MOBILE SALES DEVICE

According to one embodiment, a mobile sales device includes an accommodation unit to hold commodities to be purchased by a user, an operation display unit to display information to the user when purchasing a commodity held in the accommodation unit and to receive an input operation performed by the user during the purchasing of the commodity, and a commodity information display unit. The commodity information display unit is configured to display information about the commodities in the accommodation unit. A display controller is provided to cause at least one of the operation display unit and the commodity information display unit to display an advertisement during movement of the mobile sales device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-025338, filed Feb. 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to a mobile sales device.

BACKGROUND

There has been proposed a system including a mobile robot that moves within a retail store and supports shopping of a customer in the store. The robot travels within the store and carries an item to be purchased for the customer around the store and then to a register for checkout or the like.

As described, such a system only assists the customer while shopping inside the store. A more useful system for a business operator who sells merchandise would be desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, a mobile sales device includes an accommodation unit configured to hold commodities to be purchased by a user, an operation display unit configured to display information to the user when purchasing a commodity held in the accommodation unit and receive an input operation performed by the user during for the purchasing of the commodity, a commodity information display unit configured to display information about the commodities held in the accommodation unit, and a display controller configured to cause at least one of the operation display unit and the commodity information display unit to display an advertisement during movement of the mobile sales device.

Hereinafter, certain example embodiments will be described with reference to drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these particular examples.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram of a mobile sales system according to an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the mobile sales system1includes mobile sales robots10, user terminals20, and a server device30. The mobile sales robots10, the user terminals20, and the server device30are connected to a network N such as a local area network (LAN).

Each mobile sales robot10is a self-propelled device which transports and sells items of merchandise in an automated manner. A mobile sales robot is one example of a mobile sales device. For example, the mobile sales robot10travels within a predetermined range or area, such as a shopping mall or the like. The mobile sales robot is capable of selling items at any location within the predetermined range/area or in response to customer calls (requests) for service at a particular traveling destination. The mobile sales robot10performs patrol traveling of traveling along a predetermined route (circuit travel) and/or call (on-demand) traveling to a position designated by a customer. The number of the mobile sales robots10is not limited.

The outward appearance and other aspects of a mobile sales robot10according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.2to4.FIGS.2to4are perspective views illustrating examples of the appearance of a mobile sales robot10.

InFIGS.2to4, the configurations of the mobile sales robot10will be described using three axial directions of an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis which are orthogonal to each other.

The mobile sales robot10includes a main unit11, a moving unit12, and a user interface unit13. The main unit11provides a box-shaped region that is open on a front surface side and a back surface side. An accommodating unit111(merchandise storing unit) is provided inside the main unit11.

The accommodating unit111is a space for commodities C to be sold, such as food to be stored before purchase. In the accommodating unit111, shelves112on which the commodities C can be displayed are arranged in a plurality of stages in the mobile sales robot10. The shelf112is an example of a display unit that displays the commodity. The commodities C are placed on the shelves112by a store clerk or the like who manages the mobile sales robot10. The commodities C in the accommodating unit111are not limited to food, and may be commodities of other types such as medicines or leisure articles. The accommodating unit111may accommodate the commodities C of a plurality of types.

For example, the shelf112may be divided into a plurality of regions so items may divided into different regions by class or type. The shelf112may be divided into a plurality of regions by using a tray or the like.

In the present example, items are displayed in the accommodating unit111assuming that the customer will see the items from the left side of the mobile sales robot10(a negative side of the Y axis). Therefore, in the following description, the left side of the mobile sales robot10is also referred to as a front surface side of the accommodating unit111. The right side (a positive side of the Y axis) of the mobile sales robot10is also referred to as a back surface side of the accommodating unit111.

FIGS.5A and5Bare front views of the accommodating units illustrating examples of shelf labels113. The shelf label113displays a name and/or a price of the commodity C and is provided on a front surface side of the shelf112.

In the first embodiment, particular examples of the shelf label113include shelf labels1131illustrated inFIG.5Aand shelf labels1132illustrated inFIG.5B. The shelf label1131illustrated inFIG.5Ais a display device also called an electronic shelf label, and is implemented by an electronic paper or the like. The shelf label1132illustrated inFIG.5Bis a horizontally long display device also called a bar type display, and is implemented by a liquid crystal panel or the like.

