Modular Arm Robots for Dynamic Last-Mile Delivery Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current last-mile delivery robots face challenges in navigating dynamic and uncertain environments, with wheeled robots constrained to planar surfaces and legged systems being inefficient due to high energy costs and space requirements, limiting their ability to handle packages effectively in varied terrains and delivery scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular robotic systems, specifically arm-like robots with bilateral symmetry and multiple degrees of freedom, equipped with latching mechanisms and wheels, allowing them to anchor, manipulate, and move objects efficiently across various terrains by coordinating their actions and using packages as bodies for increased capacity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wheeled robots are used for delivery, then they can move efficiently on flat terrain, but they are constrained to a single plane and cannot navigate varied terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The robot transitions from a static wheeled configuration to a dynamic legged configuration when navigating varied terrains. The system can switch between wheeled mode for flat surfaces and legged mode for stairs and uneven ground, making the robot adaptable to different terrain types while maintaining ease of operation on each surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is divided into modular components including a base module with wheels and interchangeable leg modules. This segmentation allows the robot to attach different locomotion modules based on terrain requirements, providing versatility without compromising operational simplicity on any given terrain type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legged robots are used for delivery, then they can navigate varied terrains, but they consume high energy and require significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The robot dynamically selects its locomotion mode based on terrain assessment. It uses energy-efficient wheeled motion on flat surfaces and switches to legged motion only when varied terrain is detected, minimizing overall energy consumption while maintaining terrain adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs a universal base module that can perform both wheeled and legged locomotion functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wheeled and legged robots, reducing total system energy consumption and space requirements while maintaining versatility across terrain types.
3Ease of operation
If traditional delivery robots are used, then they can transport packages, but they lack dexterity in manipulating and anchoring objects in uncertain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The robot incorporates specialized end-effectors as separate modular components that can be attached to the manipulator arms. These end-effectors include anchoring mechanisms, grippers, and manipulation tools that provide reliable package handling in uncertain environments while maintaining ease of operation through modular attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot uses intermediate anchoring mechanisms that can attach to various surfaces (walls, floors, ceilings) to stabilize the system during package manipulation. These intermediaries provide reliable positioning in uncertain environments while allowing the manipulator arms to maintain dexterity in handling packages.
4Device complexity
If modular robotic systems are used, then they can optimize space usage and reduce costs, but they increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with standardized modular components including base modules, leg modules, manipulator modules, and end-effectors. Each module is independently manufactured using standardization principles, which simplifies the manufacturing process despite the overall system modularity. The standardized interfaces between modules reduce assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system uses universal base modules and standardized connection interfaces that can work with different leg modules and end-effectors. This universality reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining system modularity and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Arm-like robots and systems and methods that can move objects using multiple cooperating robots in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are described. In one embodiment, the arm-like robot includes a body having two ends, where the body comprises a plurality of actuated joints. In addition, the arm-like robot can include end-effectors attached at each end of the body, where each of the end-effectors is capable of both anchoring the arm-like robot to form a base and connecting to an object. The arm-like robot can also include at least one controller configured to control motion of the plurality of actuated joints and end-effectors so that one of the end-effectors can anchor the arm-like robot and form a base and the other end-effector can connect to a target object.