JP2011108056A - Mobile robot - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the usability of a mobile robot, even for a proximity sensor, for improving safety used also for traveling control. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile robot includes a moving mechanism which moves the body of the mobile robot, a proximity sensor which detects an object approaching the moving mechanism from a plurality of directions, and a control unit which controls the moving mechanism, according to signal from the proximity sensor; and when the mobile robot is in a standby state and the proximity sensor detects an object, in a direction differed from the advancing direction of the mobile robot, the control unit moves the moving mechanism in the advancing direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile robot, and more particularly to travel control of a mobile robot capable of autonomous travel.

  There is a system using an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) in order to move a load, a part, or the like from a predetermined position to a target position in a facility such as a factory or a warehouse. In this method, a conductor is embedded in a passage in the facility, and the AGV is moved along the conductor.

  However, since this system is large-scale, the route of the conductor must be changed according to the layout change in the facility, and there is a drawback that it takes a very long time to cope with the layout change.

  Therefore, in recent years, a method of moving luggage, parts, and the like using a mobile robot that can run autonomously by a program has been adopted. In this mobile robot, proximity sensors such as a distance sensor and a bumper sensor are used to prevent contact between an object (a person or an object) and the robot and to stop the robot safely (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2005-242409 A JP 2007-196300 A

  However, in the conventional autonomous mobile robot systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for some trouble, for example, when a person suddenly comes out and hits the bumper of the robot, or there is an obstacle on the passage, The robot cannot move to the target location or direction. In this case, there is a method of restarting the movement by selecting another route to the target point, but it may be difficult to determine whether the route is optimal depending on the relationship with other mobile robots or other routes. Further, as described above, the proximity sensor is provided to ensure safety, but if this can be used not for safety but also for movement control of the robot, the efficiency in robot control can be improved.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a technique for returning a mobile robot from a stopped state to a traveling state by simple control.

  In the present invention, the travel control of the robot is performed using proximity sensors (including a laser distance sensor and a bumper sensor) that have been used for safety control until now, and the robot is easily traveled.

  That is, a mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a moving mechanism that moves a main body, a proximity sensor (including a laser distance sensor and a bumper sensor) that detects an object that approaches the moving mechanism from a plurality of directions, and a signal from the proximity sensor. And a control unit for controlling the moving mechanism. The mobile robot is in a standby state, and the proximity sensor detects an object (for example, a hand held over the sensor) as a travel start instruction within the predetermined distance (within a distance shorter than the distance at which the obstacle is detected). Then, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to move the mobile robot in the traveling direction. More specifically, when the proximity sensor detects an object (a hand held up) in a direction (second direction) different from the traveling direction (first direction) of the mobile robot, the control unit moves in the direction of travel. Move the moving mechanism.

  In another aspect, the proximity sensor detects an object in the first direction, and the control unit controls the moving mechanism in response to the detection to stop the mobile robot. Subsequently, the proximity sensor detected that there was no object that caused the stop in the first direction and that there was another object (for example, a hand held over the sensor) in a second direction different from the first direction. In this case, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to move the mobile robot in the first direction.

  Furthermore, in another aspect, after the proximity sensor detects that there is an object (obstacle) in the traveling direction (first direction) of the mobile robot for a predetermined time or more, another object (holds it in a direction different from the traveling direction). When the hand is detected, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to move (change the direction of) the mobile robot in a direction different from the first direction. At this time, the control unit changes the route from the route that travels in the first direction to the destination specified in advance to the route that travels in the direction different from the first direction and goes to the destination. The moving mechanism is controlled according to the later route, and the mobile robot is allowed to travel autonomously.

  In the above-described embodiment, the proximity sensor is a non-contacting approach that an approaching object approaches, and a laser distance sensor capable of determining approaching from at least two directions, or an object contact from at least two directions by contacting the object. A bumper sensor for determining the presence or absence is included. Further, the proximity sensor detects an object different from the object in the first direction at a shorter distance than the object in the first direction in the second direction or a direction different from the first direction. In addition, the control unit controls the moving mechanism.

