Mobile robotic vehicle

#The invention relates generally to robotic mobile platforms.

#Robots are useful in a variety of civilian, military, and law enforcement applications. For instance, a robotically controlled mobility platform can be used to inspect or search buildings under hazardous or hostile conditions. Dangerous situations can be improved by providing detailed information about the location, activities, and capabilities of opponents. Military applications can include reconnaissance, surveillance, bomb disposal and security patrols.

#Advances are sought in the miniaturization of robots and the ability of robots to surmount obstacles.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a robot and remote control system.

#FIGS. 2a-d are perspective, front, side and top views of a robot having flippers.

#FIGS. 3a-p are side views of a sequence of stair surmounting maneuvers.

#Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

#Various tracked robotic vehicles have been developed that are the subject of, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,431,296, 6,263,989, 6,668,951 and 6,615,885. These patents are instructive on the construction of tracked robotic vehicles having driven flippers, and means of articulation of robotic components, and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this application.

#Autonomous control routines and control systems useful, for example, to avoid an obstacle, escape an area, or navigate an area, optimize communications or coverage or seek radio performance are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/633,869 filed Dec. 4, 2006 and titled “AUTONOMOUS COVERAGE NAVIGATION SYSTEM,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No., 12/100,782, filed Apr. 10, 2008 and titled “ROBOTICS SYSTEMS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. For example, to avoid an obstacle, a control routine can cause the robot to travel in an outward spiral or to bounce and recoil from obstacles making random turns.