Modular Autonomous Bot Assembly for Consumer Return Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous logistics systems face challenges such as lack of adaptability, interoperability with various locations and facilities, and inefficient use of vehicles, leading to waste and inefficiencies in item delivery and pickup operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly comprising a modular mobility base, auxiliary power module, cargo storage system, and mobile autonomy control module, which autonomously performs consumer-to-store return and swap logistics operations, ensuring compatibility and efficient item handling through modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manually controlled logistics delivery vehicles are deployed, then delivery operations can be performed, but high operational costs and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics delivery vehicle is equipped with autonomous control capabilities including sensors, processors, and control systems that enable the vehicle to perform delivery operations independently without manual intervention. The vehicle autonomously navigates, identifies delivery locations, and completes item transfer, eliminating the need for human operators and thereby reducing operational costs and time consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-configuration logistics vehicles are used, then vehicle deployment is simplified, but adaptability to different locations and facilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics delivery vehicle incorporates a configurable module system where components such as cargo compartments, interaction interfaces, and navigation systems can be dynamically adjusted or reconfigured based on the specific delivery location and facility requirements. This dynamic configurability enables the vehicle to adapt to diverse environments including residential areas, commercial buildings, and specialized facilities while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If oversized vehicles are dispatched for small items, then all item sizes can be accommodated, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's cargo capacity is divided into multiple configurable modules or compartments that can be independently adjusted in size and configuration. Based on the dimensions and requirements of the items being delivered, the system selectively activates only the necessary cargo space, allowing small items to be transported in a minimized footprint and thereby reducing energy consumption and resource waste while still accommodating larger items when needed.
4Productivity
If autonomous control systems are added to logistics vehicles, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is designed with multi-functional sensors and processors that serve multiple purposes: navigation, obstacle detection, delivery location identification, item handling coordination, and communication with facility systems. By making these control components universal and multi-functional rather than specialized for single tasks, the system achieves high autonomous operational efficiency while minimizing the overall complexity and cost of the control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation. The MAM then autonomously causes the bot apparatus to move to the designated pickup location, notifies the authorized supplier of an approaching pickup, receives supplier authorization input to permissively allow access to a payload area within the bot apparatus, monitors loading as the item being replaced is received along with return documentation, and then autonomously causes movement of the bot apparatus back to the origin location.