Autonomous Delivery Robot Light Layout for Safer Road Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous and semi-autonomous robots traveling on sidewalks face challenges in safely crossing vehicle roads, as they need to determine whether to cross automatically and autonomously or require operator assistance, especially in varying traffic conditions and road types.
Innovation Solution
A method using a data processing device to determine whether a mobile robot can cross a road automatically and autonomously or requires operator-based assistance, by analyzing data from sensors and maps to assess road safety and type, and sending data to an operator terminal if assistance is needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot crosses roads automatically and autonomously, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to safety concerns in varying traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic decision-making for road crossings by using sensors to continuously monitor traffic conditions and adjust the crossing decision in real-time. The system evaluates multiple factors (traffic density, speed, road type) and dynamically determines whether to cross autonomously or request operator assistance, resolving the contradiction between automation efficiency and safety reliability.
2Reliability
If the robot requires operator assistance for road crossings, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the robot autonomously evaluates crossing conditions using its onboard sensors and decision-making algorithms. The system only requests operator assistance when necessary (e.g., complex traffic situations), thereby maintaining high reliability while minimizing the complexity of human-in-the-loop control.
3Measurement precision
If the robot uses multiple sensors to assess road conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes: cameras detect traffic lights and signs, LIDAR sensors measure both distance and speed of approaching vehicles, and microphones detect auditory cues. This universal approach improves measurement precision for road condition assessment while minimizing the number of separate sensor components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot has a body having at least one item space; a lid constructed and adapted to assume at least an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid is to fit on top of the body in the closed position, so as to cover the item space, and the lid is to be lifted to the open position, so as to allow access to the item space; at least four wheels; and a plurality of light sources arranged as at least one row of lights.