Mobile Vending Robots for Adaptive Consumer Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines and refuse receptacles are often not conveniently located, difficult to relocate, and lack the ability to adapt to consumer movement, leading to limited consumer choice, hygiene issues, and inefficient data sharing for optimal placement.
Innovation Solution
A system of mechanized mobile merchantry equipped with self-propulsion, sensors, and a control system that allows for autonomous positioning, interaction with consumers, and data sharing to optimize location and functionality based on consumer interaction and traffic patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vending machines are statically located near electrical power access, then they can operate reliably, but they are not conveniently located for consumers and cannot adapt to consumer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The vending machine is transformed from a static structure to a mobile robot that can dynamically reposition itself. The robot employs sensors to detect consumer locations and autonomously navigates to optimal positions, enabling it to adapt to consumer movement patterns while maintaining operational reliability through its mobile platform.
2Ease of operation
If vending machines are relocated to follow consumers, then consumer convenience is improved, but the machines become too heavy and dangerous to move when filled with product
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vending function into two separate components: a mobile robot that provides positioning and consumer interaction, and a stationary or separately transported product supply. The robot can move to consumers without carrying heavy product loads, as product delivery is handled through a separate logistics mechanism, thus resolving the weight constraint while maintaining mobility and consumer convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vending machines are deployed in unattended public locations, then consumer choice is expanded, but the equipment is exposed to vandalism and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vending robot incorporates autonomous safety and hygiene monitoring systems that enable it to self-protect and self-maintain while operating in unattended public locations. Sensors detect potential vandalism or hygiene issues, and the robot can autonomously navigate to safe locations or alert remote operators, ensuring continuous operation without human supervision while maintaining product safety and equipment integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method of selling goods or services, or collecting recycle refuse using mechanized mobile merchantry, comprising positioning, by self-propelling, at least one of a mechanized mobile merchantry within a geographical boundary, allowing interaction with consumers, and effectuating selling of goods or services, or collection of recycle refuse with consumers. Other exemplary embodiments can include signaling a mechanized mobile merchantry with a consumer's mobile device to direct the merchantry to self-propel to the consumer's location, and utilizing usage logs and algorithms to optimize functionality of a fleet of merchantry and reposition the merchantry, as necessary, within a geographical boundary, to increase sales and consumer convenience. The present invention also relates to a waste collection system with option to deliver new food and beverage items includes a customer service robot comprising a slave computer and one or more waste receptacles to collect waste material. The customer service robot includes at least one robotic arm having at least three degrees of motion to facilitate collection from, e.g., tables and the like. The customer service robot is also capable of interfacing with a recycling unit and a master computer to control disposal of the collected waste.