Modular Autonomous Delivery Bot for HAL Facility Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous logistics delivery systems lack adaptability, interoperability, and efficiency, often requiring oversized vehicles and manual intervention, and face challenges with facility compatibility and pathway obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A modular autonomous logistics vehicle transport system comprising a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly with components like a mobility base, auxiliary power module, cargo storage system, and mobile autonomy control module, along with a remotely-actuated logistics receptacle, to autonomously manage delivery and pickup operations, ensuring compatibility and adaptability.
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 autonomous delivery vehicle performs delivery operations independently without human intervention. The vehicle autonomously navigates pathways, identifies delivery locations, transfers items using its robotic arm, and returns to base stations, enabling self-service delivery operations that eliminate manual control costs and improve efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated systems including sensors, processors, and robotic mechanisms. The vehicle uses optical sensors for navigation, robotic arms for item transfer, and automated docking mechanisms, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated ones to improve productivity and reduce time loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If oversized delivery vehicles are used, then cargo capacity is sufficient, but adaptability to various locations and pathways is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into modular components: a base vehicle, detachable cargo modules, and interchangeable robotic arms. This segmentation allows the vehicle to adjust its effective size by attaching or detaching modules based on delivery requirements, enabling adaptability to various pathways while maintaining sufficient cargo capacity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs dynamic configuration capabilities where cargo modules can be attached or detached during operations. The robotic arm can adjust its reach and positioning dynamically, and the vehicle can change its operational mode between autonomous navigation and manual override, providing adaptability to different delivery scenarios without requiring a fixed oversized design
3Extent of automation
If autonomous navigation systems are implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but challenges with pathway obstacles and facility compatibility arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces base stations as intermediary elements between the autonomous vehicle and the environment. These stations provide reference points for navigation, charging interfaces, and item transfer zones. The robotic arm acts as an intermediary mechanism for reliable item transfer between the vehicle and stationary receptacles, overcoming pathway and facility compatibility challenges through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous navigation system incorporates continuous feedback from sensors including optical sensors, GPS, and proximity detectors. The vehicle receives feedback about its position, detected obstacles, and environmental conditions, allowing it to adjust its navigation in real-time. This feedback loop improves pathway navigation reliability by enabling the vehicle to respond to dynamic obstacles and facility variations
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-modular delivery systems are used, then system design is simpler, but adaptability to different delivery scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into standardized modular components with uniform interfaces. Cargo modules, robotic arms, and base stations all use compatible connection protocols and physical interfaces. This segmentation enables flexible configuration for different delivery scenarios while keeping individual module designs relatively simple, as each module performs a specific function with standardized connections
Solution Approach 2:
The base vehicle is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of cargo modules and robotic arms. The same base vehicle can perform different delivery tasks by attaching different modules, providing multi-functionality without requiring complex customization. The standardized interfaces maintain simplicity while enabling adaptability across various delivery scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and enhanced apparatus used in such methods are described that a dispatched logistics operation for a deliverable item from a hold-at-location (HAL) logistics facility having a secured storage and using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The bot apparatus assembly picks up and delivers the item from the HAL facility in response to a delivery dispatch command from the dispatch server. In response, the MAM of the bot verifies compatibility of modular components for the operation, controls receiving of the deliverable item from the secured storage at the HAL facility, then autonomously causes movement to the delivery destination. The MAM notifies the customer before delivery of the approaching delivery, authenticates delivery is to the authorized customer, provides access to the item within the bot apparatus assembly, monitors unloading of the item, then autonomously moves back to the HAL facility.