Description

Field of the invention

The present invention operates in the field of computer systems and Proximity Marketing and Customer Sendee devices. More specifically, the subject invention is a robot comprising an integrated artificial intelligence system capable of interacting with the “proximity public” and creating info-involvement and entertainment.

Prior art

Today artificial intelligence and robotics are used in many hotels that have opened up to digital innovation, which has now revolutionized the many spheres of everyday life, changed habits, created new' needs and lifestyles. The world of tourism and hospitality has embraced change by innovating to create new' opportunities for travelers. Among the fields of application of artificial intelligence, hotels, increasingly digital-friendly, experiment with:

_* robotic assistants;

* personalized services at the time of booking;

_* voice and facial recognition systems at check-in and in the offer of services such as room temperature and light control;

* augmented reality systems that offer customers emotional and interactive 3D virtual tours of the location;

_* chat-bots that interact with customers 24 hours a day.

The first robot-concierges in the global hotel industry date back to 2013 when some hotels in the East welcomed the first android concierges. China is one of the forerunners with the “ Pengheng Space Capsules’ ^' ’ hotel. From that moment on, a series of robot- butlers, robot-waiters and android-translators was designed that could only carry out the most mechanical and impersonal tasks. According to a McKinsey study, almost half of the working hours of the hotel staff is dedicated to this type of activity and therefore 94% of them could be easily automated. Over the years, robots have become more and more “human” and sophisticated, so much so that today they can even interact with the interlocutor, answer his/her questions and even decode non-verbal language. In Italy, starting from 2018, “Pepper”, the first android-butler, has landed, programmed to entertain guests, update them on weather conditions, means of transport and museum timetables by virtue of the constant connection to the internet. It performs 50% of the host duties so that humans can devote themselves to more complex and strategic operations. This meets the goal of improving the customer experience, transforming the visit into an active, personal and engaging experience.

As regards patents, the area has been considerably deepened; giving an example, patent CN111862487A describes a self-service check-in system based on a hotel welcome robot. According to the invention, the hotel welcome robot based self-service check-in system not only has the functions of emergency check-in and self-service room selection, but also has the functions of check-in and check-out.

A further example is the patent CN111716348A which provides a robotic system for the hotel reception based on artificial intelligence. The system comprises a mobile terminal, a cloud server, a system server and at least one intelligent robot, where the intelligent robot sends data to the cloud server via the system server, the mobile terminal accesses the cloud server via a communication network wireless. The intelligent robot is internally provided with a control motherboard, a voice transmission recognition module, a high-definition camera module, an ultrasonic human body induction module, a printer module, a card swipe payment module and a wireless communication module. According to the system, the reception in the hotel is carried out by the intelligent robot, so that the check-in and check-out procedures are provided conveniently to the guests.

In parallel, for some time now, industries and analysis and marketing platforms have been developing communication methods that are effective and analytical in-store to offer dynamic responsiveness in the e-commerce sector to today’s stores. The acquisition of raw data from sources located within the points of sale and the possibility of transforming the data collected from the local public into usable analyzes in a few seconds has become fundamental. In this way, retailers can guarantee offers and experiences based on online and offline customer profiles based on the information collected, data acquired and compared. Also in this area there are, in the prior art, various devices programmed as a proximity marketing interface. For example, the utility model CN205789021 describes a shopping guide device comprising a projection component, a transmission component, a shopping guide machine body and a screen. The components, projection and transmission parts are all installed to work together. The transmission hole is installed on the machine body of the shopping guide, the screen is installed on one side of the machine body of the shopping guide. Such machine is used to play videos and project holographic virtual reality images on various products with the aim of improving driving efficiency in multiple commercial scenarios.

All the devices described above lack “customized” interface equipment that can be adapted to varying users, capable of modifying the type of interface or the images object of the projections and the sounds according to the customer who approaches each time. Furthermore, these devices do not have an interface designed for blind or visually impaired users.

There does not seem to be any patent that effectively solves the aforementioned drawbacks, therefore, the object of the present patent for industrial invention is to create an info-involvement for customers of all ages who can easily interface with the system even through simple voice commands.

Description of the invention According to the present invention, a multifunctional humanoid robot with an artificial intelligence “machine learning” system associated therewith is implemented, programmed for assistance and information in any kind of hotel facility. The subject robot is programmed to interact proactively and expressively with any user, it is provided with a plurality of sensors that allow, in addition to automatic mobility, the possibility of adapting the height of the aforementioned robot to a user who approaches the speech. The dimensions of the aforementioned robot range from a standard size of 140 cm x 60 cm, to a maximum of 200 cm x 90 cm up to a reduced size of 60 cm x 30 cm for installation on a counter or any other horizontal support located within a store. Its structure mainly consists of an upper component, in the shape of a humanoid head with a mobility of 180°, connected by means of a movable joint to a central body, in turn provided with two limbs and connected below to a lower block of substantially cylindrical shape. The latter is flared in the lower part and housed above a tank which in turn advantageously comprises six stair-climbing wheels associated with a step- detecting sensor, a plurality of brushes and a suction system.

