Robotic Manipulation of Legacy Building Controls for Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems face challenges in universally implementing automation of building controls due to high costs, legacy equipment upgrades, large numbers of devices needing replacement, rental property restrictions, physical limitations, and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system that can autonomously manipulate common building controls by using a mobile robot with a manipulator capable of activating various controls, a mapping of controls to functions, and a control interface for user or software command, which can learn or be programmed to interact with non-smart devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If building automation systems are implemented through device replacement and upgrades, then automation capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robot as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and legacy building controls. The robot equipped with manipulators can physically interact with traditional switches, thermostats, and controls, enabling automation without requiring replacement of the existing control infrastructure. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between modern automation needs and legacy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model or digital representation of the physical building controls and their states. The robot observes and learns the behavior of physical controls, creating a mapped representation that allows automated decision-making without altering the physical control architecture. This copying approach enables automation while preserving the original device ecosystem.
2Extent of automation
If smart devices are deployed throughout the property, then automation functionality is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot serves multiple functions: it can manipulate various types of controls (switches, thermostats, dimmers), navigate different property layouts, adapt to different control interfaces, and perform both observation and execution tasks. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized smart devices throughout the property, simplifying installation while maintaining comprehensive automation functionality.
3Extent of automation
If legacy equipment is upgraded to smart devices, then control capability is improved, but cost and time for replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping and learning of the legacy control systems before full automation deployment. The robot observes and records the behavior, locations, and characteristics of existing controls in advance, creating a knowledge base that enables immediate automation without requiring physical replacement of equipment. This preliminary action phase allows the system to prepare control strategies while the legacy equipment remains in place.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-smart devices are used in the property, then cost is reduced, but automation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously performs the tasks of control manipulation without requiring human intervention for each action. It independently navigates to controls, determines appropriate actions based on observed patterns and environmental context, executes manipulations, and verifies results. This self-service capability enables automation of non-smart devices, allowing the property to maintain cost-effective legacy equipment while achieving automated functionality through the autonomous robot system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for assistive robotic manipulation of building controls. In some implementations, a method includes obtaining sensor data from a property at a first time; obtaining sensor data from the property at a second time; determining whether the sensor data from the first time and the second time satisfy a criteria; in response to determining the criteria is satisfied, generating a mapping between an interface and a device; and providing the mapping to a robot for activating the device.