MUMBAI, India, April 17 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641043411 A) filed by Dr. Prasannakumari Banafar; Dr Jaymala A Patil; Dr. Deepa Sharma; Mr. Amitarvindbansod; Dr. Arpita Basak; and Dr. Suman Gulia, Ernakulam, Kerala, on April 5, for 'an automated smart shelf system for seamless book retrieval.'
Inventor(s) include Dr. Prasannakumari Banafar; Dr Jaymala A Patil; Dr. Deepa Sharma; Mr. Amitarvindbansod; Dr. Arpita Basak; and Dr. Suman Gulia.
The application for the patent was published on April 17, under issue no. 16/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The present invention discloses an Automated Smart Shelf System for Seamless Book Retrieval designed to revolutionize library operations by embedding intelligent retrieval mechanisms directly into standard shelving units. Each smart shelf incorporates UHF RFID tags on books, linear actuators for precise book ejection, high-resolution cameras for visual verification, weight sensors for inventory accuracy, and IoT gateways for real-time connectivity to a central AI-powered server. Users interact through an intuitive mobile application or kiosk featuring augmented-reality overlays, enabling instant book requests. Upon request, the AI server identifies the exact shelf location, activates the corresponding actuator to gently push the selected book to an integrated chute or conveyor leading to the nearest pickup station, and delivers a QR-coded notification to the user-all within seconds. The system eliminates manual searching, reduces retrieval time from minutes to under 30 seconds, and achieves 99.9% inventory accuracy through continuous monitoring and predictive analytics that optimize book placement based on usage patterns. Unlike prior art relying on mobile robots or closed stacks, the invention preserves open-access aesthetics, requires no floor modifications, and operates invisibly among patrons. Safety features include proximity sensors that halt operation if a user is nearby. The architecture supports multi-user parallel requests, anti-theft integration, and seamless API connectivity with existing library software. By drastically cutting staff workload, minimizing errors, and enhancing accessibility for all patrons, the system delivers a truly frictionless library experience while lowering operational costs and energy consumption. The invention is scalable for libraries of any size and represents a significant advancement in automated inventory and retrieval technology."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
