Mobile Robot Route Selection for Security Patrol and RFID Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of robots in commercial and industrial settings, particularly in environments requiring frequent human-robot interactions, is hindered by the lack of technologies that effectively integrate robots with building infrastructure and security systems for comprehensive security and operational functions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot configured for commercial and industrial settings, equipped with sensors, communication systems, and a fabric housing, capable of performing security operations, infrastructure maintenance, navigation, inventory management, and human interaction, integrates with central systems and infrastructure to detect security anomalies, patrol routes, and manage inventory through RFID tagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile robot is deployed for security and operational tasks in commercial settings, then security monitoring and inventory management capabilities are improved, but integration with building infrastructure and communication systems is required which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed to perform multiple functions including security monitoring, inventory management, and infrastructure maintenance within a single platform. The robot integrates diverse sensors (cameras, RFID readers, LIDAR), communication systems, and navigation capabilities to serve as a multi-functional device that can adapt to various operational tasks in commercial environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is equipped with comprehensive sensors and communication systems for enhanced functionality, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs a universal platform design that can perform multiple operational tasks including security patrols, inventory tracking via RFID, semantic map generation using LIDAR and cameras, and infrastructure monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows a single robot to replace multiple specialized devices, improving operational versatility while managing complexity through integrated system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's sensor suite and operational parameters can be configured and adjusted based on specific deployment requirements. The system allows for parameter changes in sensor activation, communication protocols, and operational modes to adapt to different commercial environments, enabling versatility without requiring completely different hardware configurations for each application.
3Strength
If traditional rigid housing materials are used for the robot, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robot utilizes a fabric housing that provides a flexible yet protective exterior. This fabric shell serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional rigid materials, offering ease of manufacturing and simple replacement capabilities while still providing adequate protection for the robot's internal components during normal operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the fabric housing is used for the robot, then ease of manufacture and replacement is improved, but protection capability for internal components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric housing serves as a flexible protective shell that balances manufacturing ease with adequate component protection. The fabric material provides sufficient protection for internal components during normal operational conditions while remaining easy to manufacture and replace if damaged, representing a practical compromise between protection and manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies.