US20180330325A1 - Method for indicating delivery location and software for same - Google Patents
Method for indicating delivery location and software for sameDownload PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180330325A1 US20180330325A1US15/707,743US201715707743AUS2018330325A1US 20180330325 A1US20180330325 A1US 20180330325A1US 201715707743 AUS201715707743 AUS 201715707743AUS 2018330325 A1US2018330325 A1US 2018330325A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- robot
- optionally
- location
- transportation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
- A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J5/00—Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
- B25J5/007—Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages mounted on wheels
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J9/00—Programme-controlled manipulators
- B25J9/16—Programme controls
- B25J9/1694—Programme controls characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/007—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for delivery of small articles, e.g. milk, frozen articles
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
- B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
- B66F9/063—Automatically guided
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
- B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
- B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
- B66F9/0755—Position control; Position detectors
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
- G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
- G05D1/0212—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles with means for defining a desired trajectory
- G05D1/0225—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles with means for defining a desired trajectory involving docking at a fixed facility, e.g. base station or loading bay
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/60—Intended control result
- G05D1/656—Interaction with payloads or external entities
- G05D1/661—Docking at a base station
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/60—Intended control result
- G05D1/656—Interaction with payloads or external entities
- G05D1/667—Delivering or retrieving payloads
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/0832—Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/0833—Tracking
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/08355—Routing methods
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
- G06T15/00—3D [Three Dimensional] image rendering
- G06T15/005—General purpose rendering architectures
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
- A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
- A47G2029/149—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means with central server link
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/418—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
- G05B19/4189—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM] characterised by the transport system
- G05B19/41895—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM] characterised by the transport system using automatic guided vehicles [AGV]
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/0837—Return transactions
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00896—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses
- G07C2009/0092—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses for cargo, freight or shipping containers and applications therefore in general
Definitions
- the present inventionrelates to a delivery method and system and, more particularly, to a delivery method and system using a robot.
- What is neededis a method, system and robot that can permit autonomous delivery of articles, including goods and products, over a variety of outdoor transportation networks.
- FIG. 1is a plan view of one embodiment of a robot delivery system of the present invention for use on an outdoor land transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks.
- FIG. 2is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container assembly or array for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3is a perspective view of one embodiment of a stationary container for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4is a schematic view of the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5is a perspective view of one embodiment of a robot for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6is a perspective view of the robot of FIG. 5 taken along the line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a wheel assembly of the robot of FIG. 5
- FIG. 8is a top plan view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 7 taken along the line 7 - 7 of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 8 , with the front and rear wheels of the wheel assembly in a second position.
- FIG. 10is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 7 , taken along the line 10 - 10 of FIG. 8 , in a third position.
- FIG. 11is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 7 , similar to FIG. 10 but illustrating the wheel assembly in a fourth position.
- FIG. 12is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chassis of the robot of FIG. 5 in a first position relative to the wheel assemblies of the robot.
- FIG. 13is an enlarged view of a portion of the chassis of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14is a perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 12 in a second position relative to the wheel assemblies.
- FIG. 15is a side elevational view of the chassis and wheel assemblies of FIG. 12 taken along the line 15 - 15 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16is a perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 12 in a third position relative to the wheel assemblies.
- FIG. 17is a side elevational view of the chassis of FIG. 12 in a fourth position relative to the wheel assemblies.
- FIG. 18is a side elevational view of the chassis of FIG. 12 in a fifth position relative to the wheel assemblies.
- FIG. 19is a perspective view of the chassis and wheel assemblies of FIG. 12 , in the second position of FIG. 14 , with at least one container carried thereby.
- FIG. 20is a perspective view of the chassis, wheel assemblies and at least one container of FIG. 19 in a sixth position.
- FIG. 21is an end elevational view of the chassis, wheel assemblies and at least one container of FIG. 19 taken along the line 21 - 21 of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 22is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of some of the electronics and electromechanical components of the robot of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 23is a side elevational view, partially cut away, of a container for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 with its door closed.
- FIG. 24is a cross sectional plan view, partially cut away, of the container of FIG. 23 taken along the line 24 - 24 of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 25is an end elevational view of the container of FIG. 23 taken along the line 25 - 25 of FIG. 23 but with the door fully opened.
- FIG. 26is a side elevational view, partially cut away and similar to FIG. 23 , of another embodiment of a container for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 with its door closed.
- FIG. 27is a cross sectional plan view, partially cut away and similar to FIG. 24 , of the container of FIG. 26 taken along the line 27 - 27 of FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 28is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronics of the container of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 29is a side cross sectional view of one embodiment of a container assembly for use with the robot of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 30is an illustration of one step of using a mobile computing device to identify a pickup or delivery location of a robot of the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 31is an illustration of a pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, in furtherance of the step of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 32is a side elevational view of one step of one method of the robot of FIG. 5 , partially cut away, picking up an article from the ground.
- FIG. 33is a side elevation view of another step of one method of the robot of FIG. 5 , partially cut away, picking up an article from the ground.
- FIG. 34is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot of FIG. 5 and a stationary container.
- FIG. 35is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot of FIG. 5 and another embodiment of a stationary container for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 36is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article from a robot of FIG. 5 to a delivery location.
- FIG. 37is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between a robot of FIG. 5 to an article transport mechanism.
- FIG. 38is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between a robot of the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 and an article transport mechanism.
- FIG. 39is a one embodiment of a method for transferring an article from a first robot of FIG. 5 to a second robot of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 40is a perspective view of another embodiment of a robot for use in the robot delivery system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 41is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot of FIG. 40 and the robot of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 42is an illustration of another pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 43is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot of FIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated in FIG. 42 .
- FIG. 44is an illustration of a further pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 45is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot of FIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated in FIG. 44 .
- FIG. 46is an illustration of yet another pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 47is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot of FIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated in FIG. 46 .
- a method and system 113 for delivering articles, objects, products or goods from one location to another location using a robot 114is provided.
- the terms articles, objects, products or goodsmay be used interchangeably herein.
- the methodcan optionally be computer implemented, either partially or totally.
- the robot 114can optionally be remotely controlled, semiautonomous or mixed autonomous.
- the robotcan optionally be one or a plurality of robots, for example one of a plurality of identical robots.
- the robot 114can have legs, wheels, tracks or any combination of the foregoing.
- the robotcan optionally be a biped, two wheels, three wheels, four wheels or any combination of the foregoing.
- the robot 114can optionally be a driverless robot, which can be referred to as driverless vehicle or robot, an autonomous vehicle or robot, an autonomous wheeled vehicle or robot, a driverless biped, an autonomous biped or any combination of such terms.
- the system 113may be referred to as a wheeled vehicle or robotic delivery system, a driverless vehicle or robotic delivery system, an autonomous vehicle or robotic delivery system, a driverless or autonomous biped delivery system or any combination of the foregoing.
- the method and systemcan optionally be used on an outdoor land transportation network, which can include roads, bike paths, sidewalks, alleys, paths, crosswalks, any route on which a wheeled vehicle can travel, any route on which a biped can travel or any combination of the foregoing.
- the network 101can be referred to as an outdoor network, and outdoor transportation network, a land transportation network or a transportation network.
- Transportation network 101can optionally include roads 102 , bike paths 103 , sidewalks 104 , alleys 106 , crosswalks 107 and walking paths 108 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the roads 102can be of any suitable type, including main thoroughfares and side streets, whether in a city, suburb, rural or any other setting.
- the bike paths 103can be in any suitable location, including alongside a road or separate or distinct from a road.
- network 101can optionally include a grid 109 of roads 102 .
- the network 101provides access to a plurality of buildings 111 .
- the method and systemcan optionally be used indoors, for example in a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, products or goods. In any embodiment, the method and system can optionally be used both indoors and on an outdoor land transportation network, including any of those discussed above.
- a system 113can optionally be provided that can include a robot 114 of any suitable type, including any of the vehicles or robots disclosed herein.
- System 113can optionally include a fleet of vehicles or other robots, for example a fleet of standardized vehicles or other robots that are each substantially identical or a fleet of a plurality of sub fleets of standardized vehicles or other robots in which each vehicle or other robot in a sub fleet is substantially identical.
- System 113can optionally include a fleet of standardized vehicles or other robots that are not substantially identical or a fleet of a plurality of sub fleets of standardized vehicles or other robots that are not substantially identical.
- vehicle or other type or robot 114 of the fleetcan optionally be configured or adapted to travel on the transportation network 101 , and has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel on the desired transportation network.
- the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be configured to travel on at least roads, bike paths and sidewalks. When traveling on roads, the vehicle or other robot can travel along the side of the road, along the center of the road or in any lane of the road.
- the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be configured to travel or move about in a building, including a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, products or goods, and has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel in a building.
- the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be configured to travel on any suitable transportation network, including any of those disclosed herein, and in a building of any suitable type, and has a size, shape and functionality to permit such travel and movement.
- the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be free of a human driver compartment, that is the vehicle or other robot does not include a human driver compartment. It is appreciated that a robot 114 can optionally be provided to travel on any type of transportation network, and for example scaled accordingly.
- the vehicle or other robot 114can travel, partially autonomously, fully autonomously or otherwise, on the transportation network for carrying or transporting one or more articles, which can also be referred to as products or goods, from a first location to a second location.
- the vehicle or other robotcan pick up an article at the first location and deliver the article to the second location.
- the vehicle or other robotcan pick up a plurality of articles at the first location and deliver the plurality of articles to a second location or to a respective plurality of second locations.
- the pickup of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be accomplished without human assistance, for example autonomously.
- the delivery of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be accomplished without human assistance, for example autonomously.
- the pickup and delivery of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robotcan optionally be autonomous, for example accomplished without human assistance.
- autonomous and without human assistancewhich can also be referred to as free of human assistance, can mean without the assistance of a human at the location of pickup or delivery and without the assistance of a human remote of the location of pickup or delivery for controlling any aspect of the pickup or delivery including any movement or other control of the vehicle or other robot.
- the terms autonomous and without human assistancecan mean under the control of non-human processing equipment or computing devices.
- the delivery of an article to a locationcan optionally include the pickup of the article by a first vehicle or other robot and the delivery of the article by a second vehicle or other robot.
- the transfer of the article between the first vehicle or other robot and the second vehicle or other robotcan occur directly, for example directly from the first vehicle or other robot to the second vehicle or other robot, or indirectly.
- Such indirect transfer of the articlecan optionally include by any number of additional vehicles or robots, by the delivery of the article to an intermediate location by one vehicle or other robot and the pickup of the article at the intermediate location by another vehicle or other robot, or any combination of the foregoing.
- the pickup locationcan be of any suitable type, and can optionally include the location of a deliveror, a courier, a vendor or a store, a location at which an article or product of a vendor or store is located, a warehouse, an autonomous or any other type of vehicle or robot, an autonomous or any other type of truck or any combination the foregoing.
- the drop off, recipient or delivery locationcan be of any suitable type, and can optionally include the location of a deliveree, a courier, a user, a vendee or a purchaser, a location in which an article or product of a vendee or purchaser is located, a warehouse, an autonomous or any other type of vehicle or robot, and autonomous or any other type of truck or any combination the foregoing.
- System 113can optionally include a container of any suitable type for housing the article at the pickup location, at the drop off, recipient or other delivery location, at an intermediate location, any location between the pickup location and such delivery location, during transport between locations, any other location on or along transportation network 101 or any combination of the foregoing.
- a containercan be referred to as a compartment, receptacle or box.
- a container 115can optionally be provided that has an interior, for example a cavity, accessible by at least one opening.
- the containercan optionally be referred to as a closeable container, and can optionally include a door at the opening which can optionally be opened and closed for selectively accessing the interior of the container.
- the opening and doorcan be at any location on the container 115 , for example at the top or on a side of the container.
- the containercan optionally include an opening and door on the side of the container, for example at one end of the container.
- the containercan optionally be a lockable container, and can optionally include a suitable lockable door.
- a lockable containercan be referred to as a tamperproof container.
- the size and shape of the container 115can optionally be standardized throughout the system.
- a plurality of classes of containerscan optionally be used, with each class of container having a standardized size and shape.
- the robotcan optionally include a mechanism, assembly, apparatus or device of any suitable type, which can optionally be carried by the container, for removing or assisting in the removal of the contents of the container, for moving articles between containers, for placing or moving or assisting in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing.
- a mechanism, assembly, apparatus or device of any suitable typewhich can optionally be carried by the container, for removing or assisting in the removal of the contents of the container, for moving articles between containers, for placing or moving or assisting in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing.
- one or more of the containers of the system 113can optionally include such mechanisms.
- the mechanismwhich can be referred to as a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a pickup mechanism, a recipient mechanism, a transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, a retrieval mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms, can optionally include a crane, a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing.
- Articlescan optionally be moved into a container, out of the container or both from the top of the container, from the side of the container, from the bottom the container or any combination the foregoing by the mechanism or otherwise.
- the mechanismcan optionally be at least partially disposed in the container.
- the mechanismcan optionally be carried inside the container, for example so as to be part of the container.
- the mechanismcan optionally be a conveyor mechanism or system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing.
- robot 114can optionally include a plurality of containers 115 .
- the plurality of containers 115can optionally be arranged in a grid or array on at least one side of the robot 114 , for example either or both sides of the robot, the rear end of the robot, the front end of the robot or any combination the foregoing.
- each of the containers 115has an opening accessible from at least such side of the robot 114 .
- the openings of each of the containers 115 on a side of the robot 114can optionally be flush with the side of the robot.
- each of the containers 115has a self-contained transport mechanism for delivering articles to such side of the robot 114 .
- a plurality of containers 115can optionally be provided and arranged in a grid or array with the opening of each of the containers accessible from one planar face or side of the array.
- each of the containers 115has a self-contained transport mechanism for delivering articles to such face or side of the array.
- At least one container 115can optionally be referred to as a pickup container 116 , and for example be provided at the location where the article is picked up by the robot 114 .
- at least one container 115can optionally be referred to as a drop off or recipient container 117 , and for example be provided at the location where the article is delivered by the robot 114 for receiving the article.
- One or both of the pickup container 116 and the recipient container 117can optionally be a stationary container, for example secured to any suitable support such as a mailbox, a building, an exterior of a building, on a wall of a building or into the wall of a building.
- robot 114can pick up the article from pickup container 116 without human assistance.
- the robot 114can deliver the article to recipient container 117 without human assistance.
- the pickup container 116can optionally be associated with a deliveror 118 of the article and can optionally be located at the deliveror's location, nearby the deliveror's location, rented or leased to the deliveror, assigned to the deliveror or otherwise associated with the deliveror 118 .
- the deliveror 118can optionally be a vendor or seller of the article.
- the recipient container 117can optionally be associated with a deliveree 119 of the article or user of system 113 , and can optionally be located at the deliveree or user's location, nearby the deliveree or user's location, rented or leased to do the deliveree or user, assigned to the deliveree or user or otherwise associated with the deliveree or user.
- a pickup containercan additionally be a recipient container, and the recipient container can additionally be a pickup container.
- the deliveree or user 119can optionally be a vendee or purchaser of the article, which can optionally be a product.
- the article being transportedwhich can optionally include article 121 , can optionally be a single article, a plurality of articles, a group of articles, a purchase order, a delivery order or any combination of the foregoing.
- a plurality of containers 115can optionally be grouped together in an assembly or array 126 , for example for permitting a plurality of pickups or deliveries at a location (see FIG. 2 ).
- assembly 126can optionally include a housing 127 , which can serve as a framework or support structure for the plurality of containers 115 .
- An assembly 126 of containers 115may be particularly suitable at a location associated with a deliveror 118 of goods or products, for example a store.
- An assembly 126 of containers 115may be particularly suitable at a location associated with a plurality of deliverees 119 , for example in front of a multitenant building, in a crowded neighborhood, along the street in a city, at a school, at an office building or any other building in which a plurality of people work or reside.
- the containers 115can optionally be arranged in housing 127 in an array, for example in rows or columns, with at least one surface of each container 115 accessible from the exterior of the housing 127 for accessing the interior of each container 115 .
- a plurality of containers 115can optionally be arranged in a grid of at least one row, at least one column or both, and each have one end accessible at a side surface 128 of the housing 127 for accessing the interior of the container 115 , for example by means of an opening in the container.
- the side surface 128can optionally be at the front of the housing 127 and a plurality of respective container openings can optionally be accessible at the front of the housing.
- a single container 115can optionally be mounted to a post 131 below a mailbox 132 carried by the post 131 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the container 115can optionally be spaced above the ground at any location.
- At least one surface of the container 115can optionally be accessible for accessing the interior of the container, for example by means of an opening in the container.
- at least one end of the container 115can optionally be accessible and parallel to the opening of the mailbox 132 .
- System 113can optionally include at least one computer configured to control all or parts of the system.
- the at least one computercan optionally be programmed with firmware, software or both to control all or parts of the system.
- the at least one computerhas computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to control all or parts of the system.
- the at least one computercan navigate robot 114 over the transportation network 101 from a first location to a second location as at least part of the process for delivering an article, can control all operations of the robot 114 , which can include a pickup of the article and a delivery of the article by the robot, can be configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors carried by the robot as part of such navigation, can receive a request to pick up an article, deliver an article or both, can be configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors carried by the robot to map the terrain encountered by the robot throughout all or part of the delivery process, can include a computing device associated with the deliveror 118 , can include a computing device associated with the deliveree 119 , can include a computing device carried by the robot 114 , can include a computing device associated with a pickup container, a drop off container or both, can include one or more backend servers or other computing devices remote of the robot 114 , deliveror 118 , deliveree 119 and any container of system 113 , which
- the computer network 136contains an identification and address for each container 115 of the system 113 .
- the computer network 136can optionally include the classifications of the containers 115 of the system, for example including a list of all containers 115 in each such class. Such classifications can optionally include classifications by size, shape or any other physical characteristic of the container.
- Each container 115can optionally include any suitable identifier thereon (not shown), which can include the address, the class, any characteristic of the class of the container or any combination of the foregoing.
- Such identifiercan optionally include any machine-readable identifier, such as a barcode.
- Computer network 136 of system 113can be of any suitable type.
- Computer network 136can optionally include at least one deliveror computing device 141 and at least one deliveree computing device 142 (see FIG. 4 ).
- the computer network 136can optionally include a deliveror computing device 141 for each deliveror 118 of the system 113 and a deliveree computing device 142 for each deliveree 119 of the system.
- Each deliveror computing device 141can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least one central processing unit 146 and storage or memory 147 of any suitable type.
- Each deliveror computing device 141can optionally include a display 148 .
- deliveror computing device 141can optionally include a position sensor of any suitable type, for example a global positioning system (GPS) device or receiver.
- deliveror computing device 141can optionally include one or more suitable depth sensors of any suitable type, which can optionally include an RGB camera, an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera or any combination the foregoing.
- Each deliveree computing device 142can be of any suitable type and can include, for example, at least one central processing unit 146 and storage or memory 147 of any suitable type, and optionally include a display 148 .
- the deliveree computing device 142can optionally include at least one sensor, for example a camera (not shown).
- the deliveree computing device 142can optionally include additional sensors, such as a microphone and an inertial measurement unit.
- deliveree computing device 142can optionally include a position sensor of any suitable type, for example a global positioning system (GPS) device or receiver.
- GPSglobal positioning system
- deliveree computing device 142can optionally include one or more suitable depth sensors of any suitable type, which can include an RGB camera, an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera or any combination the foregoing.
- suitable deliveror computing devices 141 and deliveree computing devices 142include desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, entertainment systems, smart home or other devices, internet of thing devices, network appliances, intelligent personal assistance, tablets, smartphones, mobile computing devices, mobile phones, watches, wearable electronic devices, smart wearable devices with cameras, electronic headsets, virtual-reality devices or any combination of the foregoing.
- the deliveror computing devices 141 and the deliveree computing devices 142can have less electronic components than shown in FIG. 4 or additional components not shown in FIG. 4 .
- the computer network 136can additionally include one or more backend or platform computing devices, for example one or more servers 151 , which can each include a central processing unit 152 and storage or memory 153 of any suitable type. Additional electronic components can optionally be included in each of the one or more servers 151 .
- servers 151can optionally be located in a data center, which can be referred to as a cloud computing center.
- Computer network 136can additionally include a computing device 156 of any suitable type located on the robot 114 .
- computing device 156which can be referred to as a computer or controller, can include a central processing unit 157 and storage or memory 158 of any suitable type.
- robot computer 156can optionally include a global positioning system (GPS) device or receiver 161 of any suitable type.
- GPSglobal positioning system
- robot computer 156utilizes input signals from one or more sensors 162 of any suitable type, including for example one or more vision or other cameras, one or more lidar devices or sensors, one or more sonar devices or sensors, one or more radar devices or sensors, one or more near infrared (NIR) devices or sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device or sensor, or any combination of the foregoing.
- the sensorscan be referred to as part of the robot computer, as part of a robot computing system, as part of a perception system or any combination of the foregoing.
- robot computer 156can optionally include at least one transceiver 163 of any suitable type, which can optionally include a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or other cellular transmitting and receiving device, a wireless local area networking (Wi-Fi) transmitting and receiving device, a Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device, a radio frequency transmitting and receiving device, a low-power radio frequency transmitting and receiving device, or any combination of the foregoing.
- LTELong-Term Evolution
- Wi-Fiwireless local area networking
- BluetoothBluetooth transmitting and receiving device
- radio frequency transmitting and receiving devicea low-power radio frequency transmitting and receiving device, or any combination of the foregoing.
- Computing device 156can have less electronic components than shown in FIG. 4 or additional components not shown in FIG. 4 .
- Computer network 136can additionally include a pickup container computing device 166 , a recipient container computing device 167 or both.
- the computer network 136can optionally include a pickup container computing device 166 , which can be referred to as a computer or controller, for each pickup container 116 of the system 113 and can optionally include a recipient container computing device or computer 167 , which can be referred to as a computer or controller, for each drop off or recipient container 117 of the system.
- Each pickup container computing device 166can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least one central processing unit 168 and storage or memory 169 of any suitable type.
- Each pickup container computing device 166can optionally include a transceiver 171 of any suitable type, for example including any of the capabilities of transceiver 163 of robot computer 156 .
- Each recipient container computing device 167can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least one central processing unit 168 and storage or memory 169 of any suitable type, and can additionally include a transceiver 171 of any suitable type.
- the pickup container computing devices 166 and the recipient container computing devices 167can have less electronic components than shown in FIG. 4 or additional components not shown in FIG. 4 .
- Each of the components of computer network 136can communicate with at least some of the other components, or all of the other components, of computer network 136 by any wireless, hard-wired or Internet-based means, which can be referred to as or include the cloud 172 .
- the computer networkcan optionally be programmed with firmware, software or both to control all or parts of system 113 .
- the computer network 136including some or all of the components thereof, has computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to control all or parts of system 113 .
- a portion of the non-transitory computer-executable instructions of computer network 136can optionally be stored in the storage 147 of deliveror computing device 141 , deliveree computing device 142 or both.
- Such instructionscan optionally include software, for example such as a software application that can optionally be downloaded by the deliveree or user from cloud 172 to deliveree computing device 142 , for permitting the deliveree or user to perform some or all of the steps of the deliveree or user noted herein.
- the deliver computing device 141 or deliveree computing device 142can be any of those disclosed herein, including a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a laptop, a watch, a mobile computer, a smart wearable item with a camera, any mobile computing device with a camera or any combination of the foregoing.
- Such stepscan optionally include accessing system 113 , requesting delivery of an article from a deliveror using system 113 , viewing products for possible purchase, purchasing a product from a vendor, requesting delivery of the product to a delivery location using system 113 and identifying a delivery or drop off location for the article or product.
- the computer-executable instructionsinclude software that can optionally be used by a mobile computing device, for example a smartphone.
- the softwarecan permit the user of the device to display an image on a display of the device, for example the display 148 of deliveror computing device 141 or deliveree computing device 142 .
- the imagecan be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image.
- the imagecan be of a desired location, for example a pickup location or a drop off location, and can optionally include a digital map of the location, a virtual map of the location, a three-dimensional virtual model of the location, a satellite photograph of the location, a photograph of the location taken by the user or another or any combination of the foregoing.
- the imagecan optionally include video of the location.
- a three-dimensional virtual modelcan optionally include three-dimensional location information with respect to each point, coordinate or precise location visible in the model.
- Such three-dimensional location informationcan optionally include three-dimensional coordinates.
- Such three-dimensional coordinates or other informationcan optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y and Z axes.
- the imagecan optionally be stored in the device, for example in storage 147 of the device 141 , 142 .
- the imagecan optionally be downloadable to the device either prior to or during use of the software, for example at the request of the user, as a function of the location of the device, the orientation of the device, an image being provided by one or more cameras or other sensors of the device, information being provided by one or more sensors of the device or any combination of the foregoing.
- the softwarecan permit a user of the mobile computing device to scan terrain viewable by the user with a sensor of the device, such as a camera of the device, to produce one or more images of terrain, for example in the vicinity of a pickup location or a drop off location.
- the scanned imagescan be two-dimensional images.
- the usercan store such one or more images in the device, for example in storage 147 of the device 141 , 142 .
- the softwarecan permit a user to scan terrain, for example in the vicinity of a pickup or drop off location, with one or more sensors of a device, for example one or more sensors of device 141 , 142 , to permit computer network 136 to create a three-dimensional virtual model of all or a portion of the scanned terrain.
- sensorscan optionally include, for example, one or more cameras, one or more depth sensors or any combination of the foregoing.
- such softwarecan permit the user of the device to touch an image visible or viewed on display 148 of the device 141 , 142 , whether a live image being taken by the user or a stored image, to identify a precise pickup location, a precise delivery location or another precise location visible on the displayed image.
- Such precise delivery locationcan optionally include a precise three-dimensional delivery location, for example when a three-dimensional image is displayed on the device.
- the precise locationcan optionally be identified by an indicator or other indicia produced on the display, including for example on the image being displayed, by the user touching the display 148 , for example with the tip of a finger.
- the softwarecan cause the device 141 , 142 to produce such indicator at the location on the image touched by the user in response to the use touching the display at such location.
- the image with the indicator of the precise location thereoncan optionally be stored in the mobile computing device.
- a usercan touch a three-dimensional virtual model or other image displayed on the device, for example displayed on device 141 , 142 , to identify a three-dimensional pickup, delivery or other location on such three-dimensional model or image.
- such softwarecan transmit the precise pickup, delivery or other location, for example the image with the indicator of the precise location thereon, to system 113 for use by computer network 136 in directing a robot 114 , or any driverless or driven vehicle or other robot, to pick up or deliver a purchased product or other article.
- the usercan initiate such transmission, or the transmission can be automatic.
- the transmissioncan occur prior to without storing the image in the computing device, or after storage of the image in the computing device 141 , 142 . It is appreciated that such software can optionally be utilized for identifying any precise location, for example by being downloaded to any computing device, for any purpose.
- vehicle or other type of robot 114has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel on sidewalks, bike paths and roads and can be of any suitable dimensions.
- vehicle 114has a width not greater than the width of one lane of a bike path.
- vehicle or robot 114has a width not greater than half the width of a sidewalk.
- the vehicle or robot 114has a height, width and length each ranging from two feet to three feet, and in any embodiment the vehicle 114 has a height of approximately 28 inches, a width of approximately 24 inches and a length of approximately 32 inches.
- Robot 114can be of any suitable shape and in any embodiment has a first end 176 and a second end 177 , and a first side 178 and a second side 179 extending between ends 176 , 177 (see FIGS. 5-6 ).
- first and second ends 176 , 177can optionally be each planar, and in any embodiment the ends 176 , 177 can optionally be parallel to each other.
- first and second sides 178 , 179can optionally be each planar, and in any embodiment the sides 178 , 179 can optionally be parallel to each other.
- the robot 114can optionally be a vehicle that has at least three wheels and in any embodiment the vehicle can have at least four wheels, in each case for providing stability to the vehicle when at rest or during travel.
- Robot 114can have a plurality of wheels, for example two wheels, three wheels or four wheels, on each side 178 , 179 of the robot.
- the robot 114has at least first and second wheels, which can optionally be a first wheel assembly 181 , on first side 178 and at least first and second wheels, which can optionally be a second wheel assembly 182 , on second side 179 .
- At least one of the wheels on each side of the robot 114can optionally be rotatable about a substantially vertical axis to permit turning of the robot, and in any embodiment the front and back wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be each rotatable about a substantially vertical axis to facilitate turning in a small radius and to permit the robot to rotate about a central vertical axis 183 of the robot. In any embodiment, at least some of the wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be rotated at least 90° to permit the robot to travel sideways.
- At least one of the wheels on each side of the robot 114can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly, for example to accommodate the terrain encountered by the robot, to facilitate pickup of articles by the robot, to facilitate drop off of articles by the robot or any combination the foregoing.
- a plurality of wheels on each side of the robotcan optionally be so moved upwardly or downwardly.
- all of the wheels on each side of the robotcan optionally be so moved upwardly or downwardly.
- Such upward or downward movement of a wheelcan be passive or active, for example controlled by a motor.
- the robot 114can optionally include at least one container 186 , which can be referred to as a transport container and can optionally be at least one transport container 115 , carried by the wheels of the robot, for example by first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- the at least one transport container 186extends between the wheels on first side 178 and the wheels on second side 179 , for example between first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- the at least one transport container 186can optionally be carried by a framework 187 of the robot 114 , which can be referred to as a frame or chassis.
- a cover 188can optionally be carried by the framework 187 and extends over the top of the at least one transport container 186 .
- the cover 188can optionally include a top portion 191 , and a first side portion 192 and a second side portion 193 depending from the top portion 191 alongside the at least one transport container 186 on respective first and second sides 178 , 179 of the robot 114 .
- First and second fenders 196 , 197can optionally be provided and coupled to frame 187 for extending over respective first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- the first and second fenders 196 , 197can optionally be secured to the respective first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- each of the wheel assembliescan optionally include three wheels that can optionally be each independently adjustable in height relative to frame 187 of the robot 114 (see FIGS. 7-8 ). Each such adjustment can optionally be active, for example by a motor, or passive.
- the three wheels of each wheel assemblycan optionally be each independently pivotable relative to frame 187 , for example each independently pivotable about an axis extending perpendicular to first and second sides 178 , 179 of the robot.
- each of first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182can optionally include a bogie 201 of any suitable type, which can optionally be coupled to frame 187 .
- each bogie 201can optionally be pivotably coupled to frame 187 for pivoting about an axis 202 .
- each bogie 201can optionally be a rocker-bogie system, or bogie assembly, for example similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,394, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by this reference.
- each bogie assembly 201can optionally include a front wheel 206 , a rear wheel 207 and a center wheel 208 .
- Each bogie assembly 201can optionally include a plurality of linkages or arms aligned orb disposed in a single plane.
- the bogie assembly 201 of first wheel assembly 181extends parallel to the bogie assembly 201 of the second wheel assembly 182 .
- each bogie assembly 201can optionally include a center linkage 211 , which can be referred to as a center element or member 211 .
- the center linkage 211can optionally include a first end 211 a and a second end 211 b .
- a front linkage, element or arm 213can optionally be pivotably coupled, for example passively, to first end 211 a of the center linkage 211 for pivoting about front pivot axis 214 so as to pivotably couple front wheel 206 to the center linkage. Such pivoting of the front wheel 206 can permit the wheel 206 to be independently moved upwardly or downwardly, for example with respect to center linkage 211 .
