Optical Rail-Marker Localization for High-Speed Autonomous Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robot systems face inefficiencies in localization at higher speeds due to the high cost and performance degradation of reader-marker systems, leading to a significant portion of article movements in factories and warehouses being manual.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a plurality of rail paths with markers and sensors, where autonomous robots detect marker bits through sensors to determine their position, with a system controller managing movements in real-time based on marker patterns and location identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID reader-marker systems are used for autonomous robot localization, then the system can identify current position, but the relative speed between reader and marker causes performance degradation and requires expensive fast reader-markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID electromagnetic reader-marker systems with an optical sensor-based marker detection system. The autonomous robot uses sensors to detect optical markers (visual cues) on the floor, substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic reading process with optical detection that is not adversely affected by relative speed in the same way RFID systems are.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical markers that are visual copies or representations of position information displayed on the floor. Instead of using expensive fast RFID readers to detect position, the system uses simple optical sensors to read visual marker patterns, creating a cost-effective copy of the localization function.
2Productivity
If fast reader-marker systems are used to maintain efficacy at higher speeds, then localization performance is maintained, but the cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive optical markers and standard optical sensors instead of expensive fast RFID readers. The markers are simple visual patterns that can be printed on the floor, and the sensors are conventional components, making the overall system much more cost-effective while maintaining functionality at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the expensive RFID hardware with optical detection, the patent eliminates the need for high-cost fast reader-markers. The optical system uses standard, inexpensive components that achieve the same localization function without the speed-related performance degradation and associated costs.
3Productivity
If manual labor is used for article movement, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to rising labor costs and shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot performs article movement tasks independently using onboard sensors and controllers to navigate and transport articles. The robot localizes itself using optical markers and autonomously plans paths, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining flexibility in handling articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback from detecting optical markers to continuously update the robot's position and adjust its navigation. This closed-loop feedback enables autonomous operation with the flexibility previously requiring manual control, allowing the robot to adapt to its environment and complete tasks autonomously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and cost-effective localization for autonomous robots, enabling reliable operation at higher speeds and reducing the need for manual intervention, while managing traffic and collisions among robots.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of readers include a plurality of sensors configured to detect at least one of: presence and absence of the plurality of marker bits. The plurality of sensors in a sensor array are proportional to the maximum number of plurality of marker bits in a plurality of marker bits array of plurality of markers.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous robot localization system for managing a plurality of autonomous robots is disclosed. The autonomous robot localization system includes a plurality of rail paths including a plurality of markers, a plurality of autonomous robots, and a system controller. The plurality of rail paths is used for guiding the plurality of autonomous robots. The plurality of autonomous robots include a plurality of readers, and a plurality of robot controllers. The plurality of readers include a plurality of sensors The plurality of robot controllers generate a plurality of marker patterns for corresponding marker based on assigned presence and absence status of the plurality of marker bits. The system controller manages movements of the plurality of autonomous robots based on a plurality of commands sent to the plurality of robot controllers.