SELF-PROPELLED ROBOT ASSISTANT
First Claim
1. A self-propelled robot comprising:
- a base, the base defining a bottom of a payload receiving space;
a drive motor operable to propel the base across a surface;
a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot;
at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors configured to provide range information indicative of a distance between the remote device and the range finding sensors; and
a processor configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-propelled robot and method for operating the same are provided. The self-propelled robot includes a base, a drive motor, a communication transceiver, at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors and a processor. The base defines a bottom of a payload receiving space. The drive motor is operable to propel the base across a surface. The communication transceiver is configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot. The range finding sensors are configured to provide range information indicative of a distance between the remote device and the range finding sensors. The processor is configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A self-propelled robot comprising:
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a base, the base defining a bottom of a payload receiving space; a drive motor operable to propel the base across a surface; a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot; at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors configured to provide range information indicative of a distance between the remote device and the range finding sensors; and a processor configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A self-propelled robot comprising:
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a base; a head having at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors; a neck connecting the head to the base, the neck movable to space the head away from the base when in an erect position, the neck movable to space the head proximate the base when in a collapsed position; at least one drive motor operable to propel the base across a surface; a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot; a container assembly supported between the head and the base; and a processor configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for operating a robot, the method comprising:
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electronically pairing a transceiver of the robot with an carry sensor disposed on a user; determining a distance to the user with a range finder mounted on the robot; and autonomously following the user when communication transceiver is in communication with the carry sensor while maintaining a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification