Robot Identification Using Synchronized Infrared and 5G/6G Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots lack the ability to determine which particular robot among a plurality of proximate robots is associated with a specific wireless message, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions due to the inability to exchange specifically addressed messages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that uses synchronized wireless messages and infrared pulses to enable robots to identify and localize each other, allowing them to determine the direction and identification of nearby robots, thereby facilitating specific communication and avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If robots use wireless messages for communication, then information exchange between robots is enabled, but robots cannot determine which specific robot is associated with which message
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces infrared pulses as an intermediary signal carrier to bridge the gap between wireless messages and physical robots. The infrared pulse serves as a mediator that directly indicates the spatial location and identity of the transmitting robot, allowing receiving robots to associate messages with specific physical sources without complex tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines wireless message transmission with infrared pulse emission into a unified communication protocol. Both signals are transmitted simultaneously and synchronously, merging the informational content (wireless message) with the spatial identification (infrared pulse) into a single coordinated action that resolves the association problem.
2Productivity
If robots transmit wireless messages to communicate, then cooperation between robots is enabled, but specifically addressed messages cannot be exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared pulse acts as a directional intermediary that carries spatial information about the transmitting robot's location. By detecting the direction of the infrared pulse, receiving robots can determine which robot sent the message and address responses accordingly, enabling specifically targeted communication in multi-robot systems.
3Measurement precision
If robots rely on markings for identification, then robot identification is possible, but markings are often obscured by cargo or dust or other robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual marking system with an optical signaling system using infrared pulses. Instead of relying on physical markings that can be blocked by cargo or dust, the system uses electromagnetic infrared signals that can penetrate or bypass physical obstructions, providing reliable robot identification and localization.
4Ease of operation
If robots proceed independently without specific routing, then robot autonomy is maintained, but collisions and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where robots continuously transmit infrared pulses and wireless messages, allowing them to receive real-time information about other robots' positions and intentions. This feedback enables autonomous robots to dynamically adjust their paths and avoid collisions while maintaining operational independence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the cooperation and efficiency of autonomous mobile robots by enabling them to communicate effectively and avoid interference, improving their ability to perform tasks and navigate safely in close proximity.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by a transceiver worn by the human, a first wireless message comprising a first identification code
Implementation Method 2
emitting a first infrared pulse synchronously with the first wireless message
Data Source
AI summary
Cooperation among robots is a necessary feature of advanced manufacturing and many other applications. The invention relates to systems and methods for robots to identify each other using simultaneous infrared pulses and wireless messages in 5G or 6G. The wireless message can indicate the wireless address of the transmitting robot, and the infrared signal can indicate which robot, among many, is transmitting the wireless message. Thus the other robots can compare the arrival direction of the infrared signal with an optical image, and thereby localize the transmitting robot. The robots can then begin cooperative actions thereafter. The procedures are suitable for mobile robots in a self-driving and self-managing scenario, fixed and mobile robots cooperating to accomplish a task, and robots intermingled with humans. Multiple operating modes are illustrated across a wide range of industries and use cases.