Robot system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robot systems face challenges in power management and communication efficiency, particularly in battery-powered robots that require continuous human guidance and lack effective power-saving mechanisms and robust communication protocols for operation in unstructured environments.
Innovation Solution
A power-saving robot system that includes a mobile robot and a peripheral device with a wireless communication component, allowing the robot to communicate with a base station and internet via wireless communications, using a wireless bridge for connection to a home wired network, and featuring a controller that activates the peripheral device from a hibernation mode when in range, enabling efficient power management and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the peripheral device remains in active mode continuously, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral device dynamically switches between active mode and hibernation mode based on robot presence detection. When the robot is detected via wireless communication, the device transitions to active mode for responsive communication. When no robot is present, it enters hibernation mode to conserve power, thus adapting its operational state to current needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wireless communication signals (ping/quiet robot protocols) to detect robot presence. The peripheral device periodically checks for robot activity and adjusts its power state accordingly, creating a rhythm of active and dormant periods that balances responsiveness with power conservation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot and peripheral device communicate outside line of sight, then operational flexibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses wireless communication signals as an intermediary to enable communication between the robot and peripheral device without requiring direct line of sight. The wireless bridge and wireless communication components act as mediators that can penetrate or work around physical obstacles, allowing the robot to activate peripheral devices even when not in direct visual range
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
The system enhances the operational efficiency of autonomous robots by extending battery life and enabling reliable communication, allowing robots to function autonomously in unstructured environments without continuous human guidance.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication component is capable of activation in the hibernation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial commands transmitted from the network data bridge.