Robot linked to dishwasher, and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domestic robots are limited in their functionality and are primarily used for tasks such as vacuum cleaning, leaving a need for a more versatile robot that can assist with kitchen tasks, particularly in dishwashing.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a camera, manipulator with a gripper, and communication interface, capable of obtaining images of dishes, identifying their type, size, and number, and controlling the manipulator to grip and arrange the dishes in a dishwasher, determining washing information based on the obtained data, and transmitting it to the dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is equipped with multiple cameras and a manipulator to perform dishwashing tasks, then the robot's functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with a manipulator that can perform multiple functions including gripping dishes, arranging them in the dishwasher, and operating the dishwasher controls. This multi-functional design allows a single robot system to handle the entire dishwashing process, from collection to washing, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system is divided into distinct functional modules: cameras for detection, manipulator for physical interaction, and control unit for decision-making. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through modular architecture
2Measurement precision
If the robot uses multiple cameras to obtain comprehensive dish information, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into a first camera for capturing overall dish arrangement and a second camera mounted on the manipulator for close-up inspection. This segmentation allows each camera to specialize in specific measurement tasks, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through divided functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator serves as an intermediary that positions the second camera close to the dishes for detailed inspection. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for dish characteristics without requiring all cameras to be simultaneously close to all dishes, thereby managing the complexity of the detection system
3Ease of operation
If the robot autonomously identifies and arranges dishes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary actions by collecting dishes and arranging them in the dishwasher before initiating the washing cycle. This preliminary arrangement ensures that dishes are properly positioned for optimal washing, improving ease of operation while the processing time is managed through efficient automation of these preparatory steps
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomously performs the entire dishwashing process including collecting dishes, arranging them in the dishwasher, and operating the dishwasher controls. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention, significantly improving ease of operation while the automation efficiently manages the time required for each task
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot linked to a dishwasher and a method of controlling same. The robot includes: a camera; a manipulator including a gripper; a communication interface; memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions and cause the robot to: obtain an image including dishes, obtain, based on the image, information about a number of the dishes, a type of each of the dishes, and a size of each of the dishes, control the manipulator to grip each of the dishes using the gripper based on at least one of the type of each of the dishes or the size of each of the dishes, determine washing information of an external dishwasher for the dishes based on the number of dishes, the type of each of the dishes, and the size of each of the dishes, and transmit the washing information to the external dishwasher.