System for a retail environment

A retail activity environment system, the system comprising:

• a robot for use in the retail environment, the robot comprising:
• a processor portion for processing data in the robot;
• a memory portion, the processor portion storing data in the memory portion and retrieving data from the memory portion, the memory portion storing retail data relating to retail activity;
• an interaction portion for interfacing with a customer, the interaction portion receiving input from the customer and generating output to the customer, the output based on the retail data relating to retail activity, the processor portion controlling the interaction portion;
• and
• a transport portion, the processor portion controlling the transport portion to transport the robot from a first location to a second location;
• and
• a base station, the base station interfacing with the robot to exchange data with the robot, the base station including a base computer system.

A retail system for use in a retail environment, the retail system comprising:

• a processor portion for processing data in the retail system;
• a memory portion, the processor portion storing data in the memory portion and retrieving data from the memory portion, the memory portion storing retail data relating to retail activity;
• an interaction portion for interfacing with a customer or other person, the interaction portion receiving input from the customer and generating output to the customer, the output based on the retail data relating to retail activity, and the interaction portion sensing the approach of a customer in the retail environment, the processor portion controlling the interaction portion and outputting a communication to the customer when the approach of the customer is sensed;
• and
• a transport portion that transports the retail system form a first location to a second location, the transport portion being controlled by the processor portion.

A robot for use in a retail environment, the robot comprising:

• a processor portion for processing data in the robot;
• a memory portion, the processor portion storing data in the memory portion and retrieving data from the memory portion, the memory portion storing retail data relating to retail activity;
• an interaction portion for interfacing with a customer, the interaction portion receiving input from the customer and generating output to the customer, the output based on the retail data relating to retail activity, the processor portion controlling the interaction portion;
• a transport portion for transporting the robot from a first location to a second location;
• a body portion, the body portion containing at least one of the processor portion, the memory portion, and the interaction portion;
• a sensor system including a plurality of sensors mounted on the body portion and in communication with the processor portion, the plurality of sensors inputting information relating to the retail environment, the sensor system communicating the information to the processor portion, wherein the sensors input obstacle information relating to obstacles in the retail environment, the sensor system communicating the obstacle information to the processor portion, the processor portion controlling the transport portion to effect movement from the first location to the second location while avoiding the obstacles, the sensors include at least one of a visual sensor and audio sensor;
• a recording portion, the recording portion recording visual image information and audio information by the at least one of the visual sensor and the audio sensor;
• and
• a transmission portion, the transmission portion outputting the visual image information and audio information to a destination outside of the robot.