Method and apparatus for controlling robotic golf caddy apparatus

摘要

A robotic golf caddy apparatus (21) movably supported on a steering assembly (28) and including a communications assembly (41) for communicating with a GPS system (61) and a central control station in order to guide and steer the apparatus around designated accessible areas of a golf course. The apparatus (21) also includes a dead reckoning system with distance determination device (83) and compass (85) for determining the distance the caddy travels should the communications assembly (41) lose communications with a predetermined minimum number of satellites in the GPS system (61). Also, a sensor (72a) is provided for detecting a guide tape or line (126,130), provided in preselected areas of the golf course. The caddy apparatus (21) is steered along the guide tape (126,130), rather than by the GPS system (61), in certain areas of the course where the GPS system (61) may be inadequate for maximum safe operation of the caddy apparatus.