Mobile Robot for Self-Storage Site Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-storage sites face high operational costs due to the need for human presence during variable hours to receive potential customers, resulting in either excessive staffing or lost business opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system that allows remote management of self-storage sites, enabling potential customers to rent boxes without human assistance through an entry module, communication module, and locking mechanism, allowing for autonomous or remote control within the site, and includes a video acquisition module for remote monitoring and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human staff are deployed to receive potential customers during extended hours, then customer service quality is improved, but operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality through automated kiosks and online portals that allow potential customers to independently view box availability, compare options, and complete rental agreements without human staff intervention. This eliminates the need for continuous staffing while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human staff physically present at the facility with automated digital systems including kiosks, mobile applications, and online platforms. These electronic systems handle customer interactions, information provision, and transaction processing automatically.
2Loss of energy
If human staff are reduced to lower costs, then operational costs decrease, but potential customers are lost due to lack of physical presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated kiosks and digital interfaces as intermediaries between the storage facility and potential customers. These intermediaries provide information, enable box selection, and facilitate rental agreements without requiring human staff presence, thus maintaining customer acquisition while reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the customer service experience through virtual tours, photo galleries of available boxes, and simulated walkthroughs. These digital replicas allow customers to explore the facility and make decisions remotely, eliminating the need for physical staff guidance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the site operates during broad time windows to accommodate spontaneous visits, then customer accessibility is improved, but staffing requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational capabilities where the automated system remains continuously available without requiring continuous human presence. The infrastructure adapts to varying customer traffic patterns automatically, providing service during extended hours including evenings and weekends without additional staffing complexity.
4Loss of energy
If a mobile robot system is deployed for automated management, then operational costs are reduced and service quality is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mobile robot system with multi-functionality, where a single integrated platform performs multiple tasks including customer guidance, box location assistance, rental agreement processing, and security monitoring. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one unified solution.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile robot able to move inside a self-storage site comprising a plurality of outer walls defining said inside space and a plurality of storage boxes arranged in said inside space, said mobile robot comprising an entry module configured to allow a user to enter information relative to the location of a storage box, and a distributor of at least one locking means configured to lock said box once it is rented.