The shelf labels113according to the first embodiment are an example of a commodity information display unit, and display information about an item being displayed in association therewith (e.g., commodity information such as price, commodity name, or the like) in a rewritable (updateable) manner. The shelf label(s)113can also function as a digital signage that displays information serving as an advertisement to a customer or potential customer. In the first embodiment, the shelf label113displays the advertisement during movement of the mobile sales robot10, and then displays commodity information while the mobile sales robot10is stopped.

Each shelf112is provided with a weight detection unit159(seeFIG.6) that can detect a weight of the commodity C placed on the shelf112. The weight detection unit159detects when a commodity previously placed on the shelf112is removed from the shelf112or when a commodity is returned to the shelf112after removal.

In the first embodiment, a shelf label113is provided on the front surface side of each shelf112, but a shelf label113may also or instead be provided on a back surface side of a shelf112. Furthermore, both the front surface side and the back surface side of the main unit11(accommodating unit111) are open in the present embodiment but in other examples just one side (for example, the front surface side) may be open.

A door portion formed of a light transmissive member such as a glass may be attached to one or both of the front surface side and the back surface side of the main unit11(accommodating unit111), and the inside of the accommodating unit111may be accessed via opening of the door portion. In some examples, a door portion may be attached to the front surface side of the main unit11, but the back surface side of the main unit11may be covered with a fixed, wall surface. In this case, the wall surface on the back surface side may be formed using the light transmissive member such as the glass. The door portions and/or wall surfaces are provided to prevent the merchandise in the accommodating unit111from falling out of the accommodating unit111during the movement of the mobile sales robot10or the like.

Additionally, the door portion may be locked by providing an electronic lock or the like which can prevent items from being illegally removed during movement of the mobile sales robot10or the like.

Light emitting units114and a distance measuring sensor115are provided on a front side of the main unit11. The light emitting unit114includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED), and notifies an operation state of the mobile sales robot10by emitting light in accordance with control of a control unit154. For example, the light emitting unit114notifies that the mobile sales robot10is presently moving by emitting a particular light during the movement of the mobile sales robot10.

An emission color of the light emitting unit114is not limited to a single color. For example, the light emitting unit114may change the emission color or a light emitting pattern in accordance with the operation state of the mobile sales robot10. The light emitting unit114may be provided not only on the front side but also on a rear side of the main unit11.

The distance measuring sensor115is a sensor device that detects an object around the mobile sales robot10and a distance to the object. A sensing result of the distance measuring sensor115is output to the control unit154and is used for collision avoidance during movement, detection of a user, and the like. The distance measuring sensor115can be implemented by, for example, a sensor device that detects objects or measures distances by capturing images or by use of an ultrasonic wave, or a sensor device such as a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) that detects the object by laser light.

The position where the distance measuring sensor115is provided is not limited to the front side of the mobile sales robot10. For example, the distance measuring sensor115may be provided at another position such as the rear side of the mobile sales robot10. An imaging unit134to may be used as the distance measuring sensor115.

The moving unit12is provided on a lower side of the main unit11and movably supports the main unit11. Specifically, the moving unit12includes non-driving wheels121, a driving wheel122, and a driving unit123that drives the driving wheel122.

The non-driving wheel121is a small wheel. The non-driving wheel121changes a traveling direction of the mobile sales robot10(moving unit12) by freely changing an orientation of the non-driving wheel121in accordance with an orientation of a force generated by rotation of the driving wheel122.

The driving wheel122is rotationally driven by the driving unit123to move the mobile sales robot10(moving unit12) forward or backward or turn around.

The driving unit123includes a driving source such as a motor or a power supply. The driving unit123rotationally drives the driving wheel122in accordance with the control from the control unit154, thereby moving the mobile sales robot10in a direction and to a position instructed by the control unit154.

The user interface unit13is provided on an upper portion of the main unit11. In this example, the user interface unit13includes a first display unit131, a second display unit132, a third display unit133, the imaging unit134, and a fourth display unit135.

