Systems and methods for assisting a robotic apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robots operating autonomously often face challenges such as getting stuck or encountering obstacles, leading to potential damage and sub-optimal behavior due to lack of effective assistance mechanisms in controlled environments with limited connectivity and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic route planning and alert systems in robots, which include sensors to detect obstacles, user interfaces for operator input, and communication with remote networks to request assistance, allowing for safe operation and efficient task continuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robots operate autonomously with little to no direct operator control, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to handle unexpected obstacles and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operator assistance system as an intermediary between the autonomous robot and the operator. When the robot encounters an obstacle or error, it automatically requests assistance and displays the situation to the operator through a user interface, allowing the operator to provide guidance without continuous monitoring. This mediator approach maintains autonomous operation while improving reliability in unexpected situations.
2Device complexity
If robots work in controlled environments with little connectivity and monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information about robot needs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-service by automatically detecting when it needs assistance, generating appropriate alerts, and presenting the situation to the operator through a user interface. The robot independently manages the information flow about its needs without requiring continuous monitoring infrastructure, reducing device complexity while preventing information loss about its operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the robot automatically report its status and obstacles to the operator through displayed alerts and images. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator remains informed about robot needs without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems, balancing information flow with system simplicity.
3Productivity
If robots follow automatic recovery procedures, then productivity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced operator ability to assist
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance system dynamically adapts to operator input. When the operator provides guidance through the user interface, the robot transitions from following automatic recovery procedures to executing operator-directed actions. This dynamic adjustment maintains productivity while restoring operator control and ease of operation when assistance is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods assisting a robotic apparatus are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can encounter situations where the robot cannot proceed and/or does not know with a high degree of certainty it can proceed. Accordingly, the robot can determine that it has encountered an error and/or assist event. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can receive assistance from an operator and/or attempt to resolve the issue itself. In some cases, the robot can be configured to delay actions in order to allow resolution of the error and/or assist event.