Mobile Vending Robot Repositioning for Consumer Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vending machines and refuse receptacles are often not conveniently located, are difficult to relocate, and lack the ability to share usage data, leading to suboptimal placement and limited consumer choice, with issues related to vandalism, hygiene, and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized mobile merchantry system that self-propels to designated locations within a geographical boundary, equipped with a control system, sensor array, and expressive lighting, allowing interaction with consumers for sales or recycle refuse collection, and utilizing data communication and optimization algorithms to determine optimal locations for increased sales and consumer convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 be relocated easily
Solution Approach 1:
The vending machine is transformed from a static structure to a mobile robot that can dynamically reposition itself. The robot includes locomotion mechanisms (wheels, tracks, or legs) that enable it to move autonomously to different locations within a facility, allowing it to serve consumers wherever they are rather than requiring consumers to go to fixed machine locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile vending robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, including sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS), processors for path planning, and communication systems. These components work together to enable the robot to independently determine its location, navigate to optimal serving positions, and return to base stations for restocking without human intervention.
2Productivity
If vending machines are filled with product, then they can provide sales, but they become too heavy and dangerous to move
Solution Approach 1:
The vending system is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile service robot that travels to consumers and a stationary base station that stores bulk inventory. The robot carries only minimal product or empty dispensing mechanisms during movement, while the heavy inventory remains at the base station, eliminating the weight problem during relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot returns to the base station periodically to restock inventory before being deployed again. This preliminary restocking action ensures the robot is ready for service without carrying excessive weight during movement, as it only needs enough product for its service cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vending machines are deployed in unattended public locations, then consumer choice is expanded, but they are exposed to vandalism and hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vending robot is equipped with sensors (cameras, microphones, motion detectors) that continuously monitor its environment for signs of vandalism, tampering, or unusual activity. The system can detect potential threats and respond by alerting authorities, playing deterrent sounds, or returning to base for safekeeping, thereby maintaining reliability in public deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot serves as an intermediary between consumers and the central facility. It can operate in public spaces without permanent installation, reducing vulnerability to vandalism compared to fixed machines. The robot also maintains hygiene through sealed product containers and controlled access mechanisms, preventing contamination while serving in public areas.
4Ease of repair
If vending machines are retrieved and moved to central location every day, then they can be maintained, but it is too difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vending robot autonomously returns to its base station when inventory is low or maintenance is needed, eliminating the need for human operators to manually retrieve and transport machines. The base station automatically restocks the robot and performs maintenance tasks, significantly reducing time and labor requirements.
5Reliability
If secured vending machines are deployed in unattended locations, then vandalism is prevented, but consumer choice and vending platform variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vending robot is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of vending functions (snacks, beverages, fresh food, pharmaceuticals) through interchangeable dispensing modules. The same secure mobile platform can serve different product types and consumer needs, maintaining both security and versatility.
Data Source
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.