Robotic Work Tool Group Navigation Across Shared Transport Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased use of multiple robotic work tools in the same operational area leads to a higher risk of collisions and deadlocks during transport, especially when crossing paths with other machines, and existing systems are inefficient in managing simultaneous transport of multiple robots.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for group transport of robotic work tools, involving a start area, common transport area, and individual destination paths, with a controller determining optimal transport times and paths to minimize collisions and reduce area occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple robotic work tools operate independently in the same operational area, then each robot can perform its tasks autonomously, but the risk of collisions and deadlocks increases during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple robotic work tools into a coordinated group under centralized server management. The server receives transport requests from multiple robots, calculates optimal transport paths, and coordinates their movement through the shared operational area, transforming independent autonomous operations into a coordinated group operation that reduces collision risk while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where robots communicate their status, position, and transport requests to the central server. The server processes this feedback information, updates transport paths dynamically, and sends control commands back to the robots, enabling real-time coordination and conflict resolution during transport operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic work tools transport individually through the operational area, then transport flexibility is maintained, but the time the transport area is occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server calculates and prepares optimal transport paths for multiple robots in advance, before they actually need to traverse the transport area. By pre-coordinating paths and scheduling transport sequences, the system minimizes waiting time and ensures smooth flow through the transport area, reducing overall occupancy time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport path calculation is dynamic and adaptive, allowing the server to adjust routes in real-time based on current operational conditions, robot positions, and priority levels. This dynamic path planning enables efficient utilization of the transport area by optimizing the sequence and timing of robot movements, reducing occupancy time while preserving transport flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If a common transport area is shared by multiple robotic work tools, then area utilization is improved, but the complexity of managing simultaneous transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central server acts as an intermediary between multiple robotic work tools and the shared transport area. It receives transport requests from various robots, calculates optimal paths, coordinates movement sequences, and resolves potential conflicts. This intermediary management layer simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex coordination tasks, allowing individual robots to operate with simpler local control while maintaining efficient shared area utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in a robotic work tool system (200) comprising a first robotic work tool (100:1) and a second robotic work tool (100:1) arranged to operate in an operational area (205) comprising a transport area (TA), the method comprising determining (310) that a transport is upcoming, and in response thereto moving (320) to a start area (SA); waiting (330) for the second robotic work tool (100:2) to reach the start area (SA); and then determining (340) that it is time to enter the transport area (TA), and in response thereto moving (350) through the transport area (TA) as a group.