Coordinated Dual-Robot Bed Transport in Narrow Hospital Corridors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex environments like hospitals, existing robot systems struggle to efficiently and precisely transport large or long movable objects, such as hospital beds, due to narrow corridors and obstacles, often requiring manual handling which leads to delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising two robots that can be coupled to a movable object, allowing them to transmit force and coordinate movements, sensor data, and control commands wirelessly to navigate and transport the object effectively, efficiently, and precisely, even in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single robot is used to transport the movable object, then the device complexity is low, but the robot cannot effectively maneuver the object in complex environments with narrow corridors and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into multiple independent robot units (first robot and second robot) that can operate semi-autonomously but coordinate together. Each robot has its own drive unit and control unit, allowing them to function as separate entities while combining their capabilities to transport the movable object through complex environments that would be impossible for a single robot to navigate alone.
2Productivity
If multiple robots are used to transport the movable object, then the maneuverability in complex environments is improved, but the coordination and communication requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control units of the first and second robots communicate with each other to exchange information about their respective positions, orientations, and operational status. This feedback mechanism allows the robots to coordinate their movements, adjust their paths to avoid collisions, and work together efficiently to transport the movable object, thereby improving productivity without overwhelming system complexity.
3Productivity
If manual handling is used to transport the movable object, then the system complexity is low, but delays and inefficiencies occur due to staff shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system operates autonomously to transport the movable object from the first location to the second location without requiring manual intervention. The drive units self-propel the robots, the control units automatically navigate and coordinate movements, and the system handles obstacles and path planning independently, thereby eliminating delays associated with manual handling and significantly improving transport speed and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a robot system (1) for transporting a mobile object (2), in particular a hospital bed, wherein the robot system (1) comprises at least two robots (3) and each of the two robots (3) can be coupled to the mobile object (2), in particular to a coupling device (9) of the mobile object (2), such that a force of at least one of the robots (3) can be transmitted to the mobile object (2) so that the robots (3) can transport the mobile object (2) together. The present invention further relates to: a robot (3) for transporting a mobile object (2), in particular a hospital bed; a coupling device (9) for coupling a mobile object (2), in particular a hospital bed; a hospital bed (2); a central control system (49) for a robot (3) and/or a robot system (1); and a method for transporting a mobile object (2), in particular a hospital bed.