Designing a Virtual Shopping Robot
Advisor(s)
Matthew McCutcheon; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
21-4-2021 10:05 AM
End Date
21-4-2021 10:20 AM
Abstract
The COVID-19 Pandemic has created opportunities for the development of new approaches to routine activities. Even after the pandemic ends, virtual alternatives to past in-person chores and errands will prove efficient and time saving. With robots becoming more and more advanced, they can be used to replace in-person activities that could be potentially dangerous or less favorable to the participants. One specific area for improvement is shopping. Due to the pandemic, many older, or potentially at risk, individuals struggle to find a safe way to shop. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a concept for a virtual shopping robot that aims to take the place of a person in a store. This robot can grab items that a user requires and gives the user an in-depth look at the products they are searching for. The robot is made of a rectangular 6’ by 4’ base that is driven by six omnidirectional wheels, providing for movement in cardinal directions and rotation. On the base is a storage system and an elevator with a grabbing mechanism to allow for the intake of items. Such a robot would allow for a safe and efficient purchasing of store items.
Designing a Virtual Shopping Robot
The COVID-19 Pandemic has created opportunities for the development of new approaches to routine activities. Even after the pandemic ends, virtual alternatives to past in-person chores and errands will prove efficient and time saving. With robots becoming more and more advanced, they can be used to replace in-person activities that could be potentially dangerous or less favorable to the participants. One specific area for improvement is shopping. Due to the pandemic, many older, or potentially at risk, individuals struggle to find a safe way to shop. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a concept for a virtual shopping robot that aims to take the place of a person in a store. This robot can grab items that a user requires and gives the user an in-depth look at the products they are searching for. The robot is made of a rectangular 6’ by 4’ base that is driven by six omnidirectional wheels, providing for movement in cardinal directions and rotation. On the base is a storage system and an elevator with a grabbing mechanism to allow for the intake of items. Such a robot would allow for a safe and efficient purchasing of store items.