A9.com, Inc.

Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Jacob Blacksberg

Jonathan Mcqueen

Nima Keivan

Phillip Walkemeyer

Daniel Sekich

Karl McDowall

Matthew Ventimiglia

An autonomous robot moves materials in a warehouse or other industrial environment. It runs on an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. When its battery becomes depleted, it maneuvers to a nearby charger. It guides itself to the charger using visual cues, such as a target on or near the charger, until it establishes a good electrical connection with the charger. Proximity sensors on the charger and/or the autonomous robot determine if the autonomous robot is positioned properly; if so, the charger begins charging the autonomous robot's battery. While charging, the charger monitors the resistance of the electrical connection for open- or short-circuit conditions. It also monitors the status of the proximity sensors. If the charger detects an open-circuit or a short-circuit or that the autonomous robot has moved away from the charger, the charger stops charging.

Charging systems and methods for autonomous carts

Systems and methods are disclosed for holonomic drivetrain modules for mobile robots. In one embodiment, an example mobile robot may include a chassis, and a holonomic drivetrain module removably coupled to the chassis. The holonomic drivetrain module may include a first drive wheel having a caster angle of substantially zero, a first bearing block assembly vertically aligned with the first drive wheel, and a first steer motor coupled to the first bearing block assembly and vertically aligned with the first drive wheel.

Holonomic drivetrain modules for mobile robots

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for universal anchor points for mobile robots. In one embodiment, an example mobile robot may include a chassis, a removable assembly comprising a support member, and a first anchor point coupled to the chassis. The first anchor point may be configured to anchor the support member to the chassis. The first anchor point may be configured to be coupled to support members of different diameters or widths.

Universal anchor points for mobile robots

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Jacob Blacksberg