Pressure-Triggered Robot Reset Modes for Obstacle and Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotics systems lack effective mechanisms to manage adverse conditions, such as obstacles, which can cause damage or unauthorized control, by transitioning between operational modes to prevent further harm or unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A robot control and sensing system with pressure sensors and controllers that implement a dual threshold mechanism, enabling a soft reset mode for restricted operation and a hard reset mode for complete shutdown, with remote guardian access allowed in soft mode and restricted in hard mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot operates autonomously without reset mechanisms, then operational continuity is maintained, but damage from adverse conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism is segmented into two distinct modes: soft reset mode for minor adverse conditions and hard reset mode for severe conditions. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate responses based on the severity level, maintaining operational continuity for minor issues while protecting against damage for severe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different reset modes (soft vs. hard) based on detected adverse conditions. This parameter change enables the robot to adjust its operational state dynamically, balancing safety and continuity by selecting the appropriate reset level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single reset mechanism is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but inadequate response to varying adverse condition severity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism is divided into two distinct operational modes (soft reset and hard reset) that can be selectively activated based on the severity of adverse conditions detected by sensors, enabling differentiated responses without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between soft reset and hard reset modes based on real-time sensor feedback regarding adverse condition severity. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical mechanism to serve multiple response levels, balancing versatility and complexity.
3Reliability
If the robot shuts down completely upon detecting adverse conditions, then damage prevention is maximized, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always implementing a complete shutdown (excessive action), the system applies partial action through soft reset mode for minor adverse conditions, allowing restricted operation to continue while still addressing the detected issue. Complete shutdown (hard reset) is reserved for severe conditions where full damage prevention is necessary.
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
The system effectively manages adverse conditions by allowing controlled operation or shutdown based on pressure thresholds, protecting the robot and preventing unauthorized control, while enabling remote monitoring and intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A robot control and sensor system may include a pressure sensor configured to be mounted on a robot and/or mounted on a robot peripheral, such as a lawn cutting deck or a snow plow, and to measure a sensed pressure value at the robot and/or peripheral.
Data Source
AI summary
Computing platforms, methods, and storage media for sensing and controlling with respect to a robot. A robot control and sensor system may include a pressure sensor configured to be mounted on a robot, and/or mounted on a robot peripheral, to measure a sensed pressure value at the robot. The pressure sensor operates with respect to first and second pressure thresholds. A controller is in communication with the pressure sensor and may be configured to: obtain, from the pressure sensor, a sensed pressure value relating to pressure applied to the robot at the pressure sensor; generate a soft reset notification to cause the robot to enter a soft reset mode when the sensed pressure value is above the first pressure threshold; and generate a hard reset notification to cause the robot to enter a hard reset mode when the sensed pressure value is above the second pressure threshold.