Robot Movement Plan Modification via Event Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robots operating in dynamic environments face challenges in predicting user behavior and adapting their movement plans to account for uncertainties introduced by people, animals, or other moving entities within their operational space, leading to potential interference with their tasks.
Innovation Solution
A robot system equipped with sensors and a processor that detects events within its operational space, predicts actions based on these events, and modifies its movement plan to include correlated robot actions, using a lookup table or data store to identify appropriate responses to detected changes, ensuring safe and efficient navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot operates in a dynamic environment with people and animals, then the robot can perform tasks in real-world settings, but uncertainty and interference from moving entities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting events and predicting future actions before they occur. The prediction module anticipates what users will do next based on detected events, allowing the robot to prepare and adjust its movement plan proactively rather than reactively, thus maintaining task reliability in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operational space for events, comparing predicted actions against the current movement plan, and adjusting the plan based on the comparison. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the robot to adapt to dynamic environments while maintaining reliable task execution
2Productivity
If a robot follows a predetermined movement plan, then task execution is efficient and on schedule, but the robot cannot respond to unexpected events or user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The movement plan is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously evaluates whether the current movement plan conflicts with predicted user actions and adjusts the plan in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the robot to maintain efficient task execution while adapting to unexpected events through automated plan modification
3Reliability
If a robot modifies its movement plan frequently to account for user behavior, then the robot can avoid interference and operate safely, but task execution time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By predicting user actions in advance, the system can proactively adjust the movement plan only when necessary, rather than making frequent reactive modifications. This preliminary prediction capability allows the robot to maintain safe operation while minimizing unnecessary plan changes and associated time losses
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for responding to a detected event by a robot is provided. The method includes using a sensor to detect an event within an operational space of a robot. The event includes a movement of an object or a person within the operational space. The method also includes using a processor to predict an action to occur within the operational space of the robot based upon the detected event. The method also identifies at least one correlated robot action to be taken in response to the detected event and compares the predicted action to a movement plan of the robot. The method further selects at least one of the correlated robot actions and modifies a movement plan of a robot to include at least one of the identified correlated robot actions in response to the detected event.