Service robots, a marvel to behold, can transform a building’s dynamics. They are highly adaptable to new environments thanks to advanced localisation technologies that create a local map of a building and compute routes that are optimal. BuilT-In provides integration with robotics applications, so that robots can easily navigate busy building environments, place lift calls to their destination floors, and request lift status information.
With BuilT-In Robot Service Connection, building management can track a robot’s location and status in real time, and swiftly respond whenever required.
BuilT-In provides a cloud-based development environment for robotics applications to simulate various scenarios and minimise uncertainties ahead of deployment, for instance to verify that the communications and connection status between lifts and robots are not interrupted.
The BuilT-In API (Application Programming Interface) creates a communication link between robots and lifts by connecting the lifts’ network switch with the local building network or gateway box via WIFI, 4G or 5G, so that robots can effortlessly transit between floors.
On their way up or down, robots will transmit a destination call to a dedicated or dynamic lift(s) and enquire about the lift’s position and door status. Upon completion of its task, the robot will automatically return to the docking station and wait for its next order.
Step 1: The robot receives a delivery request to a designated floor (a destination call request).
Step 2: The robot places a call for a lift via WiFi/4G/5G to its destination floor.
Step 3: The designated lift is assigned to the robot.
Step 4: Upon task completion, the robot will return to the docking.
Rice Robotics has integrated with Schindler's PORT destination control elevator system via the BuilT-In Robot Service Connection API at K11 Atelier and Science Park Buildings 17W and 19W, resulting in seamless transit between floors. The Rice robots communicate with the elevators via wifi, 4G and 5G. In addition, we were able to test various scenarios ahead of time using Schindler's cloud-based developing environment. Delivery robots are much more useful when they can take elevators, and we are grateful for Schindler's support in helping make the smart city vision a reality.
Rhaime Kim, COO, Rice Robotics
One of the key enablers that made our integration with RICE Robots a success at our K11 facilities was the flexibility and reliability that Schindler's PORT provided.
Ben Wong, the head of open innovation at Eureka Nova (New world Group)