JP7602780B2 - Simulation method and simulation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a simulation method and a simulation device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a simulation method and a simulation device for simulating a commercial facility that uses service robots.

The objective of Patent Document 1 is to provide a method, recording medium, and housing design device for executing a house design simulation that can reduce sales costs by reducing personnel costs for sales staff and maintenance costs for sales offices ([0005], Abstract). To achieve this objective, in Patent Document 1 (Abstract and Figure 1), a computer 4 is equipped with not only a CPU 4E capable of executing and processing house design simulations, etc., but also an external memory 4D containing a CD-ROM or the like. Simulation software 2 capable of simulating house design is recorded on the CD-ROM or the like. The simulation software 2 includes a software portion having a procedure for inputting information required for the house design simulation, and drawing software that can draw accurate floor plans and front views of the house. A keyboard 4B and a mouse 4C are connected to the computer 4 as well as a display 4A.

Patent documents 2 and 3 also disclose configurations that allow for simulation of house design or layout design.

JP 2000-235587 A JP 2004-185054 A JP 2006-331288 A

As described above, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose configurations that enable simulation of house design or layout design. However, with advances in robot technology, the introduction of service robots in various commercial facilities is being considered. However, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not consider the simulation of commercial facilities that use service robots.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a simulation method and a simulation device that can effectively simulate commercial facilities that use service robots.

The simulation method according to the present invention comprises the steps of:
A simulation method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of:
a management condition input step of receiving, via an input device, input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility;
a layout setting step of receiving a facility layout setting via the input device;
a robot condition selection step of accepting a selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots via the input device;
an operation simulation step in which a computing device executes an operation simulation for operating the virtual robot in the facility layout;
a predicted profit calculation step in which the arithmetic device calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the facility layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the results of the operation simulation;
and an output step of outputting the predicted profit to an output device.

According to the present invention, a predicted profit for a commercial facility is output that reflects the results of an operation simulation in which a virtual robot is operated in a set facility layout. This allows a user to decide whether or not to adopt a commercial facility or a robot based on the predicted profit that reflects the results of the operation simulation. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately simulate a commercial facility that uses a service robot from the perspectives of operation and management.

In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation may be displayed on a display device included in the output device. This allows the user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately simulate the operation of a commercial facility that uses a service robot.

If the display device is a head-mounted display, the motion simulation step may include displaying the motion simulation on the head-mounted display as virtual reality. This allows the user to perceive the motion of the virtual robot with a sense of realism.

In the motion simulation step, in addition to the virtual robot, one or both of a virtual customer and a virtual store clerk may be operated. This makes it possible to perform a more realistic motion simulation.

If the commercial facility is a restaurant, the virtual robot may be a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register. This makes it easier to determine whether or not to use a floor robot or a restaurant that uses a floor robot for serving food, clearing dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register.

The predicted profit calculation step may calculate the customer turnover frequency of the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation. The predicted profit calculation step may also calculate the predicted profit based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the store layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the customer turnover frequency. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the predicted profit that reflects the change in customer turnover frequency that accompanies the introduction of a floor robot.

The sales conditions may include the unit price per customer. Furthermore, in the layout setting step, the number and positions of seats may be selected in response to user input. Furthermore, in the predicted profit calculation step, the predicted sales of the restaurant may be calculated using the unit price per customer, the number of seats, and the customer turnover frequency. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on predicted sales (and predicted profits) that reflect changes in the number of seats or facility layout due to the introduction of a floor robot.

The management condition input step may accept input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility for both the case where the virtual robot is used and the case where the virtual robot is not used. The sales conditions for the case where the virtual robot is not used may include the frequency of customer turnover. Furthermore, the predicted profit calculation step may calculate the predicted profit based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, and the results of the operation simulation for the case where the virtual robot is used. Furthermore, the predicted profit calculation step may calculate the profit based on the sales and expenditure of the store for the case where the virtual robot is not used.

This makes it possible to decide whether or not to adopt a restaurant or floor robot based on predicted sales (and predicted profits) that reflect changes in customer turnover frequency that accompany the introduction of the robot.

The simulation device according to the present invention is for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot,
an input device that receives input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility, settings of the facility layout, and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user;
an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout;
a predicted profit calculation unit that calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales condition, the expenditure condition, and the result of the operation simulation;
and an output device that outputs the predicted profit to the user.

A simulation method according to the present invention is a method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of:
a layout setting step of accepting a setting of a facility layout;
A robot condition selection step of accepting selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots;
and performing an action simulation step of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout,
The operation simulation step is characterized in that a state of the operation simulation is displayed on a display device.

According to the present invention, a simulation of the operation of a virtual robot and virtual customers in a set facility layout is displayed on a display device. This allows the user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot. Therefore, it is possible to optimally simulate the operation of a commercial facility that uses service robots.

The simulation device according to the present invention is for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot,
an input device that receives settings for a facility layout and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user;
an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout;
and a display device that displays the state of the operational simulation.

The present invention makes it possible to effectively simulate commercial facilities that use service robots.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing screen transitions in the simulation device of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional management condition input screen in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a new management condition input screen in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a layout setting screen in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a robot condition input screen in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store and customer condition input screen in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation simulation execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of an operation simulation execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management index output screen of the embodiment.

A. One embodiment <A-1. Configuration of this embodiment>
[A-1-1. Overall configuration]
1 is a schematic diagram of a simulation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The simulation device 10 executes a simulation of a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses service robots. In this embodiment, the simulation executed by the simulation device 10 includes a management simulation that simulates the management indicators of the restaurant, and an operation simulation that simulates the operation of each operating subject in the restaurant. The service robot is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the simulation device 10 includes a personal computer 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "PC 12") having an input device 20, a computer main body 22, and an output device 24. The input device 20 accepts operational input from a user. The computer main body 22 is the entity that executes the simulation (business simulation and operation simulation). The output device 24 outputs the results of the business simulation and the state of the operation simulation.

