Robotic navigation system and method

A robotic system comprising:

• a robot including a moveable member;
• a sensor configured to detect a parameter of the moveable member and provide a sensor signal;
• a handheld navigation unit moveable with respect to one or more of a plurality of axes to indicate a commanded movement for the moveable member, the handheld navigation unit configured to provide movement signals based on the commanded movement of the moveable member;
• and
• a controller configured to provide control signals for the robot based on the movement signals from the handheld navigation unit and the sensor signals from the sensor.

A method of controlling a robot comprising:

• receiving movement signals from a handheld navigation unit, the movement signals providing an instructed path of movement indicative of a desired path of movement for the robot;
• assigning coordinates along the desired path of movement based on the received movement signals from the handheld navigation unit;
• moving the robot to the assigned coordinates along the desired path of movement;
• receiving sensor signals from a sensor coupled to the robot as the robot is moved along the desired path of movement, the sensor signals providing a status parameter of the robot;
• reassigning new coordinates along the desired path of movement if the status parameter of the robot is outside of a target range;
• and
• moving the robot to the reassigned new coordinates along the desired path of movement.