Robot Alternate Destination Selection for Contingency Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomy systems in robotics are limited in their ability to support multiple aspects of robot operation, such as automatic control, task allocation, and real-time data processing, which restricts their extensibility and adaptability to new mission sets and platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a robot to select an alternate destination in response to a contingency event by detecting the event, determining the robot's position, accessing information about alternate destinations, and selecting one based on travel time, thereby enabling the robot to adapt and continue its mission efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing autonomy systems are configured to address only one aspect of robot operation, then the system design can be focused on a narrow mission set, but the extensibility and adaptability to new mission sets and platforms are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified autonomy system architecture that can handle multiple aspects of robot operation simultaneously, including automatic control, task allocation, and real-time data processing. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to various mission sets and platforms while maintaining focused design principles for each specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities that allow it to adapt its structure and parameters based on the specific mission requirements. This enables the autonomy system to be focused on narrow mission sets when needed while also being extensible to new mission sets through parameterization and reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems are configured to address only one aspect of robot operation, then the system design can be simplified, but the adaptability to new platforms through parameterization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameterization mechanisms that allow the autonomy system to adapt to new platforms by changing system parameters rather than redesigning the entire architecture. This enables rapid adaptation to new platforms while maintaining a relatively simple and focused system design through configurable parameters.
3Reliability
If the robot selects an alternate destination based on multiple factors including travel time, then the mission continuity is improved, but the decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores information about multiple alternate destinations before they are needed. When a contingency event occurs, the robot can quickly select from pre-evaluated options based on current conditions, maintaining mission continuity without requiring complex real-time decision-making for each factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor robot position, mission status, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust the selection of alternate destinations based on multiple factors including travel time, while keeping the decision-making process manageable through real-time information updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for supporting a robot in response to a contingency event. The method includes detecting the contingency event during travel of the robot on a route to a destination. In response, the method includes determining a position of the robot, and accessing information about alternate destinations associated with the route. The method includes selecting an alternate destination from the alternate destinations based on a time to travel from the position of the robot to the alternate destination, and the information. And the method includes outputting an indication of the alternate destination for use in at least one of guidance, navigation or control of the robot to the alternate destination.