One of the advantages of the aforesaid upper component is that of comprising a plurality of video cameras inserted inside two eye sockets: connected with the aforesaid artificial intelligence system, they allow the robot to recognize shapes, objects and people.

A further advantage is that of including a sonar adapted to allow the robot to carry out a plurality of automatic movements including omnidirectional navigation and 360° rotation on its axis. The multi-modal interaction of the aforementioned robot with any user with whom it comes into contact is guaranteed by the presence of four directional microphones and at least two speakers installed on the sides of the aforementioned upper component.

The aforementioned central body, on the other hand, simultaneously comprises a screen for the projection of information, films, multimedia and interactive contents and a touch-screen interface, installed on the left limb, which, presenting different elements that can be selected and grouped fay type, allow s the choice of topics of interest by each user.

One of the main advantages of the subject robot is that it is provided with a smart cleaning function: selectable at the request of an administrator, it performs a deep cleaning using the aforementioned lower brushes and the suction system that allow modular cleaning of the horizontal surfaces traveled said robot, by virtue of the presence of smart sensors, which vary the cleaning intensity according to the type of surfaces detected (carpet, parquet, marble or other coatings). The central artificial intelligence “machine learning” system is located inside the aforementioned lower block and it allows the robot to implement dialogues, languages and adapt according to the context and the responses received from users who come into contact with it.

Advantageously, the aforesaid system comprises an autonomous guide technology and a navigation software which contains, organizes and manages the data suitable for interaction, promotion, information and for collecting further data recorded by the dialogues with users.

It is comiected to a plurality of infrared perception sensors installed on the aforementioned head, limbs and tank elements, winch perceive the distance threshold between a potential user and the robot, an inertial unit that perceives the surrounding environment and orientates itself in space and a voice and dialogue recognition sensor available in a wide selection of languages.

Possibly and advantageously, moreover, the operation of the artificial intelligence system is divided into four cyclical steps: a start-up step during which the robot remains in a waiting mode until a command is received; a presentation step, which starts once potential users have been identified: in this step, the robot, sending a welcome message, invites them to interact and/or use the touch-screen interface. A third step during which the aforementioned robot illustrates to the user the contents, information and insights on each type of product and/or offer available within the program. Finally, a return step that occurs every time the robot stops perceiving the presence of the user in proximity to the system .

A further advantage of the system installed inside the robot is that it includes an update and monitoring method of use by one or more administrators who are allowed to make changes and updates to the server and the contents of the artificial intelligence system, in addition to the possibility of modifying the supplementary information contents provided through the touch-screen interface.

In a further version, the central body comprises at least one image player which projects, on any vertical, horizontal, solid or liquid surface, images with digital-actor functions and an assistance and information interface for each user interacting with the robot.

The entire structure of the subject robot comprises, in a further version, a bumper external layer that damps any impacts with the external environment that could damage the internal structure and the artificial intelligence system.

The robot, in a technological version, is telescopic and programmed to rise and fall according to the user with whom it comes into contact and is provided with a flashlight installed on the upper component, immediately above the eye sockets.

Also in an advantageous version, the aforementioned touch-screen interface is provided with an element for the interaction of blind and visually impaired users.

In a possible version, the entire body of said robot is of animal shape and/or customizable on request.

The advantages offered by the present invention are clear in the light of the above description and will be even clearer from the accompanying figures and the related detailed description.

The invention will hereinafter be described in at least one preferred embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying figures, in which:

- FIGURE 1 shows the entire robot 1 in question: note that the upper component 1.1 comprises the eye sockets 2.3 and is connected to the central body 1.2 by means of a movable junction 2.2. In turn, the aforementioned body 1.2 comprises a right limb 2.3 and a left limb 2.4 comiected to a touch-screen interface 2.1. Note the flared shape of the lower block 1.3 which allows the installation of the artificial intelligence system 2. The tank 1.5 is placed under the entire structure and contains stair-climbing wheels 1.4, brashes 1.7, a suction system 1.9 and a staircase detector sensor 1.8.

- FIGURE 2 shows in detail a lateral and lower section of the tank 1.5 comprising the aforementioned stair-climbing wheels 1.4, an aforementioned staircase detector sensor 1.8 and the aforementioned brushes 1.7.

- FIGURE 3 shows a block diagram of the cyclical functioning of the artificial intelligence “machine learning” system 2 consisting of a start-up step A, a presentation step B, an interaction step C, a step of return to the start-up step D.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of the figures, which illustrate some embodiments relative to the present inventive concept.

As shown in Fig. 1 the subject robot 1 is preferably humanoid in shape, has the features of being at the same time pro-active and expressive, mobile as well as telescopic and multifunctional. It is programmed for the assistance and distribution of information within hotel facilities.

These functions are managed centrally by an artificial intelligence “ machine learning” system 2, installed inside the subject robot l, to implement dialogues, languages and adapt according to the context and the responses received from each user who interacts with the aforementioned robot 1. The aforesaid system 2 provides an autonomous guide technology and a navigation software which contains, organizes and manages the data necessary for interaction, promotion, information and for collecting further data recorded from the communications exchanged with each user.

