to deliver objects to different locations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables efficient multi-destination delivery without requiring separate fixed mechanisms for each destination.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery robot control apparatus for controlling a delivery robot to unload an object and a method thereof are disclosed. A camera is provided in the delivery robot having an internal loading space for one or more floors and obtains an image including a door module which is provided in the delivery robot and connected to a frame forming the internal loading space. The controller determines up and low positions of the door module based on the image, and controls a first motor to move the door module to a target position based on the determined up or low position of the door module.