Robotic Tug Autonomous Navigation with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic delivery systems for indoor environments face challenges such as high positional error, inability to navigate through complex environments, and lack of effective communication and interface options, leading to inefficiencies and increased human resource costs in tasks like hospital delivery tasks.
Innovation Solution
A robotic tug and cart system equipped with advanced sensors, path planning algorithms, and communication tools, including infrared, sonar, and RFID technologies, that allow for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and communication with humans and remote hosts, enabling efficient delivery and tracking of goods across multiple floors and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined linear movement commands are used for navigation, then the device can execute simple navigation tasks, but positional error increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the robot's actual position and compare it with the intended position from predefined commands. This feedback loop enables real-time correction of positional deviations, resolving the contradiction between using simple predefined commands and maintaining positional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical position following with sensor-based detection and correction. Instead of relying solely on mechanical execution of movement commands, the system uses optical, acoustic, or other sensors to detect position and dynamically adjust navigation, substituting mechanical precision requirements with sensing and control.
2Measurement precision
If autonomous navigation with sensor feedback is implemented, then positional accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sensors that serve multiple functions: they detect position for navigation accuracy, identify obstacles for avoidance, and provide environmental mapping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining positional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs self-positioning and self-correction using its own sensors and onboard processing. Rather than requiring external guidance infrastructure or complex centralized control, the system serves itself by autonomously detecting position errors and correcting its own trajectory, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant sensors are added for obstacle detection and position confirmation, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into integrated sensor assemblies that perform both position detection and obstacle detection simultaneously. By merging these functions into unified sensor systems rather than separate components, the patent achieves improved reliability through redundancy while limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If human employees perform delivery tasks, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and cost-efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs delivery tasks autonomously without requiring human operators for each delivery. It self-navigates, self-monitors its position, self-adjusts its path to avoid obstacles, and self-manages its operations, thereby achieving both high productivity and adaptability to varying delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs dynamic path planning that adapts to changing conditions in real-time. Rather than following rigid predetermined routes, the system dynamically adjusts its navigation based on sensor feedback about obstacles, changing environments, and delivery priorities, maintaining flexibility while operating autonomously at high speed.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable means of automating delivery tasks by ensuring accurate navigation, obstacle avoidance, and communication, reducing human intervention and improving operational efficiency in various indoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor system including an infrared sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor system including a sonar sensor
Implementation Method 3
an RFID reader configured to read an identification code from an RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.