Method and apparatus for autonomous conveyance of transport carts
US10168711B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/46
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one aspect of the teachings presented herein, an autonomously-navigating mobile robot moves to a designated location and detects the presence and relative positioning of a compatible wheeled cart, based on recognizing one or more characteristic physical features of the cart from sensor readings taken by the robot. The robot moves into a position of gross alignment with the cart, based on the detected relative position of the cart, which means that the robot accommodates carts that are not properly positioned or oriented for pickup. The robot takes additional sensor readings referenced to the same or additional characteristic features of the cart and moves into a position of fine alignment with the cart, whereupon it latches to the cart and transports it via rolling conveyance to a designated destination location. The cart preferably includes a normally-on brake that is automatically disengaged by virtue of the robot latching to it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.