- Front wheel 206can optionally be rotatably coupled to free end 213 a of front linkage 213 by a front fork 216 that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled to free end 213 a , for example by means of a pivot assembly 217 .
- Pivot assembly 217can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing.
- the pivot assembly 217can optionally include first and second elements or disks that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled together in any suitable manner, for example with the first disk secured to the front linkage 213 and the second disc secured to the front fork 216 .
- Pivot assembly 217can optionally include a motor 219 (see FIG.
- front wheel 206for example an electric motor controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 , for selectively pivoting front fork 216 and thus front wheel 206 to permit steering and other desired movement of the robot 114 .
- the motorcan serve to rotate the second disk relative to the first disk.
- the front wheel 206can optionally be rotatable about the free end of the fork 216 .
- free end 213 a of front linkage 213can optionally be inclined slightly upwardly in its home position so that the free or lower end of front fork 216 can optionally be inclined forwardly at a slight angle relative to vertical, for example at an angle of less than 20° from vertical (see FIG. 7 ).
- front linkage 213can optionally be not inclined upwardly but instead extend horizontally in its home position so that front fork 216 extends downwardly in a vertical direction (see FIG. 12 ).
- the front linkage 213can be inclined at any suitable angle relative to vertical.
- a rear linkage, element or arm 221can optionally be pivotably coupled, for example passively, to second end 211 b of the center linkage 211 for pivoting about rear pivot axis 222 so as to pivotably couple rear wheel 207 to the center linkage.
- Rear wheel 207can optionally be rotatably coupled to free end 221 a of rear linkage 221 by a rear fork 226 that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled to free end 221 a by means of a pivot assembly 227 .
- the pivot assemblypermits fork 226 and thus rear wheel 207 to pivot about a substantially vertical axis 228 , which can be referred to as rear steering axis 228 , that extends perpendicular to pivot axis 222 .
- Pivot assembly 227can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, the pivot assembly 227 can optionally be substantially identical to pivot assembly 217 . In this regard, for example, a first disk can optionally be secured to the rear linkage 221 and the second disc can optionally be secured to the rear fork 226 . Pivot assembly 227 can optionally include a motor 229 (see FIG.
- rear wheel 207can optionally be rotatable about the free end of the fork 226 .
- free end 221 a of rear linkage 221can optionally be inclined slightly upwardly in its home position so that the free or lower end of the rear fork 226 can optionally be inclined rearwardly at a slight angle relative to vertical, for example at an angle of less than 20° from vertical (see FIG. 7 ).
- rear linkage 221can optionally be not inclined upwardly but instead extends horizontally in its home position so that rear fork 226 extends downwardly in a vertical direction (see FIG. 12 ).
- the rear linkage 221can be inclined at any suitable angle relative to vertical.
- a center arm 231which can be referred to as an elbow 231 , can optionally be pivotably coupled to first end 211 a of the center linkage 211 for pivoting about front pivot axis 214 so as to pivotably couple center wheel 208 to the center linkage of the bogie 201 .
- the center arm or elbow 231can optionally be pivotable relative to the front linkage 213 about front pivot axis 214 . Such pivoting of the center wheel 208 can permit the wheel 208 to be independently moved upwardly or downwardly, for example with respect to center linkage 211 .
- the center wheel 208can optionally be rotatably coupled to the free end of the center arm or elbow 231 .
- bogie pivot axis 202 , front pivot axis 214 and rear pivot axis 222extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to central vertical axis 183 .
- the linkages, arms or members of bogie 201can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing.
- a first or front spring 236which can optionally be a combination spring and damper, has one end pivotably coupled to center arm or elbow 231 and a second end pivotably coupled to front linkage 213 for inhibiting the pivot of the center arm 231 relative to the front linkage 213 .
- a second or rear spring 237which can optionally be a combination spring and damper, has one end pivotably coupled to center linkage 211 and a second end pivotably coupled to rear linkage 221 for inhibiting the pivot of the rear linkage 221 relative to the center linkage 211 .
- the dimensions of springs 236 , 237 and the locations at which the ends thereof are coupled to the respective components of bogie 201determine the angle at which the respective fork 216 , 226 extends relative to vertical.
- any or all of front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 and center arm 231 relative to center linkage 211can optionally be controlled by one or more motors (not shown), for example a separate motor with respect to each of front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 a center arm 231 , for controlling the height of the respective wheels 206 , 207 and 208 relative to the bogie 201 .
- Such controlled elevational adjustment of one or more of wheels 206 , 207 , 208can facilitate the travel of robot 114 over uneven terrain, can facilitate the pickup or delivery of articles by robot 114 or both.
- such active controlling of any or all of wheels 206 , 207 and 208permits a wheel to be picked up or elevated on demand, including autonomously, which can permit or facilitate such wheel stepping over objects such as potholes or objects in the path of robot 114 .
- one or more wheels of the robotfor example one or more of wheels 206 , 207 and 208 of a bogie 201 , can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly for translating the at least one container 186 carried by robot 114 in one or more orthogonal directions, for pivoting the at least one container in one or more orthogonal directions or a combination the foregoing.
- the motorized pivoting of any or all of front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 and center arm 231 relative to center linkage 211can optionally be provided for this purpose.
- At least one of the wheels of the robot 114can optionally be driven by a motor controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 , or motorized, for moving the robot.
- at least one of the wheels on each side 178 , 179 of the robotcan optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized.
- a plurality of wheels on each side of the robotcan optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized.
- all of the wheels on each side of the robotcan optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized.
- at least front and rear wheels 206 , 207 of each bogie 201can optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized.
- each of wheels 206 , 207 and 208 of each bogiecan optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized.
- the foregoing motorscan each be of any suitable type, for example an electric motor.
- each of wheels 206 , 207 and 208can optionally be internally powered by an electric motor 209 , for example a hub motor, a scooter hub motor, a wheel motor, a wheel hub drive or an in-wheel motor of any suitable type, controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 .
- First and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182facilitate robot 114 navigating uneven terrain, including bumps, steps, curbs, potholes, inclines and declines.
- each wheel of a bogie 201can optionally be independently pivotable, either passively or actively, relative to the other wheels of the bogie.
- rear wheel 207 of a bogie 201can easily negotiate a step or curb by rear linkage 221 pivoting upwardly relative to center linkage 221 about rear axis 222 , the center linkage pivoting upwardly relative to elbow 231 and front linkage 213 about front pivot axis 214 or a combination the foregoing.
- FIG. 9rear linkage 221 pivoting upwardly relative to center linkage 221 about rear axis 222 , the center linkage pivoting upwardly relative to elbow 231 and front linkage 213 about front pivot axis 214 or a combination the foregoing.
- front wheel 206 of a bogie 201can easily negotiate a step or curb by front linkage 213 pivoting upwardly relative to center linkage 221 , elbow 231 or both about front axis 214 , the center linkage pivoting upwardly relative to rear linkage 221 about rear pivot axis 222 or any combination the foregoing.
- Such pivotingcan be passive, as permitted by the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 , or can be active, when motors as discussed above are included in wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- Bogies 201 of first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182facilitate all of the wheels of each of the wheel assemblies remaining in contact with the ground so as to directional control of robot 114 and thus the navigation of the robot easier. At least some of the wheels in each of the wheel assemblies 181 , 182 can optionally be rotated to permit the robot 114 to rotate about central vertical axis 183 . At least some of the wheels in each of the assemblies 181 , 182 can optionally be rotated at least 90° to permit the robot to travel sideways.
- front wheel 206 and rear wheel 207 of each assembly 181 , 182can optionally be rotated 90° to permit the robot 114 to travel sideways, for example in a direction perpendicular to forward or rearward travel of the robot (see FIG. 9 ).
- the least one container 186can optionally be coupled to the wheel of robot 114 in any suitable manner. In any embodiment, the at least one container 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels of robot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least one container 186 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to such wheels. In any embodiment, the at least one container 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels of robot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least one container 186 to be pivoted about a first horizontal axis relative to such wheels. In any embodiment, the at least one container 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels of robot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least one container 186 to be pivoted about a second horizontal axis, orthogonal to the first horizontal axis, relative to such wheels.
- the at least one container 186can optionally be pivoted about three orthogonal axes and translated along such three orthogonal axes.
- the wheels of the robot 114can in any embodiment include first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- an attachment assembly 249 of any suitable typecan optionally be provided for coupling the at least one container 186 to the wheels of robot 114 , for example first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 .
- the attachment assembly 249can optionally include at least one translational adjustment mechanism, which can be referred to as an elevational adjustment mechanism, for coupling the at least one container 186 to the wheels of robot 114 for permitting the at least one container 186 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to such wheels.
- the attachment assemblycan optionally include a first translational adjustment mechanism for coupling one side of the at least one container 186 to the wheels on one side of robot 114 and a second translational adjustment mechanism for coupling the other side of the least one container 186 to the wheels on the other side of the robot 114 , each of which mechanisms can be referred to as an elevational adjustment mechanism.
- Each translation mechanismcan serve to adjust the vertical height of the respective side of the at least one container 186 with respect to the related wheel assembly 181 , 182 (see FIGS. 19-21 ). Raising and lowering the at least one container 186 can occur by translating each side of the at least one container in unison. Relative translational movement of the opposite sides of the least one container 186 by such first and second translational adjustment mechanisms can pivot the at least one container 186 about an axis extending orthogonal to the ends of the at least one container 186 , for example an axis 250 extending orthogonal to the plane of the first and second translational adjustment mechanisms (see FIG. 14 ). In any embodiment, the location of axis 250 with respect to the at least one container 186 is dependent upon the amount of relative translational movement between such translation mechanisms and the amount of translational movement of each mechanism.
- the attachment assembly 249can optionally include a first translational adjustment mechanism 252 secured to first wheel assembly 181 and a second translational adjustment mechanism 253 secured to second wheel assembly 182 .
- the first mechanism 252can optionally be coupled to first side of the at least one container 186 and the second mechanism 253 can optionally be coupled to the second side of the at least one container 186 .
- chassis 187can optionally be included in attachment assembly 249 and first mechanism 252 can optionally be coupled to a first side of the chassis 187 and second mechanism 253 can optionally be coupled to a second side of the chassis 187 .
- Each of mechanisms 252 , 253can be of any suitable type and can optionally include one or more slidable rails or slides, one or more telescoping rails or slides, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains or any combination of the foregoing.
- the components of mechanisms 252 , 253can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing.
- each of the mechanismscan optionally include a rail 256 having a first or lower end 256 a joined to the respective wheel assembly 181 , 182 and a second or upper end 256 b extending upwardly and free of the wheel assembly.
- One or more railscan optionally be slidably carried by the rails 256 , for example one or more telescoping slides, for adjusting the amount of vertical extension permissible by mechanisms 252 , 253 .
- a slide 257can optionally be slidably carried by rail 256 in any suitable manner for upward and downward movement on the rail 256 .
- a motor 258for example an electric motor, can optionally be provided for causing controlled extension and contraction of the mechanism 252 , 253 , for example translating or moving slide 257 , or multiple telescoping slides, on rail 256 and thus moving the respective side of the chassis upwardly or downwardly relative to the respective wheel assembly.
- Such motor 258can optionally be controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 (see FIG. 22 ).
- the attachment assembly 249can optionally include a first pivot assembly for coupling one side of the at least one container 186 to the wheels on one side of vehicle 114 and a second pivot assembly for coupling the other side of the least one container 186 to the wheels on the other side of the robot 114 .
- Such pivot assemblescan permit, and in any embodiment can cause, the least one container 186 to pivot about an axis extending perpendicular to the opposite sides of the at least one container.
- the pivot assembliespivot each side the at least one container 186 in unison during such pivoting about the axis.
- Such pivot assembliescan optionally be controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 .
- Such axis extending perpendicular to the upsides of the least one container 186can be axis 202 (see FIG. 14 ).
- chassis 187can optionally be included in attachment assembly 249 and a first pivot assembly 261 can optionally be provided to pivotably couple slide 257 of the first mechanism 252 to the first side of the chassis 187 and a second pivot assembly 262 can optionally be provided to pivotably couple slide 257 of the second mechanism 253 to the second side of the chassis 187 .
- Each of the pivot assemblies 261 , 262can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing.
- the components of pivot assemblies 261 , 262can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing.
- Each of the pivot assembliescan optionally include a motor 263 controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 (see FIG. 22 ), for example an electric motor, for pivoting the respective side of the chassis about such axis extending perpendicular to the opposite sides of the at least one container 186 .
- a motor 263 controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136for example an electric motor, for pivoting the respective side of the chassis about such axis extending perpendicular to the opposite sides of the at least one container 186 .
- Frame or chassis 187can be of any suitable type and serves to support the at least one container 186 on the wheels of the robot 114 , which can optionally be first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182 , and throughout the various movements of the at least one container 186 relative to the wheels of the robot 114 .
- the chassis 187serves to position at least one end of the at least one container 186 at one end 176 or 177 of the robot 114 .
- Such end of the least one containercan optionally be parallel to such end of the robot, and in any embodiment such end of the least one container 186 can optionally be flush with such end of the robot 114 .
- the chassis 187services to position opposite ends of the at least one container with opposite ends 176 , 177 of the robot 114 .
- Such opposite ends of the at least one container 186can optionally be parallel to such opposite ends of the robot, and in any embodiment such opposite ends of the at least one container can optionally be flush with such opposite ends of the robot 114 .
- the chassis 187can optionally include a base or support 281 on which the at least one container 186 rests.
- the base 281can optionally include a first end 282 and an opposite second end 283 and a first side 284 and an opposite second side 285 extending between ends 282 , 283 .
- the basecan be of any shape and in any embodiment can optionally be rectangular in shape when viewed in plan, and can have a rectangular size and shape that approximately corresponds with the bottom of the at least one container 186 .
- the chassis 187can optionally include additional structural elements of any suitable type for inhibiting movement of the least one container 186 on the base 281 , and in any embodiment for securing the at least one container 186 to the base.
- such structural elementsinclude first and second side wall elements 288 , 289 , which can be referred to as sidewalls 288 , 289 , secured to and extending upwardly from respective sides 284 , 25 of the base 281 .
- the distance between the sidewalls 288 , 289can approximate the width of the at least one container 186 , and in any embodiment the length or height of each of the sidewalls 288 , 289 approximates the height of the least one container 186 .
- An optional top wall element 291which can be referred to as top wall 291 , extends between and can optionally be secured to the tops of the first and second sidewalls 288 , 289 .
- the at least one container 186can optionally be removably secured to chassis 187 by any suitable means such as bolts, screws, clamps or other fasteners, for example fasteners extending through base 281 , sidewalls 288 , 289 or both into the least one container 186 .
- first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262can optionally be secured to respective first and second sidewalls 288 , 289 of the chassis 187 for permitting pivoting of the chassis 187 and the at least one container 186 relative to the first and second translational adjustment mechanism 252 , 253 .
- chassis 187can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing.
- Robot 114can optionally include a first mechanism for causing the at least one container 186 to translate along a first axis, a second mechanism for causing the at least one container 186 to translate along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a third mechanism for causing the least one container 186 to translate along a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination of the foregoing, for example during pickup or delivery of an article by the robot 114 , during travel of the robot 114 or otherwise.
- Such mechanismscan optionally be controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 . Examples of such orthogonal axes includes axes 183 , 202 and 250 , illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- Each of such mechanismscan be referred to as a positioning mechanism, a translation mechanism, an apparatus, a positioning apparatus, a translation apparatus, a device, a positioning device, a translation device, an assembly, a positioning assembly or a translation assembly, and can each include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing.
- One or more of the foregoing for causing the at least one container 186 to translate in three orthogonal directionscan be referred to as a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation mechanism or first mechanism, a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation apparatus or first apparatus or a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation assembly or first assembly.
- one or more wheels of the robot 114can optionally be motorized, for example wheels 206 , 207 and 208 of each bogie 201 , and included in the foregoing.
- one or more such wheelscan optionally be coupled to a motorized pivoting assembly of any suitable type, for example pivot assemblies 217 , 227 , and included in the foregoing for translating the at least one container 186 along orthogonal first and second axes.
- one or more wheels of the robotcan optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly by the motorized pivoting of any or all of front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 and center arm 231 relative to center linkage 211 , and included in the foregoing for translating the at least one container 186 along at least one axis.
- Any pivot assembly included in the foregoingcan be of any suitable type, and can be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing.
- one or both of translational mechanisms 252 , 253can optionally be included in the foregoing.
- Chassis 187is shown in a first position in FIG. 12 , which for example can be a position suitable during travel of robot 114 and referred to as a home position of the chassis. Chassis 187 is shown in a second position in FIGS. 14-15 , where the chassis has been elevated by first and second translation adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253 with respect to the first or home position of FIG. 12 . Chassis 187 is shown in a third position in FIG.
- chassis 187is shown resting on or in close proximity to the ground.
- First and second translation adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253move each side 284 , 285 of the base 281 in unison for moving the chassis 187 between such positions.
- Robotcan optionally include a first mechanism for causing the at least one container 186 to pivot about a first axis, a second mechanism for causing the at least one container 186 to pivot about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a third mechanism for causing the at least one container 186 to pivot about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination of the foregoing, for example during pickup or delivery of an article by the robot 114 , during travel of the robot 114 or otherwise.
- Such mechanismscan optionally be controlled by robot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network 136 . Examples of such orthogonal axes includes axes 183 , 202 and 250 , illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- Each of such mechanismscan be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing.
- One or more the foregoing for causing the at least one container 186 to pivot about three orthogonal axescan be referred to as a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism or second mechanism, a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation apparatus or second apparatus or a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation assembly or second assembly.
- one or more wheels of the robot 114can optionally be motorized, for example wheels 206 and 208 of each bogie 201 , and can optionally include a pivot assembly, for example pivot assemblies 217 , 227 , for pivoting the at least one container 186 about an axis, such as axis 183 , and included in the foregoing.
- a pivot assemblyfor example pivot assemblies 217 , 227 , for pivoting the at least one container 186 about an axis, such as axis 183 , and included in the foregoing.
- one or more wheels of the robotcan optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly by the motorized pivoting of any or all of front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 and center arm 231 relative to center linkage 211 , and included in the foregoing for pivoting the at least one container 186 about at least one axis, for example one or both of axes 202 and 250 .
- Such mechanismcan optionally include for example translation mechanisms 252 , 253 , which for example can rotate the at least one container 186 about axis 250 .
- Any pivot assembly included in the foregoingcan be of any suitable type, and can be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing.
- a plurality of mechanismseach of which can be referred to as a positioning mechanism, a translation mechanism, an apparatus, a positioning apparatus, a translation apparatus, a device, a positioning device, a translation device, an assembly, a positioning assembly or a translation assembly and can optionally include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing, can optionally be provided for rotating the at least one container 186 about an axis.
- Chassis 187is shown in a first position in FIG. 12 , and in a second position in FIG. 17 where the base 281 has been pivoted by first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262 so that the second end 282 of base 281 has been tilted downwardly so as to approach if not contact the ground. Chassis 187 is shown in a third position in FIG. 18 , where the chassis has been pivoted to a level position while robot 114 is traveling on an incline. Each of such second and third positions can be referred to as pivoted or tilted positions. First and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262 pivot each side 284 , 285 of the base 281 in unison for pivoting the chassis 187 between such positions.
- Robot 114can optionally include one or more sensors 162 of any suitable type, including for example one or more vision or other cameras, one or more lidar devices or sensors, one or more sonar devices or sensors, one or more radar devices or sensors, one or more near infrared (NIR) devices or sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device or sensor or any combination of the foregoing.
- the robot 114can optionally include a camera on each end 176 , 177 and each side 178 , 179 of the robot (see FIGS. 5-6 ).
- a stereo camera 293that can optionally be a camera with two or more lenses, can optionally be provided on each end 176 , 177 of the robot 114 , for example on each end of cover 188 .
- a wide field-of-view camera 294can optionally be provided on each end 176 , 177 and on each side 178 , 179 of the robot, for example on each end and on each side of cover 188 .
- the camera 294can optionally be between the two lenses of stereo camera 293 on ends 176 , 177 of the robot 114 .
- sensors 162can optionally include a radar device or sensor (not shown) provided on each end 176 , 137 and each side 178 , 179 of the robot 114 .
- At least one IMU sensor or device 296can optionally be included on robot 114 , including in sensors 162 of the robot.
- device 296can optionally be carried on chassis 187 , for example on base 281 of the chassis (see FIG. 15 ).
- Sensors 162can optionally include a suitable odometry sensor provided on or with respect to each wheel of robot 114 , including for example on or with respect to each of wheels 206 , 207 and 208 of each bogie 201 , for sensing motion of each of the wheels (see FIG. 22 ).
- Sensors 162can optionally include a suitable angular or other position sensor (not shown), which can be referred to as a rotary sensor, provided on each joint or linkage or movable member of robot 114 , including for example center linkage 211 , front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 , center arm or elbow 231 , pivot assemblies 217 , pivot assemblies 227 , slides 257 of each transverse adjustment mechanism 251 , 253 , pivot assemblies 261 , 262 , chassis 187 , container doors 321 , container belts 336 , or any combination of the foregoing.
- a suitable angular or other position sensor(not shown), which can be referred to as a rotary sensor, provided on each joint or linkage or movable member of robot 114 , including for example center linkage 211 , front linkage 213 , rear linkage 221 , center arm or elbow 231 , pivot assemblies 217 , pivot assemblies 227 , slides 257 of each transverse adjustment mechanism 251
- the sensors 162can optionally be electrically coupled to robot computer 156 , either directly or indirectly, so that the signals therefrom can optionally be utilized by robot computer 156 and computer network 136 in the operation of system 113 , including the operation of robot 114 , pickup container 116 and recipient container 117 .
- the sensor input signalscan optionally be used for navigating robot 114 and for positioning the at least one container 186 of the robot, for example during pickup or delivery of articles, objects or goods.
- FIG. 22One embodiment of the electrical and electromechanical components of robot 114 is shown in FIG. 22 .
- robot computer 156includes robot computer 156 , storage 158 , global positioning device 161 , transceiver 163 , clock 297 , wheels 206 , 207 and 208 of each bogie 201 , wheel motors 209 and the sensors relating thereto, front and rear wheel pivot assembly motors 219 , 229 , left and right chassis slide motors 258 , left and right chassis pivot assembly motors 263 , container motors and electronics 298 and certain of sensors 162 .
- Robot 114can optionally include less than the components illustrated in FIG. 22 , or additional components not shown in FIG. 22 .
- any motors for pivoting linkages 211 , 213 , 221 , certain of the nonvisual perception sensors 162 and the angular and position sensors 162 discussed aboveare not shown in FIG. 22 .
- the robot computer 156can optionally be included in the control of any or all movement of robot 114 by computer network 136 , including any controlled movement of the at least one container 186 included in the robot, and can optionally be carried by the robot 114 in any suitable manner.
- the robot 114can optionally be provided with a battery 299 of any suitable type, for example a lithium-ion battery, that can be carried by the robot in any suitable manner.
- the robot computer 156can optionally be carried by the chassis 187 , for example mounted on base 201 , or can optionally be carried by cover 188 .
- the battery 299can optionally be carried by the chassis 187 , for example mounted on base 201 , or can optionally be carried by cover 188 .
- the robot computer 156 and the battery 299are shown in one mounting configuration on base 201 in FIG. 12 .
- the least one container 186can be of any suitable type, including for example a single container or a plurality of containers, and can be of any suitable size and shape. In any embodiment, at least one of the container has a length approximating the length of robot 114 or the length of base 281 . In any embodiment, the at least one of the container has a width approximating the width of base 281 or the distance between sidewalls 288 , 289 .
- each container of the least one container 186has an interior and an opening with an optional door for accessing the interior of the container.
- Robot 114can optionally include at least one retrieval mechanism, which can be referred to as a retrieval mechanism, a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a pickup mechanism, a recipient mechanism, a transport mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms.
- the at least one mechanismcan remove or assist in the removal of the contents of the container, move or assist in the movement of articles between containers, place or move or assist in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing.
- the least one retrieval or transport mechanismcan be of any suitable type, for example mechanisms that include a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a crane, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing.
- the mechanismcan optionally be a conveyor system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing.
- Articlescan be moved into the container, out of the container or both from the top of the container, from the side of the container, from the bottom of the container or any combination the foregoing by the mechanism or otherwise.
- the mechanismcan optionally be at least partially disposed in the container.
- the mechanismcan optionally be carried inside the container, for example so as to be part of the container.
- the at least one retrieval mechanismcan optionally include a plurality of such retrieval mechanisms, for example one for each container where the least one container 186 includes a plurality of containers, and can be referred to as a product transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a good transport mechanism, an object transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, a robot transport mechanism, a vehicle transport mechanism, a pickup transport mechanism, a recipient transport mechanism or any combination of such terms.
- the single containercan optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped and has an interior or cavity accessible by an opening and optional door in a wall of the container.
- the opening and optional doorcan be in the top wall, the bottom wall, a side wall or any combination of the foregoing.
- the opening and optional doorcan be in an end wall or sidewall of the container, for example situated at one end 176 , 177 of robot 114 .
- the containercan be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms.
- such single containerhas an opening and optional related door at each end 176 , 177 of the robot.
- the least one container 186can optionally include a plurality of containers each having an interior or cavity accessible by at least one opening and optional related door in a wall of the container.
- each of the plurality of containerscan optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped and the at least one opening and optional door can be in an end wall or sidewall of the container.
- the opening and optional doorcan be in one end of the each of the plurality of containers having the shape of a parallelepiped.
- Each of the plurality of containerscan be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms.
- the combined length of two of the plurality of containersapproximates the length of robot 114 or the length the base 281 .
- the combined width of two of the plurality of containersapproximates the width of base 281 or the distance between sidewalls 288 , 289 .
- the least one container 186has a modular construction formed from a plurality of containers, for example a plurality of containers 115 , which can be mixed and matched in size and shape, to form a container assembly 301 that is in the shape of a parallelepiped with a length approximating the length of robot 114 or base 281 , a width approximating the width of base 281 or the distance between sidewalls 288 , 289 and a height approximating the distance between base 281 and top wall 291 .
- each of the plurality of containers, which can be referred to as a transport container, of the container assembly 301is in the shape of a parallelepiped.
- each of the containers of container assembly 301has an end wall at one end 176 or 177 of the robot 114 with an opening therein and optional door for accessing the interior or inside of the container.
- the end wall of each containercan optionally be parallel with the end 176 or 177 of the robot 114 , and in any embodiment can optionally be flush with such end 176 or 177 of the robot.
- Container 115can be suitable for use in robot 114 , for example for inclusion with the at least one container 186 , in pickup container 116 , in recipient container 117 or any combination of the foregoing.
- the container 115can be of any suitable type and in any embodiment can optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped formed by a body 304 made from any suitable material such as metal or plastic.
- Body 304has a first end 306 and an opposite second end 307 and a first side 308 and an opposite second side 309 extending perpendicular to ends 306 , 307 (see FIGS. 23-25 ).
- the body 304can further include a top wall 311 and a bottom wall 312 , each extending perpendicular to ends 306 , 307 and sides 308 , 309 .
- First end 306can be referred to as the front end and second end 307 can be referred to as the back end or rear of the body 304
- first side 308can be referred to as the left side and second side 309 can be referred to as the right side of the body.
- the bodyhas an interior or cavity 316 and an opening 317 , for example in one or more of ends 306 , 307 , sides 308 , 309 or top wall 311 , for accessing the interior 316 of the body 304 .
- an opening 317can optionally be provided in one or both of ends 306 , 307 , for example in first or front end 306 .
- the opening 317can be of any suitable size and in any embodiment can optionally be substantially rectangular or rectangular in shape and optionally have a height approximating the height between walls 311 , 312 and a width optionally approximating the width between sides 308 , 309 of the container.
- the container 115can optionally be a closeable container and include an optional door 321 of any suitable type for covering the opening 317 and thus precluding or inhibiting access to the interior 316 of the container.
- the door 321which can be referred to as a side door or end door, can open and close in a manner such that no portion of the door penetrates or extends outwardly through the opening 317 during opening and closing of the door.
- the door 321can optionally be a segmented door which travels on first and second rails 323 extending along opposite sides of the opening 317 and then perpendicularly thereto into the interior 316 of the container.
- the segmented door 321can optionally be a roll top door that travels on slots, guides or rails 323 between a first position in which the door 321 closes the opening 317 and a second position in which the door is open and extends below the top wall 311 of the container body 304 , thus providing substantially full access to the opening 317 .
- the slots, guides or railswhich can be referred to as rails 323 herein, can be secured to the body 304 by any suitable fasteners.
- Suitable guides or rollers 324can extend from each end of each segment of the door into the respective rail 323 for facilitating movement of the door on the rails between the door's first or closed position and second or opened position.
- Container 115can be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms
- Container 115can optionally include at least one transport mechanism, which can be referred to as a transport mechanism, a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a retrieval mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms
- the at least one mechanismcan remove or assist in the removal of the contents of the container 115 , move or assist in the movement of articles between containers, place or move or assist in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing.
- the least one transport mechanismcan be of any suitable type, for example a mechanism, assembly, apparatus or device that can optionally include a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a crane, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing.
- the at least one transport mechanismcan optionally be inside container 115 .
- the mechanismcan optionally be a conveyor mechanism system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing.
- the at least one transport mechanismcan optionally include a plurality of such mechanisms, and can be referred to as a product transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a good transport mechanism, an object transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, a pickup transport mechanism or any combination of such terms.
- the at least one transport mechanism 329can optionally be a conveyor mechanism or system that, for example, can optionally include a plurality of rollers 331 carried by body 304 and disposed along the bottom of the interior 316 of the body.
- the transport mechanism 329can extend along substantially the entire length of the interior of body 304 .
- the rollers 331can optionally be coupled to the body 304 by any suitable means, for example by first and second elongate members or rails 332 extending along each side of the bottom of the interior of the body 304 and secured thereto by any suitable means such as a support 333 at each end of each rail 332 .
- Each of the rollers 331can optionally be pivotably secured at each end to a rail 332 by a bearing 334 or any other suitable means.
- the rollers 331can be evenly or otherwise spaced apart along the length of body 304 , for example along the length of the rails 332 .
- a belt 336for example a conveyor belt, can optionally be rotatably carried by the plurality of rollers 331 .
- the belt 336can be flexible and can be made from any suitable material such as rubber.
- the transport mechanism 329can optionally be motorized, for example so as to move belt 336 in opposite first and second directions along rollers 331 and the length of body 304 .
- At least one motor 337 of any suitable typecan optionally be provided with respect to the least one of rollers 331 for driving the belt or conveyor belt 336 of transport mechanism 329 .
- the at least one motor 337can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 .
- a motor 337can optionally be provided with respect to one of the end rollers 331 , as illustrated in FIG. 24 where the motor 337 is provided within the first or front roller 331 . It is appreciated that a motor 337 can optionally be provided with respect to each of the front and rear rollers 331 of the transport mechanism 329 , or with respect any other rollers 331 of the mechanism.
