Autonomous Mobile Robot Positioning With UWB and Laser Follow-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mobile robot systems face challenges in determining the relative position of master and slave robots without relying on a server connection, leading to difficulties in seamless follow-up control, especially when communication with the server is disrupted.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system using a first mobile robot with a transmitting optical sensor and UWB modules, and a second mobile robot with receiving optical sensors and UWB anchors, allowing the second mobile robot to determine its relative position based on received UWB signals and laser light, enabling accurate positioning regardless of server communication state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master robot transmits relative position information to the slave robot through the server using WLAN technology, then communication between robots is established, but communication may be disconnected when robots are located where it is difficult to communicate with the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary communication channel between the master and slave robots. When server-based WLAN communication is unavailable, the master robot emits optical signals that the slave robot's optical sensor can detect, enabling direct peer-to-peer communication without requiring server infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different communication parameters: using WLAN when server communication is available, and switching to optical signal transmission when server communication is disconnected. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different communication environments and maintain reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the master robot determines its position related to the slave robot using obstacle detection device position data, then the master robot can determine the slave robot's position, but the slave robot cannot determine the master robot's position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing approaches: the master robot uses its obstacle detection device to determine the slave robot's position, while simultaneously using optical sensors to detect the master robot's position relative to the slave robot. This merging of active and passive sensing enables mutual position recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of only the master robot actively detecting the slave robot, the system inverts the detection role by having the slave robot passively receive optical signals from the master robot. This inversion allows the slave robot to determine the master robot's position without requiring active detection capabilities.
3Extent of automation
If seamless follow-up control is to be performed between master and slave robots, then relative position determination is required, but determining whether robots are located at front or rear requires additional sensing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning optical sensors at specific locations on the robots (front and rear). The slave robot's optical sensor is configured to receive optical signals from the master robot, and the system determines directional information (front/rear positioning) based on which sensor receives the signal, eliminating the need for additional directional sensors.
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 enables accurate and cost-effective determination of relative positions between mobile robots, ensuring seamless follow-up control and reducing sensor costs, while maintaining functionality even when communication with the server is unreliable.
Implementation Method 1
a first mobile robot, provided with a transmitting optical sensor for outputting laser light
Implementation Method 2
modules for transmitting and receiving an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of autonomous mobile robots includes a first mobile robot and a second mobile robot. The first mobile robot is provided with a transmitting optical sensor for outputting laser light, and a first module for transmitting and receiving an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal. The second mobile robot is provided with a receiving optical sensor for receiving the laser light and a plurality of second modules for transmitting and receiving the UWB signal. A control unit of the second mobile robot determines a relative position of the first mobile robot based on the received UWB signal and a determination of whether the laser light is received by the optical sensor.