Robot Position-Aware Mode Switching for Floor-to-Table Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot devices lack the ability to adapt their operational modes based on changes in position, particularly when moved from a floor space to a flat surface, leading to limitations in functionality and movement.

Innovation Solution

The robot device includes sensors and processors that detect changes in position, allowing it to switch between modes based on being on a floor or a flat surface, adjusting functions accordingly, and using SLAM for mapping when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the robot device operates in a fixed mode regardless of position changes, then the control system remains simple, but the adaptability to different environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to position changesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot device dynamically switches between first mode and second mode based on detected position changes. The control system adjusts operational parameters in real-time according to whether the robot is on a floor surface or a flat surface, enabling adaptive behavior without requiring multiple dedicated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters based on position detection results. When a position change is detected, the system transitions between different operational modes by adjusting control parameters, allowing the same hardware to function differently in different environments without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the robot device switches modes based on position changes, then the functionality in various environments is improved, but the response time for mode switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality in different environmentsVSAvoidmode switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot device continuously monitors position changes using sensors even during normal operation. By detecting position changes in advance and preparing for mode transitions, the system minimizes the actual switching time when environmental changes occur, enabling rapid adaptation without lengthy processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor the robot's position and detect changes between floor surface and flat surface environments. This real-time feedback enables the system to automatically trigger mode switching based on actual environmental conditions, reducing the time lag between environmental change and appropriate response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the robot device uses sensors to detect position changes, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption for sensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robot device uses sensors to detect position changes only when necessary for mode switching decisions. Rather than continuously operating all sensors at full capacity, the system activates sensing functions selectively based on operational context, achieving sufficient positioning accuracy for mode detection while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous full-power sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4501549B1Robot apparatus which operates in mode corresponding to position of robot apparatus and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4501549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4501549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4501549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a robot device and method of controlling same, wherein the robot device includes: at least one sensor; at least one memory configured to store at least one instruction; and at least one processor configured to execute the at least one instruction to: based on the robot device being positioned at a first position, control the robot device in a first mode corresponding to the first position, identify, based on sensing data obtained by the at least one sensor, a first event of picking up the robot device by a user and a second event of placing the robot device, and based on an identification that a position of the robot device is changed from the first position to a second position based on new sensing data obtained by the at least one sensor after the first event and the second event sequentially occur, control the robot device in a second mode corresponding to the second position.