Patents by Inventor Lauri Väin
Lauri Väin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11649088Abstract: A storage container, comprising a rigid body including a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, at least one separating wall, and a plurality of fixing elements for removably fixing the separating walls to the storage container. The storage container further comprises a locking element. The container further comprises a plurality of compartments configured to be separated by the separating wall and locked via the locking element. Further, a system comprising a mobile robot and the storage container is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for secure package delivery employing the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventor: Lauri Väin
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Publication number: 20230026980Abstract: A storage system (100) is adapted to store a plurality of items and to load a delivery robot (2) with an item. The storage system (100) includes a delivery robot level (110), at least one storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) for storing the items, and a loading robot (130) adapted to grip the items and to load the items from a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) to a delivery robot (2) located on the delivery robot level (110). The storage system (100) is adapted to move the items within a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118). The storage system may be provided with wheels and thus be mobile. It may be loaded onto a vehicle for transport from a loading area where the storage system is loaded with items for delivery, to a delivery area where the items are to be delivered by one or more delivery robots.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: Starship Technologies OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Tiit LIIVIK, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
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Publication number: 20230008560Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
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Publication number: 20230009584Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
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Publication number: 20230004933Abstract: A method and a system for secure and convenient delivery of item is disclosed. The method comprises loading a mobile robot with an item to be delivered. An item ID is generated, based on the ID of the item a security score is associated with the item. Further, a convenience score is associated with the item based on the ID. The present invention further discloses associating at least one or a plurality of authenticating techniques with the item, preferably based on the security score and/or the convenience score. The mobile robot is further configured to sense a user terminal via an authenticating sensor and facilitate the user to access an item space once the user is verified by the associated authenticating technique/s.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2020Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Ahti HEINLA, Lauri VÄIN, Vahur LAAS
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Patent number: 11424491Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Sergii Kharagorgiiev, Markus Järve, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
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Patent number: 11420531Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Sergii Kharagorgiiev, Markus Järve, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
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Patent number: 11383388Abstract: A storage system (100) is adapted to store a plurality of items and to load a delivery robot (2) with an item. The storage system (100) includes a delivery robot level (110), at least one storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) for storing the items, and a loading robot (130) adapted to grip the items and to load the items from a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) to a delivery robot (2) located on the delivery robot level (110). The storage system (100) is adapted to move the items within a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118). The storage system may be provided with wheels and thus be mobile. It may be loaded onto a vehicle for transport from a loading area where the storage system is loaded with items for delivery, to a delivery area where the items are to be delivered by one or more delivery robots.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Tiit Liivik, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
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Patent number: 11358781Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Tommy Biene, Sylvia-Johanna Annus, Piret Uustal
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Publication number: 20220180299Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system and method for storing, transporting and delivering items. The device comprises of a modular container which is configured to be installed in a mobile robot. The modular container comprises of a control unit, first communication component and a power component. The system comprises of a modular container and a mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot comprises of a motion component, a second control unit, a second communication component. The method comprises of installing the modular container to the mobile robot and a second method for providing goods and services via modular container and mobile robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventor: Lauri VÄIN
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Publication number: 20220050473Abstract: A method and system for modifying images captured by mobile robots. The method includes capturing at least one image via at least one visual sensor of a mobile robot; converting the at least one image into image data; storing image data; detecting at least one identifier present in the image data; applying an obfuscation to the at least one detected identifier in the image data to gain obfuscated image data; and providing the obfuscated image data to at least one authorized agent. The system includes at least one capturing component wherein the capturing component is configured to capture at least one image at any positioning of the mobile robots; a converting component wherein the converting component is configured to convert at least one image into image data; a storing component for storing the image data; a processing component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Rao PÄRNPUU, Kristjan KORJUS, Vahur LAAS, Kalle-Rasmus VOLKOV, Lauri VÄIN, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Joonatan SAMUEL
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Publication number: 20210330119Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for beverage dispensing. The system comprises a mobile robot and a beverage module fitted to it. The mobile robot comprises a motion component, a first processing component and a first communication component. The beverage module comprises at least one liquid container, at least one beverage dispenser, a second processing component, and a second communication component. The method comprises the mobile robot traveling to a first location, preparing a beverage, dispensing it and leaving the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2019Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Antti MÄKELA, Imre TERAS, Pasi NIKKANEN
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Publication number: 20210256465Abstract: A method for operating a framework comprising a plurality of robots is disclosed. The method comprises at least receiving a request for delivery, and selecting, from a subset of the plurality of robots, an appropriate robot to handle the delivery. A delivery framework comprising a plurality of robots and a backend platform is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventor: Lauri VÄIN
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Publication number: 20200324662Abstract: Disclosed is a storage device configured to store, maintain and shelter a mobile robot. The storage device comprises a housing, a port, a battery station, a processing component and a communication component. Also disclosed is a system configured to store, maintain and shelter a mobile robot. The system comprises the storage device, a mobile robot and a server. Also disclosed is a method for at least one of storing and maintaining a mobile robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Tommy BIENE, Ronald TOMMEPÕLD, Rene RAASUKE, Viljar VALDEK, Henrik HERRANEN, Antti MÄKELA, Mikko SEPPÄNEN, Vahur LAAS, Kaspar LAURI
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Publication number: 20200231366Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: Starship Technologies OÜInventors: Lauri VÄIN, Tommy BIENE, Sylvia-Johanna ANNUS, Piret UUSTAL
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Publication number: 20200130893Abstract: A storage container, comprising a rigid body including a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, at least one separating wall, and a plurality of fixing elements for removably fixing the separating walls to the storage container. The storage container further comprises a locking element. The container further comprises a plurality of compartments configured to be separated by the separating wall and locked via the locking element. Further, a system comprising a mobile robot and the storage container is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for secure package delivery employing the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventor: Lauri VÄIN
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Patent number: 10625926Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜInventors: Lauri Väin, Tommy Biene, Sylvia-Johanna Annus, Piret Uustal
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Publication number: 20200091744Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
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Publication number: 20200086757Abstract: A flexural joint, preferably for use in a battery station, comprising: a first group of rigid members configured to mount a first group of elements to the flexural joint; a second group of rigid members configured to mount a second group of elements to the flexural joint; a third group of elastic members configured to provide flexibility; a first flexural mechanism configured to allow rotational motion of at least one of the first group of rigid members with respect to the second group of rigid members and the second group of rigid members with respect to the first group of rigid members; and a second flexural mechanism configured to allow linear motion of at least one of the first group of rigid members with respect to the second group of rigid members and second group of rigid members with respect to the first group of rigid members.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
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Publication number: 20200091565Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE