Mobile Vending Robot With Interchangeable Inserts and Item Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems for consumables lack the ability to provide on-demand, autonomous, and convenient access to a variety of items, especially in outdoor settings, as they are often stationary or require manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a body, support elements, and sensors to detect consumable items, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous travel and remote operation, which can be configured with interchangeable inserts to support different types of items and securely lock/unlock access, enabling on-demand vending services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary vending machine is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the mobility and adaptability to different locations are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vending machine is transformed from a stationary structure to a mobile robot platform that can dynamically move to different locations. The robot base enables the vending machine to transition between stationary service mode and mobile transit mode, resolving the contradiction between mobility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transportation vehicle and a stationary vending service point. When docked, it functions as a traditional vending machine; when mobile, it provides delivery services, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then the system is simple, but the convenience and speed of service are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated item selection, payment processing, and robot navigation without requiring manual intervention. The robot autonomously travels to customer locations and delivers items, providing self-service functionality that enhances convenience while managing complexity through modular automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and communication modules that provide real-time feedback between the robot, the central server, and the customer interface. This feedback mechanism enables automated operation by allowing the system to respond dynamically to customer requests, item availability, and navigation conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If outdoor vending is implemented, then the service coverage is expanded, but the reliability of item detection and security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple mobile robots and customers. The server manages item inventory, processes orders, and tracks robot locations, thereby maintaining reliable item detection and service coordination across the expanded outdoor service area without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between robots and customers.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot is configured for vending consumable items. The robot includes a mobile base; a body comprising an item space; a plurality of support elements located in the item space and configured to support consumable items; an item sensor configured to detect presence of one or more consumable items supported by each of the support elements; and an insert configured to removably fit into the item space, and wherein the insert comprises the support elements and the item sensor. A method for vending consumable items uses the mobile robot.