  Moreover, in the said form, a control part controls a moving mechanism based on the predetermined | prescribed driving | running route, and makes a mobile robot run autonomously to the destination designated beforehand.

  Furthermore, in the said form, the mobile robot is further provided with the alerting | reporting function which alert | reports the state of a mobile robot. At this time, after notifying that the proximity sensor has detected the object in the second direction or in a direction different from the first direction, the object has moved in the second direction or in a direction different from the first direction within a predetermined time. Only when the absence is detected, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to move the mobile robot.

  Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

  The mobile robot according to the present invention can realize the traveling state from the stopped state of the robot using the proximity sensor. Thereby, the usability of the operator who operates the robot can be improved.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the mobile robot system by this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning (1) of the sensor in the mobile robot of this invention. It is a figure which shows the path | route to the position and the destination point G of a robot. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the travel control process by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the driving | running | working start determination process by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the driving | running | working start determination process by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode (1) of a process when a moving object contacts the bumper of the moving mobile robot. It is a figure which shows the mode (2) of a process when a moving object contacts the bumper of the moving mobile robot. It is a figure which shows the mode (3) of a process when a moving object contacts the bumper of the moving mobile robot. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the traveling control process by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the interruption process by 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the concept of 4th Embodiment, Comprising: It is a path | route to the position of a robot, and the target point G, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the mode (1) of a path | route change. It is a figure explaining the concept of 4th Embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure to a robot position and the path | route to the target point G, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the mode (2) of a path | route change. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning (2) of the sensor in the mobile robot of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning (3) of the sensor in the mobile robot of this invention.

  The present invention is for ensuring safety in order to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art that, when the robot stops due to some influence, it is necessary to operate the robot panel to give instructions to the robot when it is restarted. The robot is simply controlled to travel using a proximity sensor.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example for realizing the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to common components.

(1) First Embodiment <System Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile robot system common to the embodiments of the present invention. The mobile robot system operates in a predetermined facility, for example, controls at least one mobile robot 10 that transports a load 30 and a command to the mobile robot 10, acquires information from the mobile robot 10, for example, And a robot management system 20 that manages the conveyance of the package. Each of the mobile robots 10 and the robot management system 20 includes a communication device 201 or 160, and can communicate with each other by wireless communication.

  The mobile robot 10 is attached to the main body 120, which is a housing that houses various components of the robot, and the lower part of the main body 120 (which is merely an example and is not limited to the lower part). A bumper 130 and a luggage table 140 on which the luggage 30 is placed are provided.

  In addition, the mobile robot 10 includes a travel control unit 100 that executes control during travel according to a program, laser distance sensors 111 and 112 for measuring the distance between objects around the robot, a robot, Turn signals 121 and 122 for notifying the state of the vehicle and indicating the traveling direction, a moving mechanism 150 for driving the wheels of the robot, and a communication device 160 for communicating with the robot management system 20. . The bumper 130 includes a plurality of bumper sensors 131 and 132 for detecting contact with an object. The luggage stand 140 includes a plurality of luggage detection sensors 141 and 142 for detecting whether or not a luggage is placed therein.

  The travel control unit 100 includes a travel route determination unit 101, a travel start determination unit 102, a position identification unit 103, a target setting unit 104, a movement control unit 105, and a target arrival determination unit 106. These operations and processing contents will be described using an operation flowchart described later.

  Further, for example, when an object or a person approaches the robot 10 while the robot 10 is traveling, the laser distance sensor 111 attached to the front of the robot and the laser distance sensor 112 attached to the rear detect it. Then, the traveling control unit 100 controls the moving mechanism 150 so as to decelerate the traveling speed according to the distance and stop when approaching the detected object. This ensures safety. In addition, when an object suddenly comes out from the shadow, the object is protected by the bumper 130, and contact is detected by bumper sensors 131 and 132 attached to the front, rear, left and right of the bumper 130, respectively, and the traveling control unit 100 is To stop. In this way, it is possible to travel safely.

