Robotic cargo system
AssigneeStratom, Inc.
InventorsDan Ambrosio, Jonathan Harrach-Salazar, Mark Gordon, Mark Rosenblum, Martin Sotola, Ryan Delgizzi, Peter James
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A robotic cargo system provides an ability to move cargo without requiring the use of additional material handling equipment such as forklifts and K-loaders. The robotic cargo system may operate as a vehicle during drive maneuvering, and may operate to lockdown on an aircraft as a pallet during flight. The system may navigate over rough terrain while carrying heavy loads through the use of a track-based propulsion system. The system may provide a cargo loading system, ramp ascent and descent algorithms, and autonomous navigation.
Claims23
A robotic cargo apparatus, comprising:
- a vehicle chassis;
- a top panel coupled with the chassis, the top panel configured to receive cargo to be transported using the robotic cargo apparatus;
- a plurality of propulsion units coupled with the chassis, each of the propulsion units coupled with a power source, suspension, a drive system, and a controller to control operation of the propulsion unit;
- and
- a controller coupled with each of the plurality of propulsion units to control each of the propulsion units to operate as a vehicle during drive maneuvering and to move the apparatus onto an aircraft, and that executes autonomous ramp ascent and descent algorithms to move the robotic vehicle onto and off of the aircraft;
- and
- a plurality of sensors coupled with the chassis and coupled with the controller that provide information to the controller related to a position of the robotic vehicle relative to an aircraft loading ramp.
A robotic vehicle, comprising:
- a vehicle chassis;
- one or more propulsion unit coupled with the chassis that is coupled with a power source and a controller to control operation of the propulsion unit;
- a plurality of sensors coupled with the chassis and coupled with the controller that provide information to the controller related to a position of the robotic vehicle relative to an aircraft loading ramp;
- a controller coupled with the propulsion unit to control the robotic vehicle during drive maneuvering, and that executes autonomous ramp ascent and descent algorithms to move the robotic vehicle onto and off of the aircraft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.