- Container 115can optionally include a door opening assembly or mechanism 341 for controlling the operation or movement of container door 321 , for example opening and closing door 321 .
- the mechanism 341can be of any suitable type and located partially or totally within the interior 316 of the container 115 , or partially or totally on the exterior of the container or entirely outside of the container.
- the door opening mechanism 341can optionally be located inside the container 115 and can optionally include a belt, chain or cable 342 , which can be referred to as a cable 342 herein, coupled to the door 321 in any suitable manner, for example by a clip or bracket 343 that can optionally be secured to both the cable 342 and the door 321 .
- clip 343can optionally be secured to one end of door 321 , for example to the top end of the door.
- the opening mechanism 341can optionally include a motor, for example an electric motor controlled by computer network 136 .
- an electric motor 346can optionally be included in the mechanism 341 , for example within at least one end of a roller 331 .
- the electric motor 346can optionally be disposed elsewhere within container 115 , for example in a space between two adjacent rollers 331 and carried by rails 323 .
- the motor 346can optionally include a timer, pulley or shaft 347 , which can be referred to as a shaft 347 herein, extending from the roller 331 , upon which the cable 342 can optionally be carried, for example by extending at least partially around the shaft 347 .
- the mechanism 341can optionally include additional pulleys or wheels 348 upon which the cable 342 can rotatably travel. Motorized movement of cable 342 by motor shaft 347 in a first direction about pulleys 348 causes door 321 to open and motorized movement of the cable by shaft 347 in an opposite second direction about pulleys 348 causes the door to close opening 317 .
- Container 115can optionally be lockable, for example so as to inhibit unwanted access to the interior 316 of the container and inhibit unwanted tampering of the container.
- container door 321can optionally be lockable.
- container 115can optionally include a door latch 349 for locking and unlocking door 321 (see FIG. 28 ).
- Latch 349can optionally be electronically controlled by computer network 136 , including for example robot computer 156 .
- a container of the inventioncan optionally be provided with a door that can be manually opened and closed. Such feature can be in addition to or in lieu of any automatic door opening mechanism or assembly, such as door opening mechanism 341 .
- Such embodiment of the containercan optionally be provided with any suitable opening and related door, for example any of the openings and respective doors disclosed herein.
- FIGS. 26 and 27One embodiment of a container 115 ′ with a door 321 that can optionally be manually opened and closed is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27 .
- Container 115 ′can optionally be substantially similar to container 115 , and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of the containers 115 and 115 ′.
- a door opening assembly or mechanism of any suitable type that can optionally be manually operated by a human for opening and closing door 321can optionally be included in container 115 ′.
- a door opening mechanism 341can optionally be provided for container 115 ′ that can be substantially similar to the door opening mechanism 341 of container 115 .
- Such mechanism 341can optionally include pulleys 348 and a cable 342 , which has a portion 342 a that can extend alongside the rear of door 321 .
- cable portion 342 aextends parallel to opening 317 , and the rear of the door 321 when the door is in a closed position.
- the cable portion 342 aextends parallel to one side of opening 317 and thus one side of the closed door 321 .
- a bracket 343 ′which can be referred to as a clip, latch or opener, for securing the door 321 to cable 342 can have a portion secured to the door 321 , for example the bottom or bottom portion of the door, and another portion that is removably or selectively attachable to cable portion 342 a .
- Latch 343 ′can optionally be accessible from the exterior of door 321 so as to permit a user of container 115 ′ to selectively attach and detach the latch 343 ′ to cable portion 342 a .
- door opening motor 346can optionally be located in the front roller 331 of the container, as illustrated in FIG. 27 .
- Motor shaft 347extends from motor 346 and the end of the respective roller 331 for engaging and driving cable 342 , for example as discussed above.
- Conveyor motor 337can optionally be reconfigured to occupy only a portion of such roller 331 , as shown in FIG. 27 , so as to accommodate door motor 346 being located in the same roller 331 as the conveyor motor 337 .
- any method of the invention for manually opening door 321 utilizing latch 343 ′the user can engage the latch 343 ′ to detach it from cable portion 342 a .
- the usercan then manually move door 321 on rails 323 to an opened position, sliding latch 343 ′ along cable portion 342 a during the process, for example to the position shown in FIG. 25 .
- the door to 321can optionally be locked in its opened position by any suitable means, for example by reattaching latch 343 ′ to the cable 342 .
- the userdecides to close door 321 , the user can manually move the door to its closed position and thereafter reattach latch 343 ′ to the cable portion 342 a .
- the manual door opening mechanism of the inventionpermits opening and closing of a door of a container without requiring an electric motor or component, such as motor 346 .
- the manual opening and closing of the doorcan thus be accomplished without requiring electricity or other power to the container.
- Such manual door opening and closing mechanismmay be particularly suited for a container not associated with a continuous power supply, for example a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117 for which a continuous supply of power may not be necessary or desired.
- Container 115can optionally include a joining device or apparatus for temporarily securing or joining two containers 115 together so as to permit the transfer of articles, goods, objects or products between the containers. Such transfer can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the front end 306 of two containers 115can be brought together so that the respective openings 317 of the containers face each other and one or both of the transport mechanisms 329 of the containers can optionally be utilized to transfer articles between the containers.
- the openings 317 of the two containers 115can optionally be aligned or registered with each other so for example the top surface of the respective conveyor belts 336 of the containers can be substantially parallel to each other for permitting articles moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the delivering container to be picked up by or received by the belt 336 of the receiving container 115 .
- the front of the conveyor belts 336 of the two containerscan optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit an article moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt.
- the conveyor belts of the two containers 115can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of an article between the two conveyor belts.
- the temporary joining device or apparatus 351can be of any suitable type, including electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic devices or apparatus such as clips, brackets or magnets.
- joining device or apparatus 351can optionally include at least one magnet disposed on or accessible at the front end 306 of the container (see FIG. 25 ).
- first and second magnets 351can optionally be provided on diagonally opposite corners of the outside face 352 of the front end 306 of the container.
- the magnets of other joining apparatus 351 of one container 115oppose the joining apparatus 351 of the other or mating container 115 , so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers. When the opposing front faces or ends of two containers 115 are brought together, joining devices or magnets 351 cooperate with each other to temporarily secure the two containers together during the process of transferring articles between the containers.
- the containers of the inventioncan optionally be powered by any suitable means, continuously or intermittently.
- the containerscan optionally be independently powered, for example by a battery carried by the container or by wired connection to any suitable power source such as the grid, or be powered by robot 114 .
- Solar panelscan optionally be provided on the containers of the invention for providing power thereto.
- the at least one container 186 of robot 114can optionally be powered by the robot.
- a container remote of a robot of the inventionfor example a stationary container such as pickup container 116 and recipient container 117 , can optionally be powered by a robot, for example a transport container 115 of the robot, docking or mating with the remote container.
- a stationary containercan optionally be mechanically powered, for example by solar power, wind power or a conventional power grid.
- containers 115can optionally be provided with at least one suitable electrical connector 353 for permitting the transfer of power between joined containers 115 .
- the at least one electrical connector 353can optionally be provided on face 352 of the container and in any embodiment the at least one connector 353 can optionally include first and second connectors 353 provided on the face 352 of the container 115 .
- the first and second connectors 353can optionally be provided on diagonally opposite corners of the outside face 352 of the front and 306 of the container.
- the connectors 353 of one container 115oppose the connectors 353 of the other or mating container 115 , so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers.
- containers 115can optionally be provided with the least one suitable communications connectors 358 for permitting hardwired communications between containers.
- the at least one communications connector 358can optionally be provided on face 352 of the container.
- the communications connector 358 of one container 115opposes the communications connector 358 of the other or mating container 115 , so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers.
- the first and second electrical connectors 153 of one containercooperatively engage or electrically connect with the first and second electrical connectors 153 of the other container.
- the joined electrical connectors 153 of the two containerscan serve to temporarily transfer power to the other container, for example to a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117 without an independent or continuous supply of power thereto.
- Electrical connectors 353can be of any suitable type, for example conductors that permit conductive or inductive coupling therebetween.
- the containers of the inventioncan optionally include a scale of any suitable type, for example for measuring the contents of the container.
- each of containers 115can optionally include a scale for measuring the weight of the objects resting on transport mechanisms 329 thereof, for example on belt 336 .
- such weight scalecan optionally be formed from one or more sensors 356 disposed on supports 333 of the transport mechanism 329 (see FIG. 23 ). Each of such sensors 356 can be of any suitable type, for example a strain gauge.
- Such scalescan optionally be coupled to computer network 136 , either directly or indirectly.
- FIG. 28One embodiment of the electrical and electromechanical components 298 of the containers of the invention, for example container 115 and at least one container 186 , is shown in FIG. 28 .
- a computing device, controller or computer 357 of any suitable typewhich can optionally be part of computer network 136 and include central processing unit 168 and storage 169 .
- Components 298can additionally include a transceiver 171 , transport mechanism motor 337 , door motor 346 , door latch 349 and one or more power connectors 353 .
- the components 298can further include one or more communications connectors 358 , for permitting communications from outside of the container with computer 354 of the container, and one or more weight sensors 356 for sensing the weight of articles carried by the container.
- the containercan optionally include less than the components illustrated in FIG. 28 or additional components not shown in FIG. 28 .
- communications connector 355can optionally be coupled to robot computer 156 (see FIG. 22 ) so as to permit container computer 354 , or other components of container components 298 , to communicate with computer network 136 by means of a hardwired connection.
- transceiver 171can permit wireless communications between container components 298 and the computer network 136 .
- Containers 115can optionally be assembled together in a variety of configurations to form a container assembly 301 for use on robot 114 .
- the container assembly 301can optionally include a plurality of eight containers 115 arranged in a configuration of two columns, two rows and two containers deep.
- the front end 306 of four of the containers 115 of the container assembly 301form a grid consisting of two columns and two rows of the containers 115 .
- first side 308 of one containercan optionally be flush with second side 309 of the adjacent container.
- top wall 311 of one containercan optionally be flush with bottom wall 312 of the adjacent container.
- the back end 307 of one containercan optionally be flush with the back end 307 of the container behind it.
- the front end 306 of such four containerscan optionally be parallel with each other and flush with the respective end 176 , 177 of the robot.
- the openings 317 and interiors 316 of such four containers 115when the respective doors 321 are opened, are accessible at the respective end of the robot.
- the containers 115 accessible at one end 176 of the robot 114can optionally be disposed end to end with the containers 115 accessible at the other end 177 of the robot, as illustrated in FIG. 29 .
- Containers 115can optionally be provided with additional openings, doors or both, of any suitable type including any discussed herein, for permitting transfer of articles between containers 115 within container assembly 301 .
- two containers disposed end-to-end within container assembly 301can optionally include an opening, door or both at the back of the containers, for example in back end 307 of each container 115 .
- Any suitable mechanismfor example any of those discussed herein and including transport mechanism 329 , can optionally be provided for transferring articles through such openings between such containers.
- a delivery of the inventioncan consist of a single article 121 or a plurality of articles 121 .
- a single articlecan be transported without a transportation container or enclosure or within a transportation container or enclosure of any suitable type.
- a plurality of articlescan be transported without a transportation container or enclosure or within a transportation container or enclosure of any suitable type.
- Suitable transportation containerscan optionally include a bag, an envelope, a package or a box.
- Suitable materials for use in forming transportation containersinclude paper, plastic and cardboard.
- a transportation containercan be for single use, or be reusable for use in a plurality of deliverees.
- a transportation container of a standardized size and shapecan optionally be used for transporting one or more articles 121 within system 113 , for example for facilitating the transport of objects into and out of containers 115 (see FIGS. 3, 6, 32-39 and 41 ).
- Transportation container 361can optionally be of a standardized size and shape for use in system 113 .
- Container 361can be of any suitable type and be made from any suitable material such as plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, paperboard or fiberboard.
- the transportation container 361has a shape of a parallelepiped, and in any embodiment has four interconnected sidewalls 362 joined to a bottom wall 363 .
- the transportation containerhas a top wall (not shown) so as to have a closed top.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be an open container, that is free of a top.
- the open containercan optionally be rectangular in shape when viewed in plan and formed from bottom wall 363 and four sidewalls 362 joined together at the bottom wall.
- the transportation container 361has an interior cavity or space 364 for receiving one or more articles therein.
- One or more objectscan be placed within the transportation container 361 , and in any embodiment all of the objects in a transportation container can optionally be associated with one order or request from a user.
- the transportation containercan be of any suitable size, for example not greater than the size of the plurality of containers 115 in which the transportation container 361 is to be utilized. In any embodiment, the transportation container 361 has a size approximating the size of the plurality of containers 115 in which the transportation container is to be utilized.
- the transportation container 361can be referred to as a liner, a box, a cardboard box, a receptacle, a holder, a canister, a bag, a case, a repository or any combination of such terms.
- robot 114can optionally include an arm, element, member, mechanism, apparatus or assembly (not shown), for convenience referred to herein as a member, having an end that can optionally be movable relative to at least a portion of the robot, for example wheel assemblies 181 , 182 , attachment assembly 249 , at least one container 186 or any combination of the foregoing.
- Such endcan optionally be movable in any suitable manner, for example upwardly or downwardly, forwardly or rearwardly, sideways, can optionally be pivotable in any suitable manner, for example about a first axis, about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination the foregoing.
- Such endcan optionally include an end effector of any suitable type, for example an anthropomorphic end effector.
- Such membercan be of any suitable type, for example articulated, telescoping, extendable, retractable or any combination the foregoing, and can optionally be coupled or attached to any portion of the robot, for example one or both of ends 136 , 177 of the robot, one or both of sides 178 , 179 of the robot or any combination the foregoing.
- the membercan optionally be configured to push buttons, for example to operate an elevator, crosswalk light or traffic signal, to ring doorbells, to open doors, to activate handicapped access plates, to manipulate items, to perform tasks necessary or advisable during operation of the robot 114 , or any combination the foregoing.
- the shape and size of the transportation container 361can optionally be standardized throughout system 113 .
- the shape and size of the transportation container 361can optionally be standardized for the sized and shaped container 115 in which the transportation container 361 is to be utilized.
- One or more classes of such standardized transportation containers 361can optionally be utilized by system 113 .
- Such classificationscan optionally include classifications by size, shape or any other physical characteristic of the transportation container.
- the computer network 136categorizes certain classes of standardized transportation containers 361 with certain classes of standardized containers 115 and utilizes such information to efficiently transfer containers 361 throughout system 113 .
- the computer network 136can match transportation container 361 with the smallest permissible containers 115 throughout the course of travel of the transportation container 361 from the pickup location to the drop off location.
- Each transportation containercan optionally include any suitable identifier thereon, such as identifier 364 , which can optionally include the address, the class, any characteristic of the class of the transportation container or any combination of the foregoing.
- identifiercan optionally include any machine-readable identifier, such as a barcode.
- Methods for utilizing a vehicle or other type of robot to deliver articles between first and second locationsare provided. Such methods, including any step or portion thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such methods can use system 113 and vehicle or robot 114 , for example one robot 114 in a fleet of identical robots, but are not limited to the same. Such methods can optionally be computer-implemented and can use one or more processors or computers, located together or apart from each other, for such implementation. In any embodiment, such methods utilize computer network 136 . System 113 and robot 114 can optionally be utilized with other methods and systems, including other methods or systems for purchasing or selling goods or delivering goods or objects between first and second locations.
- a request from a usercan be received by computer network 136 for picking up one or more articles 121 at a first location.
- the requestcan optionally include a request to transport or deliver the article from the first location to a second location.
- the requestcan optionally include a request to deliver the article at the second location.
- the usercan optionally be a purchaser of the article 121 , which can optionally be a product.
- the requestcan optionally include a request to purchase the product and can optionally include a payment for the purchase of the product.
- the usercan optionally be an agent of the purchaser. In any embodiment, such purchase can optionally be accomplished utilizing computer network 136 , separately or together with other computers or computer networks.
- the deliveror of the productcan optionally be a seller of the article, or vendor. Any method can optionally include the deliveror receiving payment for the purchase of the product. In any method, the deliveror of the article 121 can optionally be an agent of a seller or vendor. In any embodiment, the purchaser or other user enters its request utilizing a deliveree computing device 142 , which can be referred to as a user computing device, a vendee computing device or a purchaser computing device. In any embodiment, the seller or other deliveror acts on the request utilizing a deliveror computing device 141 , which can be referred to as a seller computing device or a vendor computing device.
- the request of the usercan optionally include the location of the user, the location at which the article 121 is to be delivered or both.
- the location at which the article is to be deliveredwhich can be referred to as the second location, can optionally be an address, the physical location of the user, nearby the address or the physical location of the user, a horizontal or any other surface, on the ground, a recipient container 117 of the user or available to the user, a specific location designated by the user, a location designated by computer network 136 with respect to the user or any combination of the foregoing.
- the specific locationcan optionally be a specified or precise location, for example at the second location, where the article should be delivered.
- the specified or precise delivery locationcan optionally include a three-dimensional delivery location, for example including three-dimensional coordinates or other three-dimensional information of the precise delivery location.
- Such three-dimensional coordinates or other informationcan optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y and Z axes.
- computer network 136provides a three-dimensional virtual model of the second location to the user.
- Such three-dimensional virtual modelcan optionally include three-dimensional coordinates for all locations or areas thereon.
- the three-dimensional virtual modelcan have been previously created, and stored in network 136 , or created from information provided by the user, for example with a deliver computing device 141 , deliveree computing device 142 or other computing device.
- the three-dimensional virtual modelcan optionally be displayed on display 148 of the device 141 , 142 and the user can indicate thereon a precise three-dimensional location, for example for delivery or pick up.
- the usercan indicate the precise three-dimensional location by creating an indicator on the displayed three-dimensional virtual model at the precise location.
- the indicator identifying the precise three-dimensional delivery location on the three-dimensional virtual modelcan be created in any suitable manner, for example by the user touching the display 148 of the device 141 , 142 .
- the three-dimensional virtual modelcan optionally be displayed on electronic screen or display 148 and the user can touch the screen 148 so as to indicate the precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model, which can optionally be saved by computer network 136 .
- the user's indication on the three-dimensional virtual modelcan optionally be translated by computer network 136 into three-dimensional coordinates or other information indicative of the precise three-dimensional location, for example the precise three-dimensional second location for delivery.
- the requestcan optionally include a photograph or other image, for example image 367 , of the first or second location with an indicator, for example indicator 368 , on the image identifying a precise two-dimensional delivery location for the article (see FIG. 31 ).
- the two-dimensional pickup or delivery location from such imagecan optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to derive three-dimensional coordinates or information indicative of the three-dimensional delivery location.
- the imagecan optionally include terrain 366 of the second location, for example land 369 , structures 370 on the land or both.
- the imagecan be of any suitable type, including one or more photographs or video stored by the user, for example in device 141 , 142 , or contemporaneously taken by the user, for example using device 141 , 142 .
- the indicator identifying the precise two-dimensional delivery location on the imagecan be created in any suitable manner, for example by the user touching the image while visible on display 148 of the device 141 , 142 (see FIG. 30 ).
- photograph 367can optionally be displayed on electronic screen or display 148 and the user can touch the screen 148 , as shown in FIG. 30 , so as to indicate the precise location on the two-dimensional photograph, shown by indicator 368 in FIG. 31 , which can optionally be saved by computer network 136 .
- the indicator 368can optionally be created on the image in any other suitable manner, for example by a computer mouse.
- the two-dimensional delivery information from the imagecan optionally be mapped by computer network 136 to a three-dimensional virtual model of a first, second or other location, for example stored in computer network 136 or created by the computer network.
- the network 136can optionally be programmed to register the two-dimensional indicator on the image to a precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model to obtain a three-dimensional pickup or delivery location.
- computer network 136can register the two-dimensional image of the location with the three-dimensional virtual model of the location so that at least some of the areas of the two-dimensional image, including for example the area or precise two-dimensional location identified by indicator 368 , can optionally be represented on the three-dimensional virtual model with three-dimensional coordinates or other information.
- Such three-dimensional coordinates or other commissioncan optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y. and Z axes.
- the entire two-dimensional imagecan optionally be registered to the three-dimensional virtual model so that three-dimensional coordinates or other information can optionally be obtained from the three-dimensional virtual model for all locations on the two-dimensional image.
- the userprovides a plurality of images, for example a plurality of photographs, of a first, second or other location, either with the request or otherwise, for use by computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the plurality of imageswhich can optionally include video, can optionally be taken with the deliveror computing device 141 , the deliveree computing device 142 or any other electronic device, either contemporaneously with or prior to submitting the images.
- the userscans terrain 366 viewable by the user with a sensor of the device 141 , 142 , such as a camera of the device, to produce the plurality of images, which can optionally include video.
- the terraincan include land, structures on the land or both.
- Such plurality of imagescan optionally be contemporaneously displayed on display 148 of the device or stored in the device 141 , 142 for later viewing on display 148 .
- the plurality of imagescan optionally be used by computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model of a first, second or other location.
- the userprovides a plurality of depth sensor signals of the first, second or other location, either with a request or otherwise, for use by computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the plurality of depth sensor signalscan optionally be provided from one or more depth sensors included with the deliveror computing device 141 , the deliveree computing device 142 or another device.
- the devicecan optionally be pointed at the second location and scanned by the depth sensor of the device for providing the plurality of depth sensor signals.
- the plurality of depth sensor signalscan optionally be used by computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model of the first, second or other location.
- the request of the usercan optionally include three-dimensional orientation information associated with the two-dimensional image 367 .
- orientation informationcan optionally be utilized by computer network 136 in registering the image with the two-dimensional pickup, delivery or other information with the three-dimensional virtual model of the first, second or other location when deriving the three-dimensional pickup, delivery or other location.
- the user's request to purchase a productcan optionally be directed by computer network 136 to a single vendor of the product or to a plurality of vendors of the product.
- the user's locationcan optionally be included in the request.
- the user's locationcan be provided in any suitable manner, for example by being inputted by the user.
- the user's locationcan optionally be calculated or determined by computer network 136 , for example by using a location sensor of any suitable type provided in deliveree computing device 142 .
- the requestcan optionally be directed to any plurality of vendors of the product, including a plurality of vendors located within a predetermined or calculated distance of the user's location.
- Such predetermined distancecan optionally be preprogrammed into computer network 136 , or determined as a function of a plurality of variables, for example measured at the time of the request, and analyzed by the computer network 136 in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise.
- the plurality of vendorscan bid on the product, for example by providing a reply or response to the user, who can be referred to as a buyer, through computer network 136 .
- the response of each vendorcan optionally include a price quote from the vendor.
- computer network 136can optionally be programmed to deliver the lowest price quote from the plurality of vendors to the user.
- the response of each vendorcan optionally include an indicator of the distance of the vendor from the location of the user.
- the indicator of distancecan optionally include the location of the vendor, the distance of the vendor from the user's location or both.
- the location of the vendorcan optionally include a location associated with the product of the vendor.
- the location of the vendorcan be provided in any suitable manner, for example by being inputted by the vendor.
- the vendor's locationcan optionally be calculated or determined by computer network 136 , for example by using a location sensor of any suitable type provided in deliveror computing device 141 or elsewhere.
- the response from each vendorcan optionally include one or more additional items of information with respect to the vendor or the product of the vendor, which items of information can be referred to as product purchase factors or features associated with the vendor.
- the product purchase factors or featurescan be of any suitable type and can optionally include the price quote for the product from the vendor, the indicator of the distance of the vendor from the location of the user, the location of the vendor, the distance of the vendor from the user's location, the speed or quickness of the vendor in responding, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the user, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the user, a consumer rating of the vendor, a rating of the vendor from previous users or buyers, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product, the time to pick up the product of the vendor by at least one of the robots 114 of system 113 or any combination of the foregoing.
- a condition of such confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stockcan optionally include the vendor checking its computer records to confirm that the product is in stock, visually observing the product in its store or warehouse to confirm that the product is in stock or both and providing its results or confirmation to the computer network 136 .
- the computer network 136can optionally be programmed to deliver the lowest price quote for a product in stock, as determined above or otherwise, to the user. In any embodiment, the computer network 136 delivers all price quotes and related information, including whether or not the product is in stock, to the user.
- the usercan then select which vendor to purchase the product from in response to receiving one or more responses including the price quotes.
- computer network 136can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of at least one of the product purchase factors.
- the computer network 136can optionally be programmed to permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of any number of the product purchase factors.
- the computer network 136can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of at least any two of the product purchase factors, at least any three of the product purchase factors, at least any four of the product purchase factors or at least any five of the product purchase factors.
- the computer network 136can optionally be programmed to permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and at least one of the other product purchase factors with respect to each of the plurality of vendors.
- the computer network 136can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and at least any two of the other product purchase factors, the price of the product and at least any three of the other product purchase factors, the price of the product and at least any four of the other product purchase factors or the price of the product and at least any five of the other product purchase factors.
- the computer network 136analyzes all the responses from the plurality of vendors, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise, and provides the user with a recommended product to purchase.
- the computer network 136evaluates each response of a vendor against a plurality of features of each of the plurality of vendors.
- the featurescan be of any suitable type, for example any combination or number of the features disclosed herein.
- the computer networkcan select a response as a function of such of evaluating step, recommend a response as a function of such evaluating step, permit the user or buyer to select a response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of such evaluating step or any combination the foregoing.
- the evaluation step or methodcan be of any suitable type and can optionally be programmed into computer network 136 . In any embodiment, the evaluation step or method can optionally include a ranking regression method of any suitable type.
- the evaluation methodcan optionally include using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective vendors.
- the computer network 136can select or recommend a response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of vendors. For example, the vendor with the highest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended, or the vendor with the lowest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended by computer network 136 .
- the computer network 136assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of a vendor and determines an aggregate value for each vendor as a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective vendor.
- the numericalcan be of any suitable type, including a cost-based value.
- the aggregate value for each vendorcan optionally be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the vendor.
- the computer network 136utilizes a neural network in evaluating the responses of the vendors.
- the computer networktrains a neural network with a set of example vendors to provide a trained neural network and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of vendors.
- the aggregate value for each vendorcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features for each of the vendors.
- the computer network 136utilizes a kernel method in evaluating the responses of the vendors.
- the computer networktrains a kernel method with a set of example vendors to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality features for each of the plurality of vendors.
- the aggregate value for each vendorcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features for each of the vendors.
- the computer network 136utilizes a decision tree in evaluating the responses of the vendors.
- the computer networktrains a decision tree with a set of example vendors to provide a trained decision tree and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of vendors.
- the aggregate value for each vendorcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features for each of the vendors.
- the computer network 136can permit the user or buyer to select one of the responses of the plurality of vendors, for example based upon a recommendation of the network, or the computer network can select one of the responses of the plurality of vendors autonomously, for example without input from the user or buyer.
- the computer network 136can permit the user or buyer to accept the selected response, or the computer network can accept the selected response autonomously.
- the acceptancecan optionally include purchasing the article or product from the selected vendor.
- the acceptance of the requestcan optionally include charging the user or buyer for the article, charging the user or buyer for the delivery of the article or both.
- the foregoing method of selecting a response from one of a plurality of vendorscan optionally be utilized independently of system 113 and the other methods and components of system 113 .
- a price quote of a vendorcan optionally be increased, decreased or otherwise altered or changed by the computer network 136 in accordance with real-time demand for the product. For example, if real-time to demand for a product is high, determined by the computer network in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise, each of the price quotes can optionally be increased before delivery to the user.
- the amount of the increasecan optionally be divided between the vendor and operator of system 113 in any predetermined manner, for example all of such increase being directed to the vendor, a portion of such interest being directed to the vendor and a portion to the operator of system 113 or all of such increase being directed to the operator of system 113 .
- a robot 114can be directed by computer network 136 to travel to the first location and pick up the one or more articles 121 at the first location.
- the first locationcan optionally be at the physical location of the deliveror, nearby the physical location of the deliveror, at a location associated with the deliveror, at a location in the computer network 136 associated with the deliveror, at a designation designated by computer network 136 with respect to the deliveror or at another location provided by the deliveror.
- the first locationcan optionally be associated with a vendor from which the user purchased a product.
- the first locationcan optionally include a selected one of a plurality of vendors, the location of a selected or other vendor, the location of the article or product of a selected or other vendor, any other suitable location or any combination of the foregoing.
- the robotfor example robot 114 , can optionally be one of a plurality of robots, for example one of a plurality of robots that is in the vicinity of the first location.
- the robotcan optionally be one of the robots in a fleet or sub fleet of robots in system 113 .
- Any suitable methodcan be provided for computer network 136 to select, or recommend to the user, which of a plurality of robots, for example robots 114 , should be directed to pickup, deliver or both the article or product.
- the selecting or recommending methodcan optionally be programmed into computer network 136 .
- the selecting or recommending stepcan optionally include the computer network 136 evaluating a plurality of the robots against a plurality features of the plurality of robots.
- the featurescan be of any suitable type and include any combination or number of features.
- the featurescan optionally include the distance of each robot from the product of the vendor, the load capacity of each robot, the remaining battery life of each robot, the estimated travel time of each robot to the product of the vendor, the estimated travel time of each robot to the first location, any combination the foregoing or all of the foregoing.
- the computer networkcan select a robot as a function of such evaluating step, recommend a robot as a function of such evaluating step, permit the user or buyer to select a robot as a function of such evaluating step or any combination the foregoing.
- the evaluation step or methodcan optionally include a ranking regression method of any suitable type.
- the evaluation methodcan optionally include using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective robots.
- the computer network 136can select or recommend a robot from one of the plurality of robots as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of robots. For example, the robot with the highest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended, or the robot with the lowest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended by computer network 136 .
- the computer network 136assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of a robot and determines an aggregate value for each robot as a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective robot.
- the numericalcan be of any suitable type, including a cost-based value.
- the aggregate value for each robotcan optionally be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the robot.
- the computer network 136utilizes a neural network in evaluating each of the plurality of robots.
- the computer networktrains a neural network with a set of example robots to provide a trained neural network and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of robots.
- the aggregate value for each robotcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features for each of the robots.
- the computer network 136utilizes a kernel method in evaluating each of the plurality of robots.
- the computer networktrains a kernel method with a set of example robots to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality features for each of the plurality of robots.
- the aggregate value for each robotcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features for each of the robots.
- the computer network 136utilizes a decision tree in evaluating each of the plurality of robots.
- the computer networktrains a decision tree with a set of example robots to provide a trained decision tree and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of robots.
- the aggregate value for each robotcan optionally be computed by network 136 applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features for each of the robots.
- the computer network 136can permit the user or buyer to select one of the plurality of robots, for example based upon a recommendation of the network, or the computer network can select one of the plurality of robots autonomously, for example without input form the user or buyer.
- the foregoing method of selecting one of a plurality of robotscan optionally be utilized independently of system 113 and the other methods and components of the system 113 .
- the robot 114can travel to the first location from a facility associated with the system, after a previous delivery, en route to another delivery or otherwise.
- the route traveled by robot 114 to the first locationcan optionally include any portion of transportation network 101 .
- Such travel by robot 114including any portion thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the robot 114can pick up the one or more articles 121 .
- Such pick upcan include human delivery or placement of the article into the at least one container 186 of the robot or pickup of the article by the robot 114 without human assistance.
- the one or more articles 121can be transported directly by system 113 or placed in a transportation container, such as a transportation container 361 , which can be transported by system 113 .