<Example of sensor placement>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of each sensor. A laser distance sensor F (corresponding to 111) measures the distance to the object in a non-contact manner within a range of 180 ° forward. The rear laser distance sensor B (corresponding to 112) can measure an object of ± 120 ° with the rear of the robot 10 as the center. As a result, the approach of the object is measured in all 360 ° directions.

  Since the laser distance sensor F is also used to identify the position of the robot 10 as will be described later, the laser distance sensor F having a long measurement range is used. Further, since the laser distance sensor B is used for preventing contact with an object, the measurement range may be relatively short. As described above, the bumper sensors F, B, L, and R (corresponding to 131 and 132) are attached to the inside of the bumper 130 and have a function of detecting when an object comes in contact from each direction. .

  Further, the blinkers FL, FR, BL, BR (corresponding to 121 and 122) attached to, for example, the four corners of the robot main body 120 notify the state of the robot 10 as described above.

  Further, the robot 10 may be provided with a sound generation device (not shown) inside the main body unit 120 so as to inform the surroundings by sound.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of each sensor different from FIG. A difference from FIG. 2 is that laser distance sensors BL and BR are provided.

  Also, instead of one laser distance sensor behind the robot, two laser distance sensors BL and BR are attached to the left and right behind the mobile robot 10, respectively. As a result, it can be seen that FIG. 14 can detect an object approaching from all directions of the mobile robot 10 with respect to FIG. As a result, the maximum speed of the mobile robot 10 can be more accurately limited by the approach distance of the object, and safety can be improved. The function of the mobile robot 10 having the sensor arrangement of FIG. 14 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the arrangement of bumper sensors is different from that in FIG. FIG. 15 is characterized in that bumper sensors are arranged at the four corners of the bumper 130. The locations where the mobile robot 10 is most likely to come into contact with the bumper 130 are the four corners of the bumper 130. The sensitivity when touching the bumper 130 is increased, and when the mobile robot 10 is touched from the front, the bumper sensor FL FR is detected, and the reliability can be improved. The bumper sensor arrangement shown in FIG. 15 can be used in each embodiment of the present invention, and the efficiency of travel control can be improved.

<Running control process>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the traveling control process of the present embodiment.

  The travel route determination unit 101 determines a travel route to the target point G based on the command received from the robot management system 20 (step S41). For example, consider a case where the current position P and the target point G of the mobile robot 10 are on a map as shown in FIG. The mobile robot 10 is stopped at the current position P, which is next to the work area, and is instructed by the robot management system 20 to transport the load in the work area to the target point G. The mobile robot 10 automatically determines a travel route to the target point G and waits for an instruction (for example, a travel instruction) from the operator.

  Next, the traveling start determination unit 102 confirms that the traveling start condition is satisfied. If the traveling start condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S43 (step S42). Details of the processing in step S42 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The position identifying unit 103 identifies the position and direction of the robot using the map (see FIG. 3) of the mobile robot 10 and the distance data of the laser distance sensor (F) 111 (step S43). That is, the laser distance sensor 111 measures a distance to an object (including a wall and a pillar) existing in the vicinity, and compares the measured distance data with map data. Further, the position identifying unit 103 identifies the current position P of the mobile robot 10 and the direction in which it can move on the map based on the comparison result.

  Subsequently, the target setting unit 104 sets the target position and target direction of the mobile robot 10 along the travel route with respect to the current position and direction of movement of the mobile robot 10 (step S44). The setting range of the target position can be arbitrarily determined in consideration of the complexity of the travel route, the number of operating other mobile robots, the operating traffic situation of the mobile robot, and the like. Furthermore, the target setting unit 104 obtains the optimum position until reaching the target position and target direction along the travel route acquired by executing Step S44 with respect to the current position and movable direction of the mobile robot 10. A proper traveling method (forward / backward / turning, on-site turning, parallel movement, etc.) is set (step S45).

