Method for operating a robot

• US 6,493,613 B2
• Filed: 08/02/2001
• Issued: 12/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mtd Products Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Friendly Robotics Ltd (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Inventors: Peleg, Ilan, Peless, Ehud, Abrahamson, Shai
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PIPALA, EDWARD J
• Application Number:
  US09/920,933
• Publication Number:
  US 20010047231A1
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 701/23, 701/25, 701/200, 701/202, 701/300, 701/301, 56/102.A, 56/102.R, 180/168, 180/169, 318/587
• US Class Current: 701/23
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/008 for automated or remotely controlled operation
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0033 by having the operator tracking the vehicle either by direct line of sight or via one or more cameras located remotely from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0219 ensuring the processing of the whole working surface
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0225 involving docking at a fixed facility, e.g. base station or loading bay parking aids B62D15/027
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0227 using mechanical sensing means, e.g. for sensing treated area
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0255 using acoustic signals, e.g. ultra-sonic singals sonar systems designed for anti-collision purposes G01S15/93
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0265 using buried wires
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/027 comprising intertial navigation means, e.g. azimuth detector inertial navigation G01C21/16; inertial navigation combined with non-inertial navigation instruments G01C21/165
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0272 comprising means for registering the travel distance, e.g. revolutions of wheels measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, e.g. using odometers G01C22/00

Abstract

There is disclosed a utility robot for operating in multiple modes, in particular, at least one autonomous mode and at least one manual mode. The robot is configured with a recognition system for recognizing a signal indicating the particular mode in which to operate, and adjusts its control system accordingly. Methods for operation of this utility, performing various tasks, such as lawn mowing, vacuuming, floor cleaning and snow removing are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A utility robot for operating in multiple operative modes, said utility robot comprising:

a main body configured for receiving at least one signal from either of a manual control device or a remote control device, each of said manual and remote control devices configured for providing said at least one signal corresponding to said at least one operative mode for said robot;

a recognition system for recognizing said at least one signal; and

a controller in communication with said recognition system, for operating said robot in said at least one operative mode in accordance with said at least one signal from either of said manual and said remote control devices.

2. The utility robot of claim 1, wherein said main body additionally comprises a port configured for communication with either of said manual or remote control device.

3. The utility robot of claim 2, wherein said manual control device is removably attachable to said port.

4. The utility robot of claim 1, wherein said at least one operative mode is selected from the group comprising:

charging, immobilizing, autonomous mode, edge cutting mode and manual mode.

5. The utility robot of claim 1, wherein said utility robot is selected from the group comprising:

lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, wet floor cleaners and snow removers.