Robot Delivery System Elevator API Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance systems and package delivery methods are typically designed for human interaction, lacking integration with robots and efficient automation for package delivery processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a robot delivery system, integrating with conveyance systems like elevators and application programming interfaces (APIs) to automate package delivery, including obtaining package information, navigating conveyance systems, and managing delivery logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conveyance systems are designed for human interaction only, then the system design is simple and straightforward, but the system cannot accommodate robot integration and automated package delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is modified to serve multiple functions: it can transport both humans and robots, and can be controlled through multiple interfaces (manual controls and robotic APIs). This universal design allows the same elevator infrastructure to accommodate diverse users without requiring separate systems for human and robot transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms where the elevator controller can adapt its behavior based on the type of user (human or robot). The controller dynamically adjusts parameters such as door operation mode, floor selection interface, and safety protocols depending on whether a human or robot is present, enabling flexible adaptation to different operational modes.
2Productivity
If package delivery is performed manually by humans, then the process is simple to implement, but productivity and delivery efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robot delivery system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention for each delivery task. The robot independently navigates to elevators, selects floors using API-controlled interfaces, transports packages, and returns to the sorting area, effectively serving itself and eliminating the need for manual package handling by human workers.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (human workers physically carrying packages and operating elevators) are replaced by an automated robotic system that uses sensor-based navigation, API-driven control interfaces, and automated package handling mechanisms. This substitution transitions the system from mechanical human labor to automated robotic execution.
3Extent of automation
If robots are integrated into conveyance systems, then automated delivery is achieved, but the system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An API layer serves as an intermediary between the robotic system and the elevator control system. This standardized interface abstracts the complexity of elevator control, allowing robots to communicate floor requests and receive status updates through uniform commands without needing to understand the underlying elevator mechanics, thereby simplifying integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is divided into independent modular components: the robot unit, the elevator transport system, and the sorting area. Each component operates semi-independently with well-defined interfaces, allowing them to be developed, tested, and maintained separately while working together through standardized communication protocols and physical interfaces.
4Productivity
If multiple robots share the same conveyance system, then delivery capacity increases, but coordination and traffic management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator controller continuously receives feedback from multiple robots regarding their location, destination, and status. Based on this real-time feedback, the controller dynamically assigns elevators to robots, sequences floor requests, and manages door operations to prevent conflicts and optimize throughput, enabling coordinated operation of multiple robots without collisions or deadlocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering packages using a robot delivery system including: obtaining information about a package from an online ordering platform application programing interface, the information about the package including at least a destination of the package; transmitting the information about the package to a first robot; instructing the first robot to obtain the package or retain the package; and instructing the first robot to deliver the package to the destination using a conveyance system.