Fleet Robot Signaling for Targeted Remote Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack efficient methods for rapidly identifying and remotely disabling individual or groups of robots, especially in emergency situations where sudden shutdown is required without causing damage to the robots.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a first-signal from a device to a robot, which responds with a unique robot ID, allowing identification and subsequent transmission of a second-signal to command the robot to perform a task, including shutdown. This can be achieved through various signal types such as electromagnetic, audio, or visible light signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sudden full power-off shutdown is used to rapidly disable a robot, then the shutdown speed is improved, but the robot may be impaired or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and signaling actions before executing the shutdown command. The operator first transmits an identification signal to the target robot, the robot responds with its unique ID, and only after confirmation does the shutdown command proceed. This preliminary sequence ensures the correct robot is targeted and allows for intervention before the actual shutdown occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a multi-stage command protocol that cushions the abruptness of shutdown. Rather than immediate power-off, the system transmits a sequence of commands: first an identification signal, then a response signal from the robot, and finally the shutdown command. This staged approach provides缓冲 (buffering) that prevents sudden damage while achieving rapid disablement.
2Loss of time
If traditional identification methods are used to locate a specific robot in a group, then the identification process is simple, but the time required to identify and communicate with the target robot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the operator transmits an identification signal to potential target robots, and the robots respond with their unique identification signals. The system receives and processes these response signals to confirm which robot is the target. This feedback loop enables rapid identification by allowing the operator to quickly scan multiple robots and receive immediate confirmation of the correct target.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary identification signal as a mediator between the operator and the target robot. Rather than direct selection, the operator sends a broadcast identification signal that all robots receive, and the target robot responds through the intermediary channel. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operator's task while rapidly identifying the correct robot among many.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of identifying at least one deployed robot in a group of robots, differentially commanding the identified robot, and initiating a remote shutdown or disablement of at least one robot selected from a group of robots.