Elevator Control System
let robot control elevator
Elevator simulation program for testing our elevator controller
Introduction
To enable the autonomous robot to travel between different hotel floors, we developed an elevator control system. This system is designed to respond to the robot’s commands, managing tasks such as opening and closing elevators doors and pressing the floor buttons as needed.
Approach
We installed two hardware components to the elevator system, avoiding major modifications to its existing elevator control system.
The first hardware is a button control board installed within the elevator. This board can detect the status of each button and press them as needed. The second hardware is the elevator server which can receive robots commands via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
The relationship between our elevator server and the elevator itself allows our robot to call the elevator using wireless communication. The button control board can control the elevator buttons. Notably, it is equipped with the capability to detect if there are people inside the elevator, thus preventing the robot from entering an already crowded elevator.
Installation
We mounted an elevator control board next to the button panels inside the elevator. This board is designed to detect the status of the buttons and press them as required.
We installed our elevator servers atop the elevator, enabling them to receive wireless commands. These servers facilitate seamless communication between the elevator system and the robot using wireless technology.
Elevator shaft: A rarely accessed area for most people.
When the AMR enters a crowded elevator, it may lead to complaints from hotel guests.