Mobile Robot Tray Collection Using Early Return Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hospitals and similar facilities, used meal service trays are often left uncollected for extended periods, leading to sanitary issues such as odors and potential food theft, due to their return before expected collection times.
Innovation Solution
A robot control system that includes a mobile robot and a controller, which autonomously detects and collects used trays from a designated return area before the scheduled collection time, using cameras, IC tags, or load sensors to monitor tray presence and status, and delivers them to a designated collection point, thereby preventing long-term uncollection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tray collection is performed only at predetermined appointed times, then the collection process is simple and scheduled, but used trays are left uncollected for long periods causing sanitary problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tray return status before the appointed collection time. The detection unit continuously monitors whether trays have been returned to the return table, and when trays are detected as returned, the system proactively generates collection instructions and dispatches the mobile robot immediately, rather than waiting for the scheduled collection time. This preliminary detection and early action eliminates the sanitary problem of trays being left uncollected while maintaining a relatively simple collection process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mobile robot collects trays immediately when returned, then sanitation is improved, but the robot must be available and responsive at any time increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit continuously monitors tray return status and feeds this information back to the control unit. When trays are detected as returned, the feedback triggers automatic generation of collection instructions and dispatch of the mobile robot. This closed-loop feedback system enables immediate collection response while automating the decision-making process, reducing operational complexity despite the responsive nature of the system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection methods (camera, IC tag reader, load sensor) are used to monitor tray return, then detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection methods (camera, IC tag reader, load sensor) into a unified detection unit that monitors tray return status. These different detection technologies are combined and integrated to work together, with each method contributing to the overall detection accuracy. The merged detection system processes information from multiple sources simultaneously or alternatively, achieving high detection precision while managing system complexity through integrated design and centralized control.
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 enhances sanitation by ensuring immediate collection of used trays, reducing the risk of odor and food theft, and maintaining a cleaner environment.
Implementation Method 1
The system may detect the number of trays returned to the first prescribed place based on an image photographed by a camera that is configured to photograph the first prescribed place.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of trays used for meal service may each be attached with an IC tag. The first prescribed place may be provided with a return table having a tag reader. The system may detect the number of trays returned to the first prescribed place based on the result of reading the IC tag by the tag reader.
Implementation Method 3
The first prescribed place may be provided with a return table equipped with a load sensor. The system may detect the number of trays returned to the first prescribed place based on a load detected by the load sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control system according to a present embodiment is a robot control system for controlling a mobile robot that is configured to autonomously within a facility. When it is detected that one or more used trays, among a plurality of trays used for meal service within the facility, are returned to a first prescribed place, the system instructs the mobile robot to collect the trays returned to the first prescribed place and deliver the trays to a second prescribed place.