Apparatus and methods for providing a reconfigurable robotic platform
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A robot comprising:
- a main body comprising;
a propulsion mechanism;
a positioning mechanism; and
a first processing unit adapted to direct a function of the main body; and
a removable service module comprising a module second processing unit in communication with the main first processing unit the removable service module adapted to perform a predefined service task wherein the second processing unit is adapted to direct a function of the removable service module;
wherein the first processing unit and the second processing unit engage in distributed processing to perform the predefined service task, wherein the removable service module is adapted to be installed in communication with the main body at a direction of the first processing unit based, at least in part, on a determination by the first processing unit that the second processing unit is capable of directing the service module to perform the predefined service task and wherein a distribution of functionality between the first processing unit and the second processing unit is defined via communication between the first processing unit and the second processing unit.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to perform a wide variety of tasks utilizing the plurality of interchangeable service modules, and navigating through the service area utilizing a plurality of sensors and guided through a stored service plan for the service area.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A robot comprising:
-
a main body comprising; a propulsion mechanism; a positioning mechanism; and a first processing unit adapted to direct a function of the main body; and a removable service module comprising a module second processing unit in communication with the main first processing unit the removable service module adapted to perform a predefined service task wherein the second processing unit is adapted to direct a function of the removable service module; wherein the first processing unit and the second processing unit engage in distributed processing to perform the predefined service task, wherein the removable service module is adapted to be installed in communication with the main body at a direction of the first processing unit based, at least in part, on a determination by the first processing unit that the second processing unit is capable of directing the service module to perform the predefined service task and wherein a distribution of functionality between the first processing unit and the second processing unit is defined via communication between the first processing unit and the second processing unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. A method comprising:
-
engaging a propulsion mechanism of a robot comprising a main body with a first processing unit and a removable service module to position the robot at a predetermined location, wherein the removable service module comprises a second processing unit in communication with the first processing unit the second processing unit adapted to direct a function of the removable service module and wherein the first processing unit and the second processing unit engage in distributed processing to perform a predefined service task, wherein the removable service module is adapted to be installed in communication with the main body at a direction of the first processing unit based, at least in part, on a determination by the first processing unit that the second processing unit is capable of directing the service module to perform the predefined service task and wherein a distribution of functionality between the first processing unit and the second processing unit is defined via communication between the first processing unit and the second processing unit; and operating the removable service module to service a generally planar surface proximate the robot. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
-
Specification