Mobile configurable conveyor component

摘要

A mobile robotic device with a conveyor that is configured to link up with another conveyor of a second mobile robotic device is described. In this manner, the mobile robotic devices may provide integrated, flexible conveyors and the ability to link conveyors to make an aggregate conveyor of any shape or size. Moreover, the mobile robotic device is configured to receive a conveyor from a storage unit and move the conveyor to another point within a physical space. The mobile robotic device also has the capability to rotate the conveyor, when docked, about the axis of the mobile robotic device (e.g., for sorting and other operations).

主权项

1. A first mobile robotic device comprising:
a rotating head removably docked to a first conveyor, the rotating head configured to rotate the first conveyor as a whole, in at least one direction, when the rotating head and the first conveyor are docked the first conveyor including: a conveyor belt, a conveyor motor configured to move the conveyor belt, and a connector including a protruding portion, the protruding portion adapted to engage an opening of a connector receptacle of a second conveyor connected to a second mobile robotic device; a power module including a conveyor controller, the power module configured to supply power from an external power source to at least one of the conveyor motor and the conveyor controller when the rotating head and the first conveyor are docked; and a drive module coupled to the rotating head, the drive module comprising a motorized axle, a pair of motorized wheels, and a pair of stabilizing wheels, the drive module configured to move the first mobile robotic device, as a whole, in at least one direction.