Abstract: A method for positioning a mobile platform at a station that includes moving the mobile platform near a bumper by applying torque to a drive shaft. The mobile platform is maneuvered until a contact stop of the platform is touching the bumper. A locking mechanism is engaged to the mobile platform before the torque to the drive shaft is released to assure position retention at the station. A system for precise positioning of a mobile platform at a station is provided that includes a stationary bumper at the station. A mobile platform has contact stops, a drive shaft, and sensors for measuring contact with the stationary bumper. The mobile platform having a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the drive shaft in response to input from at least one of the sensors in response to contact with the stationary bumper to provide the precise positioning of the mobile platform.

Abstract: A method for positioning a mobile platform at a station that includes moving the mobile platform near a bumper by applying torque to a drive shaft. The mobile platform is maneuvered until a contact stop of the platform is touching the bumper. A locking mechanism is engaged to the mobile platform before the torque to the drive shaft is released to assure position retention at the station. A system for precise positioning of a mobile platform at a station is provided that includes a stationary bumper at said station. A mobile platform has stop contacts, a drive shaft, and sensors for measuring contact with said stationary bumper. The mobile platform having a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the drive shaft in response to input from at least one of the sensors in response to contact with the stationary bumper to provide the precise positioning of said mobile platform.

Abstract: Work-piece positioners include a positioner chassis, a rotary framework coupled to the chassis, and a mezzanine disposed above the chassis, wherein the mezzanine is configured to mount one or more robots above the positioner. The rotary framework may be configured such that it may rotate a work-piece between a work-piece load/unload zone and a work zone about a framework axis. More particularly, the mezzanine may be secured to the chassis such that when one or more robots are mounted to the mezzanine, the one or more robots may be positioned above the work zone of the positioner.

Abstract: A robotic beverage server configured to take a beverage order, prepare the beverage or mixture of beverages, and serve the beverage to a consumer. The robotic beverage server may include a robot, a controller connected to the robot, and a beverage supply adjacent to the robot. The robot may be configured to approximate a physical representation of a human body comprising a torso, a head, and multiple robotic arms, and wherein the head comprises a multi-pixel display panel configured to display graphic or textual representations thereon. The controller is configured to transmit display data to the display panel. The robot is also configured such that the robotic arms cooperate with the beverage supply to serve a beverage or mixture of beverages from the beverage supply.

Abstract: A robotic beverage server includes a robot, a beverage supply disposed near the robot, a computer connected to the robot, and a beverage ordering system connected to the computer. The computer is configured to permit the entry of the type of available beverages stocked in the beverage supply and operable to determine the variety of beverages and mixtures of beverages that will be available for serving by the robotic beverage server based upon the beverages stocked in the beverage supply. The robotic beverage server may also include a controller, a framework, and a barrier disposed above the framework and having an opening therein, wherein both the framework and barrier at least partially encompass the robot and are configured to prevent an user from gaining access to the robot.