[A-1-2. Input device 20]
The input device 20 receives operational input from the user, and includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The input device 20 receives input of management conditions Cm, including sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co, of the restaurant from the user. The input device 20 also receives setting (or selection) of a layout L of the restaurant (hereinafter also referred to as "restaurant layout L") from the user. In setting the layout L, the number of seats Ns (hereinafter referred to as "number of seats Ns") and positions Ps are selected according to the user's operational input to the input device 20. Furthermore, the input device 20 receives selection of the specifications and number of robots from the user.

[A-1-3. Computer main body 22]
(A-1-3-1. Overview of the Computer Main Unit 22)
As described above, the computer main body 22 is the entity that executes the simulations (the business simulation and the operation simulation). The computer main body 22 includes an arithmetic unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

(A-1-3-2. Arithmetic unit 30)
The computing device 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and executes programs stored in the storage device 32 to perform various calculations. As shown in FIG. 1, the computing device 30 includes a management condition setting unit 50. The simulation device 32 has an operation simulation condition setting unit 52, an operation simulation executing unit 54, and a management index calculating unit 56. Each of these units is a functional unit that is realized by executing a program in the storage device 32.

The management condition setting unit 50 sets the management conditions Cm used in the management simulation. The management conditions Cm include sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co. Details of the management conditions Cm will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

The operation simulation condition setting unit 52 sets operation simulation conditions Cms as conditions for performing an operation simulation. The operation simulation conditions Cms include the store layout L, robot conditions Cr, store conditions Csh, and customer conditions Cg. Details of the operation simulation conditions Cms will be described later with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7.

The operation simulation execution unit 54 executes an operation simulation in a restaurant (commercial facility). In the operation simulation, a virtual robot R, a virtual store clerk Cl, and a virtual customer G are operated in a store layout L. As described above, the virtual robot R is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, and operates the cash register.

The management index calculation unit 56 calculates the management index Im based on the management conditions Cm, the operation simulation conditions Cms, and the results of the operation simulation. The management index Im includes a predicted profit Pe. The management index calculation unit 56 includes a customer replacement frequency calculation unit 60 and a predicted profit calculation unit 62.

The customer turnover frequency calculation unit 60 calculates the customer turnover frequency F in the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation. The predicted profit calculation unit 62 calculates the predicted profit Pe based on the business conditions Cm, the operation simulation conditions Cms, and the results of the operation simulation. Specific methods for calculating the customer turnover frequency F and the predicted profit Pe will be described later.

(A-1-3-3. Storage device 32)
The storage device 32 stores various files (programs and data) used by the arithmetic device 30, and includes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"). The storage device 32 may include a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc. The storage device 32 may also include a read-only memory (ROM) in addition to the RAM.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage device 32 has an equipment database 80 (hereinafter referred to as "equipment DB 80"), a robot database 82 (hereinafter referred to as "robot DB 82"), a virtual customer database 84 (hereinafter referred to as "customer DB 84"), and a virtual store clerk database 86 (hereinafter referred to as "store clerk DB 86"). The equipment DB 80 stores data (hereinafter also referred to as "equipment data") on general equipment used in restaurants (in other words, equipment that can be used even without a robot). General equipment includes, for example, tables and chairs.

The robot DB82 accumulates various data relating to the robot (hereinafter also referred to as "robot data"). The robot data includes, for example, the robot's purpose, manufacturer, model, unit price, and maintenance costs. The customer DB84 accumulates various data relating to the virtual customer G used in the operation simulation (hereinafter also referred to as "virtual customer data"). The virtual customer data includes, for example, the behavior patterns of the virtual customer G. The virtual store clerk DB86 accumulates various data relating to the virtual store clerk Cl used in the operation simulation (hereinafter also referred to as "virtual store clerk data"). The virtual store clerk data includes, for example, the behavior patterns of the virtual store clerk Cl.

[A-1-4. Output device 24]
The output device 24 outputs the results of the business simulation and the state of the operation simulation. The results of the business simulation include a predicted profit Pe. The output device 24 includes, for example, a display device 90. The display device 90 includes, for example, a general display and a head mounted display (HMD). The display device 90 as an HMD displays the state of the operation simulation as virtual reality.

<A-2. Control in this embodiment>
[A-2-1. Overview]
As described above, the simulation device 10 of the present embodiment executes a simulation of a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses a service robot. The simulation executed by the simulation device 10 includes a management simulation that simulates management indicators of the restaurant, and an operation simulation that simulates the operation of each operating subject in the restaurant.

[A-2-2. Various screens]
(A-2-2-1. Screen transition)
2 is a diagram showing screen transitions in the simulation device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a start screen 110, a conventional management condition input screen 112, and a new management condition input screen 113 are displayed. The operation simulation condition input screen 116 of this embodiment includes a layout setting screen 130 and a robot condition input screen 132. and a store/customer condition input screen 134 .

(A-2-2-2. Start screen 110)
The start screen 110 displays the title of the simulation, the name of the company providing the simulation device 10, and the like.

(A-2-2-3. Conventional management terms input screen 112)
3 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional management condition input screen 112 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 112") in this embodiment. The input screen 112 is a screen for inputting conventional (in other words, when a robot is not used) management conditions Cm. As shown in FIG. 3, the input screen 112 has a sales condition input field 200, an expenditure condition input field 202, a profit display field 204, an input completion button 206, and a cancel button 208.

