Autonomous Delivery Robot Navigation Across Roads 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 and sidewalks, without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A robot-based delivery system that utilizes mixed autonomous wheeled vehicles, equipped with containers and advanced navigation and control systems, to autonomously pick up and deliver articles across various outdoor and indoor transportation networks, including roads, bike paths, and sidewalks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional delivery systems are used, then delivery can be performed with simple technology, but human intervention is required and delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple independent modules: autonomous vehicles for transportation, containers for cargo storage, communication interfaces for ordering, and coordination systems for management. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high automation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicles are designed with multi-functionality to operate across diverse transportation networks including roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. The vehicles can adapt to different delivery scenarios and environments, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each situation and thereby controlling overall system complexity while enhancing automation capability.
2Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are deployed, then delivery efficiency improves, but navigation across diverse terrains becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Communication interfaces and coordination systems serve as intermediaries between the autonomous vehicles and the external environment. These intermediaries handle complex navigation tasks, path planning, and terrain adaptation, allowing the vehicles to operate efficiently across diverse terrains while the complexity is managed at the coordination layer rather than requiring complex onboard decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where communication interfaces receive order information and delivery status, and coordination systems continuously monitor vehicle positions and adjust navigation routes. This feedback loop enables efficient delivery operations by dynamically adapting to terrain challenges and optimizing paths in real-time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed autonomous wheeled vehicles are used, then the robot can traverse various outdoor transportation networks, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles employ dynamic wheel configurations that can adjust their structure and movement patterns以适应 different terrains. The wheeled design allows for flexible navigation across roads, sidewalks, and bike paths through dynamic steering and speed control, achieving high terrain adaptability without requiring mechanically complex multi-configuration systems.
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.