Convertible telepresence robot
AssigneeOrbis Robotics, Inc.
InventorsRobert J. Benetti, Robert A. Benetti, Bryan T. Benetti
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The material contained in this disclosure pertains to robotics related to convertible robots incorporating telecommunication elements. Embodiments of the system and apparatuses described can facilitate instant communication with family and friends, health status monitoring and support from caregivers; and promote optimal health, longevity, and independent living by providing high-tech economical solutions at each stage of the aging process. Embodiments of the system and apparatuses may be converted from an independent telecommunications robot, to a robotic walker, to a robotic wheelchair.
Claims19
A convertible telepresence robot system comprising:
- a monitor, monitor bracket, right column top portion, right drive column, lower-rear safety bumper, left drive column, upper rear safety bumper, left column top portion, camera, support panel, a left and a right primary wheel, and at least one secondary wheel;
- the support panel being supported at a first end by the left drive column, and a second end, opposite the first end, by the right drive column;
- the lower-rear safety bumper connected to a lower rear portion of a bottom end of the left drive column to a lower rear portion of a bottom end of the right drive column;
- the upper-rear safety bumper connected to an upper rear portion of a top end of the left drive column and to an upper rear portion of a top end of the right drive column;
- a first primary wheel rotatably connected to a front portion of the bottom end of the left drive column and a second primary wheel rotatably connected to a front portion of the bottom end of the right drive column;
- a monitor bracket engaging a top portion of the support panel;
- a monitor supported by the monitor bracket;
- the left column top portion supported by a top surface of the left drive column, the right column top portion supported by a top surface of the right drive column;
- and
- a camera engageable with a top surface of at least one of the left column top portion and the right column top portion.
A convertible telepresence robot system comprising:
- a configurable frame assembly;
- a set of wheels supporting the configurable frame assembly for rolling movement across a floor, the set of wheels comprising a primary wheel powered for driving engagement with the floor;
- a battery power supply supported for movement in common with the configurable frame assembly relative to the floor;
- an electric motor operably connected to the battery power supply, the electric motor in driving relationship with the primary wheel for driving rolling movement of the convertible telepresence robot system relative to the floor;
- and
- a control system comprising a processor coupled to memory and operable for executing a drive system control algorithm to control movement of the primary wheel to selectably start and stop rolling movement of the convertible telepresence robot system relative to the floor, the control system comprising a collision avoidance sensor and a collision avoidance algorithm to stop driving motion of the primary wheel;
- the configurable frame assembly selectively configurable between an independent assistive base configuration, a walker configuration including railing extensions, and a wheelchair configuration including a seat portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.