US 2010/0168934 A1 · Robotic Golf Caddy

Abstract

A self propelled robotic vehicle that faithfully follows a portable receiver at a defined distance can sense an impending collision with a solid object in its path and stops prior to collision. The vehicle observes objects that are parallel to its course and if within a distance of <200 mm inhibits the steering such that the vehicle is not able to collide even if the receiver instructs a convergence path. The vehicle stops and ceases moving if it contacts any solid object. The vehicle can sense unsafe gradients and ceases following if acceptable operating limits are exceeded. The vehicle can be used as a golf caddy, transport vehicle or cart, robotic pallet and robotic assistant.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A self-propelled robotic vehicle responsive to a radio frequency signal from a transmitter including

a vehicle frame;
at least two spaced apart receivers adapted to receive the signal from the transmitter;
a processor operatively associated with the receivers, said processor being programmed to process input from the at least two spaced apart receivers to locate the position of the transmitter and produce an electrical signal for the vehicle to move relative to the transmitter in accordance with the processor programming;
and
a drive mechanism supported on the vehicle frame and adapted to receive and act on the electrical signal sent from the processor to move the vehicle in accordance with the processor programming.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Robotic Golf Caddy

Life of this patent

Robotic Golf Caddy

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16