Abstract: A plurality of mobile robots forming part of a travel control system are controlled by a travel control station. The travel control station directs each of the mobile robots to a destination where it performs selected operations. The robot, in response to instructions from the travel control station, searches the route selected by the travel control station and sends the results of the search to the control station. The travel control station, upon receipt of this information, determines whether or not the travel path searched by the mobile robot is already reserved by another other mobile robot as indicated by data stored in a reservation table. If the path is available, the control station transmits a reservation completion signal to the mobile robot. The mobile robot then travels automatically along the reserved travel path.

Abstract: A self-contained unmanned vehicle (robot car) is designed to be capable of independently traveling, on the basis of previously specified geographic data, to convey parts, finished products, etc. etc. in a factory or similar, and achieves fine travel position control while simultaneously reducing the X memory capacity for the geographic data and ensures easy preparation and entry of geographic data and facilitates the comprehensibility of the contents of the geographic data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robotic vehicle as the robotic is traversed from an origination node to a destination node is disclosed. An optimal nodal path is determined from the origination node to the destination node. A deviation distance is calculated from the actual location of the robotic vehicle to the optimal nodal path. This deviation distance is compared with the specified distance. If the deviation distance exceeds the specified distance, a determination is made as to whether correction of the travel path of the robotic vehicle by a combination of curves method would result in the robotic vehicle returning to the optimal path beyond a node to be traversed next. Correction of the travel path is effected by the combination of curves method if correction by such a method would result in the robotic vehicle returning to the optimal nodal path prior to the node to be traversed next.