Conceptualize a new robot, focused on delivery in a medical environment, based off of the original Relay robot.
Goal
Action
I began work by establishing relationships with the engineering team, then into discovery. I led design, working closely with the navigation and mechanical teams. Once a design concept was chosen, I managed, sourced and built a prototype for the team to test.
An improved user experience through a digital interface paired with physical design using lighting and a simplified sampling process. I worked closely with the client team through prototyping and software integration.
Result
Relay robots have been delivering from counter to customer in hotels for years. A new direction into hospitals and medical environments was an identified opportunity and I was contracted to help them visualize this concept. Working closely with the engineering team and CEO, I conceptualized a modular platform that can fit within the many needs of a complex system.
Project Description
Research
Industrial Design
Prototyping
Role
The Opportunity
provide confidence that the right medication & supplies get to the right place, at the right time
Understanding the stakeholders and process
Designing a robot delivery system in hospitals, we had to understand how things move through healthcare systems, and the people involved. This sparked discussion on where the robots are stored (charged), stocked and move through the environment.
Learning what needs to be carried
Storage is only as good as understanding what is to be stored. I had to understand the variety of items that required robotic deliveries and which were secure and tracked.
Improving the lives of all involved
With many stakeholders, understanding how to positively impact them all was an important task. We had to understand how the robot could increase efficiency and security while not being intrusive in a hectic environment.
Design
Understanding what is to be delivered
Ideating and mind mapping helps expand upon the core experience, leading to a concept of a platform and modularity.
Free use space, from smaller drawers to larger compartments allow for a variety of objects to be stored and moved. Designed to be there to help.
Flexible Space
A drawer system that works with OTS stackable bins, allowing it to work with the system already in place. This configuration also offers a small, secured delivery of sensitive materials.
FITs Right in
This secured concept provides multiple locked compartments. Once the receiver tag’s their badge, the correct compartment will light up, as well as unlock. This ensures that the right person, receives the right items.
The keeper
A platform that can be customized from general use to a much more specialized and secure solution. Two major components, the main storage ‘box’ and the head provides flexibility in combinations to satisfy a variety of use cases.
Modular Platform
There is a variety of things that move through health care; from small syringes to heavy blood and urine bags. Understanding this provided insight into the Relay+ platform concept.
Concept Prototype
This project required a prototype to test current software and navigation works with the new, taller design.
This provided an opportunity to review the lockbox functionality and general aesthetics.
I was responsible for all prototype parts, and had assistance from a mechanical and electrical engineer to verify construction and functionality.
All parts assembled and we were able to test robot navigation, delivery and security.