The sales input field 200 is a field for inputting and displaying conventional sales-related conditions (sales conditions Cs). The sales conditions Cs include the number of seats Ns, customer replacement frequency F, customer unit price Pu, and number of business days Nsd. The sales input field 200 also displays sales S based on the number of seats Ns, customer replacement frequency F, customer unit price Pu, and number of business days Nsd. Sales S is calculated based on the following formula (1): S=Ns×F×Pu×Nsd (1)

In this embodiment, the customer unit price Pu is the unit price per customer. Alternatively, the unit price Pu may be the unit price per group of customers. In that case, the number of seats Ns needs to be defined as the number of tables.

The expenditure condition input field 202 is a field for inputting and displaying conditions related to conventional expenditures (expense conditions Co). The expenditure conditions Co include food cost Pf, personnel costs Pe, rent Prp, utility costs Pu, and other Po. When a numerical value is entered in the food cost rate Rf included in the food cost Pf item, sales S x food cost rate Rf x 0.01 is displayed in the subtotal STf of the food cost Pf. Alternatively, a numerical value may be entered directly into the subtotal STf of the food cost Pf.

When you enter values for the number of full-time employees Nfe, full-time employee labor cost Pef, number of part-time employees Nal, and part-time employee labor cost Pp, which are included in the personnel cost Pe item, the number of full-time employees Nfe x full-time employee labor cost Pef + number of part-time employees Np x part-time employee labor cost Pp will be displayed in the subtotal STe of personnel cost Pe. Alternatively, you can enter values directly into the subtotal STe of personnel cost EP.

When you enter values for the store area Ash and the area unit price Pua included in the rent Prp items, the store area Ash x area unit price Pua will be displayed in the rent Prp subtotal STrp. Alternatively, you can enter values directly into the rent Prp subtotal STrp.

In the expenditure input field 202, expenditure O is displayed based on food cost Pf, labor cost Pe, rent Prp, utility cost Pu, and other Po. Expenditure O is calculated based on the following formula (2): O=Pf+Pe+Prp+Pu+Po (2)

In the profit display field 204, the difference between sales S and expenditure O is displayed as profit P. Note that the management conditions Cm (sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co) conventionally entered on the management conditions input screen 112 are assumed to be actual values. In other words, the management conditions Cm (sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co) include management indicators Im (sales S and expenditure rank O) as actual values.

The input completion button 206 is a button that ends input on the conventional management condition input screen 112 and commands the transition to the new management condition input screen 114. The stop button 208 is a button that commands the stop of the simulation.

(A-2-2-4. New business condition input screen 114)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a new management condition input screen 114 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 114") in this embodiment. The input screen 114 is a screen for inputting new (in other words, when a robot is used) management conditions Cm. As shown in FIG. 4, the input screen 114 has a sales condition input field 300, an expenditure condition input field 302, a predicted profit display field 304, a diversion button 306, an input completion button 308, a back button 310, and a cancel button 312.

The sales condition input field 300, expenditure condition input field 302, and projected profit display field 304 in FIG. 4 basically have the same items as the sales condition input field 200, expenditure condition input field 202, and profit display field 204 in FIG. 3. However, FIG. 3 relates to conventional (in other words, when a robot is not used) management conditions Cm (equivalent to the management index Im as an actual value). In contrast, FIG. 4 relates to new (in other words, when a robot is used) management conditions Cm. Therefore, the two differ in the following ways.

Regarding the sales condition input field 300, the customer change frequency F when a robot is introduced has not been measured. Therefore, the customer change frequency F is not generally entered on the new business condition input screen 114 in FIG. 4. However, in order to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, it may be possible to enter the customer change frequency F. The predicted sales Se in the sales condition input field 300 is calculated in the same way as the sales S (formula (1)) in FIG. 3.

In the expenditure condition input field 302 in FIG. 4, in addition to the items in the expenditure condition input field 202 in FIG. 3, items related to the robot are included. That is, robot depreciation cost Pdr and robot maintenance cost Prm. The robot specifications Rs, number of units Nr, etc. are set on the robot condition input screen 132, so they are not generally entered on the new business condition input screen 114.

However, to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, it may be possible to input the robot depreciation cost Cdr and the robot maintenance cost Crm. In that case, when values are input for the robot unit price UPr, number of robots Nr, and useful life Le included in the robot depreciation cost Cdr item, UPr x Nr/Le/12 is displayed in the subtotal STcd of the robot depreciation cost Pdr. Alternatively, values may be input directly into the subtotal STcdr of the robot depreciation cost Pdr. The unit price UPr here includes the cost of the robot itself, as well as the system integrator's design cost and auxiliary equipment (charging equipment, position determination beacons, etc.). Alternatively, the cost of the robot itself may be the unit price UPr, and the design cost and auxiliary equipment may be separate items.

The forecast expenditure Oe in the expenditure condition input field 302 is calculated as the sum of food cost Pf, labor cost Pe, rent Prp, utility cost Pu, robot depreciation cost Pdr, robot maintenance cost Prm, and other costs Po (Oe = Pf + Pe + Prp + Pu + Pdr + Prm + Po).

Regarding the predicted profit display field 304 in FIG. 4, as described above, it is assumed that the customer replacement frequency F in the expenditure condition input field 302, and the robot depreciation cost Pdr and robot maintenance cost Prm in the expenditure condition input field 302 are not generally entered. Therefore, the predicted profit Pe is generally not displayed in the predicted profit display field 304. However, in order to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, if the customer replacement frequency F, the robot depreciation cost Pdr, and the robot maintenance cost Prm are entered, the predicted profit Pe is displayed in the predicted profit display field 304. The predicted profit Pe is the difference between the predicted sales Se and the predicted expenditure Oe.

As described above, since it is assumed that the predicted profit display field 304 will not be used in principle, the predicted profit display field 304 may be omitted from the new business condition input screen 114. If the predicted profit display field 304 is omitted, the input items for customer replacement frequency F, robot depreciation cost Pdr, and robot maintenance cost Prm may also be omitted from the new business condition input screen 114.

