Autonomous Robot In-Field Authentication via Signal Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increased use of autonomous electronic devices for task delegation raises security concerns due to the likelihood of interception or hacking, necessitating a method for authenticating these devices during object delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system for in-field authentication of autonomous electronic devices, where two devices use multi-layered authentication methods, including wireless communication, RFID, NFC, ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and blockchain technology, to verify identities and ensure secure delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If autonomous electronic devices are used for task delegation and object delivery, then productivity and automation are improved, but security vulnerabilities increase due to likelihood of interception or hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of object deliveryVSAvoidsecurity of device communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before the actual object delivery occurs. The delivering device transmits authentication signals and the receiving device verifies identities in advance, establishing secure credentials before the transfer of the object. This preliminary security check prevents unauthorized interception or hacking during the delivery process while maintaining automated productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multi-layered authentication methods are implemented between devices, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into distinct functional layers: identification signal transmission, authentication signal exchange, identity verification, and object transfer authorization. Each layer handles a specific aspect of the authentication process, making the complex security system more manageable and maintainable while ensuring comprehensive security coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces authentication signals as intermediary elements that mediate between the delivering device and receiving device. These authentication signals serve as a formal communication protocol that simplifies the interaction between devices by providing standardized verification mechanisms, reducing the overall system complexity despite the multi-layered security approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11121857B2Systems, devices, and methods for in-field authenticating of autonomous robots

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for in-field authentication of autonomous electronic devices. A first mobile autonomous electronic device wirelessly communicates with a second mobile autonomous electronic device and receives a set of identification information associated with the second mobile autonomous electronic device. The first electronic device autonomously travels to a specified location and transmits a first authentication signal to the second electronic device upon arrival at the specified location. The second electronic device confirms the identity of the first electronic device based on the first authentication signal and transmits a second authentication signal to the first electronic device. Once the first electronic device has confirmed that the identity of the second electronic device corresponds to an expected identity, the first electronic device transfers the object to the second electronic device.