The first display unit131is a display device installed on the front surface side of the accommodating unit111. The second display unit132is a display device installed on the back surface side of the accommodating unit111. The third display unit133is a display device installed on a rear side of the mobile sales robot10. The fourth display unit135is a display device installed on a front side of the mobile sales robot10. The first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, and the fourth display unit135display various types of information related to sales of a commodity C and the like in accordance with the control of the control unit154.

The imaging unit134is installed on the rear side of the mobile sales robot10. The imaging unit134is a digital camera including an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary MOS (CMOS). The imaging unit134captures an image of a user (customer) who uses the mobile sales robot10to acquire a face image (facial image) or the like of the user.

A configuration of the user interface unit13is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the number of display devices and installation positions are not limited to the illustrated example. The user interface unit13may also include a reader device that reads information from a code symbol such as a two-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode or the like), a reader device that reads information from a card medium such as an IC (integrated circuit) card or a credit card, and the like.

Referring back toFIG.1, the user terminal20is used by a user of the mobile sales system1and is an example of a terminal device. The user terminal20is implemented as a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal20outputs a call request to the server device30for requesting a mobile sales robot10to come to a user position. The number of the user terminals20is not limited.

The server device30manages the mobile sales system1. The server device30is implemented as, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC). The server device30tracks the commodities (items) sold by each mobile sales robot10. The server device30manages the mobile sales robot10and causes the mobile sales robot10to travel toward a call position designated by a call request received from a user terminal20. For example, the server device30tracks current positions of the mobile sales robots10and the user terminals20, and causes a mobile sales robot10designated by the call request to travel toward the position of the user terminal20after receiving a call request for the mobile sales robot10from the user terminal20.

A hardware configuration and functional aspects of components provided in the mobile sales system1will be described.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile sales robot10. As illustrated inFIG.6, the mobile sales robot10includes a central processing unit (CPU)151, a read only memory (ROM)152, a random access memory (RAM)153, and a storage unit162.

The CPU151is an example of a processor, and integrally controls each unit of the mobile sales robot10. The ROM152stores various programs. The RAM153provides a workspace for loading the programs and various types of data.

The storage unit162can be a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory, and maintains a stored content even when the power supply is cut off. The storage unit162stores programs and various types of setting information that can be executed by the CPU151.

The CPU151, the ROM152, and the RAM153are connected via a bus or the like, and constitute the control unit154. In the control unit154, the CPU151operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM152or the storage unit162and loaded in the RAM153, thereby executing various processes.

The mobile sales robot10further includes the light emitting unit114, the driving unit123, and the imaging unit134. The mobile sales robot10further includes a display unit155, an operation unit156, a sound collection unit157, a sensor unit158, weight detection units159, a positioning unit160, a communication unit161, and the like.

The display unit155is a display device such as the first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, the fourth display unit135, and/or the shelf labels113. The display unit155is implemented by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. The display unit155displays various types of information under control of the CPU151.

The operation unit156is input device and outputs user inputs received from the user to the CPU151. The operation unit156can be a touch panel superposed on a display screen of the display unit155other than the shelf labels113. In the present example, the first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, and the fourth display unit135provided with a touch panel serving as an operation unit156.

The sound collection unit157collects sound around the mobile sales robot10, and outputs a sound signal of the collected sound to the CPU151. The sound collection unit157can be a device such as a microphone. The sound collection unit157collects, for example, a voice command/request for causing the mobile sales robot10to stop traveling from a user who wants to purchase a commodity during the patrol traveling from the mobile sales robot10.

The sensor unit158is a sensor device such as the distance measuring sensor115. The sensor unit158outputs a detection result obtained by sensing to the CPU151.

The weight detection unit159is a weight sensor that detects a weight of the commodities accommodated in the accommodating unit111. Specifically, the weight detection unit159is provided on each shelf112, and detects the weight and the weight change of the commodities placed on the shelf112.

In this example, a weight detection unit159is provided corresponding for each shelf112, and when a weight change is detected by a weight detection unit159, the shelf112having the change can be identified.

When the shelf112is divided into a plurality of regions, a weight detection unit159may be provided for each divided region. In this case, the divided regions and the weight detecting units159provided for the regions are correlated.

The positioning unit160measures a current position of the mobile sales robot10. The positioning unit160can be implemented by, for example, a positioning device using a positioning technique such as a global positioning system (GPS).

