Modular multifunctional workcells for autonomous guided vehicle applications
US11267653B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus for transporting workcells. In one aspect, a system includes a first fleet of AGVs that each include electro-mechanical interface that is adapted to (i) connect to or lift multiple different types of workcells and (ii) provide charging power to or receive charging power from multiple different types of workcells. A second fleet of multiple different types of workcells are each adapted to perform one or more particular tasks. A control system is configured to identify a set of tasks to be performed by the second fleet of workcells and, for each task, select a workcell to perform the task, select an AGV to transport the selected workcell to a location at which the task is to be performed, and provide, to the selected AGV, instructions that cause the selected AGV to transport the selected workcell to the location at which the task is to be performed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.