Autonomous mobile platform for service applications
View Patent ↗The invention disclosed with this Application is a autonomous mobile system comprising: a means of achieving mobility, a means of navigating, a means of providing autonomous power, and a means of providing general purpose computing. In some embodiments, the system comprises a base unit capable of sensing its environment and computing navigation instructions to direct the system to move to particular locations and execute particular functions, as directed by a set of programmed instructions. In some embodiments, a coupling exists on the base unit to attach additional structures and mechanisms. These structures may comprise a means for carrying packages or other items, robotic manipulators that can grab and move objects, interactive audio and video displays for telepresence applications, a means for serving food and drink, etc. These extensions may be designed to be detachable and interchangeable, or may be designed to be permanently attached to the base unit.
1. A robotic system comprising:
a power source;
a means to move through a designated environment having a ceiling upon which reference patterns are placed;
an attached computing device;
a navigation system to direct the motion of the apparatus through the designated environment; and
a means for coupling a first additional accessory comprising a connector for providing power from the power source to the first additional accessory;
said navigation system comprising:
an imaging camera aimed towards the ceiling to detect reference patterns distributed throughout the designated environment, and
an image processing system to match images of said reference patterns to a pre-stored electronic map;
and in which
a second additional accessory that transmits audio and video signals has been coupled to the apparatus,
said second additional accessory further comprising
a means to display audio and video transmissions originating from a remote location.
2. The system of claim 1 , additionally comprising
a structure for delivering at least one item.
3. The system of claim 2 , in which
the item is a container.
4. The system of claim 3 , in which
the container is a cup.
5. The system of claim 2 , in which
the item is a measured quantity of a soft drink.
6. The system of claim 2 in which
the item is a measured quantity of a mixed drink.
7. The system of claim 2 , further comprising
a means for delivering a marketing message.
8. The system of claim 7 , in which
the means for delivering a marketing message is a display attached to the structure.
9. The system of claim 8 , in which
the means for delivering a marketing message also comprises a video display.
10. The system of claim 1 , in which
the means for coupling comprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of: clamps, bolts, screws, and pegs.
11. The system of claim 1 , in which
the means for coupling comprises at least one set of holes in a configuration that corresponds to a first accessory with a set of attachment devices.
12. The system of claim 11 , in which
the attachment devices are selected from the group consisting of: clamps, bolts, screws, and pegs.
13. The system of claim 1 , in which
the first additional accessory is a structure for carrying packages.
14. The system of claim 1 , in which
the first additional accessory comprises
at least one robotic manipulator.
15. The system of claim 1 , further comprising
a means to communicate with a wireless communication network.
16. The system of claim 1 , in which
the power source provides the motive force for moving through the designated environment.
17. The system of claim 1 , in which
the power source comprises a battery selected from the group consisting of:
a lead acid battery, a deep cycle lead acid battery, a sealed lead acid battery, an AGM lead acid battery, a gel lead acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal-hydride battery, a lithium battery, a silicon-mediated lithium battery, a lithium ion battery, and an alkaline battery.
18. The system of claim 1 , in which
the power source comprises a common power conversion system selected from the group consisting of consisting of:
a fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel cell, a hydrocarbon powered heat engine, a microwave transmission energy power source, an inductive energy source, a flywheel, a flywheel energy storage system, and a Carnot engine.
19. The system of claim 1 , in which
the computing device comprises at least one microprocessor.
20. The system of claim 1 , in which
the computing device directs the activity of the means to move through a designated environment.
21. The system of claim 1 , in which
the navigation system utilizes the attached computing device.
22. The system of claim 1 , in which the means to move through a designated environment comprises wheels.
23. The system of claim 22 , in which at least one of the wheels comprises a brushless DC hub motor.
24. The system of claim 1 , in which the navigation system comprises at least one LIDAR system.
25. The system of claim 1 , in which the first additional accessory comprises a means to deliver consumables.
26. The system of claim 25 , in which the consumables are soft drinks.
27. A robotic apparatus comprising:
a power source;
a means to move through a designated environment having a ceiling upon which reference patterns are placed;
an attached computing device;
a navigation system to direct the motion of the apparatus through the designated environment;
a means for coupling a first additional accessory comprising a connector for providing power from the power source to the first additional accessory; and
additionally comprising a computer readable medium, upon which are stored instructions that direct the activities of the robot in a pre-determined sequence;
said navigation system comprising:
an imaging camera aimed towards the ceiling to detect reference patterns distributed throughout the designated environment, and
an image processing system to match images of said reference patterns to a pre-stored electronic map;
and in which
a second additional accessory that transmits audio and video signals has been coupled to the apparatus,
said additional accessory further comprising
a means to display audio and video transmissions originating from a remote location.
28. The system of claim 1 , additionally comprising:
a connector for communicating data between the robotic system and the first additional accessory.
29. The system of claim 27 , additionally comprising:
a connector for communicating data between the robotic system and the first additional accessory.