- a transportation container 361for example an open container of a standardized size and shape, is received by deliveror for use in delivering the one or more articles 121 .
- Such one or more articlescan optionally be placed in the transportation container 361 by the deliveror for pickup by a robot 114 of system 113 .
- the methods hereinshall discuss transport of one or more articles 121 within a transportation container 361 , it being understood that such methods apply equally to transport of one or more articles 121 directly, that is not in a transportation container 361 .
- Computer network 136can cause or direct robot 114 to pick up the transportation container 361 at the first location.
- the computer network 136can cause or direct robot 114 to move or place the transportation container 361 inside the robot at the first location.
- the pickup of the article by robot 114can optionally include picking up the transportation container 361 containing the article 121 , from a support surface such as the ground upon which the transportation container 361 has been left for pickup (see FIGS. 32 and 33 ).
- Such actions by robot 114including any part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- Such actionscan optionally include the use of computer vision by robot 114 .
- the transport mechanism of the at least one container 186for example transport mechanism 329 of one of containers 115 of the at least one container 186 , can optionally be used in this regard.
- one of the lower containers 115 of the robot 114for example one of containers 115 sitting directly on base 281 of the chassis 187 , can optionally be utilized for receiving the transportation container 361 .
- the container 115can optionally be positioned by robot 114 so that front end 306 of one of the containers 115 of robot 114 is nearby or on the ground in the vicinity of the transportation container 361 containing the article 121 .
- first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182including pivot assemblies 217 , 227 thereof, can optionally be used to maneuver robot 114 so that the front end 306 of the container 115 is adjacent one side of the transportation container 361 , such as one side wall 362 of the transportation container 361 .
- the opening 317 of the container 115can optionally be aligned or registered with the transportation container 361 .
- Robot 114for example one end 176 , 177 of the robot, can push transportation container 361 over the ground to a position up against a stationary object 371 , for example an immovable object such as a curb, wall, post or door.
- a stationary object 371for example an immovable object such as a curb, wall, post or door.
- the deliverorplaces the transportation container 361 against a stationary object 371 .
- Attachment assembly 249 of the robotincluding first and second translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253 and first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262 , can optionally be used to lower chassis 187 towards or onto the ground, for example as illustrated in FIG. 32 , and if desired tilt the chassis 187 so that one end 282 , 283 of the base 281 of the chassis is closer to the ground than the other end, for example first end 282 of base 281 as shown in FIG. 32 .
- such lowered or tilted chassis 187can facilitate robot 114 pushing or urging transportation container 361 up against such the stationary object 371 .
- door 321 of the appropriate transport container 115 of robot 114is opened, for example by door opening mechanism 341
- the front of the transport mechanism 329 of the container 115can optionally be pushed against transportation container 361 so as to engage the transportation container and urge or push it against object 371 .
- a portion of the transportation container 361extends inside the transport container 115 , for example into interior 316 of the transport container, so as to contact transport mechanism 329 , for example the front end of belt 336 .
- the robot 114can urge the forward or front end of belt 336 of the transport mechanism 329 of the container 115 against the transportation container 361 and activate motor 337 of the transport mechanism to rotate the forward end of the belt 336 upwardly so as to lift the engaged end 362 or other surface of the transportation container 361 upwardly onto the belt 336 .
- Transport mechanism 329can then be utilized to move the transportation container 361 into the interior of the robot, for example into the interior 316 of the transport container 115 .
- the robot 114can optionally be moved forwardly during this process to facilitate the transportation container 361 being lifted onto the top surface of the belt 336 , moved into container 115 or both.
- the pickup or loading processcan optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 and weight sensor 356 .
- the structure or components of the robot for picking up an article 121 or transportation container 361can be of any suitable type and referred to as a pickup assembly, mechanism or apparatus.
- a pickup assembly, mechanism or apparatuscan optionally include attachment assembly 249 , translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253 , pivot assemblies 261 , 262 , transport mechanism 329 or any combination of the foregoing.
- door 321 of the container 115can optionally be closed and robot 114 directed by computer network 136 to the second location.
- signals received by computer network 136 from weight sensors 356 in the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of the article 121 received by the container 115 conforms with the article designated for delivery by robot 114 .
- computer network 136can record the receipt by transport container 115 of article 121 or transportation container 361 containing the article 121 .
- the pickup of the transportation container 361 by robot 114can optionally include causing or directing the robot to pick up or retrieve the transportation container 361 from a pickup container 116 , which can optionally be a stationary container into which the transportation container 361 has been left for pickup.
- the pickup locationcan be referred to as being inside the pickup container 116 .
- the transportation container 361with the one or more articles 121 therein, is placed in the pickup container 116 .
- the computer network 136can provide the human with an identifier of the pickup container 116 , the location of the pickup container 116 and a code or key to access or unlock the pickup container so as to permit the article to be placed in the container 116 .
- the code or keycan be static or dynamic.
- the humancommunicates with the computer network 136 after arriving at the pickup container 116 to unlock the container, for example to unlock door latch 349 of the container 115 .
- a physical keycan optionally be utilized by the human to gain entry to the pickup container 116 .
- the humancan then manually open door 321 of the container 116 in any suitable manner or utilizing any suitable door opening apparatus, for example by utilizing latch 343 ′ to disengage the door from cable portion 362 a and thus permit the door to be manually opened by the human.
- the humancan activate transport mechanism 329 of the container 116 to facilitate placement of the transportation container 361 within the pickup container 116 .
- the humancan manually close door 321 of the container and reengage latch 343 ′ with cable portion 362 a .
- the closing of the door 321can serve to automatically engage latch 343 ′ with cable 362 , activate door latch 349 or both so that the container 116 is then locked and tamperproof.
- Such pickup by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 from pickup container 116can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the desired container of robot 114for example one of transport containers 115
- first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182including pivot assemblies 217 , 227 thereof, can optionally be used to maneuver robot 114 so that the front end 306 of the transport container 115 is nearby the front end 306 of the pickup container 116 .
- the robot 114aligns or registers the opening 317 of the transport container 115 with the opening 317 of the pickup container 116 , for example using computer vision.
- the robotaligns or registers the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 , which can optionally be a conveyor system, with the transport mechanism 329 of the pickup container 116 , which can optionally be a conveyor system.
- the transport mechanism of the pickup container 116can be referred to as a pickup transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, any of the other terms herein identified with respect thereto or any combination of the foregoing.
- the alignment of the two transport mechanisms 329can result in the top surface of the respective conveyor belts 336 of the containers being substantially parallel to each other for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the pickup container 116 to be picked up by or received by the belt 336 of the transport container 115 .
- the front of the conveyor belts 336 of the two containerscan optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit a transportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt.
- the conveyor belts of the two containers 115can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of a transportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts.
- the robot 114can optionally include an orientation assembly or mechanism which permits such alignment or registration.
- the transport container 115can optionally be translated, pivoted, tilted, rotated or any combination of the foregoing by the robot 114 , for example by the orientation assembly or mechanism of the robot, as part of such alignment or registration process.
- the computer network 136can cause robot 114 to translate transport container 115 in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to pivot the transport container 115 about at least one axis so as to align the transport container 115 with the pickup container 116 or any other container or receiver of contents of the transport container 115 .
- Such orientation assembly or mechanismcan optionally include the three orthogonal axes adjustment mechanism hereof, the three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism hereof, or both.
- one or more wheels of the robot 114can optionally be utilized to move the transport container 115 forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the pickup container 116
- front wheels 206 and rear wheels 207as pivoted 90° by respective pivot assemblies 217 , 227
- translational mechanisms 252 , 253can optionally be utilized to move the transport container 115 upwardly or downwardly with respect to the pickup container 116 or any combination of the foregoing can occur.
- one or more of the wheels of the robot 114can optionally be pivoted 45° by respective pivot assemblies 217 , 227 to thereafter pivot or rotate transport container 115 about axis 183 with respect to pick up container 116
- first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262can optionally be utilized to pivot or rotate transport container 115 about axis 202 with respect to pickup container 116
- first and second translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253can optionally be utilized to pivot or rotate the transport container 115 about axis 250 with respect to the pickup container or any combination of the foregoing can occur.
- the positioning of the transport container 115 with respect to the pickup container 116can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 .
- one or both of cameras 293 , 294 on the approaching end 176 or 177 of robot 114can optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to visualize front end 306 of the pickup container 116 and to compare the input sensor signals received from the cameras 293 , 294 with stored images or other data with respect to the pickup container and utilize algorithms stored in the computer network 136 to move the front end 306 of transport container 115 into registration with the front end 306 of the pickup container 116 so that the openings 317 of the two containers can optionally be aligned or registered with each other.
- sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors of robot 114 and from IMU sensor 296can optionally be utilized by the computer network 136 in such registration and alignment step.
- the face 352 of the transport container 115engages the face 352 of the pickup container 116 , permitting joining devices 351 to engage and secure the transport container 115 and the pickup container 116 together.
- Powercan optionally be transferred from robot 114 to the pickup container 116 , for example by engagement of the electrical connectors 353 on the transport container 115 with the respective electrical connectors 53 on the pickup container 116 , so as to energize some or all of components 298 of the pickup container 116 .
- transceiver 171 , computer 357 , door opening mechanism 341 , door latch 349 , and transport mechanism 329 of the pickup container 116can optionally be so energized by the robot.
- Computer network 136 and robot computer 156can wirelessly communicate with container computer 327 , for example by means of the robot transceiver 163 and container receiver 171 .
- communications connector 358 of the containers 115 , 116can optionally be utilized to provide hardwired communications between the containers.
- the computer network 136can communicate with the pickup container 116 confirm the identity or address of the pickup container 116 , to provide a suitable key or code to the pickup container for authorizing access to the pickup container, to provide direction to the pickup container or any combination of the foregoing.
- the key or codecan be static or dynamic.
- signals received by computer network 136for example through robot computer 156 and container computer 357 , from weight sensors 356 in the pickup container 116 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of the article 121 therein conforms with the article designated for delivery.
- the transportation container 361 and the one or more articles thereincan then be transferred or moved in any suitable manner, for example by the transport mechanisms 329 of the containers 116 , 115 , from the pickup container 116 to the robot 114 , for example to the transport container 115 of the robot.
- the computer network 136can open one or both of the containers.
- computer network 136can cause or direct the door opening mechanisms 341 of both containers 115 , 116 to open the respective doors 321 of the containers so as to permit communication between the interiors 316 of the containers.
- Computer network 136can further cause or direct the transport mechanisms 329 of both containers to be activated so as to move or transfer transportation container 361 from the interior of pickup container 116 to the interior of transport container 115 on robot 114 (see FIG. 34 ).
- the computer network 136can cause one or more articles of transportation containers to be retrieved from the pickup container 116 and placed in the transport container 115 .
- the computer network 136can cause a first container to move an article or transportation container out of the first container, a second container to move an article or transportation container into the second container or both.
- the pickup container 116can deliver one or more articles or transportation containers to the transport container 115 .
- transport mechanism 329 of the pickup container 116can serve to move the transportation container 361 out of the container 116 for delivery to the transport container 115 , such as until the transportation container 361 touches and engages the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 .
- the transport mechanism 329 of container 115can thereafter move the transportation container 361 into the interior 316 of the transport container 115 .
- Such transfer, from the conveyor system of pickup container 116 to the conveyor system of transport container 115 , or more broadly from one container to another container or from one conveyor system to another conveyor system,can be referred to as a conveyor system transfer.
- the computer network 136can cause or direct the doors 321 of both containers 115 , 116 to close and move robot 114 away from pickup container 116 .
- signals received by computer network 136 from weight sensors 356 in the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of the article therein conforms with the article designated for delivery by robot 114 .
- computer network 136can record the receipt by transport container 115 of transportation container 361 containing the article 121 . Any or all actions, directions, commands or instructions of the computer network 136 to the pickup container 116 can optionally be through robot 114 , for example robot computer 156 .
- robot 114can be navigated by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , over transportation network 101 from the first location to the second location, for example to deliver one or more articles 121 or transportation containers 361 to the second location.
- Such travel by robot 114can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the navigating stepcan optionally include the computer network 136 accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the transportation network 101 from the first location to the second location.
- the route of robot 114 over transportation network 101can optionally be determined initially by computer network 136 , for example by considering factors such as traffic and weather, and can optionally include travel over roads, bike paths and sidewalks for example.
- the route of robot 114can optionally be changed, for example as a result of input received by the computer network 136 from any of sensors 162 .
- a route travel by robot 114 between a first location and a second locationis illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the first locationcan optionally be in the vicinity of a deliveror 118 , for example a pickup container 116 associated with the deliveror 118 .
- Robot 114is shown traveling on a route that includes an alley 106 , a sidewalk 104 , a crosswalk 107 , a bike path 103 and a further crosswalk 107 , sidewalk 104 and bike path 103 before reaching deliveree 119 , for example a recipient container 117 associated with the deliveree 119 .
- Such navigationcan optionally include the use of computer vision.
- the input signals from any or all of sensors 162can optionally be used for relaying real-time information with respect to such navigation and the possible or contemplated routes of robot 114 to computer network 136 for analysis.
- the input signals from any or all of sensors 162can optionally be used for observing the terrain encountered by robot 114 , which can optionally be used by the computer network 136 to prepare or update maps of the terrain, including changes in transient, dynamic or other objects, newly traveled routes, newly encountered buildings or structures and other information that may be useful in navigating other robots between locations. At least some such maps can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and in each case can optionally be updated on a real-time basis by the robots 114 of system 113 .
- the delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 at the second locationcan be performed in any suitable manner.
- the article 121can optionally be retrieved from the robot 114 by a human at the second location.
- the humancan remove the one or more articles from the transportation container 361 , and leave the transportation container 361 in robot or retain the transportation container 361 for future use with system 113 .
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the robot to deliver the transportation container 361 at the second location, for example free of human assistance.
- the delivery of the transportation container 361 by the robot 114can optionally include delivery of the transportation container 361 to a recipient container 117 at the second location.
- the recipient or delivery locationcan be referred to as being inside the recipient container 117 .
- Such delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 to the recipient container 117can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the opening 317 of the transport container 115 of the robot 114can optionally be registered or aligned with the opening 317 of the recipient container 117 , for example in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the pickup of an article by robot 114 from a pickup container 116 (see FIGS. 34-35, 39 and 41 ).
- Such aligning or registeringcan optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision.
- the desired container of robot 114for example one of transport containers 115
- first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182including pivot assemblies 217 , 227 thereof, can optionally be used to maneuver robot 114 so that the front end 306 of the transport container 115 is nearby the front end 306 of the recipient container 117 .
- the robot 114aligns or registers the opening 317 of the transport container 115 with the opening 317 of the recipient container 117 .
- the robotaligns or registers the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 , which can optionally be a conveyor system, with the transport mechanism 329 of the recipient container 117 , which can optionally be a conveyor system.
- the transport mechanism of the recipient container 117can be referred to as a recipient transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, any of the other terms herein identified with respect thereto or any combination of the foregoing.
- the alignment of the two transport mechanisms 329can result in the top surface of the respective conveyor belts 336 of the containers being substantially parallel to each other for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the transport container 115 to be picked up by or received by the belt 336 of the recipient container 116 .
- the front of the conveyor belts 336 of the two containerscan optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit transportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt.
- the conveyor belts of the two containers 115can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of a transportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts.
- the robot 114can optionally include an orientation assembly or mechanism which permits such alignment or registration.
- the transport container 115can optionally be translated, pivoted, tilted, rotated or any combination of the foregoing by the robot 114 , for example by the orientation assembly or mechanism of the robot, as part of such alignment or registration process.
- the computer network 136can cause robot 114 to translate transport container 115 in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to pivot the transport container 115 about at least one axis so as to align the transport container 115 with the recipient container 117 .
- Such orientation mechanismcan optionally include the three orthogonal axes adjustment mechanism hereof, the three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism hereof, or both.
- one or more wheels of the robot 114can optionally be utilized to move the transport container 115 forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the recipient container 117
- front wheels 206 and rear wheels 207can optionally be utilized to move the transport container 115 sideways with respect to the recipient container
- translational mechanisms 252 , 253can optionally be utilized to move the transport container 115 upwardly or downwardly with respect to the recipient container 117 or any combination of the foregoing.
- one or more of the wheels of the robot 114can optionally be pivoted 45° by respective pivot assemblies 217 , 227 to thereafter pivot or rotate transport container 115 about axis 183 with respect to recipient container 117
- first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262can optionally be utilized to pivot or rotate transport container 115 about axis 202 with respect to recipient container 117
- first and second translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253can optionally be utilized to pivot or rotate the transport container 115 about axis 250 with respect to the recipient container or any combination of the foregoing.
- the positioning of the transport container 115 with respect to the recipient container 117can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 .
- one or both of cameras 293 , 294 on the approaching end 176 or 177 of robot 114can optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to visualize front end 306 of the recipient container 117 and to compare the input sensor signals received from the cameras 293 , 294 with stored images or other data with respect to the recipient container and utilize algorithms stored in the computer network 136 to move the front end 306 of transport container 115 into registration with the front end 306 of the recipient container 116 so that the openings 317 of the two containers can optionally be aligned or registered with each other.
- sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors of robot 114 and from IMU sensor 296can optionally be utilized by the computer network 136 in such registration and alignment step.
- the containerscan optionally be secured together for example by joining devices 351 .
- powercan optionally be transferred from the robot 114 to the recipient container 117 , for example by means of electrical connectors 353 of the two containers, so as to power some or all of components 298 of the recipient container 117 .
- transceiver 171 , computer 357 , the transport mechanism 329 , door opening mechanism 341 and door latch 349 of the recipient container 117 , or any combination thereofcan optionally be so energized by the robot.
- Computer network 136 and robot computer 156can wirelessly communicate with computer 357 of the recipient container 117 , for example by means of the robot transceiver 163 and recipient container receiver 171 .
- communications connector 358 of the containers 115 , 117can optionally be utilized to provide hardwired communications between the containers.
- the computer network 136can communicate with the recipient container 117 to confirm the identity or address of the recipient container 117 , to provide a suitable key or code to the recipient container for authorizing access to the pickup container, to provide direction to the pickup container, or any combination of the foregoing.
- the key or codecan be static or dynamic.
- Computer network 136can cause robot 114 to remove the transportation container 361 from within the robot for delivery to the second location.
- the transportation container 361 and the one or more articles thereincan then be transferred or moved in any suitable manner, for example by the transport mechanisms 329 of the containers 115 , 117 , from the robot 114 , for example the transport container 115 of the robot, to the recipient container 117 .
- the computer network 136can open one or both of the containers.
- computer network 136can direct the door opening mechanisms 341 of both containers 115 , 117 to open the respective doors 321 of the containers so as to permit communication between the interiors 316 of the containers.
- Computer network 136can further direct the transport mechanisms 329 of both containers to be activated so as to move transportation container 361 from the interior of transport container 115 on robot 114 to the interior of recipient container 117 (see FIG. 34 ).
- transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115can serve to move the transportation container 361 out of the container 115 for delivery to the recipient container 117 or other second location, for example until the transportation container 361 touches and engages the transportation mechanism 329 of the recipient container 117 .
- Computer network 136can cause recipient container 117 to move transportation container 361 inside the recipient container at the second location.
- the transport mechanism 329 of the recipient container 117can move or place the transportation container 361 into the interior 316 of the recipient container 117 .
- the computer network 136can direct the doors 321 of both containers 115 , 117 to close and move robot 114 away from recipient container 117 .
- Such transferfrom the conveyor system of transport container 115 to the conveyor system of recipient container 117 , can be referred to as a conveyor system to conveyor system transfer.
- signals received by computer network 136for example through robot computer 156 and container computer 357 , from weight sensors 356 in the recipient container 117 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of the article 121 therein conforms with the articles designated for delivery to the recipient container 117 .
- computer network 136can record the receipt by recipient container 117 of transportation container 361 containing the article 121 . Any or all actions, directions, commands or instructions of the computer network 136 to the recipient container 117 can optionally be through robot 114 , for example robot computer 156 .
- the pickup containers 116 and recipient containers 117 of the inventioncan be of any suitable type, for example any stationary container 115 located at the first or pickup location, at the second or drop off location, at another location within transportation network 101 or at any other location.
- a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117can optionally be a container 115 rigidly mounted to a rigid support 376 , such as a post, extending upwardly from the ground.
- the container 115can optionally be mounted atop the post 376 , as shown in FIG. 34 , or at any other location on the post 376 .
- FIG. 34for example, a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117 can optionally be a container 115 rigidly mounted to a rigid support 376 , such as a post, extending upwardly from the ground.
- the container 115can optionally be mounted atop the post 376 , as shown in FIG. 34 , or at any other location on the post 376 .
- a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117can optionally be a container 115 rigidly mounted to a rigid support 377 , such as a wall.
- the wall 377can optionally be part of a building or part of any other structure, for example the wall of the home of the deliveree or user.
- the wall 377can optionally be the outer wall of the structure, such that the container 115 extends into the structure.
- the majority of the container 115can extend inside, or be located in, the structure.
- front end 306 of the container 115can optionally be substantially flush with the outer surface of wall 337 .
- the container 115can optionally include a second or other opening (not shown) into the interior 316 of the container that can optionally be accessed from inside the structure, for example by the deliveree or user.
- a second or other openingcan optionally be lockable, and for example include a door, or be not lockable.
- Such second or other openingcan optionally be inside the building, so as to permit access to the container 115 from within the building.
- the computer network 136can provide the human with an identifier of the recipient container 117 , the location of the recipient container 117 and a code or key to access or unlock the recipient container so as to permit the article 121 to be removed from the container 117 .
- the code or keycan be static or dynamic.
- the humancommunicates with the computer network 136 after arriving at the recipient container 117 to unlock the container, for example to unlock door latch 349 of the container 115 .
- a physical keycan optionally be utilized by the human to gain entry to the recipient container 117 .
- the humancan then manually open door 321 of the container 117 in any suitable manner or utilizing any suitable door opening apparatus, for example by utilizing latch 343 ′ to disengage the door from cable portion 362 a and thus permit the door to be manually opened by the human.
- the humancan activate transport mechanism 329 of the container 117 to facilitate removal of the transportation container 361 from the recipient container 117 . After the transportation container 361 has been removed from the recipient container 117 , the human can manually close door 321 of the container and reengage latch 343 ′ with cable portion 362 a .
- the closing of the door 321can serve to automatically engage latch 343 ′ with cable 362 , activate door latch 349 or both so that the container 117 is then locked and tamperproof.
- the humancan remove the one or more articles 121 from the transportation container 361 .
- the humanretains the transportation container 361 for use at a later time with system 113 .
- the humanleaves the transportation container 361 within the recipient container 117 for retrieval by a robot 114 of the system at a later time.
- the delivery of the transportation container 361 by robot 114can optionally include dropping off or placing the transportation container 361 containing the article 121 onto a support surface such as the ground, for example using computer vision.
- Such delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the drop off locationcan optionally be determined by any suitable algorithm included in computer network 136 , for example an observation by sensors 162 carried by robot 114 of various potential drop off locations at the second location and comparing them to categories of rated drop off locations stored in computer network 136 .
- computer network 136determines which highest rated drop off location is available and directs the robot 114 to drop the transportation container 361 at such location.
- the drop off locationcan optionally be a specific or precise location at the second location designated by the user, for example included in the request of the user.
- the specific or precise locationcan optionally be a specific or precise location on the ground at the second location as well as on other surfaces or in containers 115 at the second location.
- sensors 162 of robot 114compare images of the terrain at and around the second location with the photograph or other image provided by the user, for example image 367 with indicator 368 thereon provided with the user's request, to locate or determine at the second location the precise drop off location shown by indicator 368 or otherwise identified by the user on its photograph or other image.
- Robot 114can optionally be directed by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , to drop the article or transportation container 361 at such precise location.
- the drop off locationhas been indicated by the deliveree by any other suitable means or manner.
- Computer network 136can cause or direct robot 114 to drop off or place the transportation container 361 on the ground at the specified location or otherwise at the second location, for example free of human assistance.
- the routine for robot 114 dropping the transportation container 361 onto the ground or other support surfacecan be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the routine discussed above with respect to the pickup by robot 114 of transportation container 361 left for pickup on the ground or other support surface.
- the transport mechanism of the at least one container 186for example transport mechanism 329 of one of containers 115 of the at least one container 186 , can optionally be used in this regard.
- one of the lower containers 115 of the robot 114can optionally be utilized when the transportation container 361 is to be dropped off on the ground or on another support surface at the second location.
- the container 115can optionally be positioned by robot 114 so that front end 306 of one of the containers 115 is nearby or on the drop off location.
- first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182including pivot assemblies 217 , 227 thereof, can optionally be used to maneuver robot 114 so that the front end 306 of the container 115 is adjacent or nearby the drop off location.
- Attachment assembly 249 of the robotincluding first and second translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253 and first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262 , can optionally be used to lower chassis 187 towards or onto the ground.
- the chassis 187can optionally be tilted so that one end 282 , 283 of the base 281 of the chassis is closer to the ground than the other end, for example the first end 282 of the base 281 as illustrated in FIGS. 32-33 .
- transport mechanism 329 within the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to move the transportation container 361 out of the interior 316 of the robot, for example out of opening 317 of interior 316 of the transport container 115 , and onto the ground at the drop off location.
- the robot 114can optionally be moved rearwardly during this process to facilitate the transportation container 361 being moved out of the container 115 , being dropped or placed on the ground at the drop off location, or both.
- the drop off or unloading processcan optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 and weight sensor 356 .
- door 321 of the container 115can optionally be closed and robot 114 directed by computer network 136 to another location.
- signals received by computer network 136 from weight sensors 356 in the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to conform that the transportation container 361 is no longer in the container 115 of the robot 114 .
- computer network 136can record the delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 from the transport container 115 of the robot to the drop off location.
- a humanfor example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one or more articles 121 from the transportation container 361 . In any embodiment, the human retains the transportation container 361 for use at a later time with system 113 .
- System 113can optionally include delivery of transportation container 361 by robot 114 at other locations that do not include a container 115 .
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the robot 114 to deliver the transportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance.
- the second or drop off locationcan optionally be inside of any suitable structure, for example a building.
- the drop off locationcan optionally include a support surface for receiving the transportation container 361 .
- robot 114can deliver transportation container 361 to an opening 381 provided in a wall 382 of a structure (see FIG. 36 ). Such delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 , including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the opening 381can access the interior of the structure.
- Computer network 136 and robot computer 156can verify the correctness of the opening 381 in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing the opening 381 with robot cameras 293 , 294 and comparing the images received from such cameras with an image or other data associated with the opening stored in computer network 136 .
- such verificationcan optionally be accomplished by computer network 136 wirelessly or otherwise communicating, for example through robot transceiver 163 , with a transmitting device (not shown) previously verified by system 113 as being associated with the opening 381 .
- the opening 381can have a size approximating the size, for example not less than the size, of the opening 317 of the transport container 115 .
- Wall 382can optionally include a support surface 383 , for example the horizontal surface forming the bottom of opening 381 , for receiving the transportation container 361 .
- support or receiving surface 383extends to a downwardly-inclined ramp 384 having a base wall 386 at the end thereof for forming a receptacle 387 for receiving the transportation container 361 from opening 382 .
- a suitable support 387can optionally be provided for supporting the receptacle 388 above the ground.
- robot 114can approach and register or align container opening 317 of the robot with the opening 381 in the wall 382 in any suitable manner, for example in any of the manner manners and methods discussed above for registering or aligning a transport container 115 with an opening 317 or transport mechanism 329 of a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117 .
- opening 317 of the transport container 115can optionally be pushed up flush with opening 381 in wall 382 as part of such alignment and registration.
- robot 114aligns or registers transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 , which can optionally be a conveyor system, with support or bottom surface 383 of the opening 381 .
- the alignment of the transport mechanism 329 with bottom surface 383can result in the top surface of the conveyor belt 336 of the container 115 being substantially parallel with surface 383 for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the transport container 115 to be received by the surface 383 .
- the front of the conveyor belt 336 of the transport containeris relatively close to the surface 383 so as to facilitate or permit a transportation container 361 moving off the conveyor belt to be received by the bottom surface 383 of the opening 381 .
- the top surface of the conveyor belt 336 of the transport container 115can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with bottom surface 383 so as to facilitate a transfer of a transportation container 361 from the conveyor belt into the opening 381 .
- the positioning of the transport container 115 with respect to the opening 381can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 .
- one or both of cameras 293 , 294 on the approaching end 176 or 177 of robot 114can optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to visualize opening 381 and to compare the input sensor signals received from the cameras 293 , 294 with stored images or other data with respect to the opening 381 or similar openings or structures and utilize algorithms stored in the computer network 136 to move the front end 306 of transport container 115 into registration or alignment with the opening 381 .
- sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors of robot 114 and from IMU sensor 296can optionally be utilized by the computer network 136 in such registration and alignment step.
- transportation container 361can optionally be transferred or moved by transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 from the robot into the opening 381 .
- computer network 136can direct the door opening mechanism 341 of the transport container 115 to open door 321 of the container so as to permit communication between the interior 316 of the container and the opening 381 .
- Computer network 136can further direct the transport mechanism 329 to be activated so as to move transportation container 361 from the interior of the transport container 115 of robot 114 into opening 381 .
- transport mechanism 329for example the top of belt 336 of the transport mechanism, can optionally be horizontally aligned with support surface 383 by robot 114 .
- the top of belt 336 and support surface 383can optionally be approximately in the same plane.
- Transport mechanism 329can continue moving transportation container 361 out of the container 115 and into the opening 381 until the transportation container 361 slides down ramp 384 into receptacle 387 .
- the computer network 136can direct the doors 321 of transport container 115 to close and move robot 114 away from the opening 381 and wall 382 .
- computer network 136can record the delivery of transportation container 361 by robot 114 through opening 381 .
- a humanfor example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one or more articles 121 from the transportation container 361 .
- the humanretains the transportation container 361 for use at a later time with system 113 .
- System 113can optionally include pickup or delivery of a transportation container 361 by robot 114 at other locations inside a building, for example inside a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, or receipt of a transportation container 361 by robot 114 from such other locations inside a building.
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the robot 114 to deliver the transportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance.
- the drop off or pick up locationcan optionally include a support surface inside of a building for receiving or delivering the transportation container 361 .
- robot 114can deliver transportation container 361 to a support surface inside of a building, or receives the transportation container from such support surface, that can optionally be in the form of any suitable transport mechanism, such as a conveyor system 401 (see FIG. 37 ).
- a conveyor system 401can optionally include a motorized conveyor belt 402 movably carried on a plurality of rollers 403 .
- the top surface of the conveyor belt 402can optionally be substantially planar, for example horizontal.
- the conveyor system 401can optionally be elevated above the ground or floor of the building by any suitable support structure 404 .
- the conveyor system 401has an end 406 , for example formed by one end of conveyor belt 402 , that can optionally be accessed by a transport container 115 of a robot 114 .
- Computer network 136 and robot computer 156can verify the correctness of the drop off or pick up location, for example onto or from conveyor system 401 , in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing the location, the building, the conveyor system 401 or any combination of the foregoing with robot cameras 293 , 294 and comparing the images received from such cameras with an image or other data associated with the location stored in computer network 136 .
