Autonomous Mobile POS Robot for Dynamic Checkout Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large or crowded shops, traditional Point Of Sales (POS) systems are limited in their ability to facilitate a smooth checkout process due to fixed installation, leading to inefficiencies during peak times.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous mobile POS apparatus that can move autonomously, equipped with a detection unit to locate individuals and a control unit to navigate based on their position, allowing for flexible and efficient checkout processes without being confined to a specific register area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed POS system is used, then the settlement machine can be installed in a settlement place, but the place to perform checkout process is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed POS system into a mobile robot that can autonomously move to different locations within the store. The robot equipped with wheels and navigation capabilities can dynamically reposition itself to serve customers at various points, thereby improving checkout location flexibility while managing device complexity through automated movement control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the POS robot to autonomously navigate to customers, detect their positions, and perform checkout operations without requiring fixed installation or manual relocation. The robot independently manages its movement and service delivery, enhancing adaptability while reducing the operational complexity of deploying multiple fixed terminals
2Productivity
If a fixed POS system is used in large or crowded shops, then the settlement machine is installed in a settlement place, but it may be difficult to perform a smooth checkout process
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot dynamically moves to different locations based on real-time customer needs, allowing multiple checkout operations to occur simultaneously at different store locations. This eliminates the bottleneck of a single fixed checkout counter, thereby improving overall checkout efficiency and reducing customer wait times in crowded environments
Solution Approach 2:
The robot maintains continuous productive action by autonomously navigating between customers and performing checkout operations without interruption. Unlike fixed systems that require customers to queue and wait for their turn, the mobile robot can continuously serve multiple customers in sequence or parallel, maximizing productivity and minimizing customer waiting time
3Ease of operation
If an autonomous mobile POS apparatus is used, then the POS can move to customers in crowded areas, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed as a universal platform that integrates multiple functions: autonomous navigation, customer detection, barcode scanning, payment processing, and receipt printing. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional device, the system improves checkout accessibility while managing overall device complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate systems
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus according to one example embodiment is an information processing apparatus that performs a checkout process for a product or a service, and the information processing apparatus includes: a motion unit that causes the information processing apparatus to autonomously move; a detection unit configured to detect a position of a person; and a control unit that controls the motion unit in accordance with the position of the person.