  Further, the movement control unit 105 moves the robot 10 by controlling the moving mechanism 150 to the target position in the target direction according to the traveling method set in step S45 (step S46).

  Finally, the target arrival determination unit 106 determines whether the mobile robot 10 has reached the target point G (step S47). If it has not reached, the processing from step S43 to step 46 is repeatedly executed, and if it has reached, the processing of the traveling control unit 100 ends.

<Details of Travel Start Determination Process (Step S42)>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining details of the travel start determination process. Here, a case where the luggage in the work area is loaded and traveling toward the target point G will be described.

  The mobile robot 10 is in a baggage waiting state by the blinking state of the blinkers 121 and 122. In addition, the load detection sensors 141 and 142 attached to the load table 140 on which the load 30 is mounted detects whether the load 30 is mounted. Then, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether or not the notification of the loading of the load has been received from the load detection sensors 141 and 142 (step S421). When the notification is received, the process proceeds to step S422. In addition, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the waiting time until the load is detected, and when the waiting time exceeds a predetermined setting waiting time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and Follow the directive.

  At this time, the mobile robot 10 blinks the blinkers 121 and 122 at a cycle different from the blinking cycle of step S421 (for example, a shorter cycle) to indicate a waiting state for the rear sensor. Then, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether there is an object at a short distance from the notification information from the laser distance sensor B (proximity sensor) 112 attached to the rear of the mobile robot 10 (step S422). Here, the object is assumed to be a state in which the operator has extended his / her hand to the laser distance sensor B, and thereby the robot is instructed to travel to the target point G. The object is not limited to the operator's hand, and the object may be brought closer to the laser distance sensor B112 by an automatic machine. Further, the instruction may not be directed to the rear sensor, and the user may hold the hand over the laser distance sensor F111 attached to the front, thereby instructing the start of traveling. If it is determined in step S422 that there is an object at a short distance, the process proceeds to step 423. When it is determined that there is no object at a short distance, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the standby time, and when the standby time exceeds a predetermined set standby time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and The command of the management system 20 is followed.

  Furthermore, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether there is an object that obstructs travel in the traveling direction of the mobile robot 10 using the laser distance sensor F111 that detects the front state of the mobile robot 10 (step S423). If it is determined that there is not, the travel start condition is satisfied, and the travel start determination unit 102 temporarily stops blinking of the blinkers 121 and 122 and ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an object that hinders traveling, the traveling start determination unit 102 notifies the user that the vehicle cannot pass by changing the display of the blinkers 121 and 122. At the same time, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the standby time until it is determined that there is no obstacle, and when the standby time exceeds a predetermined set standby time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and The command of the management system 20 is followed.

  Through the processing as described above, it is determined that traveling can be started, and processing after step S43 can be executed.

(2) Second Embodiment In the mobile robot 10 according to the second embodiment, in the travel start determination process, a travel start determination is made by a reliable dialogue between the user and the mobile robot 10. Yes. That is, the user's intention display is reliably transmitted to the mobile robot 10 by requesting that the user hold his / her hand within a predetermined time in which the blinkers 121 and 122 of the mobile robot 10 are blinking.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the travel start determination process. In this case as well, a case where the luggage in the work area is mounted and traveling toward the target point G is started will be described.

  The mobile robot 10 is in a baggage waiting state by the blinking state of the blinkers 121 and 122. In addition, the load detection sensors 141 and 142 attached to the load table 140 on which the load 30 is mounted detects whether the load 30 is mounted. Then, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether or not the notification of the loading of the load has been received from the load detection sensors 141 and 142 (step S421). When the notification is received, the process proceeds to step S422. In addition, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the waiting time until the load is detected, and when the waiting time exceeds a predetermined setting waiting time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and Follow the directive.