- verificationcan optionally be accomplished by computer network 136 wirelessly or otherwise communicating, for example through robot transceiver 163 , with a transmitting device (not shown) previously verified by system 113 as being associated with the drop off location.
- robot 114can approach and register or align container opening 317 of the robot with the conveyor system 401 in any suitable manner, for example in any of the manners and methods discussed above for registering or aligning a transport container 115 with an opening 317 , or a transport mechanism 329 of a transport container 115 , with a transport mechanism 329 of a pickup container 116 or a recipient container 117 .
- the alignment of the container transport mechanism 329which can each be a conveyor system, with the conveyor system 401 can result in the top surfaces of the conveyor belts 336 , 402 being substantially parallel to each other for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the transport container 115 to be picked up by or received by the conveyor belt 402 of the conveyor system 401 .
- the front of the conveyor belts 336 , 402can optionally be moved relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit a transportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt.
- the conveyor belts 336 , 402can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of transportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts.
- the positioning of the transport container 115 with respect to the conveyor system 401can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 of the robot.
- one or both of cameras 293 , 294 on the approaching end 176 or 177 of robot 114can optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to visualize conveyor system 401 and to compare the input sensor signals received from the cameras 293 , 294 with stored images or other data with respect to the conveyor system 401 or similar conveyor systems or structures and utilize algorithms stored in the computer network 136 to move the front end 306 of transport container 115 , and transport mechanism 329 within the container, into registration or alignment with the conveyor system 401 .
- sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors of robot 114 and from IMU sensor 296can optionally be utilized by the computer network 136 in such registration and alignment step.
- the transportation container 361 and the one or more articles thereincan then be transferred or moved by the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 and conveyor system 401 from the robot 114 to the conveyor system 401 or vice a versa.
- computer network 136can direct the door opening mechanism 341 of the transport container 115 to open door 321 of the transport container so as to permit the interior 316 of the transport container to communicate with conveyor system 401 .
- Computer network 136can further direct the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container and, for example by the robot transceiver 163 , the conveyor system 401 to be activated so as to move transportation container 361 from the interior of transport container 115 on robot 114 to the conveyor system 401 or vice a versa (see FIG. 37 ).
- transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115can serve to move the transportation container 361 out of the container 115 until the transportation container 361 touches and engages the conveyor belt 402 of the conveyor system 401 , which can thereafter move the transportation container 361 fully onto the conveyor belt 402 .
- the computer network 136can direct the door 321 of the transport container 115 to close and move robot 114 away from the conveyor system 401 .
- Such transfer, from the conveyor system of transport container 115 to the conveyor system 401can be referred to as a conveyor system to conveyor system transfer.
- signals received by computer network 136for example through robot computer 156 and container computer 357 , from weight sensors 356 in the transport container 115 can optionally be utilized to confirm that the transportation container 361 has been delivered by the robot 114 or received by the robot, as appropriate.
- computer network 136can record the delivery of transportation container 361 containing the article 121 by robot 114 .
- the one or more articles 121can optionally be removed from the transportation container 361 in any suitable manner, for example by a human or any suitable automated process.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be retained for use at a later time with system 113 .
- System 113and a suitable vehicle or other robot thereof, can optionally be utilized for transferring articles within a building, for example a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles.
- a vehicle or other type of robot 411can be provided that can optionally be substantially identical to robot 114 , and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of robots 411 and 114 (see FIG. 38 ).
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the vehicle or robot 411 to transfer articles at such locations, for example free of human assistance.
- the drop off or pickup locationcan optionally include a support surface inside of the building for receiving a transportation container 361 .
- robot 411can deliver an article to a support surface inside of a building, or receives an article from such support surface, that can optionally be in the form of any suitable transport mechanism, such as conveyor system 412 .
- Such delivery or pick up by robot 114 of an article, including any step or part thereof,can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- Such delivering or receivingcan optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision.
- the conveyor system 412can optionally include one or more motorized conveyor belts.
- the conveyor system 412can optionally include a first motorized conveyor belt 416 , a second motorized conveyor belt 417 and a third motorized conveyor belt 418 .
- Each of the conveyor belts 416 , 417 , 418can optionally be movably carried by a plurality of rollers 419 .
- the conveyor belts 416 , 417 , 418can be arranged in any suitable configuration, and in any embodiment can optionally be in a stacked configuration with first conveyor belt 416 being a top conveyor belt, second conveyor belt 417 being a middle or intermediate conveyor belt below first conveyor belt 416 and third conveyor belt 418 being a bottom conveyor belt below second conveyor belt 417 .
- the top surface of each of the conveyor beltscan optionally be substantially planar, for example horizontal.
- the conveyor system for 12can optionally be elevated above the ground or floor of the building by any suitable support structure 421 .
- Each of the conveyor beltshas an end 422 for accessing the belt.
- Robot 411can optionally include any suitable transport mechanism, for example any transport mechanisms discussed herein, for transferring an article or container 423 of any suitable type between the robot and conveyor system 412 .
- the transport mechanism of robot 411can optionally be a conveyor system mounted on the exterior of the robot of any suitable type, which can be of any suitable shape or curvature.
- an exterior conveyor system 426 that is be planarcan optionally be provided on any suitable horizontal surface of the robot 411 .
- the exterior conveyor system 426can optionally be located on a top surface 427 of the robot, for example the top surface of top portion 191 of the robot.
- the exterior conveyor system 426can optionally be a motorized conveyor system that can optionally include a conveyor belt 428 movably carried by a plurality of rollers 429 .
- the conveyor system 426can be of any suitable size and shape, and in any embodiment extends across at least a portion of the top of robot 411 . In any embodiment, the conveyor system 426 extends across the entire length or width of the robot and in any embodiment, shown in FIG. 38 , the exterior conveyor system 426 extends between first or front end 176 and second or rear end 177 of the robot 411 . As such, each end of the exterior conveyor system is accessible at one and 176 , 177 of the robot.
- the rollers 429can optionally be coupled to or supported by top portion 191 of robot 411 by any suitable means, for example by a support 432 at each end of the conveyor system 426 extending between the system 426 and top surface 427 of the robot.
- the exterior conveyor system 426can optionally include a scale of any suitable type, for example for measuring the weight of the one or more articles 423 being carried by the system 426 .
- a scale for measuring the weight of the objects resting on conveyor belt 428can optionally be provided.
- such weight scalecan optionally be formed from one or more sensors 433 disposed on supports 432 of the conveyor system 426 . Each of such sensors 433 can be of any suitable type, for example a strain gauge.
- Such scalescan optionally be coupled to computer network 136 , either directly or indirectly.
- Robot 411can optionally include at least one container 186 , which can optionally include a container assembly 301 provided with a plurality of transport containers 115 .
- Each of the containerscan optionally include a transport mechanism of any suitable type, such as transport mechanism 329 .
- Each transport mechanismcan optionally be at least partially, or totally, disposed inside the respective container 115 .
- computer network 136 and robot computer 156can verify the correctness of the drop off or pick up location, for example robot exterior conveyor system 426 , in any suitable manner, for example any of the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect to conveyor system 401 .
- robot 411can optionally approach and register or align exterior conveyor system 426 with conveyor system 412 , for example first conveyor belt 416 of the system 412 , in any suitable manner, for example any of the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect to conveyor system 401 .
- one or more articles 423can optionally be transferred or moved between exterior conveyor system 426 of robot 411 and conveyor system 412 , for example first conveyor belt 416 of the system 412 , in any suitable manner, for example any the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect to conveyor system 401 .
- signals received by computer network 136for example through robot computer 156 , from weight sensors 433 of the exterior conveyor system 426 can optionally be utilized to confirm that article 423 has been delivered or received by robot 411 .
- computer network 136can record the delivery of article 423 by robot 411 .
- At least one of the conveyor belts of system 412can optionally be accessed by a transport container 115 of robot 411 , and in any embodiment second conveyor belt 417 and third conveyor belt 418 can optionally be accessed by respective transport containers 115 of the robot, for transferring or moving one or more transportation containers 361 or articles 423 between the transport containers 115 and the conveyor belts 417 , 418 .
- Such accessing and transferringcan be accomplished by any suitable means, including all or portion of any of the methods disclosed herein.
- a vehicle or other robot of system 113can stop at other locations between the first location and the second location, for picking up or delivering other articles or transportation containers in connection with other user requests or otherwise.
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the robot to pick up or deliver articles or transportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance.
- Such other articles or transportation containerscan optionally be contained in any of the transport containers 115 of robot 114 .
- such other articlescan optionally be contained in a transportation container 361 which was arranged in tandem, for example end to end, within a transport container 115 of the robot 114 with another transportation container 361 previously delivered by the robot 114 from such transport container 115 .
- one or more articles or transportation containerscan optionally be delivered by robot 114 to an intermediate location, for example to an intermediate container 115 such as an intermediate pickup container 116 or an intermediate recipient container 117 , for later pickup by a second vehicle or other robot 114 for delivery by the second vehicle or other robot to the second location.
- an intermediate container 115such as an intermediate pickup container 116 or an intermediate recipient container 117
- the transfer of the one or more articles 121 , or the one or more transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from the vehicle or robot 114 to an intermediate pickup container 116 or intermediate recipient container 117can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of a transportation container 361 between a transport container 115 of a robot 114 and a container 115 of a pickup container 116 or recipient container 117 .
- Computer network 136can direct the second robot to pick up or receive the one or more articles or transportation containers from the intermediate container, for example by traveling over transportation network 101 to the intermediate container.
- Computer network 136can direct or cause the transfer of the one or more articles 121 , or the one or more transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from the intermediate container to the transport container 115 of the second robot 114 in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of a transportation container 361 between a transport container 115 of a robot 114 and a container 115 of a pickup container 116 or recipient container 117 .
- Computer network 136can navigate the second robot 114 over transportation network 101 from the intermediate location, which can be referred to as a second location, to the second location, which can be referred to as a third location.
- the computer network 136can cause or direct the second robot 114 to deliver the one or more articles at the third location by any suitable means including any of those disclosed herein.
- the third locationcan be any of those disclosed herein, including an additional recipient container 117 .
- the second robot 114can deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the opening 317 or interior 316 of the additional recipient container 117 by any suitable means, including for example by use of the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 as disclosed herein to remove the one or more articles or transportation containers from the transport container 115 of the second robot.
- the additional recipient container 117can move the one or more articles or transportation containers into or inside the additional recipient container by any suitable means, including for example by use of the transport mechanism 329 of the additional recipient container 117 . Any or all of the foregoing steps can optionally be performed free of human assistance.
- a plurality of robotscan optionally be utilized to deliver one or more articles from a first location to a final delivery location.
- one or more articles or transportation containerscan optionally be delivered by a first vehicle or other robot 114 directly to a second or additional vehicle or other type of robot 114 at an intermediate location (see FIG. 39 ).
- the pickup container at the second or other locationcan optionally be a transport container 115 of the first robot and the recipient container at the second or other location can optionally be a transport container 115 of the second robot 114
- the transfer of the one or more articles 121 , or the one or more transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from the robot 114 to the second robot 114can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of a transportation container 361 between a transport container 115 of a robot 114 and a container 115 of a pickup container 116 or recipient container 117 .
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the first robot 114 to deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the additional or second robot 114 .
- the second robot 114can transport or deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the second location, which can be referred to as a third location, for example under the direction of computer network 136 . Such transport or delivery can optionally be, for example, over transportation network 101 .
- Computer network 136can cause the second robot to deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the third location by any suitable means including any of those disclosed herein.
- the third locationcan optionally be any of the second locations disclosed herein, including an additional recipient container 117 .
- the second robot 114can deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the opening 317 or interior 316 of the additional recipient container 117 by any suitable means, including for example by use of the transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 as disclosed herein.
- the additional recipient container 117can move the one or more articles or transportation containers into or inside the additional recipient container by any suitable means, including for example by use of the transport mechanism 329 of the additional recipient container 117 . Any or all of the foregoing steps can optionally be performed free of human assistance.
- System 113can optionally include other vehicles or robots for carrying one or more containers for transporting articles or transportation containers, such as articles 121 or transportation containers 361 .
- Such vehicles or robotscan optionally include conventional vehicles, for example cars and trucks and including cars and trucks that can optionally be operated by humans.
- such vehicles or robotshave human driver compartments for permitting onboard human drivers of the vehicles.
- Such vehicles or robotscan dock with other vehicles or robots of system 113 , including robot 114 .
- one or more transport containers 115 of robot 114can dock with one or more transport containers 115 of such vehicles or robots.
- Such an other vehicle or robotcan optionally be a truck 441 having an optional cab 442 and a plurality of motorized wheels 443 (see FIGS. 40-41 ).
- the truck 441can carry a plurality of the containers of the invention, for example a plurality of containers 115 .
- a plurality of containers 115can optionally be stacked in rows and columns with respective openings 317 accessible from a side 444 of the truck 441 .
- openings 317 of the plurality of containers 115can optionally be flush with the planar side of the truck 441 .
- Such a plurality of containers 115can optionally be provided on a first side of the truck 441 , an opposite second side of the truck 441 , the rear end of the truck 441 , the front of the truck 441 , or any combination of the foregoing.
- the transfer of the one or more articles 121 , or the one or more transportation containers 361 containing the articles, between truck 441 and robot 114can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of a transportation container 361 between a transport container 115 of a robot 114 and a container 115 of a pickup container 116 or recipient container 117 (see FIG. 41 ).
- Truck 441can serve as a mobile warehouse that can be temporarily or permanently parked at any location in transportation network 101 .
- Truck 441can arrive at such temporary location with any or all of its transport containers 115 filled or otherwise occupied by transportation containers 361 for delivery by one or more robots 114 that can optionally be directed by computer network 136 to truck 441 to receive respective transportation containers 361 .
- truck 441can serve as a way station for transportation containers 361 that are delivered to truck 441 by one robot 114 and thereafter retrieved from truck 441 by another robot 114 for delivery to a drop off or other location.
- truck 441has more transport containers 115 carried thereby than robot 114 , for example multiples of the transport containers 115 of robot 114 .
- a transportation container 361can optionally be moved between two transport containers 115 within a vehicle or other robot 114 .
- the transportation container 361can optionally be moved internally within container assembly 301 , for example by openings or doors (not shown) provided in respective adjoining walls of the two containers 115 and utilizing the respective transport mechanisms 329 of the containers.
- an opening or doorcan optionally be provided in the back end 307 of each of two adjoining containers 115 and the transport mechanisms 329 of the containers can optionally be used to move a transportation container 361 between the containers.
- a transportation container 361can optionally be moved between transport containers 115 of the robot 114 by unloading the transportation container 361 from the first transport container 115 in any suitable manner, for example as disclosed herein, and then reloading the transportation container 361 to the second transport container 115 in any suitable manner, for example as disclosed herein.
- System 13 and the methods hereincan optionally include delivery of the transportation container 361 by robot 114 to any location, for example locations that do not include a container 115 , are not within a structure or are not at a structure (see for example FIGS. 42-47 ).
- transportation container 361can be delivered to any second or other location designated by a user, for example at a park, at a beach, at a street corner, at a shopping mall or at a parking lot.
- Computer network 136can cause or direct the robot 114 to deliver the transportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance.
- Such delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361including any step or part thereof, can optionally be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- Computer network 136 and robot computer 156can verify the correctness of the delivery location in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing the location with robot cameras 293 , 294 and comparing the images received from such cameras with an image or other data associated with the delivery location stored in computer network 136 .
- the second or delivery locationcan be designated by the user in any suitable manner, including any manner or technique disclosed herein.
- the usercan optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of the three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, to which the transportation container 361 is to be delivered by robot 114 in a delivery request.
- the usercan touch an image displayed on a computing device, such as an image 367 viewable on display 148 of deliveror computing device 141 or deliveree computing device 142 , to designate a precise location to which the container 361 should be delivered.
- Any suitable indicatorsuch as indicator 368
- Such imagecan be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image, for example a three-dimensional virtual model.
- Such locationcan optionally be translated or converted into three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example as disclosed herein, for use by computer network 136 in coordinating and directing robot 114 to such precise location.
- a robot 114can deliver transportation container 361 to a step or other elevated surface relative to the ground, for example in front of a residence or other structure as shown in FIGS. 42-43 .
- Such elevated surfacefor example step 451
- Such designationcan optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of such three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, with respect to the precise delivery location 452 .
- the usertouches an image 367 visible on display 148 of a computing device 141 , 142 to create an indicator 368 on the image 361 designating the precise delivery location 452 on the step 451 (see FIG. 42 ).
- the method or routine for robot 114 dropping the transportation container 361 onto step 451 or other elevated surfacecan be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the method or routine discussed above with respect to the drop off or placement of a transportation container 361 by a robot onto the ground.
- the transport mechanism of the at least one container 186for example transport mechanism 329 of one of containers 115 of the at least one container 186
- one of the lower containers 115 of the robot 114for example one of containers 115 sitting directly on base 281 of the chassis 187 , can optionally be utilized when the transportation container 361 is to be dropped off on an elevated surface such as step 451 at the second or other location.
- the container 115can optionally be positioned by robot 114 so that front end 306 of one of the containers 115 is nearby or slightly above the step 451 .
- first and second wheel assemblies 181 , 182including pivot assemblies 217 , 227 thereof, can optionally be used to maneuver robot 114 so that the front end 306 of the container 115 is adjacent or nearby the step 451 .
- Attachment assembly 249 of the robotincluding first and second translational adjustment mechanisms 252 , 253 and first and second pivot assemblies 261 , 262 , can optionally be used to lower or raise chassis 187 towards or adjacent the step 451 , for example slightly above the delivery location 452 on the step 451 .
- the chassis 187can optionally be tilted so that one end 282 , 283 of the base 281 of the chassis is lower than the other end, for example the first end 282 of the base 281 as illustrated in FIG. 43 .
- transport mechanism 329 within the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to move the transportation container 361 out of the interior 316 of the robot, for example out of opening 317 of interior 316 of the transport container 115 , and onto the step 451 at the delivery location 452 .
- the robot 114can optionally be moved rearwardly or forwardly during this process to facilitate the transportation container 361 being moved out of the container 115 , being dropped or placed on the step 451 at the delivery location 452 , or both.
- the drop off or unloading processcan optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 and weight sensor 356 of the robot.
- door 321 of the container 115can optionally be closed and robot 114 directed by computer network 136 to another location.
- signals received by computer network 136 from weight sensors 356 in the transport container 115can optionally be utilized to conform that the transportation container 361 is no longer in the container 115 of the robot 114 .
- computer network 136can record the delivery by robot 114 of the transportation container 361 from the transport container 115 of the robot to the delivery location 452 .
- a humanfor example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one or more articles 121 from the transportation container 361 . In any embodiment, the human retains the transportation container 361 for use at a later time with system 113 .
- a robot 114can deliver transportation container 361 to such other locations such as other elevated surfaces relative to the ground, for example to a ledge or porch, for example porch 461 shown in FIGS. 44-45 , or a table, for example picnic table 462 shown in FIGS. 46-47 .
- Such elevated surfacefor example the top of porch 461 or picnic table 462
- Such designationcan optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of such three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, with respect to a precise delivery location on such surfaces, for example delivery location 463 on porch 461 or delivery location 464 on table 462 .
- the usertouches an image 367 visible on display 148 of a computing device 141 , 142 to create an indicator 368 on the image 361 designating the precise delivery location, for example location 463 on porch 461 or location 464 on table 462 (see FIGS. 44,46 ).
- the method or routine for robot 114 dropping off or depositing the transportation container 361 onto porch 461 or table 462 , or other elevated surfacecan be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the method or routine discussed above with respect to the drop off or placement of a transportation container 361 by a robot into opening 381 in wall 382 or onto conveyor system 401 .
- robot 114aligns or registers transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 , which can optionally be a conveyor system, with the top surface of the porch 461 or table 462 .
- the alignment of the transport mechanism 329 with the top surface of the porch or tablecan result in the top surface of the conveyor belt 336 of the container 115 being substantially parallel with or slightly elevated relative to the top surface of the porch or table for permitting the transportation container moved off of or delivered by the belt 336 of the transport container 115 to be received by such top surface.
- chassis 187 of the robotcan optionally be tilted so that one end 282 , 283 of the base 281 of the chassis is lower than the other end.
- the front of the conveyor belt 336 of the transport containercan optionally be relatively close to the top surface of the porch 461 or table 462 so as to facilitate or permit a transportation container 361 moving off the conveyor belt to be received by such top surface.
- the top surface of the conveyor belt 336 of the transport container 115can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with the top surface of the porch 461 or table 462 so as to facilitate a transfer of a transportation container 361 from the conveyor belt onto the top surface of the porch or table.
- the positioning of the transport container 115 with respect to the top surface of the porch 461 or table 462can optionally be controlled by computer network 136 , including robot computer 156 , which can utilize input from one or more of sensors 162 .
- one or both of cameras 293 , 294 on the approaching end 176 or 177 of robot 114can optionally be utilized by computer network 136 to visualize the porch 461 or table 462 and to compare the input sensor signals received from the cameras 293 , 294 with stored images or other data with respect to the porch or table or structures and utilize algorithms stored in the computer network 136 to move the front end 306 of transport container 115 into registration or alignment with the top surface of the porch 461 or table 462 .
- sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors of robot 114 and from IMU sensor 296can optionally be utilized by the computer network 136 in such registration and alignment step.
- transportation container 361can optionally be transferred or moved by transport mechanism 329 of the transport container 115 from the robot 114 to the delivery location, for example the delivery location 463 on porch 461 or the deliver 464 on table 462 .
- computer network 136can direct the door opening mechanism 341 of the transport container 115 to open door 321 of the container so as to permit communication between the interior 316 of the container and the top surface of the porch or table.
- Computer network 136can further direct the transport mechanism 329 to be activated so as to move transportation container 361 from the interior of the transport container 115 of robot 114 onto such top surface.
- transport mechanism 329for example the top of belt 336 of the transport mechanism, can optionally be horizontally aligned with the top surface of the porch 462 or table 462 by robot 114 .
- the top of belt 336 and the top surface of the elevated surfacefor example the top surface of the porch or table, can optionally be approximately in the same plane.
- computer network 136can record the delivery of transportation container 361 by robot 114 to the delivery location 463 , 464 .
- a humanfor example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one or more articles 121 from the transportation container 361 .
- the humanretains the transportation container 361 for use at a later time with system 113 .
- the transportation containers of the inventioncan optionally be reused within system 113 , for example after the delivery of a transportation container 361 to the second location and the removal of the one or more articles transported therein to the second location.
- the empty transportation container 361can optionally be placed on the ground or another surface at the second location.
- the empty transportation container 361can optionally be returned to the recipient container 117 at the second location for reuse.
- the empty transportation container 361can be picked up in any suitable manner at the second location by a vehicle or robot 114 of system 113 , for example the vehicle or robot 114 that delivered the transportation container 361 to the second location or another one of a plurality of vehicles or robots from a fleet of vehicles or robots of system 113 .
- Computer network 136can direct or cause any such second vehicle or robot 114 to be navigated over transportation network 101 to the second location.
- the method and manner of pickup by the vehicle or robot 114 at the second locationcan be of any suitable type, including any of the methods and manners disclosed herein.
- the empty transportation container 361can optionally be moved, for example under the direction of computer network 136 , from the recipient container 117 to the transport container 115 of the vehicle or robot 114 at the second location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein.
- the transport container 115 of the vehicle or robotcan optionally be registered or aligned with the recipient container 117 , for example as disclosed above.
- the vehicle or robot 114can navigated, under a further step controlled by computer network 136 , from the second location to a third location, which can be of any suitable type including any of those disclosed herein such as a pickup container 116 , a recipient container 117 , a transport container 115 of another vehicle or robot 114 , a container 115 of truck 441 , a surface of any suitable type or the ground.
- the vehicle or robot 114can deliver the empty transportation container 361 to the third location, for example by any of the methods or manners disclosed herein.
- the empty transportation container 361can optionally be removed from the transport container 115 of the vehicle or robot at the third location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein for reuse in system 113 .
- Such method or processcan be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- one or more additional articles 121can optionally be placed in the transportation container 361 at the second location, for example for delivery to a third location.
- the second locationcan be of any suitable type, for example any of the pickup locations disclosed herein including a pickup container 116 , a surface of any suitable type or the ground.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be transported or delivered to a third location and one or more additional articles 121 placed in the transportation container 361 at the third location, for example for delivery to a fourth location.
- the third locationcan be of any suitable type, for example any of the pickup locations disclosed herein including a pickup container 116 , a surface of any suitable type or the ground.
- the one or more additional articles 121can be of any suitable type, for example any of the articles disclosed herein including articles for delivery by system or products purchased by a user of system 113 for subsequent delivery.
- the transportation container 361 with the one or more additional articles thereincan be picked up in any suitable manner at the pickup location, that is the respective second or third location, by a second vehicle or robot 114 of system 113 , for example one of a plurality of vehicles or robots from a fleet of vehicles or robots of system 113 .
- the second vehicle or robot 114can deliver the transportation container 361 to the delivery location, that is the respective third or fourth location.
- the second vehicle or other robot 114can optionally be different or distinct from the first vehicle or robot 114 utilized to deliver the transportation container 361 from the first location to the second location.
- the method and manner of pickup by second vehicle or robot 114can be of any suitable type, including any of the methods and manners disclosed herein.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be picked up from the ground or another surface by the second vehicle or robot 114 .
- the transportation container 361can optionally be placed in a pickup container 116 at the pickup location.
- Computer network 136can direct or cause the second vehicle or robot 114 to be navigated over transportation network 101 to the pickup location.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be moved, for example under the direction of computer network 136 , from the pickup container 116 to the transport container 115 of the second vehicle or robot 114 at the pickup location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein.
- the transport container 115can optionally be registered or aligned with the pickup container 116 , for example as disclosed above.
- the second vehicle or robot 114can optionally be navigated, under a further step controlled by computer network 136 , from the pickup location to the delivery location, which can be of any suitable type including any of those disclosed herein such as a recipient container 117 , a surface of any suitable type or the ground.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be moved, for example under the direction of computer network 136 , from the transport container 115 of the second vehicle to the recipient container 117 at the delivery location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein.
- the transport container 115can optionally be registered or aligned with the recipient container 117 , for example as disclosed above.
- the one or more articles 121can optionally be removed from the transportation container 361 in any suitable manner, for example by a human or any suitable automated process.
- the transportation container 361can optionally be retained for use at a later time with system 113 , including for example in the recipient container 117 .
- Such method or processcan be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously.
- the utilization of a transportation containercan increase the efficiency of system 113 , including the pickup, transportation and drop off of articles being transported and delivered by the system.
- the utilization of a plurality of transportation containers of a standardized size and shapecan contribute to such efficiency.
- the sizing of the standardized transportation containers to approximate the size of any or all of the pickup, recipient and transport containers of the inventioncan contribute to such efficiency.
- the utilization of a transportation container with an open topcan facilitate loading and unloading of the transportation container. Increases in efficiency can result in reductions in cost of system 113 and the methods disclosed herein.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to pick up a product at a first location, directing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product at the first location, navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location.
- the navigating stepcan include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to place the product on the ground at the second location.
- the receiving stepcan include receiving from the user a specified location on the ground at the second location where the product should be delivered and the causing step can include causing the robot to place the product on the ground at the specified location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to remove the product from within the robot for delivery to the second location.
- the robotcan have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the robot to open the transport container and remove the product from the container for delivery to the second location.
- the robotcan have a delivery mechanism for removing the product from within the robot for delivery to the second location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to deliver the product to an interior of a recipient container at the second location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to remove the product from within the robot, and the method can include placing the product in the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan be associated with the user.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to deliver the product to an additional robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks at the second location, and the method can include navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to the third location and causing the additional robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the third location.
- the additional robotcan deliver the product to an interior of a recipient container at the third location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to deliver the product to a recipient container at the second location, and the method can include directing an additional robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product free of human assistance from the recipient container at the second location, navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to the third location, and causing the additional robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the third location.
- the methodcan include causing the robot to receive the product from a pickup container free of human assistance at the first location.
- the receiving stepcan include purchasing the product by the user.
- the methodcan include charging the user for delivering the product at the second location.
- the recipient containercan have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the causing step can include directing the door to open for permitting delivery of the product to the interior of the recipient container.
- the transport containercan have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the recipient container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the recipient container and the causing step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the robotcan have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the robotcan have a delivery mechanism for removing the product from within the transport container for delivery to the recipient container.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location, directing a robot configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a transport container to receive the article within the transport container at the first location, navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, causing the robot to remove the article from the transport container and deliver the article to a recipient container at the second location and causing the recipient container to move the article inside the recipient container at the second location.
- the robotcan be a wheeled vehicle free of a human driver compartment.
- the robotcan have a delivery mechanism inside the transport container for removing the article from the transport container for delivery to the second location.
- the delivery mechanismcan be a conveyor mechanism.
- the robotcan open the transport container.
- the robotcan autonomously remove the article from the transport container and deliver the article to the recipient container.
- the causing the robot to deliver stepcan include causing the robot to deliver the article to an additional robot at the second location, the recipient container at the second location can be a transport container of the additional robot, and the method can include navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, causing the additional robot to deliver the article to an additional recipient container at the third location and causing the additional recipient container to move the article inside the additional recipient container.
- the methodcan include directing an additional robot having an additional transport container to receive the article within the additional transport container from the recipient container at the second location, navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, causing the additional robot to remove the article from the additional transport container and deliver the article to an additional recipient container at the third location and causing the additional recipient container to move the article inside the additional recipient container.
- the methodcan include causing the transport container of the robot to receive the article from a pickup container at the first location and causing the transport container to move the article inside the transport container at the first location.
- the pickup containercan have a delivery mechanism for removing the article from the pickup container for delivery to the transport container of the robot.
- the receiving stepcan include purchasing the article by the user.
- the transport containercan have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the recipient container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the recipient container and the causing the robot to deliver step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the robotcan have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the door can be directed to open for permitting the recipient container to move the article to the interior of the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan be directed through the robot.
- the recipient containercan be powered through the robot.
- the methodcan include directing the robot to autonomously translate the transport container in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to autonomously pivot the transport container about at least one axis so as to align the transport container with the recipient container.
- the robotcan be a driverless wheeled vehicle.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to pick up a product at a first location, causing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product free of human assistance at the first location, and navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location.
- the methodcan include causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location.
- the methodcan include charging the user for delivering the product at the second location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to pick up the product from the ground at the first location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to place the product inside the robot at the first location.
- the robotcan have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the robot to open the transport container and place the product inside the transport container.
- the robotcan have a receiving mechanism for placing the product inside the robot.
- the causing stepcan include causing the robot to retrieve the product from a pickup container at the second location.
- the robotcan have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include retrieving the product from the pickup container and placing the product in the transport container.
- the pickup containercan have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the causing step can include directing the door to open for permitting retrieval of the product from the interior of the pickup container.
- the transport containercan have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the pickup container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the pickup container and the causing step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container.
- the robotcan have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the pickup container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the pickup container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container.
- the receiving stepcan include purchasing the product by the user.
- the navigating stepcan include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location, navigating a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a closeable transport container to the first location, causing the robot to open the closeable transport container and move the article inside the transport container at the first location and navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location for delivering the article to the second location.
