Modular mobile robot

Abstract

A mobile robot has a predetermined size of large, medium, small or back-packable. The mobile robot includes a chassis, drive system components, power components, a main processor, a communication system and a power and data distribution system. The chassis has a predetermined size of large, medium, small or back-packable. Drive system components are operably attached to the chassis and power components are operably connected to the drive system components and the power and data distribution system. Each drive system component has a predetermined size that is compatible with the chassis. The main processor, the communication system and the power and data distribution system are all operably connected together and operably connected to the traction components and the power components. The main processor, the communication system, and the power and data distribution system are all compatible with the predetermined size of the chassis and at least one other size.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This disclosure relates to mobile robots and in particular modular mobile robots that have modules that may be easily removed and replaced, may be interchanged for different modules or may be interchanged between different sized mobile robots. As well, the disclosure relates to an endless track, a flexible tail and a single scoop arm.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Mobile robots are well known and used routinely by military, law enforcement and security forces. As such they are often used in hazardous situations and in stand-off (remote) locations. Accordingly it would be very useful to provide a mobile robot that can be easily adapted for different uses. As well, it would be useful to provide a mobile robot that is easily serviced. Accordingly a modular mobile robot would be advantageous. As well, it would be advantageous if at least some of the modules were interchangeable between different sized mobile robots to suit particular or unique missions.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A mobile robot has a predetermined size that is one of large, medium, small and back-packable. The mobile robot is for use with a control unit. The mobile robot includes a chassis, drive system components, power components, a main processor, a communication system, a power and data distribution system. The chassis has a predetermined size that is one of large, medium, small and back-packable. Drive system components are operably attached to the chassis and have a predetermined size that is compatible with the predetermined size of the chassis. Power components are operably connected to the power and data distribution system and operably connected to the drive system components and the power components have a predetermined size that is compatible with the drive system components. The main processor is operably connected to the drive system components, the power and data distribution system, and the power components. The communication system is operably connected to the drive system components, the power components and the main processor. The communication system is for communicating with the operator control unit. The power and data distribution system is operably connected to the drive system components, the power components, the main processor and the communication system. The main processor, the communication system, and the power and data distribution system are all compatible with the predetermined size of the chassis and at least one other size.

Problems solved by technology

As such they are often used in hazardous situations and in stand-off (remote) locations.

However, the rest of the robot does not appear to be modular and therefore if other than the track modules needed repair or replacement the robot would likely be out of the field until such work could be done.

However, current tracks have a number of drawbacks.

For instance, they can experience more friction than wheels and thus require more power to drive, and may cause vibrations when moving and turning.

Further, they may slip off the wheel or sprocket pulley which drives them, possibly damaging the track or the drive mechanism.

If this happens in a hazardous situation where the robot is being operated remotely, it may be rendered inoperable.

The wheel driving them may also occasionally rotationally slip within the track, causing a loss of locomotive force.

In addition, mobile robots are often deployed in environments whose surface characteristics are unknown a priori, and may be very uneven, irregular or bumpy.

In such situations, the probability of the robot falling over after losing its balance can be quite high.

For situations where the robot is being operated remotely in a hazardous situation, falling over can render the robot inoperable.

Furthermore, it may be required that the mobile robot has the capability to climb obstacles, which is generally a risky task as it can quite easily lead to the robot tipping over.

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