Mobile Robot Coordination Using Synchronized Optical and 5G/6G Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots lack the ability to determine which particular robot among a plurality of proximate robots is associated with a specific wireless message, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts in coordination and task execution.
Innovation Solution
A system where a fixed-position robot transmits a wireless message simultaneously with a localization signal, allowing mobile robots to detect the signal, determine its direction, and associate it with the intended robot, enabling specific communication and cooperation among robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robots use wireless messages for communication, then coordination capability is improved, but the ability to identify specific message recipients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier that conveys robot identification information. This optical intermediary works alongside wireless messages to bridge the gap between general communication capability and specific recipient identification, allowing robots to associate messages with specific targets through the mediating optical signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into two independent channels: wireless messages for coordination instructions and optical signals for identification information. This segmentation allows each channel to perform its specialized function without interference, resolving the contradiction between general coordination and specific identification.
2Measurement precision
If robots rely on markings for identification, then robot identification is possible, but identification reliability deteriorates due to obscuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual markings (physical stickers or painted identifiers) with an optical signaling system using LEDs or other light sources. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to obscuration by cargo or dust, as the optical signals are electronically controlled and can be projected clearly regardless of physical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical identification signals use periodic flashing or modulation patterns that make them easily distinguishable from ambient light. This periodic action ensures reliable detection and identification even in challenging environmental conditions, overcoming the limitations of static markings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the ability of robots to cooperate, avoid collisions, and improve task efficiency by accurately identifying and localizing each other, facilitating better communication and conflict avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
emit a localization signal comprising a pulse of visible or infrared light
Implementation Method 2
detect the localization signal; measure an arrival direction of the localization signal
Data Source
AI summary
The future of manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, healthcare, and virtually every other labor-intensive endeavor is robotic—a multitude of autonomous, mobile, robotic systems. One of the many problems this will bring is the coordination of independently-navigating robots in limited spaces. Communication is the key to coordination. Fixed-position and mobile robots can identify and localize each other in real-time using pulses of visible or infrared light, synchronized with wireless messages in 5G or 6G. A fixed-position robotic assembly device can identify a mobile robot bringing raw components, by exchanging synchronized pulses and messages. Busy robots in a distribution center can avoid collisions and improve throughput by coordinating with other proximate robots, using the communication tools provided herein. Fixed-position robots can enforce boundary conditions and provide oversight, keeping innumerable mobile devices in-lane and on-task. Many other aspects and applications are provided.