Robotic ordering and delivery apparatuses, systems and methods
US7894939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/46
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.