Shared Data Center Robots for Scripted Remote Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in minimizing downtime and optimizing the use of resources due to repetitive tasks performed by data center personnel and third-party vendors, which consume significant man-hours and require secure, monitored access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing shared robots in data centers, where robots are programmed to perform tasks with guidance from vendors using scripts and augmented reality, and a Robot Control Platform (RCP) manages robot access, tasks, and communication, ensuring security and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data center personnel and third-party vendors manually perform tasks to install, manage, and maintain data center equipment, then system availability can be maintained through direct human intervention, but significant man-hours are consumed and system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs tasks autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The robot navigates the data center, identifies assets, executes tasks based on vendor-provided scripts, and returns to its docking station automatically, enabling self-service operation that reduces manual labor while maintaining system availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual human operation with an automated robotic system. The robot uses sensors, processors, and automated mechanisms to perform tasks that were previously done manually by personnel or vendors, thereby reducing man-hours while maintaining or improving system availability
2Ease of operation
If data center personnel and third-party vendors manually perform maintenance tasks, then tasks can be completed with direct human oversight, but the frequency and duration of access requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously navigates to assets, executes tasks using vendor-provided scripts, and returns to its docking station without requiring continuous human presence. This self-service capability maintains task completion capability while significantly reducing the duration of access required
Solution Approach 2:
The robot can operate continuously without interruption, performing tasks and returning to its docking station automatically. This continuous operation eliminates the need for repeated human access, reducing overall access duration while maintaining the ability to complete tasks effectively
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party vendors are granted access to perform tasks in the data center, then vendor expertise can be utilized, but security risks and compliance challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot serves as an intermediary between vendors and data center assets. Vendors provide high-level task instructions and scripts remotely, while the robot executes these instructions physically within the data center. This intermediary role allows vendor expertise to be utilized while minimizing security risks by limiting direct vendor access to sensitive areas
Solution Approach 2:
The robot can create digital copies or representations of assets and task procedures. Vendors work with these digital copies remotely, providing instructions based on virtual models of the physical assets. This copying approach enables vendor task execution while reducing security risks by keeping vendors outside the physical data center environment
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes identifying a robot that is available to perform a task involving an asset in a data center. The embodiment transmits a script to the robot that includes commands corresponding to actions to be executed by the robot in performing the task and transmits a dispatch command to the robot configured to enable the robot to travel from a robot resting place to the asset to begin the task. The embodiment relays a verification request received from the robot after the robot has completed a portion of the task to the vendor. The embodiment also relays, responsive to the verification request, an updated script based on updated instructions from the vendor for dynamically modifying the task to correcting an irregularity. The embodiment transmits, responsive to completion of the task, a recall command to the robot configured to enable the robot to travel from the asset to the robot resting place.