Robot Alternate Destination Selection Under Contingency Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomy systems in robotics are limited in extensibility and adaptability, as they are typically designed to address only a narrow mission set and lack the ability to rapidly adapt to new platforms or incorporate new modules, restricting their flexibility and effectiveness in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that support robots by detecting contingency events during travel, determining their position, accessing information about alternate destinations, and selecting an optimal route based on time, distance, or other metrics, allowing for real-time navigation and control adjustments to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems are designed to address only one example of robot operation activities, then the system design can be focused and simplified, but the extensibility and adaptability of the system are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal autonomy system architecture that can handle multiple robot operation examples (automatic control, optimization systems, data processing, route planning) through a common framework. The system uses parameterized modules that can be configured for different operations, allowing one system to serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomy system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where modules and parameters can be adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements. The system structure allows for rapid adaptation to new platforms and missions through parameterization rather than hard-coded configurations, enabling the same hardware platform to perform diverse operations by changing software parameters.
2Reliability
If existing autonomy systems are designed for a narrow mission set, then the system can be optimized for specific tasks, but the ability to rapidly adapt to new platforms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses extensive parameterization to adapt to different platforms and missions. Rather than redesigning systems for each platform, the patent implements configurable parameters that define platform-specific characteristics, sensor configurations, actuator properties, and operational constraints. This allows the same autonomy software to be adapted to new platforms by modifying parameters rather than code structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-configured module templates and parameter sets for common robot platforms and operation types. These preliminary configurations provide a starting point that can be quickly adapted to specific needs, reducing the time and effort required to deploy autonomy systems on new platforms while maintaining task optimization through subsequent parameter tuning.
3Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems lack modular structure, then system integration can be simpler, but the ability to incorporate new modules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomy system is divided into discrete, independent modules that each handle specific functions (sensor processing, path planning, obstacle avoidance, task execution). These modular components can be independently developed, tested, and integrated. The patent implements standardized interfaces between modules, allowing new functionality to be added by incorporating additional modules without disrupting existing system operations.
Data Source
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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.