  At this time, the mobile robot 10 blinks the blinkers 121 and 122 at a cycle different from the blinking cycle of step S421 (for example, a shorter cycle) to indicate a waiting state for the rear sensor. Then, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether there is an object at a short distance from the notification information from the laser distance sensor B (proximity sensor) 112 attached to the rear of the mobile robot 10 (step S422). Here, the object is assumed to be a state in which the operator has extended his / her hand to the laser distance sensor B, and thereby the robot is instructed to travel to the target point G. The object is not limited to the operator's hand, and the object may be brought closer to the laser distance sensor B112 by an automatic machine. Further, the instruction may not be directed to the rear sensor, and the user may hold the hand over the laser distance sensor F111 attached to the front, thereby instructing the start of traveling. If it is determined in step S422 that there is an object at a short distance, the process proceeds to step 424. When it is determined that there is no object at a short distance, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the standby time, and when the standby time exceeds a predetermined set standby time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and The command of the management system 20 is followed.

  In step S424, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether or not there has been a travel start instruction within a predetermined time. That is, the mobile robot 10 turns on the blinkers 121 and 122 and detects the state of the rear sensor 112. Then, when the rear sensor 112 detects that there is no object at a close distance by a predetermined set standby time (Yes in step S424), the travel start determination unit 102 turns off the blinkers 121 and 122 and performs processing. Move to step S423. When the set standby time is exceeded (No in step S424), the travel start determination unit 102 reports the fact to the robot management system 20, and terminates the processing in accordance with a command from the robot management system 20 (step S425).

  Furthermore, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether there is an object that obstructs travel in the traveling direction of the mobile robot 10 using the laser distance sensor F111 that detects the front state of the mobile robot 10 (step S423). If it is determined that there is not, the travel start condition is satisfied, and the travel start determination unit 102 temporarily stops blinking of the blinkers 121 and 122 and ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an object that hinders traveling, the traveling start determination unit 102 notifies the user that the vehicle cannot pass by changing the display of the blinkers 121 and 122. At the same time, the travel start determination unit 102 measures the standby time until it is determined that there is no obstacle, and when the standby time exceeds a predetermined set standby time, reports the fact to the robot management system 20 and The command of the management system 20 is followed.

  Through the processing as described above, it is determined that traveling can be started, and processing after step S43 can be executed.

(3) Third Embodiment The third embodiment is intended to improve convenience while ensuring the safety of the mobile robot 10. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the concept of processing executed when a moving object (object or person) comes into contact with the bumper 130 of the traveling mobile robot 10.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the mobile robot 10 uses the laser distance sensors (F, B) 111 and 112 and the bumper sensors 131 and 132 that are proximity sensors when traveling along the travel route. The safety is confirmed.

  Normally, when an object approaches the mobile robot 10, laser distance sensors (F, B) 111 and 112 are used to prevent the robot from decelerating or stopping and contacting. In this case, when the approaching object moves away, the robot automatically resumes traveling and proceeds toward the target point G according to the traveling route.

  However, as shown in FIG. 7, when a moving object (a person or a carriage) comes into contact with the robot from behind the object, the bumper sensor F or B detects it by contacting the bumper. In the case of FIG. 7, the contact of the bumper sensor F is detected. When the robot bumper is touched, it may have some influence on the moving object, so we decided to check the situation with the surrounding workers. When the operator confirms that there is no problem with the robot traveling, as shown in FIG. 8, the robot is permitted to travel by pressing the bumper on the opposite side of the robot traveling direction. When the bumper sensor B detects contact, the robot resumes traveling and travels to the target point G along the traveling route as shown in FIG.

  In order to add such a function to the robot, a travel control process (FIG. 10) and a process of interrupting it at any time (FIG. 11) are performed. The travel control process in FIG. 10 uses the distance data of the laser distance sensor 111 to limit the maximum speed of the robot. Further, the processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed when the bumper sensors 131 and 132 detect contact of an object while the processing of the travel control unit in FIG. 10 is being executed.

