Abstract: A method for transportation of articles using a mobile robot. The mobile robot includes a mobile base, a manipulator which rotates relative to the mobile base, a storage platform on the base, and sensors, and has a navigation system. The method comprises: detecting articles at a pick-up area using the sensors; mapping the detected articles to a global map; selecting a set of articles according to predetermined parameters; determining a sequence for picking up the set of articles; loading the set of articles onto the mobile robot using the manipulator; determining a target position and orientation for the mobile base at the drop-off area optimal for unloading articles; the mobile robot travelling to the target position and orientation via the navigation system; unloading the set of articles using the manipulator according to predetermined settings. Also disclosed is a method for relocating the operation space of such a mobile robot.

Abstract: A system and method for optical localization of an autonomous mobile robot. The system includes a number of movable stationary landmarks defining an operating space for the robot. The robot includes a self-propelled mobile chassis, an optical sensor (a LiDAR sensor or optical camera) disposed on a raised portion and configured to detect the landmarks, and a controller configured to determine the position and orientation of the chassis based on information from the optical sensor. The landmarks have an elevated portion extending vertically to a height level which is equal to or higher than the horizontal plane of the optical sensor. Each landmark may have a cross-sectional feature and/or a visually distinct portion, to enable determining the orientation (of the optical sensor/mobile robot) relative to the landmark; as well as an identifier for uniquely identifying the landmark from others.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus for operating on articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a column having a mounting portion for securing the manipulator to a base and an extensible portion that is moveable over an extension range with respect to the mounting portion in response to an actuation force provided by a column actuator. The apparatus also includes an arm mounted to the extensible portion of the column at an arm joint and rotatable about the arm joint in response to an actuation torque provided by an arm rotation actuator. The apparatus further includes an end effector operably configured to perform an operation on the articles, the end effector being mounted at an end effector joint disposed at an end of the arm distal to the arm joint, the end effector being rotatable about the end effector joint in response to an actuation torque provided by an end effector rotation actuator.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus for manipulating an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes an arm including a connecting end and a working end, an arm actuator coupled with the connecting end by an arm linkage, a lift actuator coupled with the connecting end, an end effector coupled with the working end by a rotatable connection, the end effector having an engagement orientation relative to the working end, and at least one cable coupled between the connecting end of the arm and the rotatable connection. The arm actuator is operable to cause the arm linkage to move the working end until the end effector engages an article in the engagement orientation; the lift actuator is operable to cause the connecting end to lift the working end, the end effector, and the article; and the cable is coupled to transmit movement of the connecting end to the rotatable connection to maintain the engagement orientation of the end effector.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus for operating on articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a column having a mounting portion for securing the manipulator to a base and an extensible portion that is moveable over an extension range with respect to the mounting portion in response to an actuation force provided by a column actuator. The apparatus also includes an arm mounted to the extensible portion of the column at an arm joint and rotatable about the arm joint in response to an actuation torque provided by an arm rotation actuator. The apparatus further includes an end effector operably configured to perform an operation on the articles, the end effector being mounted at an end effector joint disposed at an end of the arm distal to the arm joint, the end effector being rotatable about the end effector joint in response to an actuation torque provided by an end effector rotation actuator.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus for manipulating an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes an arm including a connecting end and a working end, an arm actuator coupled with the connecting end by an arm linkage, a lift actuator coupled with the connecting end, an end effector coupled with the working end by a rotatable connection, the end effector having an engagement orientation relative to the working end, and at least one cable coupled between the connecting end of the arm and the rotatable connection. The arm actuator is operable to cause the arm linkage to move the working end until the end effector engages an article in the engagement orientation; the lift actuator is operable to cause the connecting end to lift the working end, the end effector, and the article; and the cable is coupled to transmit movement of the connecting end to the rotatable connection to maintain the engagement orientation of the end effector.