Mobile Robot Elevator Calling to Cut Waits and User Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in improving user experience due to waiting times, cumbersome call mechanisms, and inefficient control signal management, particularly when users need to navigate to distant call devices or configure personal devices for elevator control.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system comprising a mobile robot and a data center that generates control signals based on real-time and statistical user traffic data, allowing the robot to move to predetermined positions and interact with users, thereby optimizing elevator operation and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If call giving devices are arranged distantly from the elevator, then the user can make the elevator call when entering the building, but the user still needs to reach the call giving device which requires extra walk
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile robot acts as an intermediary between the user and the elevator system. The robot moves to the user's location to receive elevator call requests, eliminating the need for users to walk to distant call devices while also providing advance notification to the elevator system, thus resolving both the waiting time and convenience issues
2Loss of time
If mobile phone or similar terminal device is used for generating the elevator call, then the user can select optimal timing for calling the elevator, but the user needs to install applications and configure the terminal device which turns out to be cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot provides a self-service solution where users simply interact with the robot naturally (e.g., pressing a button or giving a command) without needing to install applications or configure complex settings. The robot handles all communication with the elevator system, making the process simple and intuitive while still allowing optimal timing selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user needs to establish a connection with his/her terminal device to the elevator system, then the elevator call can be generated, but this connection establishment may turn out to be cumbersome, especially in a hurry
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot serves as a physical intermediary that the user can easily interact with in person. The robot handles all complex communication and connection protocols with the elevator system in the background, so users only need to interact with the robot's simple interface, eliminating cumbersome connection establishment while maintaining flexible call timing
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an elevator. In the method a data center (140) generates (310) at least one control signal to at least one mobile robot (150) for instructing the at least one mobile robot (150) to a predetermined position. The at least one mobile robot (150) generates (320) at least one control signal to the elevator controller (110) for controlling an elevator in response to an interaction with at least one user in the predetermined position. The invention also relates to an elevator system and a mobile robot implementing at least portions of the method.