The positioning unit160may be implemented by a position measuring device using a positioning technique such as beacon positioning and radio frequency identifier (RFID) positioning. In this case, by providing a terminal corresponding to the positioning technique such as the beacon positioning and the RFID positioning at several positions within a travelling range of mobile sales robot10, the current position of the mobile sales robot10can be measured (specified) by a positioning system including the terminals and the positioning unit160.

The communication unit161is a wireless communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit161communicates with an external device such as the server device30via the network N.

The storage unit162stores map information1621, a commodity master1622, and an accommodated commodity table1623. Here, the map information1621is information indicating a map of the range in which the mobile sales robot10moves.

The commodity master1622is a data table for storing information related to the commodity to be sold. The commodity master1622stores, in association with a commodity code for identifying a commodity, commodity information of the commodity corresponding to the commodity code. The commodity information includes the commodity name, a type, the price, the weight, image data, and the like. The commodity master1622may store image data representing a feature of the commodity in the commodity information.

In some examples, the storage unit162may not store the commodity master1622. In this case, the mobile sales robot10can handle a commodity master similarly to a configuration of storing the commodity master1622by referring to a commodity master stored in the server device30.

The accommodated commodity table1623is a data table for storing information related to items (merchandise) accommodated in the accommodating unit111. The accommodated commodity table1623stores, in association with a shelf ID capable of identifying the shelf112provided in the accommodating unit111, the commodity codes and the number of the commodities placed on the shelf112of the corresponding shelf ID. When the shelf112is divided into a plurality of regions, the accommodated commodity table1623may allocate an identifier for each divided region, and store the commodity codes and the number of the commodities placed in each of the regions.

FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional aspects of the mobile sales robot10.

The control unit154of the mobile sales robot10functions as a transmission and reception unit1541, an input reception unit1542, a self-position specifying unit1543, an information processing unit1544, a drive control unit1545, and a display control unit1546(display controller) by the CPU151operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM152or the storage unit162. In some examples, the described functions may be implemented by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

The transmission and reception unit1541transmits and receives various types of information to and from an external device such as the server device30via the communication unit161. For example, the transmission and reception unit1541transmits position information illustrating a position of the mobile sales robot10and state information illustrating a state of the mobile sales robot10to the server device30at any time.

The transmission and reception unit1541transmits an authentication request to the server device30and receives an authentication notification from the server device30. The authentication request is for requesting authentication by a pin code input to the input reception unit1542, and includes the pin code and a robot ID received by the input reception unit1542. The transmission and reception unit1541transmits a settlement request to the server device30and receives a settlement completion notification from the server device30. The settlement process is executed by the server device30in this example.

The input reception unit1542receives input information based on an operation of the operation unit156by a user. For example, the input reception unit1542receives a pin code and a settlement instruction input by an operation of the user.

The self-position specifying unit1543specifies the position of the mobile sales robot10in the map information1621based on an output of the positioning unit160.

The information processing unit1544executes various processes based on various types of information input into the mobile sales robot10.

For example, when the transmission and reception unit1541receives a movement instruction from the server device30, the information processing unit1544determines a movement route to the call position based on the map information1621.

When the weight detection unit159detects the weight change of a shelf112, the information processing unit1544reads the commodity code(s) corresponding to the shelf ID of the shelf112having the weight change from the accommodated commodity table1623, and identifies the commodity removed from the shelf112(or the commodity returned to the shelf112).

For example, when the weight change is a decrease in weight, the information processing unit1544reads the commodity codes stored in association with the shelf ID of the shelf112having the weight change. Then, the information processing unit1544refers to the commodity master1622to specify a commodity code corresponding to the decreased weight among weights associated with the read commodity codes, thereby identifying a particular commodity taken from the shelf112. In this case, the information processing unit1544reads commodity information corresponding to the specified commodity codes from the commodity master1622and registers the commodity information in the RAM153(hereinafter, also referred to as “commodity registration”). That is, the information processing unit1544also functions as a registration unit that executes a commodity registration operation. The information processing unit1544subtracts the number of items taken out from the shelf112from the number of the specified commodity codes stored in the accommodated commodity table1623.

