Patent · US Active

Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods

US8749196B2 · kind B2 · utility

40Cited by
678References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 29, 2006
Grant dateJun 10, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 29, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S901/01
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.