The reuse button 306 is a button that commands the reuse of the input contents of the conventional management condition input screen 112 (Figure 3) to the new management condition input screen 114 (Figure 4). Therefore, when the user presses the reuse button 306, the input contents of the conventional management condition input screen 112 (Figure 3) are input to the new management condition input screen 114 (Figure 4). However, since the results of a later operation simulation are reflected in the customer change frequency F, it is not input even if the reuse button 306 is pressed.

In addition, when the reuse button 306 is pressed and the input contents of the previous management conditions input screen 112 (Figure 3) are input to the new management conditions input screen 114 (Figure 4), the numerical values of each item can be modified by the user.

The input completion button 308 is a button that ends input on the new management condition input screen 114 and commands a transition to the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (layout setting screen 130). The back button 310 is a button that commands a return to the conventional management condition input screen 112. The stop button 312 is a button that commands a stop of the simulation.

(A-2-2-5. Layout setting screen 130)
5 is a diagram showing an example of a layout setting screen 130 (hereinafter also referred to as "setting screen 130") in this embodiment. The setting screen 130 is a screen for setting a store layout L (facility layout) of a restaurant. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting screen 130 has a floor plan and material selection field 500, a layout field 502, an input completion button 504, a back button 506, and a cancel button 508.

The floor plan and material selection field 500 (hereinafter also referred to as "selection field 500") is a field for selecting the floor plan Lr of a restaurant (commercial facility) and the material C of the equipment to be used therein. For example, in the case of FIG. 5, a table set including a table and chairs is shown as material C.

The layout field 502 is a field for placing the material C selected in the floor plan and material selection field 500. Material C is placed by a drag-and-drop operation. That is, a specific material C is selected in the selection field 500 by a drag operation, material C is moved to the desired position while being dragged, and the position is set by a drop operation.

The store floor plan Lr in the layout field 502 is set when setting the floor plan Lr is selected in the selection field 500. When setting the floor plan Lr, the calculation device 30 requests the setting of the placement space for the robot's charging device (or the waiting position of the robot). If the input completion button 504 is pressed without setting the placement space for the charging device (or the waiting position of the robot), the calculation device 30 will display an error message.

The data related to the floor plan and material C is read from the equipment DB 80. As the layout setting screen 130, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 can be used (however, for example, excluding processing related to the placement space of the charging device).

The input completion button 504 is a button that ends input on the layout setting screen 130 and commands the transition to the robot condition input screen 132. The back button 506 is a button that commands the return to the new business condition input screen 114. The stop button 508 is a button that commands the stop of the simulation.

(A-2-2-6. Robot condition input screen 132)
6 is a diagram showing an example of a robot condition input screen 132 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 132") in this embodiment. The input screen 132 is a screen for inputting the robot conditions (robot conditions Cr). As shown in FIG. 6, the input screen 132 has a condition input field 600, an input completion button 602, a back button 604, and a cancel button 606.

The condition input field 600 has, for each type of robot, a use field 610, a manufacturer field 612, a model field 614, a quantity field 616, a unit price field 618, a maintenance cost field 620, an image display field 622, and a details button 624.

The purpose column 610 is a column for inputting the purpose of the robot. For example, the purpose can be selected as serving food, clearing food, seating, taking orders, or handling the cash register. The manufacturer column 612 is a column for inputting the manufacturer of the robot. The model column 614 is a column for inputting the model of the robot. The number column 616 is a column for inputting the number of robots. The unit price column 618 is a column for displaying or inputting the unit price of the robot. The maintenance cost column 620 is a column for displaying or inputting the maintenance cost of the robot.

When an entry is made in the use field 610, the manufacturers are narrowed down in the manufacturer field 612, and only manufacturers that correspond to the entered use can be selected. Furthermore, when the manufacturer field 612 and model field 614 are entered, the unit price field 618 and maintenance cost field 620 are automatically filled in. However, the contents entered in the unit price field 618 and maintenance cost field 620 can be modified by the user. When the manufacturer field 612 and model field 614 are entered without specifying a use, the use field 610 is automatically filled in. Note that data related to the robot is read from the robot DB 82.

The image display field 622 is a field that displays an external image of the robot. The detailed specifications button 624 is a button that commands the display of a details screen (not shown) that displays details such as the robot's specifications.

In addition to the above, the condition input field 600 may include a useful life field for displaying or inputting the useful life of the robot, an initial cost field for displaying or inputting the initial cost of the robot, etc.

The input completion button 602 is a button that ends input on the robot condition input screen 132 and commands the transition to the store/customer condition input screen 134. The back button 604 is a button that commands the return to the layout setting screen 130. The stop button 606 is a button that commands the stop of the simulation.

(A-2-2-7. Store and customer condition input screen 134)
7 is a diagram showing an example of a store/customer condition input screen 134 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 134") in this embodiment. The input screen 134 is a screen for inputting conditions for the store S (store conditions Csh) and conditions for the virtual customer G (customer conditions Cg). As shown in FIG. 7, the input screen 134 has a condition input field 700, an input completion button 702, a back button 704, and a cancel button 706.

The condition input field 700 has a store type field 710, an average number of people per group field 712, and an appearance frequency field 714. The store type field 710 is a field for inputting the type of store S. For example, a family restaurant, an izakaya, etc. can be selected as the type of business. The average seating time Tgave per group is set based on the type of business. Alternatively, instead of inputting the type of business, the average seating time Tgave itself may be input. The average number of people per group field 712 is a field for inputting the average number of people per group Ngave [persons/group]. The appearance frequency field 714 is a field for inputting the appearance frequency Fg as the number of groups of customers G that occur (visit the store) per reference time. Note that the appearance frequency Fg may be expressed in terms of the number of people rather than the number of groups. When expressed in terms of the number of people, it is also possible to calculate the appearance frequency Fg based on the customer replacement frequency F and the number of seats Ns input on the conventional business condition input screen 112.