If the weight change is an increase in weight, the information processing unit1544reads the commodity codes stored in association with the shelf ID of the shelf112having the weight change. Then, the information processing unit1544refers to the commodity master1622to identify a commodity code corresponding to the increased weight among weights associated with the read commodity codes, thereby specifying which commodity has been returned to the shelf112. In this case, the information processing unit1544deletes the commodity information corresponding to the specified commodity code from the RAM153(e.g., from the registered commodity list). The information processing unit1544increases the number of the commodities presently stored the shelf112in the accommodated commodity table1623to reflect the return of the item to the shelf112.

In some examples, the registration of the commodity information may be executed by the server device30. Specifically, the information processing unit1544transmits the commodity code of the commodity taken from the shelf112to the server device30via the transmission and reception unit1541. Then, the server device30reads, from the commodity master stored in the server device30, the commodity information corresponding to the received commodity code, and registers the commodity information. In this case, the information processing unit1544implements a function of causing the server device30to register the commodity information.

When the input reception unit1542receives the settlement instruction (request to complete the sales transaction), the information processing unit1544executes a payment process. The payment process is a process by which the user pays a purchase price of any removed items. In the present embodiment, the payment process includes calculation of the total purchase price for items for which the commodity registration was executed, acquisition of face image data of the purchasing customer, and transmission of the settlement request to the server device30.

The server device30executes the settlement process when the settlement request is received from the mobile sales robot10. In the present embodiment, the server device30executes an electronic settlement process based on face authentication. Specifically, the server device30executes settlement using settlement information associated with the user corresponding to the face image data. In the present example, the server device30executes the settlement process by communicating with a settlement server of a settlement processor companying (e.g., a credit card company or electronic payment service). The server device30may also or instead perform electronic settlement by credit card settlement or two-dimensional code settlement.

When the mobile sales robot10executes the settlement process rather than the server device30, the payment process executed by the information processing unit1544includes the operations associated with settlement process described above. In some examples, the mobile sales robot10may include an automatic change machine or the like for handling cash settlement. In this case, the information processing unit1544controls the automatic change machine as appropriate.

The information processing unit1544executes sound recognition on the sound collected by the sound collection unit157, and outputs a stop instruction to the drive control unit1545as necessary. For example, the information processing unit1544outputs a stop instruction to the drive control unit1545when a sound (voice command/request) for causing the mobile sales robot10to stop is recognized by sound recognition.

When the transmission and reception unit1541receives an authentication notification from the server device30, the information processing unit1544permits processes related to the sale of merchandise and the like. That is, when the user who calls the mobile sales robot10and a user who intends to start shopping are matched with each other by the server device30, the information processing unit1544permits the processes related to the sale of merchandise.

For example, the information processing unit1544cooperates with the display control unit1546to cause the display unit155to display an initial screen for starting the shopping. When the door portion for accessing the accommodating unit111is lockable, the information processing unit1544releases lock of the door portion, thereby permitting the customer to access the stored items of the mobile sales robot10.

The drive control unit1545controls the driving unit123to cause the mobile sales robot10to travel or stop. The mobile sales robot10performs, under the control of the drive control unit1545, patrol traveling of traveling along the predetermined route and call traveling toward the call position as designated by the customer.

The drive control unit1545causes the mobile sales robot10to move to service or restocking yard or the like when it is detected that commodities stored in the accommodating unit111are out of stock. When the mobile sales robot10travels in the shopping mall or the like, the drive control unit1545may cause the mobile sales robot10to move to a store that supplies a commodity that is presently out of stock on the mobile sales robot10.

The display control unit1546controls the first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, the fourth display unit135, and the shelf labels113, and causes these displays (also referred to as display unit155) to display various types of information. The display control unit1546changes displayed content depending on whether the mobile sales robot10is moving or stopped (that is, while providing customer service).

At this time, while the mobile sales robot10is stopped, the display control unit1546causes the second display unit132and the fourth display unit135to display, for example, information related to sales promotion (an advertisement) for a commodity, such as information for advertising a particular commodity accommodated in the accommodating unit111.

If the mobile sales robot10is moving, the display control unit1546causes at least one of the first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, the fourth display unit135, and the shelf labels113to display an advertisement.

