Robot-Assisted Elevator Operation for Safety in Autonomous Facilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face deficiencies in safety, intelligentization, convenience, and user experience, particularly in handling complex and personalized needs in autonomous intelligent facilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing robot technology to manage elevator operations through robots that provide services such as area guidance, accompanying elevator use, hazard identification, and crowd flow analysis, using sensors and communication systems to enhance elevator system intelligence and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If existing elevators are used in autonomous intelligent facilities, then elevator transportation function is provided, but safety, intelligentization, convenience, user experience and cost of use are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator automation levelVSAvoidelevator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A robot is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the elevator system. The robot receives user requests, determines elevator calls, and communicates with the elevator controller, thereby enhancing automation while maintaining safety through structured interaction protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the robot receives user feedback during elevator operations and adjusts its behavior accordingly. The elevator controller receives feedback from the robot about user needs and modifies elevator operations to improve service quality and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If robot technology is integrated into elevator management, then service level and intelligence are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator service adaptabilityVSAvoidelevator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is designed with multi-functionality to handle various elevator-related tasks including user guidance, elevator call determination, safety monitoring, and communication with the elevator controller. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot autonomously performs elevator management tasks such as determining elevator calls based on user requests, monitoring safety conditions, and communicating with the elevator controller without requiring constant human intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If robots perform safety monitoring and hazard identification, then safety is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator safetyVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The robot autonomously performs safety monitoring and hazard identification tasks using its own sensors and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated safety monitoring systems and reducing overall operational costs while maintaining high safety standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3882191B1Method and device for managing elevator operation, elevator system and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3882191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3882191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for managing elevator operation, a device for managing elevator operation, an elevator system and a computer-readable storage medium. The method for managing elevator operation includes the steps of: establishing (S11) a communication connection with at least one of robots movably arranged in a preset area; receiving (S12) data information from the robot, the data information including elevator service information generated by the robot based on input information related to an elevator visitor; and controlling (S13) the operation of the elevator and/or the operation of at least another one of the robots according to the received data information. The service level of existing elevator systems can be significantly improved by applying the disclosure, so as to meet people's requirements more safely, reliably, efficiently and intelligently, improve elevator visitor's comfort experience in taking the elevator, and reduce use cost.