The input completion button 702 is a button that ends input on the store/customer condition input screen 134 and commands the transition to the operation simulation execution screen 118. The back button 704 is a button that commands the return to the robot condition input screen 132. The stop button 706 is a button that commands the stop of the simulation.

(A-2-2-8. Operation Simulation Execution Screen 118)
8 and 9 are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the operation simulation execution screen 118 of this embodiment. The operation simulation execution screen 118 is a screen for operating a virtual robot R, a virtual customer G, and a virtual store clerk Cl in a store layout L. The operation simulation execution screen 118 of FIG. 8 (hereinafter also referred to as "operation simulation execution screen 118a") displays the state of the operation simulation in two dimensions. On the other hand, the operation simulation execution screen 118 of FIG. 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "operation simulation execution screen 118b") displays the state of the operation simulation in three dimensions. The operation simulation execution screen 118a includes a plurality of virtual robots R, virtual customers G, and virtual store clerk Cl. The operation simulation execution screen 118b includes only one virtual robot R, and does not include a virtual customer G or a virtual store clerk Cl.

The specifications and number of virtual robots R displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follow the settings made on the robot condition input screen 132 (Fig. 6). The number of virtual store clerks Cl Ncl displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follows the settings made on the new business condition input screen 114 (Fig. 4). The appearance frequency Fg of virtual customers G, the average number of people per group Ngage, and the average attendance time Tgave displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follow the settings made on the store/customer condition input screen 134 (Fig. 7). However, it is also possible to fast-forward the operation simulation using a fast-forward button (not shown).

The movements of the virtual robot R, virtual customer G, and virtual store clerk Cl in the operation simulation will be described later.

In this embodiment, the time Pd from the start reference time Tst to the end reference time Tgl (hereinafter referred to as "measurement time Pd") is measured and used to calculate the customer replacement frequency F. The customer replacement frequency F is the frequency at which customers G are replaced. The unit is defined as "person/unit time", but it may also be defined as "group/unit time". A higher frequency F means that more customers G finish their meals in the same period.

The start reference time Tst may be, for example, the time when the first customer G arrives. Alternatively, the start reference time Tst may be, for example, the time when the first customer G sits down. The end reference time Tgl may be, for example, the time when the Xth time (X is a pre-set natural number) of tables have been cleared. Alternatively, the end reference time Tgl may be, for example, the time when the Xth customer G leaves the store. In this embodiment, the customer replacement frequency F is the quotient obtained by dividing the number of customers in the measurement time Pd by the measurement time Pd.

Alternatively, the measured time Pd (Pd1) when the number of store clerks Cl input on the conventional business condition input screen 114 are operated is calculated, and the measured time Pd (Pd2) when the number of store clerks Cl and robots R input on the new business condition input screen 116 are operated is calculated. In this case, the store layout L and the appearance frequency Fg of customers G are common. Then, the current replacement frequency F (Fp) may be calculated based on the ratio of the measured times Pd1 and Pd2 and the conventional replacement frequency F (Fc). In that case, for example, the calculation is made as follows: current replacement frequency Fp = conventional replacement frequency Fc x (conventional measured time Pd1 / current measured time Pd2).

(A-2-2-9. Management Index Output Screen 120)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a management index output screen 120 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output screen 120") of this embodiment. The output screen 120 is a screen that outputs or displays the management index Im. The management index Im includes the same contents as the management conditions Cm in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The output screen 120 of this embodiment has a conventional index display field 900 and a new index display field 902. The conventional index display field 900 is a field that displays the management conditions Cm entered in the conventional management conditions input screen 112 (FIG. 3) as the management index Im. That is, it includes a sales field 910, an expenditure field 912, and a profit field 914. The new index display field 902 is a field that displays the management conditions Cm entered in the new management conditions input screen 114 (FIG. 4) and the results of the operation simulation. That is, it includes a forecast sales field 920, a forecast expenditure field 922, and a forecast profit field 924.

A breakdown button 930 is located near each of the sales column 910, expenditure column 912, forecast sales column 920, and forecast expenditure column 922. When the breakdown button 930 is pressed, details of the corresponding management indicator Im are displayed. For example, when the breakdown button 930 corresponding to the sales column 910 is pressed, the breakdown of the previous sales S (see FIG. 3) is displayed.

[A-2-3. Operation in Operation Simulation]
(A-2-3-1. Overview of Operation)
In the operation simulation of this embodiment, the operating subjects include a virtual robot R, a virtual customer G, a virtual store clerk Cl, and a virtual management device M. The virtual management device M is a component that can actually be configured as a cloud server, a personal computer, etc., but is not displayed on the simulation execution screen 118. In this embodiment, both the virtual robot R and the virtual store clerk Cl operate based on instructions from the virtual management device M. Alternatively, the virtual robot R or the virtual store clerk Cl may be programmed to operate autonomously without instructions from the virtual management device M.

(A-2-3-2. When guiding to seats)
The virtual customer G appears at the entrance of the store S with an appearance frequency Fg set on the store/customer condition input screen 134. The appearance of the virtual customer G may be controlled by, for example, a customer management object (not shown). When a new virtual customer G appears at the entrance of the store S, the virtual management device M searches for a seat guide robot or a store clerk Cl that does not have a task at that time. Then, the virtual management device M transmits a seat guide signal Sint to the seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl that does not have a task at that time. The seat guide signal Sint includes the number of the seat (table) to be guided. However, if the seat is full, the virtual management device M stops transmitting the seat guide signal Sint until a seat becomes available. The seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl that receives the seat guide signal Sint moves to the entrance.

