Modular Delivery Robot with Interchangeable Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic delivery systems are limited by static payload configurations and lack the ability to facilitate selective distribution and chain of custody for items, making them inflexible and inefficient in meeting diverse delivery objectives.
Innovation Solution
A modular robotic unit with interchangeable containers that can be configured for various delivery purposes, equipped with tracking markers and access control mechanisms to ensure secure and traceable delivery of items, allowing authorized access and chain of custody tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic delivery systems use static payload configurations, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different delivery objectives is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery robot is divided into modular components including interchangeable containers, payload modules, and standardized mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows different container types to be swapped based on delivery objectives without redesigning the entire system, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs universal mounting mechanisms and standardized interfaces that allow a single base platform to accommodate multiple container types and payload configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same robotic system to perform various delivery tasks (secure item delivery, bulk item delivery, temperature-sensitive delivery) without requiring multiple specialized robots.
2Reliability
If conventional robotic delivery systems lack selective distribution mechanisms, then the system is simpler to operate, but the ability to control item access and track chain of custody is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors, scanners, and tracking devices that continuously monitor container access, item location, and delivery status. This feedback is transmitted to a central system to maintain an automated chain of custody record, improving reliability through continuous verification while reducing operational complexity by automating the tracking process rather than requiring manual documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of delivery events, access attempts, and chain of custody information through integrated sensors and communication modules. This self-service capability reduces the need for external monitoring systems and manual tracking, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic delivery systems use fixed container configurations, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to meet diverse delivery requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs containers with adjustable parameters including removable lids, adjustable dividers, and configurable locking mechanisms. These parameter changes allow the same container base to be configured for different delivery requirements (secure vs. accessible, single item vs. bulk items) without manufacturing entirely different container types, thus improving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized base designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and a method that includes a robotic unit configured to deliver items (e.g., medicine, foodstuff, linens, equipment, etc.) to sites (e.g., rooms, offices, etc.) and/or individuals (e.g., patients, pharmacists, technician, etc.) throughout a facility (e.g., hospital, office building, mailroom, manufacturing facility, etc.). The robotic unit is a mobile unit that operates autonomously to follow predetermined or programmed routes throughout the facility to deliver the items. The system is configured to maintain a chain of custody for the items. In addition, the robotic unit is configured to only allow designated items to be delivered to designated sites and/or to authorized individuals. This can be achieved by the robotic unit having a plurality of containers that are locked within a storage space of the robotic unit, and are only accessible upon successful completion of an authorization process.