Robot linked to dishwasher, and method for controlling same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic robots are limited in functionality and do not effectively assist with household tasks, particularly in the kitchen, where most housework is performed, despite advancements in object recognition and autonomous driving technologies.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with cameras, a manipulator, sensors, and a processor to identify and classify dishes, determine washing information, and control a dishwasher based on dish characteristics, enabling it to autonomously load and set washing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot is equipped with object recognition technology and autonomous driving capability, then the robot can accurately distinguish various objects and drive stably, but the robot still performs limited functions and cannot effectively assist with household tasks in the kitchen
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system integrates multiple functions including object recognition, autonomous navigation, dish identification, and dishwasher control into a single platform. The robot can both navigate autonomously and perform kitchen-specific tasks by loading dishes and controlling the dishwasher, demonstrating multi-functionality that addresses the limited functionality problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the robot system with the dishwasher system through wireless communication. The robot's processor communicates with the dishwasher's controller to transfer control signals, merging two separate systems (robot and dishwasher) into an integrated household automation solution that expands the robot's functional capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the robot uses multiple cameras and sensors to identify dish characteristics, then the robot can accurately determine washing information, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses multiple cameras positioned at different locations (front camera, rear camera) to capture images of dishes from different angles. This segmentation of the sensing function across multiple components allows accurate identification of dish characteristics while maintaining modular system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple cameras and sensors, processes the information to identify dish characteristics, and then determines appropriate washing information. This intermediary processing layer integrates data from multiple sources to achieve accurate measurement without directly increasing sensor complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a robot linked to a dishwasher, and a method for controlling same. A robot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: at least one camera; a communication interface; a manipulator including a hand; and one or more processors. The one or more processors: obtain an image including a plurality of dishes through the at least one camera; obtain information about the number of the plurality of dishes, the type of each of the dishes, and the size of each of the dishes on the basis of the image; control the manipulator to grip each of the dishes with the hand on the basis of at least one of the information about the type of each of the dishes or the size of each of the dishes; determine washing information, for an external dishwasher, about the plurality of dishes on the basis of the number of the plurality of dishes, the type of each of the dishes, and the size of each of the dishes; and transmit the determined washing information to the external dishwasher through the communication interface.