PRTV/SYS/78.02
A functional schematic outlining the second-generation layout of Peterlee’s in-store assistance device, introduced as part of the Town Centre Modernisation Scheme (1978).
SUMMARY
The Retail Assistance Unit (RAU) was developed to support staff in Peterlee’s Town Centre precinct, providing automated stock retrieval, basic customer guidance and out-of-hours shelf-conditioning.
The Mark II revision introduced improvements in mobility, bin-to-shelf routing and fault-tolerance following the limited pilot of the 1976 prototype.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The diagram illustrates the Mark II RAU’s major subsystems:
- Mobility Base Assembly
- Differential electric drive with reinforced wheels for tiled/linoleum floors
- Tri-sensor obstacle detection (ultrasonic, infrared, pressure bumper)
- Maximum speed limited to 0.9 m/s under public-facing conditions
- Retractable Assistance Mast
- Extendable to reach high-bay shelving
- Fitted with padded grip actuators for product retrieval
- Capable of handing packaged goods up to 2.2 kg
- Customer Interaction Panel
- Push-button help requests
- “Store Directory” rotating card display
- Acoustic chime used when following a member of the public
- Inventory Link Module
- Receives stock-level updates from the precinct’s central ledger system
- LED status band displaying Picking, Returning, Charging, or Assistance
- Charging Dock Interface
- Inductive contact pads
- Automated nightly diagnostic printouts triggered on docking
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Units were deployed in Peterlee Indoor Market and two co-operative stores along the new pedestrian spine.
- Early public feedback described the RAUs as “helpful but easily startled” due to conservative obstacle-avoidance settings.
- The RAU programme was paused in 1980 when funding shifted to the Customer Information Kiosk Scheme.