Irobot Corporation

Deere + Company

Irobot Defense Holdings, Inc.

Mikhail Filippov

Robert Todd Pack

James Raymond Allard

Selma Svendsen

John P O'Brien

David S Barrett

Adam P Couture

Richard Page

William Robert Norris

Christopher David Glenn Turner

Andrew Julian Norby

Andrew M Shein

Mark D Schmaltz

Scott Keller

Robert Dale Haun

Kevin B Larsen

Osa Fitch

Seth Gilbertson

David S Zendzian

Chris A De Roo

Arlen Eugene Meuchel

Nadim El Fata

John O'Connor

Andrew Shein

A robotic vehicle (A,BC,A,B,C) includes a chassis () having front and rear ends (A,A,B,B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (). Right and left elongated flippers () are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage () connects a payload deck assembly (D,D,D), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (), and a second end (B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers () operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots () to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D,D,D) with respect to the chassis ().

Robotic vehicle

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electro-magnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle.

Versatile robotic control module

Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.

Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle

A robotic vehicle (A,BC,A,B,C) includes a chassis () having front and rear ends (A,A,B,B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (). Right and left elongated flippers () are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage () connects a payload deck assembly (DDD), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (), and a second end (B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers () operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots () to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (DDD) with respect to the chassis ().

A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a motor controller logic circuit and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the motor controller logic circuit and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced voltage to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.

Robotic vehicle with dynamic range actuators

A robotic vehicle (A,BC,A, includes a chassis () having front and rear ends (A,A,B,B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (). Right and left elongated flippers () are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage () connects a payload deck assembly (D,D,D), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (), and a second end (B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers () operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots () to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D,D,D) with respect to the chassis ().

A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

A mobile robot includes a chassis defining at least one chassis volume and first and second sets of right and left driven flippers associated with the chassis. Each flipper has a drive wheel and defines a flipper volume adjacent to the drive wheel. The first set of flippers is disposed between the second set of flippers and the chassis. Motive power elements are distributed among the chassis volume and the flipper volumes. The motive power elements include a battery assembly, a main drive motor assembly, and a load shifting motor assembly.

A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a signal processor and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the signal processor and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced power to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington, MA, United States of America

Mikhail Filippov