- the methodcan include causing a pickup container at the first location to deliver the article from the pickup container to the transport container at the first location.
- the pickup containercan have a transport mechanism for removing the article from the pickup container for delivery to the transport container at the first location.
- the transport mechanismcan be inside the pickup container.
- the pickup containercan be a closeable pickup container and the causing the pickup container step can include opening the pickup container.
- the transport containercan have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the pickup container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the pickup container, and the method can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container.
- the robotcan have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the pickup container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the pickup container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container.
- the causing the robot stepcan include causing the robot to pick up the article from the ground at the first location.
- the transport containercan have a transport mechanism for moving the article inside the transport container.
- the robotcan be wheeled vehicle free of a human driver compartment.
- the receiving stepcan include purchasing the article by the user.
- the navigating stepcan include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to the second location, placing the article in a pickup container at the first location, navigating a robot configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a transport container to the first location, autonomously moving the article from the pickup container to the transport container at the first location and additionally navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location for delivering the article to the second location.
- the pickup containercan be a closeable pickup container and the transport container can be a closeable transport container and the autonomous moving step can include autonomously opening the closeable pickup container and autonomously opening the closeable transport container.
- the additionally navigating stepcan include autonomously navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- the robotcan autonomously navigate to the first location.
- the robotcan be a wheeled vehicle.
- a system for delivering a product from a first location to a second locationcan include a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks for transporting the product from the first location to the second location, the robot having a transport container for housing the product during transport, a recipient container at the second location for receiving the product at the second location, at least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, the robot having a product transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the product from the transport container and delivering the product to the recipient container.
- the product transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the transport container.
- the transport containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door.
- the door opening assemblycan be disposed inside the transport container.
- the robotcan include a plurality of transport containers and a plurality of respective product transport mechanisms.
- the recipient containercan include a receiving transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for moving the product received from the robot inside the recipient container.
- the receiving transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door.
- the door opening assemblycan be disposed inside the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan have an opening and the transport container can have an opening and the robot can include an orientation assembly for registering the opening in the transport container with the opening in the recipient assembly.
- the orientation assemblycan include a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the transport containercan have at least one first electrical connector and the recipient container can have at least one second electrical connector for cooperatively engaging with the at least one first electrical connector to permit the transport container to provide power to the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan be a transport container of an additional robot.
- the robotcan have a pickup assembly that can be controlled by the at least one computer and can include the product transport mechanism for picking up the product free of human assistance at the first location.
- the systemcan include a pickup container at the first location, and the product transport mechanism can be configured to receive the product from the pickup container and move the product inside the transport container.
- the pickup containercan include a delivering transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the product from the pickup container and delivering the product to the transport container.
- the delivering transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the pickup container.
- the pickup containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer and disposed inside the pickup container for opening and closing the side door.
- the pickup containercan be a transport container of an additional robot.
- the at least one computercan include a computer carried by the robot and a cloud-based computer.
- the at least one computercan include a smartphone configured for communication with the cloud-based computer.
- a system for delivering an article from a first location to a second locationcan include a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks for transporting the article from the first location to the second location, the robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport, a closeable recipient container at the second location for receiving the article, at least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, the robot having a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container at the second location and the recipient container having a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.
- the first article transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the transport container.
- the transport containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door.
- the door opening assemblycan be disposed inside the transport container.
- the robotcan include a plurality of transport containers and a plurality of respective robot article transport mechanisms.
- the recipient transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door.
- the door opening assemblycan be disposed inside the recipient container.
- the robotcan be a driverless vehicle and the recipient container can have an opening and the transport container can have an opening and the driverless vehicle can include an orientation assembly for registering the opening in the transport container with the opening in the recipient assembly.
- the orientation assemblycan include a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container.
- the transport containercan have a least one first electrical connector and the recipient container can have at least one second electrical connector for cooperatively engaging with the at least one first electrical connector to permit the transport container to provide power to the recipient container.
- the recipient containercan be a transport container of an additional robot.
- the robotcan have a pickup assembly that can be controlled by the at least one computer and can include the robot article transport mechanism for picking the article up off the ground free of human assistance at the first location.
- the systemcan include a pickup container at the first location, and the robot article transport mechanism can be configured to receive the article from the pickup container and move the article inside the transport container.
- the pickup containercan include a pickup article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the pickup container and delivering the article to the transport container.
- the pickup article transport mechanismcan be at least partially disposed inside the pickup container.
- the pickup containercan include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer and disposed inside the pickup container for opening and closing the side door.
- the pickup containercan be a transport container of an additional robot.
- the at least one computercan include a computer carried by the robot and a cloud-based computer.
- the at least one computercan include a smartphone configured for communication with the cloud-based computer.
- a method for transporting a plurality of articles from a first location to a second locationcan include receiving a transportation container of a standardized size and shape for being carried within a transport container of any of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robots, each of the plurality of robots being configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and being free of a human driver compartment, placing the plurality of articles in the transportation container, placing the transportation container in a pickup location at the first location, navigating a first robot from the fleet of robots to the first location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport container of the first robot at the first location, navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container to a recipient location at the second location.
- the transportation containercan be made from a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard, plastic and metal.
- the transportation containercan have the shape of a parallelepiped.
- the transportation containercan have four interconnected side walls joined to a bottom wall.
- the transportation containercan be free of a top.
- the step of autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport containercan include autonomously picking the transportation container up off the ground at the first location.
- the pickup locationcan be inside a pickup container and wherein the step of autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport container can include autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container.
- the transportation containercan be autonomously placed on the ground at the second location.
- the recipient locationcan be inside a recipient container and the transportation container can be autonomously moved from the transport container to the recipient container.
- the transport containercan be a closeable transport container and each autonomous moving step can include autonomously opening the transport container.
- the transport containercan have a transport mechanism for moving the transportation container into and out from the transport container.
- the methodcan include receiving payment for the purchase of the plurality of articles.
- a method for transporting a plurality of articles from a first location to a second locationcan include receiving an open transportation container of a standardized size and shape for being carried within a transport container of any of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robots, each of the plurality of robots being configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and being free of a human driver compartment, placing the plurality of articles in the transportation container, placing the transportation container in a pickup container at the first location, navigating a first robot from the fleet of robots to the first location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container of the first robot at the first location, navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container to a recipient container at the second location.
- the recipient containercan be a closeable recipient container and the recipient container can be autonomously opened.
- the methodcan include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container.
- the methodcan include receiving the open transportation container at a third location, placing a second plurality of articles in the transportation container at the third location, placing the transportation container in a pickup container at the third location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the third location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container of the second robot at the third location, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the third location to a fourth location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container of the second robot to a recipient container at the fourth location.
- the methodcan include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container at the fourth location.
- the methodcan include placing an additional article in the transportation container at the second location, placing the transportation container in recipient pickup container at the second location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the second location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container at the second location to the transport container of the second robot, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container of the second robot to a recipient container at the third location.
- the removing stepcan include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container to create an empty transportation container, placing the empty transportation container in the recipient container at the second location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the second location, autonomously moving the empty transportation container from the recipient container to the transport container of the second robot at the second location, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, and removing the empty transportation container from the transport container of the second robot at the third location for later reuse.
- the removing stepcan include autonomously removing the empty transportation container from the transport container of the second robot at the third location.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, the request including the location of the buyer, directing the request to a plurality of vendors within a predetermined distance from the buyer for bidding, receiving a price quote from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, permitting the buyer to purchase the product from one of the plurality of vendors, and directing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product at a first location associated with the selected one of the plurality of vendors.
- the price quotecan include an indicator of the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyer.
- the step of receiving a price quotecan include receiving a confirmation from each of the plurality of vendors that the product is in stock.
- the indicator of the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyercan be selected from the group consisting of the location of each of the plurality of vendors and the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyer.
- the step of directing the robotcan include causing the robot to pick up the product free of human assistance at the first location.
- the methodcan include navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to a second location associated with the buyer.
- the methodcan include causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location.
- the methodcan include charging the buyer for delivering the product at the second location.
- the charge to the buyercan be altered or increased as a function of demand for the product.
- a computer-implemented method for delivering a purchased product with a robotcan include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to a plurality of vendors of the product, receiving a response from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, each response including at least the price of the product, evaluating each response against a plurality of features of each of the plurality of vendors, selecting the response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the evaluating step and directing the robot to pick up the product from the one of the plurality of vendors of the selected response.
- the evaluating stepcan include evaluating each response against a plurality of features of the respective vendor using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective vendors.
- the selecting stepcan include selecting the response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of vendors.
- the selecting stepcan include selecting the response from the one of the plurality of vendors selected from the group consisting of vendor with the highest aggregate value and the vendor with the lowest aggregate value.
- the ranking regression methodcan include assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective vendor.
- the aggregate value for the respective vendorcan be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor.
- the numerical valuecan be a cost-based value.
- the ranking regression methodcan include training a neural network with a set of example vendors to provide a trained neural network and assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features of the vendor.
- the ranking regression methodcan include training a kernel method with a set of example vendors to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features of the vendor.
- the ranking regression methodcan include training a decision tree with a set of example vendors to provide a trained decision tree and assigning a numerical value for each of the plurality of features, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features of the vendor.
- the plurality of featuresare selected from the group consisting of the price of the product, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, the distance from the product of the vendor to the buyer, an estimate of the travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the brand of the product of the vendor, the rating of the vendor from previous buyers, the name of the vendor, the time to pick up the product of the vendor by the robot, any combination of the foregoing and all of the foregoing.
- a computer-implemented method for delivering a purchased product with one of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robotscan include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to at least one vendor of the product, receiving a response from the vendor, evaluating a plurality of the robots for picking up the product against a plurality of features of the plurality of robots, selecting one of the plurality of robots as a function of the evaluating step and directing the selected one of the plurality of a robot to pick up the product from the vendor.
- the evaluating stepcan include evaluating a plurality of the robots for picking up the product against a plurality of features of the plurality of robots using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective robots.
- the selecting stepcan include selecting one of the plurality of robots as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of robots.
- the ranking regression methodcan include a step selected from the group consisting of training a neural network, training a kernel method and training a decision tree.
- the plurality of featuresare selected from the group consisting of the distance of a robot from the product of the vendor, the load capacity of the robot, the remaining battery life of the robot, the estimated travel time of the robot to the product of the vendor, any combination of the foregoing and all of the foregoing.
- a computer-implemented methodincludes receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to a plurality of vendors of the product, receiving a reply from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, providing the buyer with a response that can include with respect to each of the plurality of vendors the price of the product of the vendor and at least one product purchase factor selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot, permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least one product purchase factor and purchase the product from the selected one of the plurality of vendors, and directing the robot to pick
- the responsecan include at least two product purchase factors selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot and the permitting step can include permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least two product purchase factors.
- the responsecan include at least three product purchase factors selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot and the permitting step can include permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least three product purchase factors.
- the methodcan include charging the buyer for the product.
- the methodcan include altering the price of the product to the buyer as a function of the demand for the product.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to deliver a product from a first location to a second location, the request including a photo of the second location and an indicator on the photo identifying a precise drop off location for the product, directing at least one robot to pick up the product at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the product to the drop off location.
- the at least one robotcan be configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks and the outdoor transportation network can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks.
- the navigating stepcan include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- the navigating stepcan include comparing terrain at the second location observed by the at least one robot with the photo to enable the at least one robot to deliver the product to the drop off location.
- the at least one robotcan have at least one camera for observing terrain at the second location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the at least one robot to place the product on the ground at the drop off location.
- the causing stepcan include causing the at least one robot to remove the product from within the at least one robot for delivery to the drop off location.
- the at least one robotcan have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the at least one robot to open the transport container and remove the product from the container for delivery to the drop off location.
- the methodcan include causing the at least one robot to receive the product from a pickup container free of human assistance at the first location.
- the receiving stepcan include purchasing the product by the user.
- the methodcan include charging the user for delivering the product to the drop off location.
- the directing stepcan include directing a first robot to pick up the product at the first location
- the navigating stepcan include navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to an intermediate location, causing the first robot to deliver the product free of human assistance to the intermediate location, causing a second robot to pick up the product free of human assistance at the intermediate location and navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the intermediate location to the second location, and the second robot can deliver the product to the drop off location.
- a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumcan store computer-executable instructions to, display a photograph on a display, permit a user to touch the photograph on the display to identify a location on the photograph and request a third party to deliver a product to the location identified on the photograph.
- the computer-executable instructionscan be configured to purchase the product from the third party.
- the computer-executable instructionscan be configured to operate on a smartphone and receive the photograph from a camera on the smartphone.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location, the request including an image of the second location and an indicator on the image identifying a precise delivery location for the article, providing a three-dimensional virtual model that can include the second location, registering the indicator on the image to a precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model to obtain a three-dimensional delivery location, directing at least one robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- the three-dimensional delivery locationcan include three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location.
- the registering stepcan include registering the image to the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the requestcan include a plurality of images, further comprising utilizing the plurality of images in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the plurality of imagesare a plurality of photographs.
- the plurality of imagescan include a video.
- the methodcan include obtaining a plurality of depth sensor signals of the second location and utilizing the plurality of depth sensor signals in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the requestcan include the plurality of depth sensor signals.
- the imagecan be a photograph.
- the requestcan include a three-dimensional orientation associated with the image.
- the methodcan include touching a computer screen displaying the image to create the indicator on the image identifying the precise delivery location.
- a computer-implemented methodcan include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location, the request including a three-dimensional delivery location for the article, directing at least one robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- the methodcan include providing a three-dimensional virtual model that can include the second location to the user and indicating on the three-dimensional model the three-dimensional delivery location.
- the indicating stepcan include touching a computer screen displaying the three-dimensional virtual model to indicate the three-dimensional delivery location on the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the methodcan include utilizing a plurality of images of the second location provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the methodcan include utilizing a plurality of depth sensor signals provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the three-dimensional delivery locationcan include three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location.
- a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumcan store computer-executable instructions useable by a mobile computing device having a display to, permit a user of the device to display a three-dimensional virtual model on the display, permit the user to touch the displayed three-dimensional virtual model to identify a three-dimensional delivery location of an article and request a third party to deliver an article to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- the computer-executable instructionscan permit the user to purchase the article from the third party.
- the mobile computing devicecan be selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a laptop, a watch, a mobile computer and a smart wearable item with a camera.
- the computer-executable instructionscan permit the user to scan a location with a sensor of the device to produce the three-dimensional virtual model.
- the sensor of the devicecan be a camera.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Robotics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Manipulator (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
- Computer Graphics (AREA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
- Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/505,801 filed May 12, 2017, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/534,674 filed Jul. 19, 2017 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/555,970 filed Sep. 8, 2017, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates to a delivery method and system and, more particularly, to a delivery method and system using a robot.
- Methods and systems have been provided for delivering articles over roads and sidewalks to a location. Such systems have used wheeled vehicles. Recently disclosed systems utilize mixed autonomous wheeled vehicles.
- What is needed is a method, system and robot that can permit autonomous delivery of articles, including goods and products, over a variety of outdoor transportation networks.
- The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a robot delivery system of the present invention for use on an outdoor land transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks.FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container assembly or array for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a stationary container for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a robot for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the robot ofFIG. 5 taken along the line6-6 ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a wheel assembly of the robot ofFIG. 5 FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 7 taken along the line7-7 ofFIG. 7 .FIG. 9 is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 8 , with the front and rear wheels of the wheel assembly in a second position.FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 7 , taken along the line10-10 ofFIG. 8 , in a third position.FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 7 , similar toFIG. 10 but illustrating the wheel assembly in a fourth position.FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chassis of the robot ofFIG. 5 in a first position relative to the wheel assemblies of the robot.FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the chassis ofFIG. 12 .FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the chassis ofFIG. 12 in a second position relative to the wheel assemblies.FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the chassis and wheel assemblies ofFIG. 12 taken along the line15-15 ofFIG. 14 .FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the chassis ofFIG. 12 in a third position relative to the wheel assemblies.FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the chassis ofFIG. 12 in a fourth position relative to the wheel assemblies.FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the chassis ofFIG. 12 in a fifth position relative to the wheel assemblies.FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the chassis and wheel assemblies ofFIG. 12 , in the second position ofFIG. 14 , with at least one container carried thereby.FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the chassis, wheel assemblies and at least one container ofFIG. 19 in a sixth position.FIG. 21 is an end elevational view of the chassis, wheel assemblies and at least one container ofFIG. 19 taken along the line21-21 ofFIG. 20 .FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of some of the electronics and electromechanical components of the robot ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 23 is a side elevational view, partially cut away, of a container for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 with its door closed.FIG. 24 is a cross sectional plan view, partially cut away, of the container ofFIG. 23 taken along the line24-24 ofFIG. 23 .FIG. 25 is an end elevational view of the container ofFIG. 23 taken along the line25-25 ofFIG. 23 but with the door fully opened.FIG. 26 is a side elevational view, partially cut away and similar toFIG. 23 , of another embodiment of a container for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 with its door closed.FIG. 27 is a cross sectional plan view, partially cut away and similar toFIG. 24 , of the container ofFIG. 26 taken along the line27-27 ofFIG. 26 .FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronics of the container ofFIG. 23 .FIG. 29 is a side cross sectional view of one embodiment of a container assembly for use with the robot ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 30 is an illustration of one step of using a mobile computing device to identify a pickup or delivery location of a robot of the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 31 is an illustration of a pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, in furtherance of the step ofFIG. 30 .FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of one step of one method of the robot ofFIG. 5 , partially cut away, picking up an article from the ground.FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of another step of one method of the robot ofFIG. 5 , partially cut away, picking up an article from the ground.FIG. 34 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot ofFIG. 5 and a stationary container.FIG. 35 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot ofFIG. 5 and another embodiment of a stationary container for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 36 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article from a robot ofFIG. 5 to a delivery location.FIG. 37 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between a robot ofFIG. 5 to an article transport mechanism.FIG. 38 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between a robot of the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 and an article transport mechanism.FIG. 39 is a one embodiment of a method for transferring an article from a first robot ofFIG. 5 to a second robot ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a robot for use in the robot delivery system ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 41 is one embodiment of a method for transferring an article between the robot ofFIG. 40 and the robot ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 42 is an illustration of another pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step ofFIG. 30 .FIG. 43 is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot ofFIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated inFIG. 42 .FIG. 44 is an illustration of a further pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step ofFIG. 30 .FIG. 45 is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot ofFIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated inFIG. 44 .FIG. 46 is an illustration of yet another pickup or delivery location indicated on the display of a mobile computing device, for example in furtherance of the step ofFIG. 30 .FIG. 47 is one embodiment of a method for delivering an article from a robot ofFIG. 5 to a delivery location, for example the location designated inFIG. 46 .- A method and system113 for delivering articles, objects, products or goods from one location to another location using a
robot 114 is provided. The terms articles, objects, products or goods may be used interchangeably herein. The method can optionally be computer implemented, either partially or totally. Therobot 114 can optionally be remotely controlled, semiautonomous or mixed autonomous. The robot can optionally be one or a plurality of robots, for example one of a plurality of identical robots. Therobot 114 can have legs, wheels, tracks or any combination of the foregoing. The robot can optionally be a biped, two wheels, three wheels, four wheels or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, therobot 114 can optionally be a driverless robot, which can be referred to as driverless vehicle or robot, an autonomous vehicle or robot, an autonomous wheeled vehicle or robot, a driverless biped, an autonomous biped or any combination of such terms. The system113 may be referred to as a wheeled vehicle or robotic delivery system, a driverless vehicle or robotic delivery system, an autonomous vehicle or robotic delivery system, a driverless or autonomous biped delivery system or any combination of the foregoing. The method and system can optionally be used on an outdoor land transportation network, which can include roads, bike paths, sidewalks, alleys, paths, crosswalks, any route on which a wheeled vehicle can travel, any route on which a biped can travel or any combination of the foregoing. Thenetwork 101 can be referred to as an outdoor network, and outdoor transportation network, a land transportation network or a transportation network.Transportation network 101 can optionally includeroads 102,bike paths 103,sidewalks 104,alleys 106, crosswalks107 and walking paths108 (seeFIG. 1 ). Theroads 102 can be of any suitable type, including main thoroughfares and side streets, whether in a city, suburb, rural or any other setting. Thebike paths 103 can be in any suitable location, including alongside a road or separate or distinct from a road. In any embodiment,network 101 can optionally include agrid 109 ofroads 102. In any embodiment, thenetwork 101 provides access to a plurality ofbuildings 111. In any embodiment, the method and system can optionally be used indoors, for example in a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, products or goods. In any embodiment, the method and system can optionally be used both indoors and on an outdoor land transportation network, including any of those discussed above. - In any embodiment of the system of the invention, a system113 can optionally be provided that can include a
robot 114 of any suitable type, including any of the vehicles or robots disclosed herein. System113 can optionally include a fleet of vehicles or other robots, for example a fleet of standardized vehicles or other robots that are each substantially identical or a fleet of a plurality of sub fleets of standardized vehicles or other robots in which each vehicle or other robot in a sub fleet is substantially identical. System113 can optionally include a fleet of standardized vehicles or other robots that are not substantially identical or a fleet of a plurality of sub fleets of standardized vehicles or other robots that are not substantially identical. In any embodiment, vehicle or other type orrobot 114 of the fleet can optionally be configured or adapted to travel on thetransportation network 101, and has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel on the desired transportation network. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can optionally be configured to travel on at least roads, bike paths and sidewalks. When traveling on roads, the vehicle or other robot can travel along the side of the road, along the center of the road or in any lane of the road. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can optionally be configured to travel or move about in a building, including a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, products or goods, and has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel in a building. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can optionally be configured to travel on any suitable transportation network, including any of those disclosed herein, and in a building of any suitable type, and has a size, shape and functionality to permit such travel and movement. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can optionally be free of a human driver compartment, that is the vehicle or other robot does not include a human driver compartment. It is appreciated that arobot 114 can optionally be provided to travel on any type of transportation network, and for example scaled accordingly. - In any embodiment, the vehicle or
other robot 114 can travel, partially autonomously, fully autonomously or otherwise, on the transportation network for carrying or transporting one or more articles, which can also be referred to as products or goods, from a first location to a second location. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can pick up an article at the first location and deliver the article to the second location. In any embodiment, the vehicle or other robot can pick up a plurality of articles at the first location and deliver the plurality of articles to a second location or to a respective plurality of second locations. In any embodiment, the pickup of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robot can optionally be accomplished without human assistance, for example autonomously. In any embodiment, the delivery of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robot can optionally be accomplished without human assistance, for example autonomously. In any embodiment, the pickup and delivery of one or more articles by the vehicle or other robot can optionally be autonomous, for example accomplished without human assistance. As used herein, the terms autonomous and without human assistance, which can also be referred to as free of human assistance, can mean without the assistance of a human at the location of pickup or delivery and without the assistance of a human remote of the location of pickup or delivery for controlling any aspect of the pickup or delivery including any movement or other control of the vehicle or other robot. As used herein, the terms autonomous and without human assistance can mean under the control of non-human processing equipment or computing devices. The delivery of an article to a location can optionally include the pickup of the article by a first vehicle or other robot and the delivery of the article by a second vehicle or other robot. The transfer of the article between the first vehicle or other robot and the second vehicle or other robot can occur directly, for example directly from the first vehicle or other robot to the second vehicle or other robot, or indirectly. Such indirect transfer of the article can optionally include by any number of additional vehicles or robots, by the delivery of the article to an intermediate location by one vehicle or other robot and the pickup of the article at the intermediate location by another vehicle or other robot, or any combination of the foregoing. - The pickup location can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include the location of a deliveror, a courier, a vendor or a store, a location at which an article or product of a vendor or store is located, a warehouse, an autonomous or any other type of vehicle or robot, an autonomous or any other type of truck or any combination the foregoing. The drop off, recipient or delivery location can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include the location of a deliveree, a courier, a user, a vendee or a purchaser, a location in which an article or product of a vendee or purchaser is located, a warehouse, an autonomous or any other type of vehicle or robot, and autonomous or any other type of truck or any combination the foregoing.
- System113 can optionally include a container of any suitable type for housing the article at the pickup location, at the drop off, recipient or other delivery location, at an intermediate location, any location between the pickup location and such delivery location, during transport between locations, any other location on or along
transportation network 101 or any combination of the foregoing. When a container is provided at a location, the pickup location, such delivery location or any intermediate location can optionally be inside the container. The container can be referred to as a compartment, receptacle or box. In any embodiment, acontainer 115 can optionally be provided that has an interior, for example a cavity, accessible by at least one opening. The container can optionally be referred to as a closeable container, and can optionally include a door at the opening which can optionally be opened and closed for selectively accessing the interior of the container. The opening and door can be at any location on thecontainer 115, for example at the top or on a side of the container. In any embodiment, the container can optionally include an opening and door on the side of the container, for example at one end of the container. In any embodiment, the container can optionally be a lockable container, and can optionally include a suitable lockable door. Such a lockable container can be referred to as a tamperproof container. - In any embodiment of system113, the size and shape of the
container 115 can optionally be standardized throughout the system. In any embodiment of system113, a plurality of classes of containers can optionally be used, with each class of container having a standardized size and shape. - The robot can optionally include a mechanism, assembly, apparatus or device of any suitable type, which can optionally be carried by the container, for removing or assisting in the removal of the contents of the container, for moving articles between containers, for placing or moving or assisting in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing. In any embodiment, one or more of the containers of the system113 can optionally include such mechanisms. The mechanism, which can be referred to as a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a pickup mechanism, a recipient mechanism, a transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, a retrieval mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms, can optionally include a crane, a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing. Articles can optionally be moved into a container, out of the container or both from the top of the container, from the side of the container, from the bottom the container or any combination the foregoing by the mechanism or otherwise. The mechanism can optionally be at least partially disposed in the container. In any embodiment, the mechanism can optionally be carried inside the container, for example so as to be part of the container. In any embodiment, the mechanism can optionally be a conveyor mechanism or system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing.
