Abstract: The present invention relates to a basic mobile robot (1) where the weight on the drive wheels (6) can be adjusted in order to achieve the optimal traction and braking performance of the mobile robot (1) for the relevant application. With the inventive design of the bogie arm (4) and the modular traction weights (9), the gravitation forces and resulting friction acting on the drive wheels (6) can be increased by attaching one or more traction weight modules (13) to the bogie arm extensions (12), while due to the cantilever effect, the resulting gravitation forces acting on the (front) caster wheels (7) are decreased. Thus, making it relatively easy to achieve just enough traction on the drive wheels (6) for the intended application, without compromising safety and with a minimum impact on the overall energy efficiency of the mobile robot (1).

Abstract: A chassis for an autonomous mobile robot comprises a moulded frame having a stable support for any payload or additional machinery loaded on top of the mobile robot, while ensuring a rigidity of the chassis which again ensures that the supporting elements for the sensors are kept in a stable position relative to each other. The chassis has several separated compartments for EEE placement. These EEE compartments are accessible from the sides and ends of the mobile robot by removing detachable cover parts. A removable top cover is mounted on top of the moulded frame providing a top covering for central inside compartment and outside side compartments. Side covers and end covers are provided for outside compartments and are removable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting an occurring deadlock conflict in a robot fleet of autonomous mobile robots. The method comprises the steps of: designating a plurality of robot resource zones to respective physical zones in a physical environment; operating said robot fleet such that autonomous mobile robots of said robot fleet individually and dynamically block different resource zones of said plurality of robot resource zones; monitoring said robot fleet to identify deadlock-relevant robot states associated with at least two mobile robots of said robot fleet, wherein said at least two mobile robots comprises at least a first robot and a second robot; and identifying that said first robot is being operated towards a resource zone of said plurality of robot resource zones blocked by said second robot to detect said occurring deadlock conflict. The invention further relates to a deadlock detection system.

Abstract: Planning driving sequences of mobile robots and other devices. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an instruction for movement of a device along a supporting surface. The device includes at least one drive wheel and at least one caster that is rotatable about a generally vertical axis. During motion, the caster is configured to reorient so that an swivel joint of the caster to the device leads a wheel of the caster. The method also includes planning a drive instruction for the device to implement the instruction for movement based on an orientation or expected orientation of the at least one caster upon beginning of the movement. The drive instruction is tailored to the drive wheel and the caster of the device and configured to limit reorientation of the caster during motion in accordance with the drive instruction.

Abstract: An example autonomous device is configured to detect objects within a vicinity of the autonomous device. The autonomous device is configured to move along a surface. The autonomous device includes a body, at least one long-range sensor on the body configured for detection in a first field, and at least one short-range sensor on the body. Each short-range sensor is configured for detection in a second field directed towards the surface. The second field is smaller than the first field. Each short-range sensor is configured to output signals based on detection of an object within the second field. A control system is configured to control movement of the autonomous device based, at least in part, on the signals.

Abstract: There is provided an automatically guided vehicle (AGV), which is configured to detect if a payload mass differs significantly from a preset payload mass towed and/or carried by the vehicle, and if a payload mass different from the preset payload is detected, the control system of the vehicle is automatically updated to adjust either: i) the speed of the vehicle based on preset safety brake distance information associated with the detected different payload mass; or ii) increase the safety zone or switch to a safer safety zone in order to avoid collision with any obstacles.

Abstract: An example system includes a positioning surveillance system (PSS) to identify locations of objects that are movable throughout a space. The PSS is configured to identify the locations without requiring a line-of-sight between the objects. A control system is configured to determine distances based on the locations of the objects in the space and to communicate information to the objects that is based on the distances. The information is usable by the objects for collision avoidance.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for evacuating one or more mobile robots from a confined area. The system and method involve one or more mobile robots equipped with sensors or receivers for receiving evacuation commands directing the one or more mobile robots to leave the evacuation area and enter a location outside the evacuation area.

Abstract: An example system includes a sensor for obtaining information about an object in an environment and one or more processing devices configured to use the information in generating or updating a map of the environment. The map includes the object and boundaries or landmarks in the environment. The map includes a static score associated with the object. The static score represents a likelihood that the object will remain immobile within the environment. The likelihood may be between certain immobility and certain mobility.

Abstract: An example autonomous device is configured to move within a space. The autonomous device includes a first system to detect a first location of the autonomous device within the space, with the first location being based on a first fixed reference; a second system to detect a second location of the autonomous device within the space, with the second location being based on a second fixed reference; and a third system to detect a third location of the autonomous device within the space based on relative movements of the autonomous device. One or more processing devices are configured to select one of the first location or the second location based on reliability of at least one of the first location or the second location, and to control movement of the autonomous device using an estimated location that is based on the third location and the selected one of the first location or the second location.

Abstract: An example system includes a computing system configured to identify an event in an area between a first location and a second location and to adjust, based on the event, content of a cost map containing a representation of one or more routes between the first location and the second location. The system also includes an autonomous device configured to move between the first location and the second location based on the cost map.

Abstract: There is provided a robotic cart pulling vehicle for automated docking and pulling a cart, such as a wheeled hospital cart for e.g. linen. In particular the vehicle is provided with a unique gripping means for holding the cart. Furthermore, the robotic vehicle implements a positioning system for safely driving on hospital corridors and further comprises one or more sensors to indicate the position of the robot relative to the surroundings for avoiding unnecessary impacts.