Remote Control Robot Task Switching Between Autonomous and Manual Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-controlled robots are limited to either autonomous or manual control, making them unsuitable for tasks that require a combination of both, such as nursing tasks in a hospital, where routine and complex operations coexist, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled robot system that autonomously travels to multiple task execution points and switches between autonomous and manual operations based on settings acquired from a remote control terminal, enabling flexible task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous control is used for routine tasks, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the robot cannot handle complex tasks requiring human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous and manual control modes based on task requirements. The control mode is not fixed but can change in real-time, allowing the robot to adapt to different task types while maintaining high productivity for routine operations and human oversight for complex situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote-controlled robot is designed to perform both autonomous routine tasks and manual complex tasks through a unified platform. By integrating both control modes into a single system, the robot achieves multi-functionality, handling diverse task types without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used for complex tasks, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates because an operator must always be present
Solution Approach 1:
Tasks are segmented into routine components that can be autonomously executed and complex components that require manual intervention. This segmentation allows the system to maximize autonomous operation for routine tasks, improving productivity, while reserving manual control only for necessary complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs routine tasks autonomously without requiring constant operator presence, effectively serving itself for routine operations. This self-service capability significantly improves productivity by reducing the time operators need to be present while maintaining the ability to handle complex tasks when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a highly functional manually controlled robot is developed for advanced tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making mass production difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A single unified robot platform is designed to handle both routine and advanced tasks through integrated autonomous and manual control capabilities. This universal design avoids the need for multiple specialized systems, reducing overall device complexity and enabling mass production while maintaining adaptability for advanced tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control terminal serves as an intermediary between the operator and the robot, enabling advanced task capabilities without requiring complex onboard systems. The terminal provides the necessary control and processing power remotely, allowing the robot itself to remain relatively simple while still achieving high adaptability for advanced tasks.
4Productivity
If autonomous control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because fine control from remote locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts between autonomous and manual modes based on operational needs. For routine tasks, autonomous mode provides high productivity, while for tasks requiring fine control, the system can switch to manual mode, maintaining ease of remote operation when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow operators to monitor autonomous operations and intervene when fine control is needed. This feedback loop ensures that productivity gains from automation are maintained while preserving the ability to exercise precise remote control when task requirements demand it.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote-controlled robot autonomously travels to a plurality of task execution places according to a patrol schedule and executes a plurality of tasks at each task execution place, and includes a setting acquisition unit, and a first switching unit. The setting acquisition unit acquires setting of whether to perform autonomous operation or to perform manual operation by an operation of an operator from a remote control terminal for each of a plurality of tasks to be executed at each task execution place. The first switching unit switches between task execution by autonomous operation and task execution by manual operation based on the acquired setting.