- In any embodiment,
robot 114 can optionally include a plurality ofcontainers 115. In any embodiment, the plurality ofcontainers 115 can optionally be arranged in a grid or array on at least one side of therobot 114, for example either or both sides of the robot, the rear end of the robot, the front end of the robot or any combination the foregoing. In any embodiment, each of thecontainers 115 has an opening accessible from at least such side of therobot 114. In any embodiment, the openings of each of thecontainers 115 on a side of therobot 114 can optionally be flush with the side of the robot. In any embodiment, each of thecontainers 115 has a self-contained transport mechanism for delivering articles to such side of therobot 114. - In any embodiment, a plurality of
containers 115 can optionally be provided and arranged in a grid or array with the opening of each of the containers accessible from one planar face or side of the array. In any embodiment, each of thecontainers 115 has a self-contained transport mechanism for delivering articles to such face or side of the array. - In any embodiment, at least one
container 115 can optionally be referred to as apickup container 116, and for example be provided at the location where the article is picked up by therobot 114. In any embodiment, at least onecontainer 115 can optionally be referred to as a drop off orrecipient container 117, and for example be provided at the location where the article is delivered by therobot 114 for receiving the article. One or both of thepickup container 116 and therecipient container 117 can optionally be a stationary container, for example secured to any suitable support such as a mailbox, a building, an exterior of a building, on a wall of a building or into the wall of a building. In any embodiment,robot 114 can pick up the article frompickup container 116 without human assistance. In any embodiment, therobot 114 can deliver the article torecipient container 117 without human assistance. Thepickup container 116 can optionally be associated with adeliveror 118 of the article and can optionally be located at the deliveror's location, nearby the deliveror's location, rented or leased to the deliveror, assigned to the deliveror or otherwise associated with thedeliveror 118. In any embodiment, thedeliveror 118 can optionally be a vendor or seller of the article. Therecipient container 117 can optionally be associated with adeliveree 119 of the article or user of system113, and can optionally be located at the deliveree or user's location, nearby the deliveree or user's location, rented or leased to do the deliveree or user, assigned to the deliveree or user or otherwise associated with the deliveree or user. A pickup container can additionally be a recipient container, and the recipient container can additionally be a pickup container. In any embodiment, the deliveree oruser 119 can optionally be a vendee or purchaser of the article, which can optionally be a product. The article being transported, which can optionally includearticle 121, can optionally be a single article, a plurality of articles, a group of articles, a purchase order, a delivery order or any combination of the foregoing. - In any embodiment, a plurality of
containers 115 can optionally be grouped together in an assembly orarray 126, for example for permitting a plurality of pickups or deliveries at a location (seeFIG. 2 ). In any embodiment,assembly 126 can optionally include ahousing 127, which can serve as a framework or support structure for the plurality ofcontainers 115. Anassembly 126 ofcontainers 115 may be particularly suitable at a location associated with adeliveror 118 of goods or products, for example a store. Anassembly 126 ofcontainers 115 may be particularly suitable at a location associated with a plurality ofdeliverees 119, for example in front of a multitenant building, in a crowded neighborhood, along the street in a city, at a school, at an office building or any other building in which a plurality of people work or reside. Thecontainers 115 can optionally be arranged inhousing 127 in an array, for example in rows or columns, with at least one surface of eachcontainer 115 accessible from the exterior of thehousing 127 for accessing the interior of eachcontainer 115. In any embodiment, a plurality ofcontainers 115 can optionally be arranged in a grid of at least one row, at least one column or both, and each have one end accessible at aside surface 128 of thehousing 127 for accessing the interior of thecontainer 115, for example by means of an opening in the container. In any embodiment, theside surface 128 can optionally be at the front of thehousing 127 and a plurality of respective container openings can optionally be accessible at the front of the housing. - In any embodiment of a
recipient container 117, suitable for example for use in a suburban or rural setting, asingle container 115 can optionally be mounted to apost 131 below amailbox 132 carried by the post131 (seeFIG. 3 ). In any embodiment, thecontainer 115 can optionally be spaced above the ground at any location. At least one surface of thecontainer 115 can optionally be accessible for accessing the interior of the container, for example by means of an opening in the container. In any embodiment, at least one end of thecontainer 115 can optionally be accessible and parallel to the opening of themailbox 132. - System113 can optionally include at least one computer configured to control all or parts of the system. The at least one computer can optionally be programmed with firmware, software or both to control all or parts of the system. In any embodiment, the at least one computer has computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to control all or parts of the system. The at least one computer can navigate
robot 114 over thetransportation network 101 from a first location to a second location as at least part of the process for delivering an article, can control all operations of therobot 114, which can include a pickup of the article and a delivery of the article by the robot, can be configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors carried by the robot as part of such navigation, can receive a request to pick up an article, deliver an article or both, can be configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors carried by the robot to map the terrain encountered by the robot throughout all or part of the delivery process, can include a computing device associated with thedeliveror 118, can include a computing device associated with thedeliveree 119, can include a computing device carried by therobot 114, can include a computing device associated with a pickup container, a drop off container or both, can include one or more backend servers or other computing devices remote of therobot 114,deliveror 118,deliveree 119 and any container of system113, which can be referred to as cloud computers or cloud-based computers, for assisting in or accomplishing any of the foregoing, or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, the at least one computer can optionally include a network of computing devices, which can be referred to as acomputer network 136. - In any embodiment, the
computer network 136 contains an identification and address for eachcontainer 115 of the system113. In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136 can optionally include the classifications of thecontainers 115 of the system, for example including a list of allcontainers 115 in each such class. Such classifications can optionally include classifications by size, shape or any other physical characteristic of the container. Eachcontainer 115 can optionally include any suitable identifier thereon (not shown), which can include the address, the class, any characteristic of the class of the container or any combination of the foregoing. Such identifier can optionally include any machine-readable identifier, such as a barcode. - As indicated,
computer network 136 of system113 can be of any suitable type.Computer network 136 can optionally include at least onedeliveror computing device 141 and at least one deliveree computing device142 (seeFIG. 4 ). In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136 can optionally include adeliveror computing device 141 for eachdeliveror 118 of the system113 and adeliveree computing device 142 for eachdeliveree 119 of the system. Eachdeliveror computing device 141 can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least onecentral processing unit 146 and storage ormemory 147 of any suitable type. Eachdeliveror computing device 141 can optionally include adisplay 148. In any embodiment,deliveror computing device 141 can optionally include a position sensor of any suitable type, for example a global positioning system (GPS) device or receiver. In any embodiment,deliveror computing device 141 can optionally include one or more suitable depth sensors of any suitable type, which can optionally include an RGB camera, an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera or any combination the foregoing. Eachdeliveree computing device 142 can be of any suitable type and can include, for example, at least onecentral processing unit 146 and storage ormemory 147 of any suitable type, and optionally include adisplay 148. In any embodiment, thedeliveree computing device 142 can optionally include at least one sensor, for example a camera (not shown). In any embodiment, thedeliveree computing device 142 can optionally include additional sensors, such as a microphone and an inertial measurement unit. In any embodiment,deliveree computing device 142 can optionally include a position sensor of any suitable type, for example a global positioning system (GPS) device or receiver. In any embodiment,deliveree computing device 142 can optionally include one or more suitable depth sensors of any suitable type, which can include an RGB camera, an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera or any combination the foregoing. Examples of suitabledeliveror computing devices 141 anddeliveree computing devices 142 include desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, entertainment systems, smart home or other devices, internet of thing devices, network appliances, intelligent personal assistance, tablets, smartphones, mobile computing devices, mobile phones, watches, wearable electronic devices, smart wearable devices with cameras, electronic headsets, virtual-reality devices or any combination of the foregoing. Thedeliveror computing devices 141 and thedeliveree computing devices 142 can have less electronic components than shown inFIG. 4 or additional components not shown inFIG. 4 . Thecomputer network 136 can additionally include one or more backend or platform computing devices, for example one ormore servers 151, which can each include acentral processing unit 152 and storage ormemory 153 of any suitable type. Additional electronic components can optionally be included in each of the one ormore servers 151. In any embodiment,servers 151 can optionally be located in a data center, which can be referred to as a cloud computing center. Computer network 136 can additionally include acomputing device 156 of any suitable type located on therobot 114. In any embodiment,computing device 156, which can be referred to as a computer or controller, can include acentral processing unit 157 and storage ormemory 158 of any suitable type. In any embodiment,robot computer 156 can optionally include a global positioning system (GPS) device orreceiver 161 of any suitable type. In any embodiment,robot computer 156 utilizes input signals from one ormore sensors 162 of any suitable type, including for example one or more vision or other cameras, one or more lidar devices or sensors, one or more sonar devices or sensors, one or more radar devices or sensors, one or more near infrared (NIR) devices or sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device or sensor, or any combination of the foregoing. The sensors can be referred to as part of the robot computer, as part of a robot computing system, as part of a perception system or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment,robot computer 156 can optionally include at least onetransceiver 163 of any suitable type, which can optionally include a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or other cellular transmitting and receiving device, a wireless local area networking (Wi-Fi) transmitting and receiving device, a Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device, a radio frequency transmitting and receiving device, a low-power radio frequency transmitting and receiving device, or any combination of the foregoing.Computing device 156 can have less electronic components than shown inFIG. 4 or additional components not shown inFIG. 4 .Computer network 136 can additionally include a pickupcontainer computing device 166, a recipientcontainer computing device 167 or both. In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136 can optionally include a pickupcontainer computing device 166, which can be referred to as a computer or controller, for eachpickup container 116 of the system113 and can optionally include a recipient container computing device orcomputer 167, which can be referred to as a computer or controller, for each drop off orrecipient container 117 of the system. Each pickupcontainer computing device 166 can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least onecentral processing unit 168 and storage ormemory 169 of any suitable type. Each pickupcontainer computing device 166 can optionally include atransceiver 171 of any suitable type, for example including any of the capabilities oftransceiver 163 ofrobot computer 156. Each recipientcontainer computing device 167 can be of any suitable type and can optionally include, for example, at least onecentral processing unit 168 and storage ormemory 169 of any suitable type, and can additionally include atransceiver 171 of any suitable type. The pickupcontainer computing devices 166 and the recipientcontainer computing devices 167 can have less electronic components than shown inFIG. 4 or additional components not shown inFIG. 4 .- Each of the components of
computer network 136 can communicate with at least some of the other components, or all of the other components, ofcomputer network 136 by any wireless, hard-wired or Internet-based means, which can be referred to as or include thecloud 172. The computer network can optionally be programmed with firmware, software or both to control all or parts of system113. In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136, including some or all of the components thereof, has computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to control all or parts of system113. - A portion of the non-transitory computer-executable instructions of
computer network 136 can optionally be stored in thestorage 147 ofdeliveror computing device 141,deliveree computing device 142 or both. Such instructions can optionally include software, for example such as a software application that can optionally be downloaded by the deliveree or user fromcloud 172 todeliveree computing device 142, for permitting the deliveree or user to perform some or all of the steps of the deliveree or user noted herein. The delivercomputing device 141 ordeliveree computing device 142 can be any of those disclosed herein, including a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a laptop, a watch, a mobile computer, a smart wearable item with a camera, any mobile computing device with a camera or any combination of the foregoing. Such steps can optionally include accessing system113, requesting delivery of an article from a deliveror using system113, viewing products for possible purchase, purchasing a product from a vendor, requesting delivery of the product to a delivery location using system113 and identifying a delivery or drop off location for the article or product. In any embodiment, the computer-executable instructions include software that can optionally be used by a mobile computing device, for example a smartphone. - In any embodiment, the software can permit the user of the device to display an image on a display of the device, for example the
display 148 ofdeliveror computing device 141 ordeliveree computing device 142. The image can be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image. The image can be of a desired location, for example a pickup location or a drop off location, and can optionally include a digital map of the location, a virtual map of the location, a three-dimensional virtual model of the location, a satellite photograph of the location, a photograph of the location taken by the user or another or any combination of the foregoing. The image can optionally include video of the location. A three-dimensional virtual model, for example, can optionally include three-dimensional location information with respect to each point, coordinate or precise location visible in the model. Such three-dimensional location information can optionally include three-dimensional coordinates. Such three-dimensional coordinates or other information can optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y and Z axes. The image can optionally be stored in the device, for example instorage 147 of thedevice - In any embodiment, the software can permit a user of the mobile computing device to scan terrain viewable by the user with a sensor of the device, such as a camera of the device, to produce one or more images of terrain, for example in the vicinity of a pickup location or a drop off location. The scanned images can be two-dimensional images. The user can store such one or more images in the device, for example in
storage 147 of thedevice device computer network 136 to create a three-dimensional virtual model of all or a portion of the scanned terrain. Such sensors can optionally include, for example, one or more cameras, one or more depth sensors or any combination of the foregoing. - In any embodiment, such software can permit the user of the device to touch an image visible or viewed on
display 148 of thedevice display 148, for example with the tip of a finger. The software can cause thedevice device - In any embodiment, such software can transmit the precise pickup, delivery or other location, for example the image with the indicator of the precise location thereon, to system113 for use by
computer network 136 in directing arobot 114, or any driverless or driven vehicle or other robot, to pick up or deliver a purchased product or other article. The user can initiate such transmission, or the transmission can be automatic. The transmission can occur prior to without storing the image in the computing device, or after storage of the image in thecomputing device - In any embodiment, vehicle or other type of
robot 114 has a size, shape and functionality to permit it to travel on sidewalks, bike paths and roads and can be of any suitable dimensions. In any embodiment,vehicle 114 has a width not greater than the width of one lane of a bike path. In any embodiment, vehicle orrobot 114 has a width not greater than half the width of a sidewalk. In any embodiment, the vehicle orrobot 114 has a height, width and length each ranging from two feet to three feet, and in any embodiment thevehicle 114 has a height of approximately 28 inches, a width of approximately 24 inches and a length of approximately 32 inches. Robot 114 can be of any suitable shape and in any embodiment has afirst end 176 and asecond end 177, and afirst side 178 and asecond side 179 extending betweenends 176,177 (seeFIGS. 5-6 ). In any embodiment, first and second ends176,177 can optionally be each planar, and in any embodiment theends second sides sides robot 114 can optionally be a vehicle that has at least three wheels and in any embodiment the vehicle can have at least four wheels, in each case for providing stability to the vehicle when at rest or during travel.Robot 114 can have a plurality of wheels, for example two wheels, three wheels or four wheels, on eachside robot 114 has at least first and second wheels, which can optionally be afirst wheel assembly 181, onfirst side 178 and at least first and second wheels, which can optionally be asecond wheel assembly 182, onsecond side 179. At least one of the wheels on each side of therobot 114 can optionally be rotatable about a substantially vertical axis to permit turning of the robot, and in any embodiment the front and back wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be each rotatable about a substantially vertical axis to facilitate turning in a small radius and to permit the robot to rotate about a centralvertical axis 183 of the robot. In any embodiment, at least some of the wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be rotated at least 90° to permit the robot to travel sideways. In any embodiment, at least one of the wheels on each side of therobot 114 can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly, for example to accommodate the terrain encountered by the robot, to facilitate pickup of articles by the robot, to facilitate drop off of articles by the robot or any combination the foregoing. In any embodiment, a plurality of wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be so moved upwardly or downwardly. In any embodiment, all of the wheels on each side of the robot can optionally be so moved upwardly or downwardly. Such upward or downward movement of a wheel can be passive or active, for example controlled by a motor.- The
robot 114 can optionally include at least onecontainer 186, which can be referred to as a transport container and can optionally be at least onetransport container 115, carried by the wheels of the robot, for example by first andsecond wheel assemblies transport container 186 extends between the wheels onfirst side 178 and the wheels onsecond side 179, for example between first andsecond wheel assemblies transport container 186 can optionally be carried by aframework 187 of therobot 114, which can be referred to as a frame or chassis. In any embodiment, acover 188 can optionally be carried by theframework 187 and extends over the top of the at least onetransport container 186. In any embodiment, thecover 188 can optionally include atop portion 191, and afirst side portion 192 and asecond side portion 193 depending from thetop portion 191 alongside the at least onetransport container 186 on respective first andsecond sides robot 114. First andsecond fenders second wheel assemblies second fenders second wheel assemblies - When first and
second wheel assemblies robot 114, the wheel assemblies can be of any suitable type. In any embodiment, each of the wheel assemblies can optionally include three wheels that can optionally be each independently adjustable in height relative to frame187 of the robot114 (seeFIGS. 7-8 ). Each such adjustment can optionally be active, for example by a motor, or passive. In any embodiment, the three wheels of each wheel assembly can optionally be each independently pivotable relative to frame187, for example each independently pivotable about an axis extending perpendicular to first andsecond sides second wheel assemblies bogie 201 of any suitable type, which can optionally be coupled toframe 187. In any embodiment, eachbogie 201 can optionally be pivotably coupled to frame187 for pivoting about anaxis 202. In any embodiment, eachbogie 201 can optionally be a rocker-bogie system, or bogie assembly, for example similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,394, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by this reference. - In any embodiment, each
bogie assembly 201 can optionally include afront wheel 206, arear wheel 207 and acenter wheel 208. Eachbogie assembly 201 can optionally include a plurality of linkages or arms aligned orb disposed in a single plane. In any embodiment, thebogie assembly 201 offirst wheel assembly 181 extends parallel to thebogie assembly 201 of thesecond wheel assembly 182. In any embodiment, eachbogie assembly 201 can optionally include acenter linkage 211, which can be referred to as a center element ormember 211. Thecenter linkage 211 can optionally include afirst end 211aand asecond end 211b. A front linkage, element orarm 213 can optionally be pivotably coupled, for example passively, tofirst end 211aof thecenter linkage 211 for pivoting aboutfront pivot axis 214 so as to pivotablycouple front wheel 206 to the center linkage. Such pivoting of thefront wheel 206 can permit thewheel 206 to be independently moved upwardly or downwardly, for example with respect tocenter linkage 211.Front wheel 206 can optionally be rotatably coupled tofree end 213aoffront linkage 213 by afront fork 216 that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled tofree end 213a, for example by means of apivot assembly 217. The pivot assembly permits fork216 and thusfront wheel 206 to pivot about a substantiallyvertical axis 218, which can be referred to asfront steering axis 218, that extends perpendicular to pivotaxis 214.Pivot assembly 217 can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, thepivot assembly 217 can optionally include first and second elements or disks that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled together in any suitable manner, for example with the first disk secured to thefront linkage 213 and the second disc secured to thefront fork 216.Pivot assembly 217 can optionally include a motor219 (seeFIG. 22 ), for example an electric motor controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136, for selectively pivotingfront fork 216 and thusfront wheel 206 to permit steering and other desired movement of therobot 114. For example, the motor can serve to rotate the second disk relative to the first disk. Thefront wheel 206 can optionally be rotatable about the free end of thefork 216. In any embodiment,free end 213aoffront linkage 213 can optionally be inclined slightly upwardly in its home position so that the free or lower end offront fork 216 can optionally be inclined forwardly at a slight angle relative to vertical, for example at an angle of less than 20° from vertical (seeFIG. 7 ). In any embodiment,front linkage 213 can optionally be not inclined upwardly but instead extend horizontally in its home position so thatfront fork 216 extends downwardly in a vertical direction (seeFIG. 12 ). Thefront linkage 213 can be inclined at any suitable angle relative to vertical. - A rear linkage, element or
arm 221 can optionally be pivotably coupled, for example passively, tosecond end 211bof thecenter linkage 211 for pivoting aboutrear pivot axis 222 so as to pivotably couplerear wheel 207 to the center linkage.Rear wheel 207 can optionally be rotatably coupled tofree end 221aofrear linkage 221 by arear fork 226 that can optionally be pivotably or rotatably coupled tofree end 221aby means of apivot assembly 227. The pivot assembly permits fork226 and thusrear wheel 207 to pivot about a substantiallyvertical axis 228, which can be referred to asrear steering axis 228, that extends perpendicular to pivotaxis 222. Such pivoting of therear wheel 207 can permit thewheel 207 to be independently moved upwardly or downwardly, for example with respect tocenter linkage 211.Pivot assembly 227 can be of any suitable type, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, thepivot assembly 227 can optionally be substantially identical to pivotassembly 217. In this regard, for example, a first disk can optionally be secured to therear linkage 221 and the second disc can optionally be secured to therear fork 226.Pivot assembly 227 can optionally include a motor229 (seeFIG. 22 ), for example an electric motor controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136, for selectively pivotingrear fork 221 and thusrear wheel 207 to permit steering and other desired movement of therobot 114. Therear wheel 207 can optionally be rotatable about the free end of thefork 226. In any embodiment,free end 221aofrear linkage 221 can optionally be inclined slightly upwardly in its home position so that the free or lower end of therear fork 226 can optionally be inclined rearwardly at a slight angle relative to vertical, for example at an angle of less than 20° from vertical (seeFIG. 7 ). In any embodiment,rear linkage 221 can optionally be not inclined upwardly but instead extends horizontally in its home position so thatrear fork 226 extends downwardly in a vertical direction (seeFIG. 12 ). Therear linkage 221 can be inclined at any suitable angle relative to vertical. - A
center arm 231, which can be referred to as anelbow 231, can optionally be pivotably coupled tofirst end 211aof thecenter linkage 211 for pivoting aboutfront pivot axis 214 so as to pivotablycouple center wheel 208 to the center linkage of thebogie 201. The center arm orelbow 231 can optionally be pivotable relative to thefront linkage 213 aboutfront pivot axis 214. Such pivoting of thecenter wheel 208 can permit thewheel 208 to be independently moved upwardly or downwardly, for example with respect tocenter linkage 211. Thecenter wheel 208 can optionally be rotatably coupled to the free end of the center arm orelbow 231. In any embodiment,bogie pivot axis 202,front pivot axis 214 andrear pivot axis 222 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to centralvertical axis 183. The linkages, arms or members ofbogie 201 can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing. - In any embodiment, a first or
front spring 236, which can optionally be a combination spring and damper, has one end pivotably coupled to center arm orelbow 231 and a second end pivotably coupled tofront linkage 213 for inhibiting the pivot of thecenter arm 231 relative to thefront linkage 213. In any embodiment, a second orrear spring 237, which can optionally be a combination spring and damper, has one end pivotably coupled tocenter linkage 211 and a second end pivotably coupled torear linkage 221 for inhibiting the pivot of therear linkage 221 relative to thecenter linkage 211. The dimensions ofsprings bogie 201 determine the angle at which therespective fork - In any embodiment, the pivoting of any or all of
front linkage 213,rear linkage 221 andcenter arm 231 relative to centerlinkage 211 can optionally be controlled by one or more motors (not shown), for example a separate motor with respect to each offront linkage 213,rear linkage 221 acenter arm 231, for controlling the height of therespective wheels bogie 201. Such controlled elevational adjustment of one or more ofwheels robot 114 over uneven terrain, can facilitate the pickup or delivery of articles byrobot 114 or both. For example, such active controlling of any or all ofwheels robot 114. In any embodiment, one or more wheels of the robot, for example one or more ofwheels bogie 201, can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly for translating the at least onecontainer 186 carried byrobot 114 in one or more orthogonal directions, for pivoting the at least one container in one or more orthogonal directions or a combination the foregoing. In any embodiment, the motorized pivoting of any or all offront linkage 213,rear linkage 221 andcenter arm 231 relative to centerlinkage 211 can optionally be provided for this purpose. - At least one of the wheels of the
robot 114 can optionally be driven by a motor controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136, or motorized, for moving the robot. In any embodiment, at least one of the wheels on eachside rear wheels bogie 201 can optionally be driven by such a motor, or motorized. In any embodiment, each ofwheels wheels electric motor 209, for example a hub motor, a scooter hub motor, a wheel motor, a wheel hub drive or an in-wheel motor of any suitable type, controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136. - First and
second wheel assemblies robot 114 navigating uneven terrain, including bumps, steps, curbs, potholes, inclines and declines. In this regard, each wheel of abogie 201 can optionally be independently pivotable, either passively or actively, relative to the other wheels of the bogie. As illustrated inFIG. 9 ,rear wheel 207 of abogie 201 can easily negotiate a step or curb byrear linkage 221 pivoting upwardly relative tocenter linkage 221 aboutrear axis 222, the center linkage pivoting upwardly relative toelbow 231 andfront linkage 213 aboutfront pivot axis 214 or a combination the foregoing. As illustrated inFIG. 10 ,front wheel 206 of abogie 201 can easily negotiate a step or curb byfront linkage 213 pivoting upwardly relative tocenter linkage 221,elbow 231 or both aboutfront axis 214, the center linkage pivoting upwardly relative torear linkage 221 aboutrear pivot axis 222 or any combination the foregoing. Such pivoting can be passive, as permitted by the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 10-11 , or can be active, when motors as discussed above are included inwheel assemblies Bogies 201 of first andsecond wheel assemblies robot 114 and thus the navigation of the robot easier. At least some of the wheels in each of thewheel assemblies robot 114 to rotate about centralvertical axis 183. At least some of the wheels in each of theassemblies front wheel 206 andrear wheel 207 of eachassembly robot 114 to travel sideways, for example in a direction perpendicular to forward or rearward travel of the robot (seeFIG. 9 ).- The least one
container 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheel ofrobot 114 in any suitable manner. In any embodiment, the at least onecontainer 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels ofrobot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least onecontainer 186 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to such wheels. In any embodiment, the at least onecontainer 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels ofrobot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least onecontainer 186 to be pivoted about a first horizontal axis relative to such wheels. In any embodiment, the at least onecontainer 186 can optionally be coupled to the wheels ofrobot 114 in any suitable manner which permits the at least onecontainer 186 to be pivoted about a second horizontal axis, orthogonal to the first horizontal axis, relative to such wheels. Any combination of the foregoing can be provided. In any embodiment, the at least onecontainer 186 can optionally be pivoted about three orthogonal axes and translated along such three orthogonal axes. The wheels of therobot 114 can in any embodiment include first andsecond wheel assemblies - In any embodiment, an
attachment assembly 249 of any suitable type can optionally be provided for coupling the at least onecontainer 186 to the wheels ofrobot 114, for example first andsecond wheel assemblies attachment assembly 249 can optionally include at least one translational adjustment mechanism, which can be referred to as an elevational adjustment mechanism, for coupling the at least onecontainer 186 to the wheels ofrobot 114 for permitting the at least onecontainer 186 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to such wheels. In any embodiment, the attachment assembly can optionally include a first translational adjustment mechanism for coupling one side of the at least onecontainer 186 to the wheels on one side ofrobot 114 and a second translational adjustment mechanism for coupling the other side of the least onecontainer 186 to the wheels on the other side of therobot 114, each of which mechanisms can be referred to as an elevational adjustment mechanism. - Each translation mechanism can serve to adjust the vertical height of the respective side of the at least one
container 186 with respect to therelated wheel assembly 181,182 (seeFIGS. 19-21 ). Raising and lowering the at least onecontainer 186 can occur by translating each side of the at least one container in unison. Relative translational movement of the opposite sides of the least onecontainer 186 by such first and second translational adjustment mechanisms can pivot the at least onecontainer 186 about an axis extending orthogonal to the ends of the at least onecontainer 186, for example anaxis 250 extending orthogonal to the plane of the first and second translational adjustment mechanisms (seeFIG. 14 ). In any embodiment, the location ofaxis 250 with respect to the at least onecontainer 186 is dependent upon the amount of relative translational movement between such translation mechanisms and the amount of translational movement of each mechanism. - In any embodiment, the
attachment assembly 249 can optionally include a firsttranslational adjustment mechanism 252 secured tofirst wheel assembly 181 and a secondtranslational adjustment mechanism 253 secured tosecond wheel assembly 182. Thefirst mechanism 252 can optionally be coupled to first side of the at least onecontainer 186 and thesecond mechanism 253 can optionally be coupled to the second side of the at least onecontainer 186. In any embodiment,chassis 187 can optionally be included inattachment assembly 249 andfirst mechanism 252 can optionally be coupled to a first side of thechassis 187 andsecond mechanism 253 can optionally be coupled to a second side of thechassis 187. Each ofmechanisms mechanisms - In any embodiment, each of the mechanisms can optionally include a
rail 256 having a first orlower end 256ajoined to therespective wheel assembly upper end 256bextending upwardly and free of the wheel assembly. One or more rails can optionally be slidably carried by therails 256, for example one or more telescoping slides, for adjusting the amount of vertical extension permissible bymechanisms slide 257 can optionally be slidably carried byrail 256 in any suitable manner for upward and downward movement on therail 256. Amotor 258, for example an electric motor, can optionally be provided for causing controlled extension and contraction of themechanism slide 257, or multiple telescoping slides, onrail 256 and thus moving the respective side of the chassis upwardly or downwardly relative to the respective wheel assembly.Such motor 258 can optionally be controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network136 (seeFIG. 22 ). - In any embodiment, the
attachment assembly 249 can optionally include a first pivot assembly for coupling one side of the at least onecontainer 186 to the wheels on one side ofvehicle 114 and a second pivot assembly for coupling the other side of the least onecontainer 186 to the wheels on the other side of therobot 114. Such pivot assembles can permit, and in any embodiment can cause, the least onecontainer 186 to pivot about an axis extending perpendicular to the opposite sides of the at least one container. In any embodiment, the pivot assemblies pivot each side the at least onecontainer 186 in unison during such pivoting about the axis. Such pivot assemblies can optionally be controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136. Such axis extending perpendicular to the upsides of the least onecontainer 186 can be axis202 (seeFIG. 14 ). - In any embodiment,
chassis 187 can optionally be included inattachment assembly 249 and afirst pivot assembly 261 can optionally be provided to pivotably couple slide257 of thefirst mechanism 252 to the first side of thechassis 187 and asecond pivot assembly 262 can optionally be provided to pivotably couple slide257 of thesecond mechanism 253 to the second side of thechassis 187. Each of thepivot assemblies pivot assemblies motor 263 controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect of computer network136 (seeFIG. 22 ), for example an electric motor, for pivoting the respective side of the chassis about such axis extending perpendicular to the opposite sides of the at least onecontainer 186. - Frame or
chassis 187 can be of any suitable type and serves to support the at least onecontainer 186 on the wheels of therobot 114, which can optionally be first andsecond wheel assemblies container 186 relative to the wheels of therobot 114. In any embodiment, thechassis 187 serves to position at least one end of the at least onecontainer 186 at oneend robot 114. Such end of the least one container can optionally be parallel to such end of the robot, and in any embodiment such end of the least onecontainer 186 can optionally be flush with such end of therobot 114. In any embodiment, thechassis 187 services to position opposite ends of the at least one container withopposite ends robot 114. Such opposite ends of the at least onecontainer 186 can optionally be parallel to such opposite ends of the robot, and in any embodiment such opposite ends of the at least one container can optionally be flush with such opposite ends of therobot 114. - In any embodiment, the
chassis 187 can optionally include a base orsupport 281 on which the at least onecontainer 186 rests. The base281 can optionally include afirst end 282 and an oppositesecond end 283 and afirst side 284 and an oppositesecond side 285 extending betweenends container 186. Thechassis 187 can optionally include additional structural elements of any suitable type for inhibiting movement of the least onecontainer 186 on thebase 281, and in any embodiment for securing the at least onecontainer 186 to the base. In any embodiment, such structural elements include first and secondside wall elements sidewalls respective sides base 281. The distance between thesidewalls container 186, and in any embodiment the length or height of each of thesidewalls container 186. An optionaltop wall element 291, which can be referred to astop wall 291, extends between and can optionally be secured to the tops of the first andsecond sidewalls container 186 can optionally be removably secured tochassis 187 by any suitable means such as bolts, screws, clamps or other fasteners, for example fasteners extending throughbase 281,sidewalls container 186. In any embodiment, first andsecond pivot assemblies second sidewalls chassis 187 for permitting pivoting of thechassis 187 and the at least onecontainer 186 relative to the first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanism assemblies chassis 187 and the at least onecontainer 186 carried thereby aboutaxis 202. Thepivot assemblies axes 202 thereof, travel upwardly and downwardly onrails 256 with the travel of theslides 257 on therails 256. The components ofchassis 187 can be made from any suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminum, plastic or any combination of the foregoing. Robot 114 can optionally include a first mechanism for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to translate along a first axis, a second mechanism for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to translate along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a third mechanism for causing the least onecontainer 186 to translate along a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination of the foregoing, for example during pickup or delivery of an article by therobot 114, during travel of therobot 114 or otherwise. Such mechanisms can optionally be controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136. Examples of such orthogonal axes includesaxes FIG. 14 . Each of such mechanisms can be referred to as a positioning mechanism, a translation mechanism, an apparatus, a positioning apparatus, a translation apparatus, a device, a positioning device, a translation device, an assembly, a positioning assembly or a translation assembly, and can each include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing. One or more of the foregoing for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to translate in three orthogonal directions can be referred to as a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation mechanism or first mechanism, a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation apparatus or first apparatus or a three orthogonal axes adjustment, positioning or translation assembly or first assembly. For example, one or more wheels of therobot 114 can optionally be motorized, forexample wheels bogie 201, and included in the foregoing. In any embodiment, one or more such wheels can optionally be coupled to a motorized pivoting assembly of any suitable type, forexample pivot assemblies container 186 along orthogonal first and second axes. In any embodiment, one or more wheels of the robot, for example one or more ofwheels bogies 201, can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly by the motorized pivoting of any or all offront linkage 213,rear linkage 221 andcenter arm 231 relative to centerlinkage 211, and included in the foregoing for translating the at least onecontainer 186 along at least one axis. Any pivot assembly included in the foregoing can be of any suitable type, and can be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, one or both oftranslational mechanisms - Examples of translation of
chassis 187, and thus the at least onecontainer 186 carried by thebase 281 of the chassis, alongvertical axis 183 are shown inFIGS. 12 and 14-16 .Chassis 187 is shown in a first position inFIG. 12 , which for example can be a position suitable during travel ofrobot 114 and referred to as a home position of the chassis.Chassis 187 is shown in a second position inFIGS. 14-15 , where the chassis has been elevated by first and secondtranslation adjustment mechanisms FIG. 12 .Chassis 187 is shown in a third position inFIG. 16 , where the chassis has been lowered by first and secondtranslation adjustment mechanisms FIG. 12 . In the illustrated third position ofFIG. 16 ,chassis 187 is shown resting on or in close proximity to the ground. Each of such first, second and third positions can be referred to as horizontal positions. First and secondtranslation adjustment mechanisms side chassis 187 between such positions. - Robot can optionally include a first mechanism for causing the at least one
