Mobile Platform Systems and Methods

A system, comprising:

• a platform;
• at least one power output device adapted to propel the platform;
• at least one energy source adapted to energize the power output device;
• at least one application-specific body portion is carried by the platform;
• at least one smart attachment or at least one non-compliant legacy attachment connected to at least one of the platform and the body portion, the attachment being connected to the energy source or the power output device and configured for performing mechanical work, providing electrical power, providing thermal power, or providing fluid power;
• at least one programmable attachment controller in communication with the attachment for controlling the operation of the attachment;
• at least one programmable user input device in communication with and configured for controlling at least one of the platform and the attachment;
• a user interface manager connected to the user input device and to the attachment controller;
• and
• the user interface manager being configured to automatically provide two-way translation between the user input device and the attachment controller, regardless of whether the attachment is a smart attachment or a non-compliant legacy attachment and without requiring reprogramming of the user input device or the attachment controller,
• wherein, the user interface manager allows a user to operate the attachment via the user input device.

A method for operating an attachment configured to perform work and/or to provide an energy output, the method comprising:

• providing at least one power output device adapted to propel a platform powered by at least one energy;
• providing at least one smart attachment or non-compliant legacy attachment connected to the energy source and/or the power output device and configured for performing mechanical work, providing electrical power, providing thermal power, and/or providing fluid power;
• providing at least one programmable attachment controller in in communication with and configured for controlling the at least one smart attachment or non-compliant legacy attachment;
• providing at least one programmable user input device in communication with and configured for controlling at least one of the platform and the at least one smart attachment or non-compliant legacy attachment;
• providing a user interface manager connected to the user input device and to the attachment controller, the user interface manager being configured to automatically provide two-way translation between the user input device and the attachment controller, regardless of whether the attachment is a smart attachment or a non-compliant legacy attachment and without requiring reprogramming of the user input device or the attachment controller;
• and
• operating the at least one smart attachment or non-compliant legacy attachment via the user input device.