Service Robot Human-Proximity Response for Non-Disruptive Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service robots, such as cleaners, often interact with humans in an unpleasant or disruptive manner, failing to adjust their behavior when people are nearby, which can be inconvenient or dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A method for service robots to sense human proximity and adjust their behavior by pausing work, moving away, or changing location to minimize disturbance, and to resume work once the person is no longer present, using sensors like motion detection or video cameras to determine the presence of people and implement appropriate servicing patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot continues working without interruption, then productivity is improved, but human comfort and safety deteriorate due to disruptive interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The robot dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time detection of human presence. When a human is detected, the robot transitions from an active working state to a paused or relocated state, and resumes work when the human leaves. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by making productivity contingent on human absence while eliminating disturbance during human presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot uses sensors to continuously monitor the environment and detect human presence, creating a feedback loop that informs operational decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the robot to respond adaptively to human presence, pausing or relocating when humans are nearby and resuming work when the area is clear, thus balancing productivity with human comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot pauses work when detecting a person, then human comfort is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to work interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The robot implements dynamic work pausing based on real-time human presence detection. Rather than continuous interruption, the robot pauses only when necessary (when a human is present) and automatically resumes when the human leaves, minimizing productivity loss while maintaining human comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs periodic monitoring of the environment for human presence, creating a rhythm of work-pause-work cycles that align with human occupancy patterns. This periodic action allows the robot to maintain productivity during unoccupied periods while ensuring comfort during occupied periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot moves away from the person, then human comfort is improved, but task completion time increases due to relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The robot dynamically selects between pausing in place or relocating based on the specific situation and type of work being performed. For tasks that can be paused without significant penalty, the robot remains in place. For tasks requiring continuous motion or where relocation is more efficient, the robot moves to a holding position nearby, minimizing time loss while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot uses intermediate holding positions or pause locations that are close to but not intrusive of human space. These intermediary positions allow the robot to be near its work area without disturbing the human, enabling quick resumption of work when the human leaves.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses sensors to detect humans, then interaction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs multi-functional sensors that serve both human detection and other operational functions. For example, sensors used for navigation and obstacle avoidance are also utilized for detecting human presence, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot uses its existing operational sensors and processing capabilities to detect and respond to humans, rather than adding specialized human-detection systems. The robot's existing sensor suite, designed for general navigation and task execution, is leveraged to provide human awareness, reducing complexity while improving interaction quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a service robot and methods for controlling such a robot are provided. In particular, the robot is configured to sense the presence of a person and to take a next action in response to sensing the presence of the person. As examples, the robot could leave the area, await commands from the person, or enter an idle or sleep state or mode until the person leaves.