Serving Robot Path and Speed Control Using Meal Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serving robots in restaurants move at a constant speed, which is inefficient and does not allow for personalized services, leading to decreased user satisfaction and ineffective restaurant management.
Innovation Solution
The driving path and speed of serving robots are controlled based on information about customer seating positions and meal context, such as before, during, and after a meal, using a table robot to provide personalized services and optimize service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serving robots move at constant speed along preset routes, then the robot operation is simple and reliable, but the service efficiency decreases and user satisfaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment by modifying the robot's motion parameters in real-time based on contextual information. The control system adjusts driving speed from constant to variable, accelerating in open areas and decelerating near seating positions, thereby improving service efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the robot architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by receiving contextual information about customer seating positions and meal status, then using this information to dynamically adjust the robot's driving behavior. The control system continuously monitors table status and modifies speed accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes service delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If serving robots follow fixed preset routes, then the navigation system is simple and reliable, but personalized service delivery is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-receiving and processing contextual information about customer seating positions and meal status before the robot begins its service route. This advance information gathering enables the robot to proactively adjust its behavior for personalized service delivery rather than reacting after arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the service approach to specific local conditions at each table. Based on the received contextual information about individual table status (meal progress, seating arrangement), the robot adapts its delivery behavior locally for each table rather than applying a uniform approach throughout the service area.
3Speed
If serving robots move at high constant speed, then the service coverage area increases, but the arrival accuracy near customer positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between high-speed travel phases and low-speed precision phases. The robot maintains high speed when covering open areas to maximize service coverage, then periodically transitions to low speed when approaching seating positions to ensure precise arrival, creating a rhythmic pattern of speed variation optimized for both coverage and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for controlling a serving robot based on meal context. The method includes receiving table information from a table robot corresponding to each table in a service area and controlling driving of a serving robot using the meal context and a navigation map, and the meal context includes information about the seating positions of customers and meal status information corresponding to the table.