By means of a plurality of infrared perception sensors and an inertial unit, the subject robot 1 perceives the surrounding environment and orientates itself in space by measuring the distance from a potential user and/or from a plurality of obstacles. The function which allows the entire robot machine l to interact with a plurality of users can be activated through at least two speakers, a plurality of microphones and video cameras and at least one voice and dialogue recognition sensor that allows you to communicate in a plurality of languages: in this way, in fact, the robot 1 welcomes, informs and entertains a variety of users whatever language they speak.

The entire structure of the aforementioned robot 1 comprises a bumper external layer which absorbs any impacts with the external environment which could damage its main internal and external components; the latter, as shown in Fig. 1, are: an upper component 1.1, a central body 1.2, a tank 1.5 and a lower block 1.3. The upper component 1.1 has preferably the shape of a humanoid head and the structure of the robot machine 1 is installed at the top; it comprises:

- a plurality of video cameras inserted inside two eye sockets 2.3 and connected with the system 2, which allow the recognition of shapes, objects and people;

- a sonar which allows the robot 1 to carry out omni-directional and autonomous navigation together with a 360° rotation on its axis;

- at least four directional microphones and at least two speakers positioned respectively on the sides of the aforesaid upper component i . i programmed to allow a multi-modal interaction of the aforesaid robot 1 with any user with whom it comes into contact;

- a flashlight installed above said eye sockets 2.3.

Furthermore, a 180° mobility' ^· of the upper component 1.1 is configured on its horizontal axis and on its vertical axis, which emulates the amplitude of human cervical movements.

The aforementioned central body 1.2, on the other hand, includes at least three movable junctions 2.2 coupled, in addition to the upper component i.1, to a right limb 2.3 and a left limb 2.4: the latter includes at its end a touch-screen interface 2.1 which it allows communication between each user and the aforementioned artificial intelligence system 2.

The interface 2.1 sets up various elements, which can be selected by each user, which group by type the topics to be submitted to the subject robot 1 by each user. Moreover, the interface is provided with an element for the interaction and selection of topics by blind and visually impaired users.

Finally, the aforementioned central body 1.2 frontally incorporates:

- a screen 2.5 for the projection of information, films, multimedia and interactive contents;

- an image player that projects, on any vertical, horizontal, solid or liquid surface, multimedia images with assistance and information functions in commercial areas or in any other place used for sales, marketing or information centers.

The aforementioned tank 1.5 is mounted underneath a lower block 1.3 and comprises a lower structure 1.6 comprising at least six stair-climbing wheels 1.4, a plurality of lower brashes 1.7 and at least one staircase detector sensor 1.8. This component is essential for carrying out the smart cleaning function: it can be selected upon request by an administrator and allows the robot machine 1 to perform a deep cleaning. The lower brashes 1.7 alternating with a suction system 1.9, always installed below the aforementioned tank 1.5, allow cleaning of the horizontal surfaces and being modular and provided with smart sensors, they vary the intensity of the cleaning according to the surfaces detected. The feature just described is silent and can be activated in energy saving mode. Coming to the last component of the structure, the lower block 1.3, it is placed above the tank 1.5 and is preferably cylindrical in shape and flared in the lower part to allow the installation of the artificial intelligence “machine learning’’ system 2 inside.

The whole machine has dimensions ranging from a standard size of 140 cm x 60 cm, to a maximum of 200 cm x 90 cm up to a reduced size of 60 cm x 30 cm for installation on a counter or any other horizontal support located within a store; moreover, since the robot 1 is telescopic, it adapts its own height depending on the user it conies into contact with by automatically rising or lowering.

The whole machine for operation includes rechargeable smart batteries.

The shape of the subject robot 1 can be configured with an animal shape or customizable at the request of each client.

As shown in Fig. 3, the artificial intelligence system 2 described above provides a cyclical structure of steps divided into a start-up step A, a presentation step B, an interaction step C, a return step D. In the first, the aforementioned system 2 , remains in a waiting mode, which is repeated cyclically, until a new command is received. The second step, on the other hand, is activated automatically by means of the detection of approaching users by the aforementioned video cameras, aforementioned microphones and aforementioned infrared perception sensors. When such step B is activated, the robot 1 sends a welcome message and invites users to interact and/or use the touchscreen interface 2.1. In a third step, of interaction, the robot 1 illustrates to the user the contents, information and insights on each type of product and offer chosen and recorded within the program; once selected by a user, the requested contents are displayed and illu strated by means of the aforementioned touch-screen interface 2.1 or the aforementioned screen 2.5.

Finally, every time the aforementioned infrared perception sensors stops perceiving the presence of the user in the proximity to the system 2, the step of return to the start-up step is automatically restarted.

The aforementioned system 2 includes methods of updating and monitoring by one or more administrators of said system including: to enable changes to the server and content, to update the artificial intelligence system 2 and to make changes to the additional information content provided through the touch-screen interface 2 1

Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants that are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.