Mobile robot and method for object fetching

A computer readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for lifting an object, the instructions comprising:

• moving a receiving surface of a robot into a position proximate to an object;
• initiating a fetch operation, wherein the fetch operation comprises:
• lowering the receiving surface further proximate to the object;
• moving a sweeping mechanism into a receive position;
• moving the receiving surface in at least a first predetermined direction to create a receiving area;
• and
• moving the sweeping mechanism into a store position wherein the object is at least partially secured within a boundary on the receiving surface formed at least in part by the sweeping mechanism;
• and
• moving the receiving surface with the object.

A robot for raising or lowering an object, comprising:

• a generally planar receiving surface for receiving and holding an object;
• a vertical movement mechanism connected to the receiving surface for moving the receiving surface in a vertical direction;
• a mobile base connected to the vertical movement mechanism for moving the robot along a surface;
• a movement control device comprising:
• a positioning apparatus for inputting a movement command to the mobile base;
• and
• a lift command apparatus for inputting a lift command to the vertical movement mechanism to direct the robot to extract at least one object on the surface onto a receiving surface of the robot;
• and
• a first transceiver configured to receive the movement command or the lift command.