Robotic assistant

US11446810B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Albert John Yu Sam Chua · San Jose, US
• Paul Leland Mandel · San Francisco, US
• Adam Barry Fineberg · Saratoga, US
• Christopher C. Jones · San Francisco, US
• Stephen Anthony Kitchens · Fremont, US
• Christopher Lorenzo Dunn · Los Gatos, US
• Omar Sze Leung · Palo Alto, US
• Carl Philip Taussig · Woodside, US
• John E. Johnston · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 5, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2022
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D1/0248
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A robotic assistant comprises a plurality of sensors in a compact and unobtrusive form. One or more sensors may be emplaced upon a mast that may be selectively raised and lowered. The mast allows the robotic assistant to acquire images or other sensor data from a greater height, without substantially increasing the bulk of the robotic assistant. For ease of transport from one floor to another or from one building to another, the robotic assistant may deploy a handhold that a human may use to pick up and carry the robotic assistant. Floor characterization sensors may be used to determine characteristics of the floor such as if the floor is wet or dry. The robotic assistant may be used to provide a user with access to network services, to monitor a facility, provide telepresence services, and so forth.