Autonomous Delivery Robot Navigation Across Roads, Paths, and Sidewalks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems lack the capability to autonomously transport articles over diverse outdoor transportation networks, including roads, bike paths, and sidewalks, without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A robot delivery system that includes a robot capable of traveling autonomously on various outdoor land transportation networks, equipped with containers for carrying articles and utilizing a computer network for navigation and control, allowing for autonomous pickup and delivery of articles between multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional delivery systems are used, then delivery can be accomplished with simple technology, but human intervention is required and delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple independent components: autonomous robots for transportation, containers for article storage, and a computer network for coordination. Each component operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high automation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot delivery system is designed with universal capabilities to operate across diverse outdoor transportation networks including roads, bike paths, and sidewalks. The robots can adapt to different terrains and delivery scenarios, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each delivery type and location.
2Productivity
If autonomous robots are deployed, then delivery efficiency is improved, but the ability to navigate diverse outdoor terrains becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robot delivery system employs dynamic navigation capabilities that allow real-time adaptation to different outdoor terrains. The robots can adjust their movement patterns, speed, and route selection based on the specific characteristics of roads, bike paths, sidewalks, and other surfaces encountered during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where robots continuously monitor their environment and delivery progress, then adjust their navigation and operation accordingly. This enables efficient operation across diverse terrains by learning from environmental conditions and optimizing performance in real-time.
3Loss of time
If human intervention is eliminated, then operational cost is reduced, but navigation and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A computer network acts as an intermediary between the autonomous robots and the delivery coordination system. This intermediary manages the complexity of navigation and control by centralizing route planning, robot coordination, and delivery management, allowing individual robots to operate autonomously while maintaining system-wide efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic navigation and control systems. Robots use sensors, processors, and communication networks to自主 navigate and execute deliveries, eliminating the need for human operators while managing complexity through software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.