Miniature robotic vehicles and methods of controlling same

Abstract

A robotic vehicle having a body with two or more powered ground-engaging members, e.g., wheels, rotatably coupled thereto. The vehicle may further include a spring member which may be deflected to a first, stored position from a second, extended position. The robotic vehicle may form part of a distributed, multi-robot system. The robotic vehicles may communicate with each other and / or a remote workstation. In some embodiments, the robotic vehicles may mechanically couple to one another to perform certain tasks.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 166,572, filed Nov. 19, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0003] The present invention relates to the field of robotics. More particularly, the present invention pertains to miniature robotic vehicles able to traverse various terrain and methods and systems for operating and controlling such vehicles.[0004] Reconnaissance, surveillance, and security monitoring activities (hereinafter referred to collectively as "surveillance") have become an integral investigation tool for both military and civilian organizations alike. While by no means a complete list, tasks such as hostage rescue, terrorist response, drug raids, building searches, facility monitoring, and site contamination investigation may all benefit from information provided by surveillance systems.[0005] With the exception of human security guards, perhaps the most recognized surveillance systems are ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While these devices are more than adequate for their intended application, drawbacks do exist.

For instance, static devices, e.g., video cameras, do not always provide the range of coverage needed for an unanticipated surveillance situation.

Further complicating this problem is the fact that static sensing devices are difficult to quickly reposition, e.g., human intervention is generally required to relocate the sensing device or to adjust its field of detection.

Still other problems with conventional static systems include the routing of collected data to a single or, alternatively, to a limited number of operation stations.

Unfortunately, in many military and law enforcement scenarios, these operation stations may be inaccessible by the surveillance team.

Systems based on one or more independent robots do not permit coordinated monitoring of more than one area simultaneously.

Further, the size of these robots makes them difficult to conceal, a disadvantage in hostile or covert operations.

Size limitations may also prevent these robots from investigating smaller areas.

As a result, rapid deployment of such robots into a new or unfamiliar environment may be difficult.

While effective for their intended purpose, many multiple robot systems do not address rapid deployment of multiple robots into unfamiliar surroundings for such purposes as surveillance, reconnaissance, and the like.

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