Modular Robot Zoning and Task Assignment for Multi-Function Autonomy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robots are limited to performing a single function, making it difficult and expensive to perform multiple tasks without acquiring dedicated robots for each task.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot system that allows for interchangeable modules (sweeper, scrubber, mower) with a controller to assign zones and work functions, using GPS, computer vision, and sensors for efficient task performance and zone customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-function autonomous robot is used, then the robot can be simple and reliable, but it cannot perform multiple tasks without acquiring dedicated robots for each task
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is divided into a base robot unit and interchangeable functional modules (sweeper module, scrubber module, mower module). Each module can be attached or detached to change the robot's function, allowing a single robot to perform multiple tasks without requiring multiple dedicated robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The base robot unit is designed with universal interfaces and control capabilities that can work with different functional modules. The controller can assign zones and work functions to different modules, enabling the same robot hardware to universally perform sweeping, scrubbing, mowing, and other tasks by simply changing the attached module.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated robots are acquired for different tasks, then each task can be performed optimally, but the cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional capabilities (sweeping, scrubbing, mowing) that would traditionally require separate dedicated robots are merged into a single robot system through interchangeable modules. The base robot unit serves as a common platform that can be configured with different modules based on task requirements, reducing the total number of robots needed from multiple dedicated units to a single multi-functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for discarding (detaching) unused functional modules and recovering (re-attaching) them when needed. The controller manages the assignment and reassignment of modules to different zones and tasks, enabling dynamic resource allocation where modules can be moved between tasks as requirements change, rather than having fixed dedicated robots for each function.
3Productivity
If zones and sub-zones are programmed with different work functions, then task optimization is improved, but the programming and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the operating area into zones and sub-zones, each with specific work function requirements. The controller is configured to assign different work functions to different zones based on local conditions (e.g., high debris areas vs. low debris areas). This allows task optimization for each specific zone while the controller manages the overall coordination automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the assignment of modules to zones and the execution of work functions based on programmed parameters. Once the zones and work functions are initially configured, the system can autonomously determine which modules to deploy to which zones and monitor task completion, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and simplifying ongoing control despite the complexity of multi-zone management.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular robot is provided. The modular robot includes a sweeper module having a container for collecting debris from a surface of a location. The sweeper module is coupled to one or more brushes for contacting the surface and moving said debris into said container. Included is a robot module having wheels and configured to couple to the sweeper module. The robot module is enabled for autonomous movement and corresponding movement of the sweeper module over the surface. A controller is integrated with the robot module and interfacing with the sweeper module. The controller is configured to execute instructions for assigning of at least two zones at the location and assigning a work function to be performed using the sweeper module at each of the at least two zones. The controller is further configured for programming the robot module to activate the sweeper module in each of the two zones. The assigned work function is set for performance at each of the at least two zones. The work function can be to sweep, to scrub, to polish, to mow or to perform different work functions over zones of a location, and providing remote access to view real-time operation of the modular robot, and to program zones and other control parameters of the modular robot.