Modular Robot Self-Loading via Scissor Lift and Fiducial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for package delivery operations due to e-commerce growth necessitates optimizing delivery processes to minimize time wastage and improve hourly throughput, particularly in accommodating packages of varying sizes and self-loading into delivery vehicles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot system with omni-directional wheels, sensors, cameras, and interlocking modular units that can configure to various sizes, allowing self-loading into vehicles using sensors, cameras, and fiducials for alignment, and a scissor lift mechanism with loading arms for secure transport of multiple robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-size delivery vehicle is used, then vehicle structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate packages of varying sizes efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple independent modular robots that can be combined in different configurations. Each robot is a self-contained unit with standard dimensions, and multiple robots can be loaded into a single delivery vehicle, allowing the system to adapt to various package sizes without changing the vehicle structure.
2Productivity
If manual loading of robots into vehicles is used, then loading process is simple, but labor costs are high and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and fiducial recognition capabilities that enable them to autonomously navigate to the delivery vehicle, align themselves correctly, and load into the vehicle without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-loading process utilizes feedback from sensors and cameras on both the robots and the delivery vehicle to monitor positioning and alignment in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment and precise docking, ensuring successful autonomous loading.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple robots are loaded into a single vehicle, then delivery capacity increases, but robot stability during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space of the delivery vehicle is segmented into standardized compartments or docking positions that correspond to the dimensions of individual modular robots. Each robot has a designated placement area with physical guides or constraints that prevent movement during transport, maintaining stability while allowing multiple robots to be carried.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-size delivery robots are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot optimize delivery routes for different package sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system uses standardized modular robot units with uniform dimensions and interface specifications. This segmentation allows robots to be manufactured using the same production processes and components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling flexible combinations to match different package sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular robot is designed as a universal unit that can perform the same delivery function regardless of package size. The standardization of robot dimensions and interfaces allows any number of identical robots to be used for different delivery scenarios, achieving versatility without complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular robot system which may be configured to accommodate packages of varying sizes is provided. The modular robot may include a base having omni-directional wheels and cameras and sensors, one or more modular containers, and a lid, which may be releasably linked together to form a small, medium or larger units. The base may include a lifting mechanism to vertically raise the robot to a desired height in alignment with a delivery vehicle. Moreover, retractable loading arms of the vehicle may be extended from the vehicle to engage with the robot to facilitate self-loading of the robot into the delivery vehicle.