<Running control process>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the traveling control process of the present embodiment.
The travel route determination unit 101 determines a travel route to the target point G based on the command received from the robot management system 20 (step S41). For example, consider a case where the current position P and the target point G of the mobile robot 10 are on a map as shown in FIG. The mobile robot 10 is stopped at the current position P, which is next to the work area, and is instructed by the robot management system 20 to transport the load in the work area to the target point G. The mobile robot 10 automatically determines a travel route to the target point G and waits for an instruction (for example, a travel instruction) from the operator.

  Next, the traveling start determination unit 102 confirms that the traveling start condition is satisfied. If the traveling start condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S43 (step S42). The details of the processing in step S42 are as described in FIG.

  The position identifying unit 103 identifies the position and direction of the robot using the map (see FIG. 3) of the mobile robot 10 and the distance data of the laser distance sensor (F) 111 (step S43). That is, the laser distance sensor 111 measures a distance to an object (including a wall and a pillar) existing in the vicinity, and compares the measured distance data with map data. Further, the position identifying unit 103 identifies the current position P of the mobile robot 10 and the direction in which it can move on the map based on the comparison result.

  Further, the position identification unit 103 determines whether there is an approaching object based on the distance data of the laser distance sensors (F, B) 111 and 112 (step S101). If there is an approaching object, the position identification unit 103 limits the maximum speed of the mobile robot 10 according to the approach distance (step S102), and shifts the processing to step S44. When approaching the set stop determination distance, the maximum speed of the mobile robot 10 is set to zero. That is, at that time, the mobile robot 10 is stopped. If there is no approaching object, the process proceeds to step S44.

  Subsequently, the target setting unit 104 sets the target position and target direction of the mobile robot 10 along the travel route with respect to the current position and direction of movement of the mobile robot 10 (step S44). The setting range of the target position can be arbitrarily determined in consideration of the complexity of the travel route, the number of operating other mobile robots, the operating traffic situation of the mobile robot, and the like. Furthermore, the target setting unit 104 obtains the optimum position until reaching the target position and target direction along the travel route acquired by executing Step S44 with respect to the current position and movable direction of the mobile robot 10. A proper traveling method (forward / backward / turning, on-site turning, parallel movement, etc.) is set (step S45).

  Further, the movement control unit 105 moves the robot 10 by controlling the moving mechanism 150 to the target position in the target direction according to the traveling method set in step S45 (step S46).

  Finally, the target arrival determination unit 106 determines whether the mobile robot 10 has reached the target point G (step S47). If it has not reached, the processing from step S43 to step 46 is repeatedly executed, and if it has reached, the processing of the traveling control unit 100 ends.

<Interrupt processing>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an interrupt process executed when an object comes into contact with the bumper.

  The traveling control unit 100 constantly monitors whether or not an object has contacted the bumper 130 of the mobile robot 10 from the bumper sensors (F, B) 131 and 132 (step 111), and determines that it has contacted (see FIG. 7). ), The processes of steps S112 to S114 are executed.

  When contact with the bumper 130 is detected, the traveling control unit 100 (robot stop control unit not shown) controls the moving mechanism 150 to stop the mobile robot 10 and the bumper sensors 131 and 132 detect contact with the object. Is reported to the robot management system 20 (step S112).

  Then, the travel start determination unit 102 determines whether or not the bumper sensor opposite to the traveling direction of the mobile robot 10 detects contact (for example, the user presses the bumper (applies pressure)) (step S113). . In addition, when the mobile robot 10 moves forward, it determines using bumper sensor B (refer FIG. 2 etc.). If the bumper sensor detects contact in step S113, the process proceeds to step S114 (see FIG. 8). When the bumper sensor does not detect the contact of the object, the travel start determination unit 102 waits until a predetermined travel start determination time, and when the predetermined standby time has passed, the mobile robot 10 enters the robot management system 20. It reports that it has stopped, and waits for an instruction from the robot management system 20.

