Tidying robot for folding laundry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tidying robots are limited in their ability to autonomously perform comprehensive cleaning operations without additional manual intervention, failing to effectively organize and manage cluttered environments.
Innovation Solution
A general-purpose tidying robot equipped with fabric grippers, a scoop, pusher pads, and a robotic control system that allows for the manipulation and folding of laundry, along with vacuuming and mopping capabilities, enabling autonomous organization and cleaning of cluttered spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional robotic tidying solutions are used, then basic object organization into standard categories is achieved, but comprehensive cleaning operations require additional manual work by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple specialized end effectors (scoop for pickup, pusher for sliding objects, fabric gripper for laundry, vacuum for floor cleaning, mop for wet cleaning) that enable a single robot to perform diverse housework tasks including object organization, laundry folding, and comprehensive floor cleaning, achieving both high automation and versatility
2Productivity
If the robot uses a scoop to pickup objects, then objects can be moved and organized, but the scoop may become stuck on objects or fail to pickup certain items effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher assembly acts as an intermediary tool that slides objects toward the scoop, enabling the scoop to pickup objects that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to grab directly, thereby improving both productivity and reliability of object collection
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher assembly is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt its position and configuration based on object size and shape, enabling effective interaction with various objects without becoming stuck
3Productivity
If the robot employs pusher pads to slide objects, then objects can be moved across surfaces, but the pusher pads may collide with objects or fail to push certain items effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher pads are designed as movable components that can adjust their position and apply force dynamically, allowing the robot to effectively push objects of varying sizes and weights while minimizing collisions and failed push operations
4Productivity
If the robot uses fabric grippers to manipulate laundry, then laundry can be grabbed and folded, but the grippers may drop fabric items or fail to grip certain materials effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric grippers are designed with specific local properties (soft, compliant, high-friction surfaces) optimized for gripping fabric materials, enabling reliable manipulation of laundry items without dropping them
5Productivity
If the robot performs vacuuming and mopping operations, then comprehensive floor cleaning is achieved, but the robot requires water and cleaning solution resources
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates both vacuuming (dry cleaning) and mopping (wet cleaning) capabilities in a single platform, allowing it to perform comprehensive floor cleaning while managing water and cleaning solution resources through coordinated operation of both subsystems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for folding laundry is provided, where a robot approaches the clothes, identifying the type of clothing and key points for folding the clothing with a camera, and then uses a scoop and pusher pad assemblies to grab and manipulate the articles of clothing. The robot uses gripper arms and pinch grippers to grasp and move the clothing items, with the help of a camera that guides the folding process by guiding the manipulation devices to the key points on the clothing. The robot then moves the folded clothing items to a desired location using the scoop.