Modular Autonomous Delivery Bot Assembly for Right-Sized Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous logistics systems are less adaptive and inefficient, lacking compatibility for various items, incurring waste due to oversized vehicles, and facing interoperability issues with locations and pathways.
Innovation Solution
A modular autonomous logistics vehicle system comprising a modular mobility base, auxiliary power module, cargo storage system, and mobile autonomy control module, which are compatible and dynamically assembled for specific logistics operations, using a dispatch server for efficient item delivery and pickup.
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, transports items, and completes delivery tasks, eliminating the need for manual control and significantly improving operational efficiency while reducing time consumption.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size delivery vehicles are used, then vehicle deployment is simple, but waste occurs due to oversized vehicles for small items
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery vehicle is divided into a base platform and detachable cargo modules of various sizes. The base platform remains constant while different sized cargo modules can be attached based on delivery requirements, allowing simple deployment while optimizing vehicle capacity to match item size and eliminate waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through interchangeable cargo modules. The system transitions from fixed-size vehicles to a flexible configuration where the vehicle size and capacity can be adjusted according to the specific delivery task, optimizing resource utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized delivery vehicles are designed for specific locations, then location-specific requirements are met, but interoperability issues arise with different pathways and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The base platform is designed as a universal, location-agnostic core system that can interface with various cargo modules and adapt to different delivery locations and pathways. This universal base reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to meet location-specific requirements through modular attachments and software configuration.
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.