When the seat guide robot or store clerk Cl reaches the entrance, it sends a follow-up request signal Sfreq (corresponding to the real-world message "We will show you to your seat") to the customer G. When the seat guide robot or store clerk Cl receives a response signal Sack to the follow-up request signal Sfreq from the customer G, it moves to the seat specified by the seat guide signal Sint. At that time, the customer G follows the seat guide robot or store clerk Cl.

When the seat specified by the seat guide signal Sint is reached, the seat guide robot or store clerk Cl transmits a seat arrival signal Srch (corresponding to a message in the real world saying "Please take this seat") to the virtual customer G. Upon receiving the seat arrival signal Srch, the virtual customer G stops at the seat (or table) to which he or she was guided. The seat guide robot or store clerk Cl inquires of the virtual management device M about new tasks and takes action in accordance with the new tasks.

(A-2-3-3. When ordering)
After moving to his/her seat, the virtual customer G randomly selects the order contents. After the order consideration time Poc has elapsed, the virtual customer G calls the virtual robot R or the virtual store clerk Cl as an order reception robot. In this embodiment, on the premise that each table has a call chime, the virtual customer G transmits a call signal Scall to the virtual management device M. The order consideration time Poc is set as a fixed value or a random value.

The virtual management device M, which receives the call signal Scall, selects an order acceptance robot or virtual store clerk Cl that does not currently have a task and transmits an order acceptance signal Srord. The order acceptance robot or virtual store clerk Cl that receives the order acceptance signal Srord moves to the table specified by the order acceptance signal Srord. The order acceptance robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has moved to the table receives an order signal Sorp indicating the order details from the customer G, and transmits the order details to the virtual management device M.

Note that orders may be accepted via tablet terminals placed at each table. In this case, the order details are transmitted from the virtual customer G to, for example, the virtual management device M. An order acceptance robot is not required.

(A-2-3-4. When serving food)
The virtual control device M, which has received the order details, produces the food corresponding to the order details at a food receiving reference position Prefcat in or near the kitchen after a cooking time set as a fixed or random value. The virtual control device M also selects a food serving robot or virtual staff member Cl that does not currently have a task, and transmits a food serving signal Scat. Upon receiving the food serving signal Scat, the food serving robot or virtual staff member Cl moves to the food receiving reference position Prefcat. The food is then carried to the table specified by the food serving signal Scat.

The condition for placing food on the food delivery robot may be the presence of a virtual store clerk Cl near the food delivery robot. In this case, the virtual management device M transmits a food delivery signal Scat to the pair of the food delivery robot and the virtual store clerk Cl.

When the food delivery robot or virtual store clerk Cl moves to the table indicated by the food delivery signal Scat, the food delivery robot moves the food to the table. If the food delivery robot is not capable of moving the food (dishes) by itself and the virtual store clerk Cl moves the food (dishes) to the table, the food delivery robot waits until the virtual store clerk Cl comes to the table. Also, if the food delivery robot is not capable of moving the food (dishes) by itself and the customer G moves the food (dishes), the food delivery robot moves the food to the table even if the virtual store clerk Cl does not come to the table. After finishing serving the food, the food delivery robot or virtual store clerk Cl sends a food delivery completion signal Scatcomp to the virtual management device M. Upon receiving the food delivery completion signal Scatcomp, the virtual management device M commands the food delivery robot or virtual store clerk Cl to perform a new task.

(A-2-3-5. When Customer G leaves and pays the bill)
After the food has been delivered, the virtual customer G moves to the cash register after the meal time Peat, which is set as a fixed or random value. After moving to the cash register, the virtual customer G sends a payment request signal Payreq to the virtual management device M. Upon receiving the payment request signal Payreq, the virtual management device M selects a cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that does not currently have a task, and sends a payment command signal Srecreq. The cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has received the payment command signal Srecreq moves to the cash register. The cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has moved to the cash register performs the payment.

In the simulation, no actual monetary transfer takes place, so the cashier robot or virtual store clerk C moves to the cash register and sends a transaction completion signal Paycomp to customer G. Upon receiving the transaction completion signal Paycomp, virtual customer G disappears from the screen. The cashier robot or store clerk C also queries the virtual management device M about new tasks and takes actions in accordance with the new tasks.

When the cashier robot is fixed to the cash register, the cashier robot only sends the transaction completion signal Paycomp without moving to the cash register.

(A-2-3-6. When clearing the table)
The virtual management device M monitors whether or not virtual customer G has left the table by using the position coordinates of virtual customer G. When virtual customer G has left the table, the virtual management device M selects a tray-clearing robot or virtual store clerk Cl that does not currently have a task, and sends a tray-clearing signal Sclrtbl. However, if the only entity that does not currently have a task is virtual store clerk Cl, priority is given to handling the cash register over clearing the tables. Upon receiving the tray-clearing signal Sclrtbl, the tray-clearing robot or virtual store clerk Cl moves to the table that is to be cleared. Then, the tableware on the table that is to be cleared is cleared away.

If the tray-clearing robot is unable to move the dishes by itself and the virtual waiter Cl has to clear the dishes, the tray-clearing robot waits until the virtual waiter Cl comes to the table. After clearing the dishes from the table, the tray-clearing robot or the virtual waiter Cl sends a table availability signal to the virtual management device M and moves to the tray-clearing reference position Prefrtn in the kitchen. Upon receiving the clearing completion signal, the virtual management device M determines whether or not the sending of the seat guidance signal Sint has been stopped because the restaurant is fully booked. If the sending of the seat guidance signal has been stopped because the restaurant is fully booked, the virtual management device M sends a new seat guidance signal Sint.