  Subsequently, the travel control unit 100 (running determination unit not shown) confirms by the laser distance sensor 111, the bumper sensor F, and the like that there is no object that obstructs travel in the travel direction of the mobile robot 10 (step S114). If there is no object, the interruption process is terminated. Thereby, the processing of the normal travel control unit 100 (FIG. 10) is resumed, and the robot can travel to the target point G along the travel route (FIG. 9). When the traveling control unit 100 determines that there is an object that hinders traveling, the traveling control unit 100 stands by until a predetermined traveling determination time. When the traveling determination time has elapsed, the mobile robot 10 is placed in the robot management system 20. It reports that it has stopped, and waits for an instruction from the robot management system 20.

(4) Fourth Embodiment FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which there is an obstacle that blocks the passage while the mobile robot 10 travels along the travel route according to the travel control process illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the travel is restarted by selecting a new route different from the first travel route in accordance with the instruction.

  When an obstacle is detected during traveling, the mobile robot 10 stops temporarily while reducing the speed, reports to the robot management system 20 that there is an obstacle, blinks the blinkers 121 and 122, and enters a standby state.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the user (operator) contacts the bumper 130 or approaches the laser distance sensor BL (see FIG. 14 or 15 etc.) of the robot from the side surface (holds the hand, etc.). Accordingly, the bumper sensor L (see FIG. 2) or the laser distance sensor (BL) detects it. Here, this operation means that the operator has instructed the mobile robot 10 to turn 90 ° to the right, start from that direction, and travel to the target point G.

  By detection of any of these sensors, as shown in FIG. 13, the mobile robot 10 turns 90 ° to the right, determines a new travel route from the stopped point to the target point G, and moves forward. After confirming that there is no obstacle, traveling is started again by the same method as the processing from step S43 (position identification processing) in FIG.

  By adopting such a processing method, it is possible to greatly improve the convenience of the operator who operates the robot.

  In the state as shown in FIG. 12, when the operator touches the bumper sensor B (see FIG. 2) on the opposite side to the traveling direction of the old travel route, the mobile robot reverses and makes the old travel route different from other routes. It is also possible to return to the branch point and travel to the target point G from there by a new travel route. By performing such a process, an operator can give an instruction by touching the robot from the near side at a dead end, so that there is an advantage that it is easy to operate.

(5) Summary of Embodiment The mobile robot is in a standby state, and an object (for example, a sensor is held over the sensor) within a predetermined distance (within a distance shorter than the distance at which an obstacle is detected) within the laser distance sensor. Move the mobile robot in the direction of travel. More specifically, when the laser distance sensor holds the hand in a direction different from the traveling direction of the mobile robot (from behind), the mobile robot starts to travel in the traveling direction. In this way, it is possible to easily start a mobile robot that has been loaded and loaded.

  Further, when the laser distance sensor detects an object in the traveling direction, or when the bumper sensor detects contact of the object, the mobile robot is controlled to stop. After that, when the laser distance sensor detects that there is no object that caused the laser distance sensor or bumper sensor to stop and there is another object (for example, a hand over the sensor) in a direction different from the traveling direction. , Re-start the mobile robot in the direction of travel. By doing so, it is possible to facilitate the re-start control of the mobile robot while ensuring safety.

  Furthermore, when the laser distance sensor detects that there is an object (obstacle) in the traveling direction of the mobile robot for a predetermined time or more, and detects another object (a hand held up) in a direction different from the traveling direction, Move the mobile robot in different directions (turn around). At this time, the route that travels in the direction of travel and goes to the destination specified in advance is changed to the route that travels in the direction different from the first travel direction and goes to the destination, and moves according to the route after the change. Make the robot run autonomously. By doing so, it is possible to easily change the route and to flexibly cope with environmental changes.

