Autonomous mobile platform for service applications

A robotic apparatus comprising:

• a power source;
• a means to move through a designated environment having a ceiling upon which reference patterns are placed;
• an attached computing device;
• a navigation system to direct the motion of the apparatus through the designated environment;
• a means for coupling a first additional accessory comprising a connector for providing power from the power source to the first additional accessory;
• and
• additionally comprising a computer readable medium, upon which are stored instructions that direct the activities of the robot in a pre-determined sequence;
• said navigation system comprising:
• an imaging camera aimed towards the ceiling to detect reference patterns distributed throughout the designated environment, and
• an image processing system to match images of said reference patterns to a pre-stored electronic map;
• and in which
• a second additional accessory that transmits audio and video signals has been coupled to the apparatus,
• said additional accessory further comprising
• a means to display audio and video transmissions originating from a remote location.