When the tray-clearing robot or virtual store clerk Cl reaches the tray-clearing reference position Prefrtn, the tableware disappears from the screen. When the tableware disappears, the tray-clearing robot or virtual store clerk Cl sends a tray-clearing completion signal to the virtual management device M. Upon receiving the tray-clearing completion signal, the virtual management device M commands the tray-clearing robot or virtual store clerk Cl to perform a new task.

<A-3. Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, a predicted profit Pe of a restaurant (commercial facility) reflecting the results of an operation simulation of operating a virtual robot R in a set store layout L (facility layout) is output ( FIG. 10 ). This allows a user to decide whether to adopt a restaurant or a robot based on the predicted profit Pe reflecting the results of the operation simulation. This makes it possible to appropriately simulate a restaurant that uses a service robot from the perspectives of operation and management.

In the operation simulation execution screen 118 (operation simulation step) of this embodiment, the operation simulation is displayed on the display device 90 included in the output device 24 (FIGS. 8 and 9). This allows the user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot R. Therefore, it is possible to optimally simulate the operation of a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses a service robot.

In this embodiment, the display device 90 can be a head mounted display (HMD). The motion simulation is displayed on the HMD as virtual reality. This allows the user to perceive the motions of the virtual robot R and the virtual customer G with a sense of realism.

In this embodiment, in addition to the virtual robot R, a virtual customer G and a virtual store clerk Cl are also operated (Figure 8). This makes it possible to perform a more realistic operation simulation.

In this embodiment, the virtual robot R is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register. This makes it easier to determine whether or not to use a floor robot or a restaurant that uses a floor robot for serving food, clearing dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register.

In this embodiment, the management index output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step) calculates the customer turnover frequency F of the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation. In addition, the projected profit Pe is calculated based on the sales conditions Cs, expenditure conditions Co, store layout L, the specifications and number of virtual robots R, and the customer turnover frequency F (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the projected profit Pe that reflects the change in customer turnover frequency F due to the introduction of the floor robot.

In this embodiment, the sales condition Cs includes the customer unit price Pu (FIG. 4). Furthermore, in the layout setting screen 130 (layout setting step), the number of seats Ns and their positions Ps are selected in response to user input (FIG. 5). Furthermore, in the management indicator output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step), the customer unit price Pu, the number of seats Ns, and the customer turnover frequency F are used to calculate the restaurant's projected sales Se (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the projected sales Se (and projected profit Pe) that reflects the change in the number of seats Ns or layout L that accompanies the introduction of a floor robot.

In this embodiment, the conventional management condition input screen 112 and the new management condition input screen 114 (management condition input step) accept input of management conditions Cm including sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co of a restaurant (commercial facility) for both cases where the virtual robot R is used and where the virtual robot R is not used (FIGS. 3 and 4). The sales conditions Cs when the virtual robot R is not used include the customer turnover frequency F (FIG. 3). The management index output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step) calculates the projected profit Pe based on the sales conditions Cs, expenditure conditions Co, and the results of the operation simulation when the virtual robot R is used (FIG. 10). When the virtual robot R is not used, the profit P is calculated based on the sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant based on the projected sales Se (and projected profit Pe) that reflects the change in customer turnover frequency F due to the introduction of the robot R.

B. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted based on the contents of the present specification. For example, the following configurations can be adopted.

<B-1. Applicable subjects>
The simulation system 10 of the above embodiment is applied to a restaurant (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, etc.). However, from the viewpoint of simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, for example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to commercial facilities such as retail stores, commercial buildings, and outlet facilities. For example, when the present invention is applied to a commercial building or outlet facility, the present invention can be applied not only to a single store, but also to a commercial facility consisting of a group of multiple stores.

The service robot in the above embodiment was a floor robot in a restaurant (a robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register). However, from the perspective of simulating a commercial facility that uses service robots, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, the service robot may be a cleaning robot, a guide robot, etc.

In the above embodiment, the simulation device 10 was used to perform a simulation of a service robot (see FIG. 2, etc.). However, this is not limited to the above, for example, from the viewpoint of combining an operation simulation with a management simulation. For example, the present invention can be applied to a simulation of a work robot that performs work such as assembly in a factory.

<B-2. Configuration>
[B-2-1. Overall configuration]
In the above embodiment, the simulation device 10 is configured as a single PC 12 (FIG. 1). However, from the viewpoint of simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide part of the functions of the arithmetic device 30 in the above embodiment in a cloud server.

[B-2-2. Input device 20]
The input device 20 in the above embodiment is assumed to be a mouse or a keyboard (FIG. 1). However, from the viewpoint of inputting the business conditions Cm or the operation simulation conditions Cms, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, a microphone (voice input) can be used in addition to or instead of the mouse or keyboard.

<B-3. Control>
[B-3-1. Screen transition]
In the above embodiment, the screens are changed in the order shown in Fig. 2. However, this is not limited to the above, for example, from the viewpoint of using an operation simulation and a business simulation in combination. For example, it is possible to configure the operation simulation to be required and the business simulation to be optionally executed.

In the above embodiment, the conventional management condition input screen 112, the new management condition input screen 114, and the management index output screen 120 are provided separately (Figure 2). However, from the viewpoint of, for example, reflecting the results of the operation simulation in the management index Im, this is not limited to this. For example, a screen such as the management index output screen 120 may be set as the initial screen, and an operation simulation execution button may be placed therein. In this case, when the simulation execution button is pressed, the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (Figures 2, 5 to 7) is displayed. After the operation simulation conditions Cms are input on the input screen 116, it is possible to move to the operation simulation execution screen 118 (Figures 8 and 9), and after the operation simulation is executed, to return to the initial screen.

