Legged Robot Docking Hook for Self-Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automation of tasks such as moving goods within distribution centers and last-mile delivery is inefficient, requiring significant human labor and posing a future workforce shortage, despite the need for automation in these repetitive tasks.
Innovation Solution
Development of legged robots with innovative kinematic chains and actuators for enhanced maneuverability, combined with docking systems for charging and maintenance, allowing for efficient automation of tasks like object manipulation and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human workers are used to perform tasks in distribution centers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-docking and self-charging by autonomously navigating to the dock and establishing electrical connections without human intervention. The system includes sensors that detect dock presence and controllers that automatically execute docking maneuvers, enabling the robot to service itself during operational cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock is designed with universal electrical connectors and positioning features that can accommodate different robot models. The same docking infrastructure serves multiple functions including charging, data transfer, and potential maintenance operations across a fleet of robots with varying configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legged robots are designed with complex kinematic chains for enhanced maneuverability, then mobility and task performance are improved, but mechanical complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The legged robot's locomotion system is divided into modular leg assemblies, each with independent actuators and kinematic chains. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for specific movement patterns while simplifying control and maintenance, as failures in one leg do not necessarily compromise the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs dynamic gait patterns and real-time balance control algorithms that adapt to terrain variations and task requirements. The kinematic chains are controlled through feedback from sensors that monitor joint positions, forces, and center of gravity, enabling the robot to maintain stability while executing complex maneuvers.
3Measurement precision
If robots are equipped with advanced actuators and sensors for precise task execution, then task accuracy and capability are enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot incorporates sensors that continuously monitor joint positions, forces, and environmental conditions, feeding this data back to controllers that adjust actuator commands in real-time. This closed-loop control system enables precise task execution while compensating for uncertainties in the mechanical system and external disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with controlled actuation systems that use electrical motors and sensors to achieve precise positioning. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy through electronic control and feedback mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology includes a robot and a dock. The robot includes a body and a plurality of legs connected to the body through which the robot is configured to ambulate. The robot further includes a hanger carried by the body and a charge-receiving electrode at the hanger. The dock includes a hook, a charge-dispensing electrode at the hook, and a guide that urges the hanger into alignment with the hook. The system is transitionable between an undocked state and a docked state. In the undocked state, the robot and the dock are spaced apart from one another. In the docked state, the hanger is received at the hook, the dock supports at least a portion of a weight of the robot via the hook, and the charge-receiving electrode is electrically connected to the charge-dispensing electrode.