  Furthermore, the mobile robot is further provided with a notification function for notifying the state of the mobile robot. At this time, after notifying that the laser distance sensor detected the object in the backward direction (direction different from the traveling direction), it was detected that there was no object in the backward direction (direction different from the traveling direction) within a predetermined time. Only when the mobile robot starts to run. By doing so, the mobile robot can be interactively controlled, and the possibility of erroneously recognizing an instruction from the operator is reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile robot 20 ... Robot management system 30 ... Baggage 100 ... Travel control part 101 ... Travel route determination part 102 ... Travel start determination part 103 ... Position identification part 104- ··· Target setting unit 105 ··· Movement control unit 106 ··· Target arrival determination unit 111 ··· Laser distance sensor 112 ··· Laser distance sensor 120 ··· Body portion 121 ··· Winker 122 · · · 130 ... Bumper 131 ... Bumper sensor 132 ... Bumper sensor 140 ... Luggage table 141 ... Luggage detection sensor 142 ... Luggage detection sensor 150 ... Moving mechanism 160 ... Communication device 201 ... ·Communication device

Claims (10)

A moving mechanism that moves the main body of the mobile robot; a proximity sensor that detects an object approaching the moving mechanism from a plurality of directions; and a control unit that controls the moving mechanism based on a signal from the proximity sensor.
When the mobile robot is in a standby state and the proximity sensor detects an object as a travel start instruction within the predetermined distance, the control unit controls the mobile mechanism to move the mobile robot in the traveling direction. A mobile robot characterized by being moved. In claim 1,
When the proximity sensor detects the object in a direction (second direction) different from the traveling direction (first direction) of the mobile robot, the control unit moves the moving mechanism in the traveling direction. A mobile robot characterized by A moving mechanism that moves the main body of the mobile robot; a proximity sensor that detects an object approaching the moving mechanism from a plurality of directions; and a control unit that controls the moving mechanism based on a signal from the proximity sensor.
After the proximity sensor detects an object in a first direction, and the control unit controls the moving mechanism in response to the detection to stop the mobile robot, the proximity sensor moves the object in the first direction. And when the control unit detects that there is another object in a second direction different from the first direction, the control unit controls the moving mechanism and moves the mobile robot in the first direction. A mobile robot characterized by being moved. A moving mechanism that moves the main body of the mobile robot; a proximity sensor that detects an object approaching the moving mechanism from a plurality of directions; and a control unit that controls the moving mechanism based on a signal from the proximity sensor.
When the proximity sensor detects that there is an object in the traveling direction (first direction) of the mobile robot for a predetermined time or more and then detects another object in a direction different from the traveling direction, the control unit detects the moving mechanism. And moving the mobile robot in a direction different from the first direction. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The proximity sensor includes a laser distance sensor capable of determining approach from at least two directions in a non-contact manner when an approaching object approaches. In any one of Claims 2 thru | or 5,
The proximity sensor detects an object different from the object in the first direction at a distance shorter than the object in the first direction in the second direction or a direction different from the first direction. A mobile robot wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism when detected. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The mobile robot according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor includes a bumper sensor that determines whether or not the object is in contact from at least two directions when the object contacts. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism based on a predetermined travel route and causes the mobile robot to autonomously travel to a predetermined destination. In any one of Claims 2 thru | or 8,
Furthermore, a notification function for notifying the state of the mobile robot is provided,
A direction different from the second direction or the first direction within a predetermined time after notifying that the proximity sensor has detected the object in the second direction or a direction different from the first direction. Only when it is detected that there is no object, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to move the mobile robot. In claim 4,
The controller changes from a route that travels in the first direction to a destination specified in advance to a route that travels in a direction different from the first direction and goes to the destination, and after the change A mobile robot characterized in that the mobile mechanism is controlled according to a route of the mobile robot so that the mobile robot travels autonomously.

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