Versatile autonomous mobile platform with 3-d imaging system

Abstract

An autonomous mobile system comprising: a means of achieving mobility, a means of navigating, a means of providing autonomous power, and a means of providing general purpose computing. In some embodiments, the system comprises a base unit capable of sensing its environment and computing navigation instructions to direct the system to move to particular locations and execute functions as directed by a set of programmed instructions. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight (TOF) imaging systems are attached to measure distance to objects in the environment, which may in turn be used by the means of navigating. In some embodiments, a coupling exists on the base unit to attach additional structures and mechanisms. These structures may comprise a means for carrying packages or other items, robotic manipulators that can grab and move objects, interactive audio and video displays for telepresence applications, a means for serving food and drink, etc.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A robotic system comprising:
 a chassis;   a power source attached to the chassis;   a computing device attached to the chassis;   a means to move the robotic system through a designated environment;   a navigation system
 to direct the motion of the apparatus through the designated environment; 
   a means for coupling a first additional accessory
 comprising a connector for providing power from the power source to the first additional accessory; and 
   at least two sensor modules attached to the chassis
 positioned to detect distances to objects within the designated environment. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the power source comprises a battery selected from the group consisting of: a lead acid battery, a deep cycle lead acid battery, a sealed lead acid battery, an AGM lead acid battery, a gel lead acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal-hydride battery, a lithium battery, a silicon-mediated lithium battery, a lithium ion battery, and an alkaline battery.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the power source comprises a common power conversion system selected from the group consisting of consisting of:   a fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel cell, a hydrocarbon powered heat engine, a microwave transmission energy power source, an inductive energy source, a flywheel, a flywheel energy storage system, and a Carnot engine.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the computing device comprises at least one microprocessor.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the computing device directs the activity of the means to move through said designated environment.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the navigation system utilizes the attached computing device.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a means to communicate using a wireless communication network.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , additionally comprising:
 a connector for communicating data between the robotic system and the first additional accessory.