Telepresence Robot Handoff for Mid-Task Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for scheduling robot tasks often fail to allow for seamless replacement of robots during tasks, especially when a robot needs to switch to a different task or when its battery level is insufficient, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in telepresence robot operations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to select a preferred robot for a task based on task and robot properties, allowing for dynamic replacement by directing a second robot to navigate to the location of the first robot and transition the session, ensuring continuous operation and efficient task management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot is assigned to perform a task and marked as unavailable, then the task can be executed continuously, but the robot cannot perform alternative tasks or be replaced when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows replacement of an unavailable robot during task execution. The scheduling system can transition from a static assignment model to a dynamic replacement model, where a second robot can take over the task while the first robot performs alternative tasks or recharges, resolving the contradiction between continuous execution and task flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple robots are configured to perform the same task type, creating redundancy and interchangeability. This multi-functionality allows any robot in the group to take over another's task, enabling both continuous task execution and flexibility for alternative tasks simultaneously
2Reliability
If a robot continues performing its current task, then task completion is ensured, but the robot cannot recharge when battery is low
Solution Approach 1:
A second robot acts as an intermediary to continue the task while the first robot recharges. The scheduling system coordinates this handoff, allowing the first robot to leave the task temporarily for recharging without compromising overall task completion, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy management
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robot is replaced during task performance, then the original robot can perform alternative tasks, but the replacement process may disrupt the current task
Solution Approach 1:
The second robot is pre-positioned or pre-prepared before the replacement occurs. The scheduling system anticipates the need for replacement and prepares the standby robot in advance, minimizing disruption and transition time when the actual handoff occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for selecting a first robot for a robot task of a user, and during a first session between a computing device of the user and the first robot to perform the task, determining a need for the first robot to perform an alternative task. Based on determining the need, a second robot is selected to “replace” the first robot in performing the task. The second robot may replace the first robot in performing the task by directing the telepresence robot to navigate to a location proximal to the first robot and transitioning the first telepresence robot's session to the second telepresence robot.