Drone-to-Robot Handover for Smooth Last-Mile Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drone-based delivery systems face challenges in smoothly delivering packages to addressees, as they rely on unmanned flying objects, which can be less effective compared to traditional vehicle-based delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned delivery system comprising a self-propelled robot and an unmanned aerial vehicle that transports a package to an intermediate location, where the self-propelled robot can autonomously or remotely deliver the package to the addressee, utilizing a robot interface and controller for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an unmanned aerial vehicle is used to transport the package to the destination, then the automation level is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates compared to traditional vehicle-based delivery systems
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into two segments: an unmanned aerial vehicle for long-distance transport to an intermediate location, and a self-propelled robot for final delivery to the destination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining high automation while improving overall ease of operation through modular design and specialized task allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate location is introduced as a mediator between the starting point and final destination. The unmanned aerial vehicle delivers the package to this intermediate location, where the self-propelled robot takes over for final delivery. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by breaking the direct delivery path into manageable stages, each with appropriate automation levels.
2Ease of operation
If a self-propelled robot is used for final delivery, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for both autonomous and remote operation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The self-propelled robot is designed with dynamic operational modes, switching between autonomous operation and remote operation based on situational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different delivery scenarios, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through intelligent mode selection rather than fixed operational constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the self-propelled robot are made changeable, allowing transition between autonomous and remote control modes. This parameter flexibility enables the system to optimize for ease of operation in complex situations by switching to remote control, while maintaining simpler autonomous operation for routine tasks, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned delivery system includes a self-propelled robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle which transports a package to an intermediate location on the way of delivering the package, and robot circuitry which controls the self-propelled robot so that the self-propelled robot delivers to a receiver's address the package which is unloaded at the intermediate location.