Robotic training systems and methods

A robotic athletic training system for assisting an individual during an athletic activity in an environment, comprising:

• a mobile robotic platform;
• a sensor module including an array of sensors coupled to the mobile robotic platform and configured to obtain data from the environment;
• a drive system configured to propel the mobile robotic platform;
• a steering system configured to steer the mobile robotic platform;
• a processor configured to receive data from the sensor module and to control one of the drive system and the steering system to follow a path based on the data, wherein the data comprises surface data related to variation of a surface of the environment;
• a video camera configured to record video data of the individual during the athletic activity and to transmit the video data to the processor,
• wherein the processor is configured to analyze a gait characteristic of the individual based on the video data, and
• wherein the system is configured to provide coaching feedback to the individual during the athletic activity, the coaching feedback being based on the surface data.

A method of assisting an individual during an athletic activity in an environment using a robotic athletic training system, comprising:

• controlling the robotic athletic training system with a processor of the robotic athletic training system to move the robotic athletic training system at a velocity;
• receiving data related to a surface of the environment over which the robotic athletic training system moves and on which the individual conducts the athletic activity with a vision system of the robotic athletic training system;
• comparing baseline possible surface characteristic data to the received surface data with the processor of the robotic athletic training system;
• adjusting a travel direction of the robotic athletic training system in response to the comparison;
• displaying information related to the athletic activity on the surface;
• and
• providing coaching feedback to the individual during the athletic activity, the coaching feedback being based on the received surface data.