Vehicle-Mounted Robotic Arm for Autonomous Object Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to autonomously transport objects into or out of vehicles, particularly in scenarios where human assistance is unavailable or impractical, such as with driverless vehicles or when dealing with bulky or heavy items.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted system comprising sensors, a movable arm, and a processor that identifies objects, determines transport plans, and controls the arm to move objects into or out of the vehicle, using modules for object identification, planning, and arm control to execute the transport tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If human assistance is used to transport objects into or out of a vehicle, then the transport task can be completed with simple equipment, but human availability and physical capability become limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with an autonomous robotic arm system that can independently identify, grasp, and transport objects into or out of the vehicle without requiring human assistance. The system uses sensors to detect objects, determines transport plans, and executes the transport task autonomously, making the vehicle self-sufficient in object handling operations.
2Extent of automation
If a robotic arm system is implemented for autonomous object transport, then human assistance is no longer required, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of objects (luggage, groceries, wheelchairs, etc.) and perform multiple operations (grasping, lifting, transporting, placing). This universal design consolidates what could be multiple specialized systems into a single versatile platform, managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual human mechanical operations with an automated robotic arm controlled by electronic systems. The robotic arm uses actuators and control algorithms to replicate and enhance human-like manipulation tasks, substituting complex human motor skills with programmable mechanical systems that can be more precisely controlled and replicated.
3Productivity
If manual object handling is performed, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but the productivity and efficiency of transport operations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system enables continuous transport operations without the interruptions inherent in manual handling. The system can continuously identify objects, plan transport paths, execute grasping and movement, and place objects, maintaining a steady workflow. The automated system does not require breaks, repositioning, or recovery time between operations, sustaining productive action throughout the transport task.
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to transporting an object into and out of a vehicle using an arm mounted to the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a plurality of objects in an environment of the vehicle, and identifying at least one object for transportation. The method includes determining at least one attribute for the at least one object, and determining a transport plan of how to move the at least one object into the vehicle based on the determined at least one attribute. The method includes, based on the transport plan, controlling the arm to move from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position outside the vehicle, to engage the at least one object, move from the extended position to the retracted position, and disengage the at least one object to move the at least one object into the vehicle.