Robot Standby Location Control to Reduce Dispatch Energy Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot dispatch systems incur unnecessary movement and waste energy by requiring robots to return to a station after each service, even when they can stand by at the next service location during free time.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires user-provided conditions, maintenance information, demand information, and robot specifications to determine optimal movement paths, allowing robots to stand by at service locations instead of returning to a station, thereby optimizing robot dispatch services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the robot returns to the station after each service, then the robot can be managed and maintained centrally, but unnecessary robot movement occurs and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the robot to have different operational modes at different locations. At service locations, the robot can stand by locally after completing service, while the station remains as a central management point. This localized standby capability eliminates unnecessary travel energy consumption while maintaining centralized management through the station's coordination role.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the robot's base location dynamic rather than fixed. The robot can dynamically switch between returning to the station and standing by at service locations based on real-time conditions such as service schedules, location availability, and task requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy usage while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Loss of time
If the robot moves directly from the previous service location to the next service location, then travel time is reduced, but the robot may not be allowed to stand by at the next service location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control device check in advance whether the robot can stand by at the next service location before directing the robot to move there. This preliminary verification ensures that the robot's movement is purposeful and that it can actually stand by at the destination, preventing wasted travel time while ensuring service availability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the control device receiving information from multiple sources including service location management devices about whether the robot can stand by at each location. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about robot movement, ensuring both time efficiency and service reliability by adapting to real-time conditions at service locations.
3Productivity
If the robot stands by at the next service location during free time, then unnecessary movement is eliminated, but the system must acquire and process additional information about standby permissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control device to perform multiple functions: it not only manages robot movement but also acquires and processes standby permission information from service location management devices. This multi-functional approach consolidates information processing capabilities within the existing control device, improving service efficiency without requiring separate complex information management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the control device autonomously acquire and process information about whether the robot can stand by at each service location. The system automatically makes decisions about robot movement based on the acquired information, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the operational complexity of managing standby arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is configured to perform processing to control a movement of a robot in a case where the robot is sequentially moved to a plurality of locations to provide a service. The information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire first information indicating whether the robot can stand by each of the locations after or before the service is provided, and make a determination regarding the movement of the robot after the service is provided, based on the first information.