[B-3-2. Business Simulation]
In the above embodiment, it is possible to compare the case without a robot (conventional) with the case with a robot (new) (FIG. 10). However, for example, if attention is paid to the fact that the business simulation and the operation simulation are combined in the case with a robot, it is also possible to configure the system so that the case without a robot (conventional) is not input and displayed. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the system so that it is possible to select a mode in which the case without a robot (conventional) is compared with the case with a robot (new) and a mode in which the business simulation is performed only with a robot (new).

In the above embodiment, the change in customer replacement frequency F due to the introduction of the robot is reflected in the management indicator Im (Figure 10). However, from the viewpoint of using the customer replacement frequency F in the management simulation, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to perform a management simulation to calculate the number of robots Nr required to achieve a customer replacement frequency F equal to or greater than the conventional case (without robots). Alternatively, it is also possible to perform a management simulation to calculate the number of robots Nr required to achieve the customer replacement frequency F set by the user.

[B-3-3. Operation Simulation]
In the above embodiment, the motion simulation can be displayed in two dimensions or three dimensions (including VR) (FIGS. 8 and 9). However, from the viewpoint of displaying the state of the motion simulation, this is not limited to this. For example, the state of the motion simulation can be displayed using augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR).

In the above embodiment, the state of the operation simulation is displayed (FIGS. 8 and 9). However, from the viewpoint of, for example, reflecting the results of the operation simulation in the management index Im, this is not limited to the above. For example, it is also possible to display the management index output screen 120 without displaying the state of the operation simulation. Alternatively, the state of the operation simulation may not be displayed during the management simulation, but may be made displayable at another time. In particular, when the state of the operation simulation is displayed in VR, it is expected that image processing will take time. In such a case, the display of the operation simulation can be separated from the management simulation, allowing the management simulation to be performed smoothly.

In the above embodiment, the operation simulation is used in combination with a business simulation (Figure 2). However, from the viewpoint of displaying the operation simulation in a commercial facility that uses a service robot, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to perform an operation simulation without a business simulation.

In the layout setting screen 130 (FIG. 5) of the above embodiment, the material C was arranged by drag-and-drop operations. However, from the viewpoint of setting a store layout L (facility layout), for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to prepare a plurality of store layout L patterns in advance and select and use one of them. In that case, each layout pattern is displayed, and a specific layout pattern is selected by clicking or the like.

Alternatively, if CAD data relating to the store layout L exists, the store layout L can be set by loading the CAD data into the simulation device 10.

In the above embodiment, the store layout L, robot conditions Cr, store conditions Cs, and customer conditions Cg were input on the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (Figures 2, 5 to 7). However, for example, from the perspective of setting the conditions for the operation simulation, this is not limited to this.

For example, the conditions of the virtual store clerk Cl may be input on the operation simulation condition input screen 116. For example, the attributes of the virtual store clerk Cl (veteran, mid-career, young, etc.) may be used as the conditions of the virtual store clerk Cl. Alternatively, instead of directly inputting the customer conditions Cg, information corresponding to the customer conditions Cg may be obtained from the location of the store S and used.

In the above embodiment, the store layout L and the robot conditions Cr were set on separate screens (FIGS. 5 and 6). However, from the perspective of setting the store layout L and the robot conditions Cr, this is not limited to the above. For example, the robot conditions Cr may be input on the layout setting screen 130 by including the robot R in the materials C that can be selected in the floor plan and material selection field 500 on the layout setting screen 130.

In the above embodiment, the virtual robot R, virtual customer G, and virtual store clerk Cl were used as the moving subjects (Figure 8). However, from the viewpoint of simulating efficient robot movements in a commercial facility, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to omit one or both of the virtual customer G and virtual store clerk Cl. For example, in the case of a tray-clearing robot, it is possible to simulate an efficient route by generating meals at each table at a predetermined timing without generating the virtual customer G and virtual store clerk Cl.

In the operation simulation of the above embodiment, the virtual management device M controlled the virtual robot R and the virtual store clerk Cl, but each may also operate more autonomously.

10: Simulation device 20: Input device 24: Output device 30: Calculation device 90: Display device Cl: Virtual store clerk Cm: Business condition Co: Expenditure condition Cs: Sales condition Fg: Customer replacement frequency G: Virtual customer
L: Store layout (facility layout) Pe: Estimated profit R: Virtual robot S: Store (commercial facility)

Claims (5)

A simulation method for simulating a facility that uses a service robot or a work robot, comprising the steps of:
a management condition input step of receiving, via an input device, input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the facility;
a layout setting step of receiving a facility layout setting via the input device;
a robot condition selection step of accepting a selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots via the input device;
an operation simulation step in which a calculation device executes an operation simulation for operating the virtual robots of the specifications and the number selected in the robot condition selection step in the facility layout set in the layout setting step;
a predicted profit calculation step in which the arithmetic device calculates a predicted profit for the facility based on the sales conditions input in the business condition input step and predicted sales based on the results of the operation simulation, the expenditure conditions input in the business condition input step, and predicted expenditure based on the specifications and number of the virtual robots selected in the robot condition selection step;
and an output step of outputting the predicted profit to an output device. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1,
The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the operation simulation step displays a state of the operation simulation on a display device included in the output device. 3. The simulation method according to claim 2,
the display device is a head mounted display,
The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the motion simulation step displays a state of the motion simulation on the head mounted display as virtual reality. The simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in the motion simulation step, a virtual human is caused to move in addition to the virtual robot. A simulation device for simulating a facility that uses a service robot or a work robot, comprising:
an input device that receives input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the facility, settings of the facility layout, and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user;
an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robots of the specifications and number selected via the input device in the facility layout set via the input device;
a predicted profit calculation unit that calculates a predicted profit of the facility based on the sales conditions inputted via the input device and predicted sales based on the results of the operation simulation, and based on the expenditure conditions inputted via the input device and predicted expenditure based on the specifications and number of the virtual robots selected via the input device;
and an output device that outputs the predicted profit to the user.

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