Mobile Robot Data Relay for Continuous Field Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face challenges in efficiently transferring large amounts of data between mobile robots and logistic units without interrupting field operations, leading to data loss and soil compaction due to the limited storage capacity and range of communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with mobile field and service robots equipped with short-range and long-range communication devices, where the service robot acts as a data intermediary to transfer data between field robots and a logistic unit, avoiding the need for the field robots to return to the logistic unit for data transfer, and optimizing path planning to avoid communication dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the field robot returns to the logistic unit for data transfer, then the data storage capacity is sufficient, but the field operation is interrupted and soil compaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A service robot is introduced as an intermediary carrier to transfer data from the field robot to the logistic unit. The service robot collects data packets from multiple field robots and delivers them to the logistic unit, enabling data transfer without requiring field robots to return to the logistic unit, thus maintaining continuous field operations while ensuring sufficient data storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer process is segmented into collection phase and delivery phase. During the collection phase, the service robot gathers data packets from field robots in the field. During the delivery phase, the service robot transports accumulated data to the logistic unit. This segmentation allows field robots to continue operations while data is transferred in batches
2Reliability
If the field robot returns to the logistic unit for data transfer, then data loss is prevented, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service robot acts as a mobile data collection point that travels to field robots, allowing data transfer to occur during field operations rather than requiring interruption. Data packets are transferred to the service robot's storage, preventing loss while eliminating the need for field robots to stop and return to the logistic unit
Solution Approach 2:
The service robot performs preliminary data collection during field operations, accumulating data packets from multiple field robots before delivering them to the logistic unit. This preliminary action ensures data is captured and stored safely without requiring field robots to interrupt their operations for data transfer
3Length of stationary object
If the logistic unit is positioned for optimal data transfer, then communication range is sufficient, but accessibility to field robots is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The service robot provides dynamic data transfer capability by moving between the logistic unit and field robots. Instead of the logistic unit being stationary at a fixed location with limited range, the service robot dynamically positions itself to establish communication with field robots, then returns to deliver data to the logistic unit, effectively extending the communication reach without compromising accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for exchanging data within a robotic system comprising a mobile field robot for operating in a field and a mobile service robot, the field robot and the service robot each comprising a buffer for storing data and a first communication device with a short-range communication reach for exchanging data with each other, the method comprising: commanding the field robot to operate in the field using data stored in the buffer of the field robot, recognizing a necessity of a data transfer for the field robot, commanding the service robot to approach to the field robot, detecting that one of the robots is covered by the short-range communication reach of the other robot, initiating a data transfer between the field robot and the service robot.