Modular Show Robot Coupling for Multi-Theme Guest Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement parks face challenges in maintaining guest interest with static show robots, as their position remains unchanged, leading to reduced interaction demand and high costs in developing and maintaining multiple robots for various locations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sectional show robot system comprising a primary robot with sensors and a secondary robot that can be removably coupled, allowing the system to transition between configurations for different interactions and themes, enabling the same primary robot to portray various characters by adjusting its movement and performance based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual show robots are deployed at various locations, then guest interaction diversity is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary robot is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions by coupling with different secondary robots. Each secondary robot provides specific thematic capabilities (e.g., different characters, performances, or interactions), allowing a single primary robot to replace multiple specialized robots, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining guest interaction diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The show robot system is divided into modular components: a primary robot body and multiple detachable secondary robots. This segmentation allows the primary robot to remain stationary or move to different locations, while secondary robots are attached as needed to provide various thematic experiences, enabling cost-effective versatility through modular assembly rather than deploying complete separate robots for each theme.
2Productivity
If a show robot remains at a fixed position, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but guest interest and interaction demand decrease over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position robot to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The primary robot can move to different locations, and secondary robots can be coupled or decoupled dynamically based on guest demand, time of day, or scheduled performances. This dynamic capability maintains guest interest without requiring permanently installed complex infrastructure at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables the primary robot to temporarily assume different identities or functions by attaching secondary robots. This mediator allows the system to adapt to changing guest preferences without permanent modifications to the robot or infrastructure, balancing simplicity with reconfigurability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the show robot changes themes and positions frequently, then guest interest is maintained, but operational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Secondary robots are pre-configured with specific themes, characters, or performance capabilities and stored in ready positions. When theme changes are needed, pre-prepared secondary robots can be quickly coupled to the primary robot without requiring complex reconfiguration or programming changes, thereby reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining theme variation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reprogramming or physically modifying the primary robot for different themes, the system uses secondary robots that are essentially pre-configured copies or variations of thematic elements. Each secondary robot encapsulates a complete theme package, allowing rapid theme switching through simple attachment rather than complex reconfiguration, minimizing time loss while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system includes a multi-sectional show robot. The multi-sectional show robot includes a primary robot with a controller and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to acquire feedback indicative of an environment surrounding the primary robot. The multi-sectional show robot also includes a secondary robot configured to removably couple to the primary robot to transition the multi-sectional show robot between a disengaged configuration, in which the primary robot is decoupled from the secondary robot, and an engaged configuration, in which the primary robot is coupled to the secondary robot. The controller is configured to operate the primary robot based on the feedback and a first control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the disengaged configuration and to operate the primary robot based on a second control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the engaged configuration.