Transformable mobile robot
US6068073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D57/028
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A versatile robot provides a plurality of different, primary locomotion means and the capability of switching between modes of movement on a rapid basis to traverse a variety of terrains at high speed. In the preferred embodiment, the robot uses a plurality of legs as a first primary means of locomotion and a plurality of wheels as a second, primary means of locomotion. As such, the robot may use the wheels for high speed locomotion (in excess of 10 mph) over prepared surfaces, and the legs for traversing unprepared surfaces and man-made obstacles at lower speed. The system further employs means for monitoring leg or joint position to determine ground contact or obstacles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.