A display unit such as the first display unit131used for the commodity registration or operation and the shelf labels113illustrating the commodity information during a stop for customer service and merchandise sales can be diverted to display an advertisement during movement. Therefore, a mobile sales device can be provided that can more effectively use various equipped devices during movement when a merchandise sale cannot be performed.

Described example embodiments may be modified in various aspects with respect to configuration and/or functions. In the following, certain modifications will be described.

Modification

The mobile sales robot10according to one modification may further include or provide a decoration acquisition unit. That is, the control unit154may further function as a decoration acquisition unit. The decoration acquisition unit acquires image information as decorating information to be displayed under control of the display control unit1546. The decorating information may be stored in (and acquired from) the storage unit162of the mobile sales robot10or the server device30.

The relevant image information may be stored in association with, for example, a particular sales area, display date, time period, and day of the week or combinations thereof corresponding to time and/or place for display of the image information (decorating information). The decoration acquisition unit may acquire image information appropriate to a particular sales area, date, time, or the like by reference to such information as present position, date, time, or the like.

The display control unit1546causes the shelf label113to display the information acquired by the decoration acquisition unit together with the information on the commodity.

Thus, decorations suitable for the sales area, the date, the time zone, and the day of the week can be applied to the shelf labels113. Accordingly, when the shelf label113displays information, a sense of seasons can be reflected, or a style can be applied that is considered to be preferred by a customer who is assumed to be in a particular sales area.

Second Embodiment

Description of the second embodiment will focus on points different from those of the first embodiment and detailed description of points in common with the first embodiment (or modifications thereof) be omitted.

FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance of the mobile sales robot10of a second embodiment during movement.FIGS.9and10are examples of appearances of a mobile sales robot10during a stop (during customer service, during sales).FIG.9illustrates a state in which the mobile sales robot10is operating in a chat mode.FIG.10illustrates a state in which the mobile sales robot10is operating in a sales promotion advertisement mode.

An operation display unit136according to the second embodiment is continuously provided around an upper portion of the mobile sales robot10. That is, the operation display unit136encircles an upper portion of the mobile sales robot10in a continuous manner. The operation display unit136can displays information in a plurality of directions. A touch panel (operation unit156) can be superposed on a surface of the operation display unit136. The operation display unit136receives input from a user via the operation unit156, and outputs the received operation content to the control unit154.

In some examples, the operation display unit136only needs to be able to display information in multiple directions of the mobile sales robot10, and need not be continuous around all portions of the mobile sales robot10. In some examples, the operation display unit136may comprise the first display unit131, the second display unit132, the third display unit133, and the fourth display unit135which were described for the first embodiment.

The display control unit1546according to the second embodiment functions as a so-called face display control unit. The face display control unit causes the operation display unit136to display an image or a symbol1361imitating a face facing frontwards in the traveling direction of the mobile sales robot10during movement of the mobile sales robot10(seeFIG.8). The display control unit1546then displays an image (or symbol1361) imitating a face on the side of the mobile sales robot10corresponding to the display direction of items displayed on the accommodating unit111during a stop of the mobile sales robot10(seeFIG.9, chat mode).

During the operations of the chat mode, the mobile sales robot10may suggest an item by sound output or displayed images. During chat mode the shape of a portion of symbol1361corresponding to a mouth in can be changed to mimic the mouth movements of a person speaking, thereby facilitating communication with the user.

The face display control unit causes the symbol1361to move from an original display position to another display position when based on movement instructions for the mobile sales robot10. Accordingly, it is possible to notify people around the mobile sales robot10when the mobile sales robot10will be moving and the direction of forward for the mobile sales robot10.

The display control unit1546according to the second embodiment causes the front surface side and the back surface side of the accommodating unit111of the mobile sales robot10to display text, images, or the like serving as an advertisement1362(seeFIG.10) when in the sales promotion advertisement mode. The image or the symbol1361imitating the face may be displayed in the front of the traveling direction of the operation display unit136during movement and also during the operation in the sales promotion advertisement mode.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the traveling direction can be indicated, communication with customers is facilitated, and sales can be promoted by advertisement.

While certain example embodiments are explained above, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. The inventive aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied in various other forms. Various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. The described embodiments and the modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the present disclosure as provided in the accompanying claims and equivalents thereto.