Modular Delivery Robot Transfer Assembly for Human-Free Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous modular robots (AMRs) for last mile delivery require human intervention for loading and unloading packages, leading to inefficiencies such as waiting for human operators and inability to perform robot-to-robot package transfers.
Innovation Solution
The development of an autonomous modular robot system that includes a base platform with autonomous locomotion and a top hat module with a container system and transfer system, enabling autonomous navigation, loading, and unloading of packages, as well as robot-to-robot package transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human operators are used to load and unload packages, then the robot can be simple in structure, but the delivery efficiency decreases due to waiting time and inability to perform robot-to-robot transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular components: a base platform and interchangeable top hat modules. Each top hat module contains specialized functionality (container system, transfer system, or both), allowing the robot to be configured for specific tasks while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardization of connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The base platform is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different top hat modules. The transfer system within top hat modules enables multiple functions: robot-to-robot package transfer, autonomous loading, and autonomous unloading, eliminating the need for human operators across various operational scenarios.
2Loss of time
If the robot waits for human users to load packages, then the loading mechanism can be simple, but the delivery time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system enables the robot to perform loading operations autonomously by transferring packages from other robots or designated locations without human intervention. The container system similarly enables autonomous unloading at destination, allowing the robot to complete its cycle without waiting for human operators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robot-to-robot package transfer is not implemented, then the transfer system can be omitted, but the ability to perform autonomous loading and unloading is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer capability is segmented into modular top hat modules that can be attached to base platforms as needed. This allows the transfer system functionality to be distributed across multiple independent units rather than requiring a complex centralized transfer mechanism in each robot.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous modular robots and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first assembly includes a first controller having a first processor that causes a first assembly support to translate along a first axis and align with a container placed on the first assembly support which is connected to a third assembly. The third assembly is configured to release a lid when the container has been engaged with the lid. The lid and container form a second assembly that includes a second processor and a second sensor assembly located in the lid. A transfer assembly can transfer an object into and out of the container. The first processor can determine a position and orientation of a delivery platform, planned movement and position of the second assembly, and planned operations of the transfer assembly in order to deliver a package to the delivery platform.