container 186 to pivot about a first axis, a second mechanism for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to pivot about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a third mechanism for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to pivot about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination of the foregoing, for example during pickup or delivery of an article by therobot 114, during travel of therobot 114 or otherwise. Such mechanisms can optionally be controlled byrobot computer 156 or another aspect ofcomputer network 136. Examples of such orthogonal axes includesaxes FIG. 14 . Each of such mechanisms can be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing. One or more the foregoing for causing the at least onecontainer 186 to pivot about three orthogonal axes can be referred to as a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism or second mechanism, a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation apparatus or second apparatus or a three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation assembly or second assembly. For example, one or more wheels of therobot 114 can optionally be motorized, forexample wheels bogie 201, and can optionally include a pivot assembly, forexample pivot assemblies container 186 about an axis, such asaxis 183, and included in the foregoing. In any embodiment, one or more wheels of the robot, for example one or more ofwheels bogies 201, can optionally be moved upwardly or downwardly by the motorized pivoting of any or all offront linkage 213,rear linkage 221 andcenter arm 231 relative to centerlinkage 211, and included in the foregoing for pivoting the at least onecontainer 186 about at least one axis, for example one or both ofaxes example translation mechanisms container 186 aboutaxis 250. Any pivot assembly included in the foregoing can be of any suitable type, and can be referred to as a pivoting or rotating mechanism, a pivoting or rotating apparatus, a pivoting or rotating device or a rotating assembly, and can optionally include pins, bearings, gears or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, a plurality of mechanisms, each of which can be referred to as a positioning mechanism, a translation mechanism, an apparatus, a positioning apparatus, a translation apparatus, a device, a positioning device, a translation device, an assembly, a positioning assembly or a translation assembly and can optionally include motorized or non-motorized wheels, rails, slides, pins, bearings, gears, pulleys, chains, cables or any combination the foregoing, can optionally be provided for rotating the at least onecontainer 186 about an axis. - Examples of the pivoting of
chassis 187, and thus the at least onecontainer 186 carried bybase 281 of the chassis, alonghorizontal axis 202 are shown inFIGS. 12 and 17-18 .Chassis 187 is shown in a first position inFIG. 12 , and in a second position inFIG. 17 where thebase 281 has been pivoted by first andsecond pivot assemblies second end 282 ofbase 281 has been tilted downwardly so as to approach if not contact the ground.Chassis 187 is shown in a third position inFIG. 18 , where the chassis has been pivoted to a level position whilerobot 114 is traveling on an incline. Each of such second and third positions can be referred to as pivoted or tilted positions. First andsecond pivot assemblies side chassis 187 between such positions. Robot 114 can optionally include one ormore sensors 162 of any suitable type, including for example one or more vision or other cameras, one or more lidar devices or sensors, one or more sonar devices or sensors, one or more radar devices or sensors, one or more near infrared (NIR) devices or sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device or sensor or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, therobot 114 can optionally include a camera on eachend side FIGS. 5-6 ). For example, astereo camera 293, that can optionally be a camera with two or more lenses, can optionally be provided on eachend robot 114, for example on each end ofcover 188. A wide field-of-view camera 294 can optionally be provided on eachend side cover 188. In any embodiment, thecamera 294 can optionally be between the two lenses ofstereo camera 293 onends robot 114. In any embodiment,sensors 162 can optionally include a radar device or sensor (not shown) provided on eachend 176,137 and eachside robot 114. At least one IMU sensor ordevice 296 can optionally be included onrobot 114, including insensors 162 of the robot. In any embodiment,device 296 can optionally be carried onchassis 187, for example onbase 281 of the chassis (seeFIG. 15 ).Sensors 162 can optionally include a suitable odometry sensor provided on or with respect to each wheel ofrobot 114, including for example on or with respect to each ofwheels bogie 201, for sensing motion of each of the wheels (seeFIG. 22 ).Sensors 162 can optionally include a suitable angular or other position sensor (not shown), which can be referred to as a rotary sensor, provided on each joint or linkage or movable member ofrobot 114, including forexample center linkage 211,front linkage 213,rear linkage 221, center arm orelbow 231,pivot assemblies 217,pivot assemblies 227, slides257 of eachtransverse adjustment mechanism 251,253,pivot assemblies chassis 187,container doors 321,container belts 336, or any combination of the foregoing.- The
sensors 162 can optionally be electrically coupled torobot computer 156, either directly or indirectly, so that the signals therefrom can optionally be utilized byrobot computer 156 andcomputer network 136 in the operation of system113, including the operation ofrobot 114,pickup container 116 andrecipient container 117. For example, the sensor input signals can optionally be used for navigatingrobot 114 and for positioning the at least onecontainer 186 of the robot, for example during pickup or delivery of articles, objects or goods. - One embodiment of the electrical and electromechanical components of
robot 114 is shown inFIG. 22 . Among the components illustrated therein, arerobot computer 156,storage 158,global positioning device 161,transceiver 163,clock 297,wheels bogie 201,wheel motors 209 and the sensors relating thereto, front and rear wheelpivot assembly motors chassis slide motors 258, left and right chassispivot assembly motors 263, container motors andelectronics 298 and certain ofsensors 162.Robot 114 can optionally include less than the components illustrated inFIG. 22 , or additional components not shown inFIG. 22 . For example, and for simplicity, any motors for pivotinglinkages nonvisual perception sensors 162 and the angular andposition sensors 162 discussed above are not shown inFIG. 22 . - The
robot computer 156 can optionally be included in the control of any or all movement ofrobot 114 bycomputer network 136, including any controlled movement of the at least onecontainer 186 included in the robot, and can optionally be carried by therobot 114 in any suitable manner. In addition, therobot 114 can optionally be provided with abattery 299 of any suitable type, for example a lithium-ion battery, that can be carried by the robot in any suitable manner. In any embodiment, therobot computer 156 can optionally be carried by thechassis 187, for example mounted onbase 201, or can optionally be carried bycover 188. In any embodiment, thebattery 299 can optionally be carried by thechassis 187, for example mounted onbase 201, or can optionally be carried bycover 188. Therobot computer 156 and thebattery 299 are shown in one mounting configuration onbase 201 inFIG. 12 . - The least one
container 186 can be of any suitable type, including for example a single container or a plurality of containers, and can be of any suitable size and shape. In any embodiment, at least one of the container has a length approximating the length ofrobot 114 or the length ofbase 281. In any embodiment, the at least one of the container has a width approximating the width ofbase 281 or the distance betweensidewalls - In any embodiment, each container of the least one
container 186 has an interior and an opening with an optional door for accessing the interior of the container.Robot 114 can optionally include at least one retrieval mechanism, which can be referred to as a retrieval mechanism, a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a pickup mechanism, a recipient mechanism, a transport mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms. The at least one mechanism can remove or assist in the removal of the contents of the container, move or assist in the movement of articles between containers, place or move or assist in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing. The least one retrieval or transport mechanism can be of any suitable type, for example mechanisms that include a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a crane, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing. In any embodiment, the mechanism can optionally be a conveyor system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing. Articles can be moved into the container, out of the container or both from the top of the container, from the side of the container, from the bottom of the container or any combination the foregoing by the mechanism or otherwise. The mechanism can optionally be at least partially disposed in the container. In any embodiment, the mechanism can optionally be carried inside the container, for example so as to be part of the container. The at least one retrieval mechanism can optionally include a plurality of such retrieval mechanisms, for example one for each container where the least onecontainer 186 includes a plurality of containers, and can be referred to as a product transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a good transport mechanism, an object transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, a robot transport mechanism, a vehicle transport mechanism, a pickup transport mechanism, a recipient transport mechanism or any combination of such terms. - Where the least one
container 186 is a single container, in any embodiment the single container can optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped and has an interior or cavity accessible by an opening and optional door in a wall of the container. The opening and optional door can be in the top wall, the bottom wall, a side wall or any combination of the foregoing. In any embodiment, the opening and optional door can be in an end wall or sidewall of the container, for example situated at oneend robot 114. The container can be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms. In any embodiment, such single container has an opening and optional related door at eachend - In any embodiment, the least one
container 186 can optionally include a plurality of containers each having an interior or cavity accessible by at least one opening and optional related door in a wall of the container. In any embodiment, each of the plurality of containers can optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped and the at least one opening and optional door can be in an end wall or sidewall of the container. In any embodiment, the opening and optional door can be in one end of the each of the plurality of containers having the shape of a parallelepiped. Each of the plurality of containers can be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms. In any embodiment, the combined length of two of the plurality of containers approximates the length ofrobot 114 or the length thebase 281. In any embodiment, the combined width of two of the plurality of containers approximates the width ofbase 281 or the distance betweensidewalls - In any embodiment, the least one
container 186 has a modular construction formed from a plurality of containers, for example a plurality ofcontainers 115, which can be mixed and matched in size and shape, to form acontainer assembly 301 that is in the shape of a parallelepiped with a length approximating the length ofrobot 114 orbase 281, a width approximating the width ofbase 281 or the distance betweensidewalls base 281 andtop wall 291. In any embodiment, each of the plurality of containers, which can be referred to as a transport container, of thecontainer assembly 301 is in the shape of a parallelepiped. In any embodiment, each of the containers ofcontainer assembly 301 has an end wall at oneend robot 114 with an opening therein and optional door for accessing the interior or inside of the container. The end wall of each container can optionally be parallel with theend robot 114, and in any embodiment can optionally be flush withsuch end Container 115 can be suitable for use inrobot 114, for example for inclusion with the at least onecontainer 186, inpickup container 116, inrecipient container 117 or any combination of the foregoing. Thecontainer 115 can be of any suitable type and in any embodiment can optionally be in the shape of a parallelepiped formed by abody 304 made from any suitable material such as metal or plastic.Body 304 has afirst end 306 and an oppositesecond end 307 and afirst side 308 and an oppositesecond side 309 extending perpendicular to ends306,307 (seeFIGS. 23-25 ). Thebody 304 can further include atop wall 311 and abottom wall 312, each extending perpendicular to ends306,307 andsides First end 306 can be referred to as the front end andsecond end 307 can be referred to as the back end or rear of thebody 304, whilefirst side 308 can be referred to as the left side andsecond side 309 can be referred to as the right side of the body. The body has an interior orcavity 316 and anopening 317, for example in one or more ofends sides top wall 311, for accessing theinterior 316 of thebody 304. In any embodiment, anopening 317 can optionally be provided in one or both ofends front end 306. Theopening 317 can be of any suitable size and in any embodiment can optionally be substantially rectangular or rectangular in shape and optionally have a height approximating the height betweenwalls sides - The
container 115 can optionally be a closeable container and include anoptional door 321 of any suitable type for covering theopening 317 and thus precluding or inhibiting access to theinterior 316 of the container. Thedoor 321, which can be referred to as a side door or end door, can open and close in a manner such that no portion of the door penetrates or extends outwardly through theopening 317 during opening and closing of the door. In any embodiment, thedoor 321 can optionally be a segmented door which travels on first andsecond rails 323 extending along opposite sides of theopening 317 and then perpendicularly thereto into theinterior 316 of the container. In any embodiment, thesegmented door 321 can optionally be a roll top door that travels on slots, guides orrails 323 between a first position in which thedoor 321 closes theopening 317 and a second position in which the door is open and extends below thetop wall 311 of thecontainer body 304, thus providing substantially full access to theopening 317. The slots, guides or rails, which can be referred to asrails 323 herein, can be secured to thebody 304 by any suitable fasteners. Suitable guides orrollers 324 can extend from each end of each segment of the door into therespective rail 323 for facilitating movement of the door on the rails between the door's first or closed position and second or opened position.Container 115 can be referred to as a closeable container, a lockable container, a tamperproof container or any combination of such terms Container 115 can optionally include at least one transport mechanism, which can be referred to as a transport mechanism, a robot mechanism, a vehicle mechanism, a retrieval mechanism, a removal mechanism, a translation mechanism, a delivery mechanism, a drop off mechanism, a loading mechanism, a receiving mechanism, an unloading mechanism or any combination of such terms The at least one mechanism can remove or assist in the removal of the contents of thecontainer 115, move or assist in the movement of articles between containers, place or move or assist in the placement or movement of articles into the container or any combination the foregoing. The least one transport mechanism can be of any suitable type, for example a mechanism, assembly, apparatus or device that can optionally include a pick up or other arm, a scoop, a shovel, a pulley, a claw, a crane, a magnet, a conveyor, a belt, rollers, balls, a movable surface, a movable wall, a slide, a grasping device or any combination the foregoing. The at least one transport mechanism can optionally be insidecontainer 115. In any embodiment, the mechanism can optionally be a conveyor mechanism system of any suitable type that moves articles from one location to another, for example along or across a substantially planar surface, which can optionally include belts, rollers, balls, a movable surface or any combination the foregoing. The at least one transport mechanism can optionally include a plurality of such mechanisms, and can be referred to as a product transport mechanism, an article transport mechanism, a good transport mechanism, an object transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, a pickup transport mechanism or any combination of such terms.- In any embodiment, the at least one
transport mechanism 329 can optionally be a conveyor mechanism or system that, for example, can optionally include a plurality ofrollers 331 carried bybody 304 and disposed along the bottom of theinterior 316 of the body. Thetransport mechanism 329 can extend along substantially the entire length of the interior ofbody 304. Therollers 331 can optionally be coupled to thebody 304 by any suitable means, for example by first and second elongate members or rails332 extending along each side of the bottom of the interior of thebody 304 and secured thereto by any suitable means such as asupport 333 at each end of eachrail 332. Each of therollers 331 can optionally be pivotably secured at each end to arail 332 by abearing 334 or any other suitable means. Therollers 331 can be evenly or otherwise spaced apart along the length ofbody 304, for example along the length of therails 332. Abelt 336, for example a conveyor belt, can optionally be rotatably carried by the plurality ofrollers 331. Thebelt 336 can be flexible and can be made from any suitable material such as rubber. In any embodiment, thetransport mechanism 329 can optionally be motorized, for example so as to movebelt 336 in opposite first and second directions alongrollers 331 and the length ofbody 304. At least onemotor 337 of any suitable type, for example an electric motor, can optionally be provided with respect to the least one ofrollers 331 for driving the belt orconveyor belt 336 oftransport mechanism 329. The at least onemotor 337 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136. In any embodiment, amotor 337 can optionally be provided with respect to one of theend rollers 331, as illustrated inFIG. 24 where themotor 337 is provided within the first orfront roller 331. It is appreciated that amotor 337 can optionally be provided with respect to each of the front andrear rollers 331 of thetransport mechanism 329, or with respect anyother rollers 331 of the mechanism. Container 115 can optionally include a door opening assembly ormechanism 341 for controlling the operation or movement ofcontainer door 321, for example opening and closingdoor 321. Themechanism 341 can be of any suitable type and located partially or totally within theinterior 316 of thecontainer 115, or partially or totally on the exterior of the container or entirely outside of the container. In any embodiment, thedoor opening mechanism 341 can optionally be located inside thecontainer 115 and can optionally include a belt, chain orcable 342, which can be referred to as acable 342 herein, coupled to thedoor 321 in any suitable manner, for example by a clip orbracket 343 that can optionally be secured to both thecable 342 and thedoor 321. In any embodiment,clip 343 can optionally be secured to one end ofdoor 321, for example to the top end of the door. Theopening mechanism 341 can optionally include a motor, for example an electric motor controlled bycomputer network 136. In any embodiment, anelectric motor 346 can optionally be included in themechanism 341, for example within at least one end of aroller 331. In any embodiment, not shown, theelectric motor 346 can optionally be disposed elsewhere withincontainer 115, for example in a space between twoadjacent rollers 331 and carried byrails 323. Themotor 346 can optionally include a timer, pulley orshaft 347, which can be referred to as ashaft 347 herein, extending from theroller 331, upon which thecable 342 can optionally be carried, for example by extending at least partially around theshaft 347. Themechanism 341 can optionally include additional pulleys orwheels 348 upon which thecable 342 can rotatably travel. Motorized movement ofcable 342 bymotor shaft 347 in a first direction aboutpulleys 348 causesdoor 321 to open and motorized movement of the cable byshaft 347 in an opposite second direction aboutpulleys 348 causes the door to closeopening 317.Container 115 can optionally be lockable, for example so as to inhibit unwanted access to theinterior 316 of the container and inhibit unwanted tampering of the container. In any embodiment,container door 321 can optionally be lockable. In any embodiment,container 115 can optionally include adoor latch 349 for locking and unlocking door321 (seeFIG. 28 ).Latch 349 can optionally be electronically controlled bycomputer network 136, including forexample robot computer 156.- In any embodiment, a container of the invention can optionally be provided with a door that can be manually opened and closed. Such feature can be in addition to or in lieu of any automatic door opening mechanism or assembly, such as
door opening mechanism 341. Such embodiment of the container can optionally be provided with any suitable opening and related door, for example any of the openings and respective doors disclosed herein. - One embodiment of a
container 115′ with adoor 321 that can optionally be manually opened and closed is illustrated inFIGS. 26 and 27 .Container 115′ can optionally be substantially similar tocontainer 115, and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of thecontainers door 321 can optionally be included incontainer 115′. In any embodiment, adoor opening mechanism 341 can optionally be provided forcontainer 115′ that can be substantially similar to thedoor opening mechanism 341 ofcontainer 115.Such mechanism 341 can optionally includepulleys 348 and acable 342, which has aportion 342athat can extend alongside the rear ofdoor 321. In any embodiment,cable portion 342aextends parallel to opening317, and the rear of thedoor 321 when the door is in a closed position. In any embodiment, thecable portion 342aextends parallel to one side ofopening 317 and thus one side of theclosed door 321. Abracket 343′, which can be referred to as a clip, latch or opener, for securing thedoor 321 tocable 342 can have a portion secured to thedoor 321, for example the bottom or bottom portion of the door, and another portion that is removably or selectively attachable tocable portion 342a. Latch343′ can optionally be accessible from the exterior ofdoor 321 so as to permit a user ofcontainer 115′ to selectively attach and detach thelatch 343′ tocable portion 342a. To accommodate the positioning ofcable 342 incontainer 115′,door opening motor 346 can optionally be located in thefront roller 331 of the container, as illustrated inFIG. 27 .Motor shaft 347 extends frommotor 346 and the end of therespective roller 331 for engaging and drivingcable 342, for example as discussed above.Conveyor motor 337 can optionally be reconfigured to occupy only a portion ofsuch roller 331, as shown inFIG. 27 , so as to accommodatedoor motor 346 being located in thesame roller 331 as theconveyor motor 337. - In any method of the invention for manually opening
door 321 utilizinglatch 343′, the user can engage thelatch 343′ to detach it fromcable portion 342a. The user can then manually movedoor 321 onrails 323 to an opened position, slidinglatch 343′ alongcable portion 342aduring the process, for example to the position shown inFIG. 25 . The door to321 can optionally be locked in its opened position by any suitable means, for example by reattachinglatch 343′ to thecable 342. When the user decides to closedoor 321, the user can manually move the door to its closed position and thereafter reattachlatch 343′ to thecable portion 342a. The manual door opening mechanism of the invention permits opening and closing of a door of a container without requiring an electric motor or component, such asmotor 346. The manual opening and closing of the door can thus be accomplished without requiring electricity or other power to the container. Such manual door opening and closing mechanism may be particularly suited for a container not associated with a continuous power supply, for example apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117 for which a continuous supply of power may not be necessary or desired. Container 115 can optionally include a joining device or apparatus for temporarily securing or joining twocontainers 115 together so as to permit the transfer of articles, goods, objects or products between the containers. Such transfer can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. For example, thefront end 306 of twocontainers 115 can be brought together so that therespective openings 317 of the containers face each other and one or both of thetransport mechanisms 329 of the containers can optionally be utilized to transfer articles between the containers. In this regard, for example, theopenings 317 of the twocontainers 115 can optionally be aligned or registered with each other so for example the top surface of therespective conveyor belts 336 of the containers can be substantially parallel to each other for permitting articles moved off of or delivered by thebelt 336 of the delivering container to be picked up by or received by thebelt 336 of the receivingcontainer 115. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belts 336 of the two containers can optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit an article moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt. In any embodiment, the conveyor belts of the twocontainers 115 can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of an article between the two conveyor belts. The temporary joining device orapparatus 351 can be of any suitable type, including electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic devices or apparatus such as clips, brackets or magnets. In any embodiment, joining device orapparatus 351 can optionally include at least one magnet disposed on or accessible at thefront end 306 of the container (seeFIG. 25 ). In any embodiment, first andsecond magnets 351 can optionally be provided on diagonally opposite corners of theoutside face 352 of thefront end 306 of the container. In any embodiment, the magnets of other joiningapparatus 351 of onecontainer 115 oppose the joiningapparatus 351 of the other ormating container 115, so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers. When the opposing front faces or ends of twocontainers 115 are brought together, joining devices ormagnets 351 cooperate with each other to temporarily secure the two containers together during the process of transferring articles between the containers.- The containers of the invention can optionally be powered by any suitable means, continuously or intermittently. For example, the containers can optionally be independently powered, for example by a battery carried by the container or by wired connection to any suitable power source such as the grid, or be powered by
robot 114. Solar panels can optionally be provided on the containers of the invention for providing power thereto. The at least onecontainer 186 ofrobot 114 can optionally be powered by the robot. A container remote of a robot of the invention, for example a stationary container such aspickup container 116 andrecipient container 117, can optionally be powered by a robot, for example atransport container 115 of the robot, docking or mating with the remote container. In any embodiment, a stationary container can optionally be mechanically powered, for example by solar power, wind power or a conventional power grid. - In any embodiment,
containers 115 can optionally be provided with at least one suitableelectrical connector 353 for permitting the transfer of power between joinedcontainers 115. In any embodiment, the at least oneelectrical connector 353 can optionally be provided onface 352 of the container and in any embodiment the at least oneconnector 353 can optionally include first andsecond connectors 353 provided on theface 352 of thecontainer 115. For example, the first andsecond connectors 353 can optionally be provided on diagonally opposite corners of theoutside face 352 of the front and306 of the container. In any embodiment, theconnectors 353 of onecontainer 115 oppose theconnectors 353 of the other ormating container 115, so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers. In any embodiment,containers 115 can optionally be provided with the least onesuitable communications connectors 358 for permitting hardwired communications between containers. In any embodiment, the at least onecommunications connector 358 can optionally be provided onface 352 of the container. In any embodiment, thecommunications connector 358 of onecontainer 115 opposes thecommunications connector 358 of the other ormating container 115, so for example to register with each other during docking of the two containers. When the opposing front faces or ends of twocontainers 115 are brought together, and for example temporarily secured together, the first and secondelectrical connectors 153 of one container cooperatively engage or electrically connect with the first and secondelectrical connectors 153 of the other container. Where one of thecontainers 115 has power, for example atransport container 115 included in the at least onecontainer 186 ofrobot 114, the joinedelectrical connectors 153 of the two containers can serve to temporarily transfer power to the other container, for example to apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117 without an independent or continuous supply of power thereto.Electrical connectors 353 can be of any suitable type, for example conductors that permit conductive or inductive coupling therebetween. - The containers of the invention can optionally include a scale of any suitable type, for example for measuring the contents of the container. In any embodiment, each of
containers 115 can optionally include a scale for measuring the weight of the objects resting ontransport mechanisms 329 thereof, for example onbelt 336. In any embodiment, such weight scale can optionally be formed from one ormore sensors 356 disposed onsupports 333 of the transport mechanism329 (seeFIG. 23 ). Each ofsuch sensors 356 can be of any suitable type, for example a strain gauge. Such scales can optionally be coupled tocomputer network 136, either directly or indirectly. - One embodiment of the electrical and
electromechanical components 298 of the containers of the invention, forexample container 115 and at least onecontainer 186, is shown inFIG. 28 . Among the components illustrated therein, are a computing device, controller orcomputer 357 of any suitable type, which can optionally be part ofcomputer network 136 and includecentral processing unit 168 andstorage 169.Components 298 can additionally include atransceiver 171,transport mechanism motor 337,door motor 346,door latch 349 and one ormore power connectors 353. Thecomponents 298 can further include one ormore communications connectors 358, for permitting communications from outside of the container with computer354 of the container, and one ormore weight sensors 356 for sensing the weight of articles carried by the container. The container can optionally include less than the components illustrated inFIG. 28 or additional components not shown inFIG. 28 . In any embodiment, for example when acontainer 115 is included in the at least onecontainer 186 ofrobot 114, communications connector355 can optionally be coupled to robot computer156 (seeFIG. 22 ) so as to permit container computer354, or other components ofcontainer components 298, to communicate withcomputer network 136 by means of a hardwired connection. In any embodiment, for example whencontainer 115 is included in apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117 or in other instances when a hard-wired connection is not permissible or desired betweencontainer components 298 andcomputer network 136,transceiver 171 can permit wireless communications betweencontainer components 298 and thecomputer network 136. Containers 115 can optionally be assembled together in a variety of configurations to form acontainer assembly 301 for use onrobot 114. In any embodiment, for example illustrated inFIGS. 19-21 and 29 , thecontainer assembly 301 can optionally include a plurality of eightcontainers 115 arranged in a configuration of two columns, two rows and two containers deep. When viewed from eitherfirst end 176 orsecond end 177 therobot 114, thefront end 306 of four of thecontainers 115 of thecontainer assembly 301 form a grid consisting of two columns and two rows of thecontainers 115. In each row,first side 308 of one container can optionally be flush withsecond side 309 of the adjacent container. In each column,top wall 311 of one container can optionally be flush withbottom wall 312 of the adjacent container. Theback end 307 of one container can optionally be flush with theback end 307 of the container behind it. Thefront end 306 of such four containers can optionally be parallel with each other and flush with therespective end openings 317 andinteriors 316 of such fourcontainers 115, when therespective doors 321 are opened, are accessible at the respective end of the robot. Thecontainers 115 accessible at oneend 176 of therobot 114 can optionally be disposed end to end with thecontainers 115 accessible at theother end 177 of the robot, as illustrated inFIG. 29 .Containers 115 can optionally be provided with additional openings, doors or both, of any suitable type including any discussed herein, for permitting transfer of articles betweencontainers 115 withincontainer assembly 301. For example, two containers disposed end-to-end withincontainer assembly 301 can optionally include an opening, door or both at the back of the containers, for example inback end 307 of eachcontainer 115. Any suitable mechanism, for example any of those discussed herein and includingtransport mechanism 329, can optionally be provided for transferring articles through such openings between such containers.- A delivery of the invention can consist of a
single article 121 or a plurality ofarticles 121. A single article can be transported without a transportation container or enclosure or within a transportation container or enclosure of any suitable type. Similarly, a plurality of articles can be transported without a transportation container or enclosure or within a transportation container or enclosure of any suitable type. Suitable transportation containers can optionally include a bag, an envelope, a package or a box. Suitable materials for use in forming transportation containers include paper, plastic and cardboard. A transportation container can be for single use, or be reusable for use in a plurality of deliverees. In any embodiment, a transportation container of a standardized size and shape can optionally be used for transporting one ormore articles 121 within system113, for example for facilitating the transport of objects into and out of containers115 (seeFIGS. 3, 6, 32-39 and 41 ). Transportation container 361 can optionally be of a standardized size and shape for use in system113.Container 361 can be of any suitable type and be made from any suitable material such as plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, paperboard or fiberboard. In any embodiment, thetransportation container 361 has a shape of a parallelepiped, and in any embodiment has fourinterconnected sidewalls 362 joined to abottom wall 363. In any embodiment, the transportation container has a top wall (not shown) so as to have a closed top. In any embodiment, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be an open container, that is free of a top. In any embodiment, the open container can optionally be rectangular in shape when viewed in plan and formed frombottom wall 363 and foursidewalls 362 joined together at the bottom wall. Thetransportation container 361 has an interior cavity orspace 364 for receiving one or more articles therein. One or more objects can be placed within thetransportation container 361, and in any embodiment all of the objects in a transportation container can optionally be associated with one order or request from a user. The transportation container can be of any suitable size, for example not greater than the size of the plurality ofcontainers 115 in which thetransportation container 361 is to be utilized. In any embodiment, thetransportation container 361 has a size approximating the size of the plurality ofcontainers 115 in which the transportation container is to be utilized. Thetransportation container 361 can be referred to as a liner, a box, a cardboard box, a receptacle, a holder, a canister, a bag, a case, a repository or any combination of such terms.- In any embodiment,
robot 114 can optionally include an arm, element, member, mechanism, apparatus or assembly (not shown), for convenience referred to herein as a member, having an end that can optionally be movable relative to at least a portion of the robot, forexample wheel assemblies attachment assembly 249, at least onecontainer 186 or any combination of the foregoing. Such end can optionally be movable in any suitable manner, for example upwardly or downwardly, forwardly or rearwardly, sideways, can optionally be pivotable in any suitable manner, for example about a first axis, about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, or any combination the foregoing. Such end can optionally include an end effector of any suitable type, for example an anthropomorphic end effector. Such member can be of any suitable type, for example articulated, telescoping, extendable, retractable or any combination the foregoing, and can optionally be coupled or attached to any portion of the robot, for example one or both ofends sides robot 114, or any combination the foregoing. - In any embodiment, the shape and size of the
transportation container 361 can optionally be standardized throughout system113. In any embodiment, the shape and size of thetransportation container 361 can optionally be standardized for the sized and shapedcontainer 115 in which thetransportation container 361 is to be utilized. One or more classes of suchstandardized transportation containers 361 can optionally be utilized by system113. Such classifications can optionally include classifications by size, shape or any other physical characteristic of the transportation container. In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136 categorizes certain classes ofstandardized transportation containers 361 with certain classes ofstandardized containers 115 and utilizes such information to efficiently transfercontainers 361 throughout system113. For example, thecomputer network 136 can matchtransportation container 361 with the smallestpermissible containers 115 throughout the course of travel of thetransportation container 361 from the pickup location to the drop off location. Each transportation container can optionally include any suitable identifier thereon, such asidentifier 364, which can optionally include the address, the class, any characteristic of the class of the transportation container or any combination of the foregoing. Such identifier can optionally include any machine-readable identifier, such as a barcode. - Methods for utilizing a vehicle or other type of robot to deliver articles between first and second locations are provided. Such methods, including any step or portion thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such methods can use system113 and vehicle or
robot 114, for example onerobot 114 in a fleet of identical robots, but are not limited to the same. Such methods can optionally be computer-implemented and can use one or more processors or computers, located together or apart from each other, for such implementation. In any embodiment, such methods utilizecomputer network 136. System113 androbot 114 can optionally be utilized with other methods and systems, including other methods or systems for purchasing or selling goods or delivering goods or objects between first and second locations. - In any method of the invention, a request from a user can be received by
computer network 136 for picking up one ormore articles 121 at a first location. The request can optionally include a request to transport or deliver the article from the first location to a second location. The request can optionally include a request to deliver the article at the second location. In any embodiment, the user can optionally be a purchaser of thearticle 121, which can optionally be a product. The request can optionally include a request to purchase the product and can optionally include a payment for the purchase of the product. In any embodiment, the user can optionally be an agent of the purchaser. In any embodiment, such purchase can optionally be accomplished utilizingcomputer network 136, separately or together with other computers or computer networks. In any embodiment, the deliveror of the product can optionally be a seller of the article, or vendor. Any method can optionally include the deliveror receiving payment for the purchase of the product. In any method, the deliveror of thearticle 121 can optionally be an agent of a seller or vendor. In any embodiment, the purchaser or other user enters its request utilizing adeliveree computing device 142, which can be referred to as a user computing device, a vendee computing device or a purchaser computing device. In any embodiment, the seller or other deliveror acts on the request utilizing adeliveror computing device 141, which can be referred to as a seller computing device or a vendor computing device. - The request of the user can optionally include the location of the user, the location at which the
article 121 is to be delivered or both. The location at which the article is to be delivered, which can be referred to as the second location, can optionally be an address, the physical location of the user, nearby the address or the physical location of the user, a horizontal or any other surface, on the ground, arecipient container 117 of the user or available to the user, a specific location designated by the user, a location designated bycomputer network 136 with respect to the user or any combination of the foregoing. The specific location can optionally be a specified or precise location, for example at the second location, where the article should be delivered. In one possible step, the specified or precise delivery location can optionally include a three-dimensional delivery location, for example including three-dimensional coordinates or other three-dimensional information of the precise delivery location. Such three-dimensional coordinates or other information can optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y and Z axes. - In one possible step,
computer network 136 provides a three-dimensional virtual model of the second location to the user. Such three-dimensional virtual model can optionally include three-dimensional coordinates for all locations or areas thereon. The three-dimensional virtual model can have been previously created, and stored innetwork 136, or created from information provided by the user, for example with a delivercomputing device 141,deliveree computing device 142 or other computing device. The three-dimensional virtual model can optionally be displayed ondisplay 148 of thedevice display 148 of thedevice display 148 and the user can touch thescreen 148 so as to indicate the precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model, which can optionally be saved bycomputer network 136. The user's indication on the three-dimensional virtual model can optionally be translated bycomputer network 136 into three-dimensional coordinates or other information indicative of the precise three-dimensional location, for example the precise three-dimensional second location for delivery. - In one possible step, the request can optionally include a photograph or other image, for
example image 367, of the first or second location with an indicator, forexample indicator 368, on the image identifying a precise two-dimensional delivery location for the article (seeFIG. 31 ). The two-dimensional pickup or delivery location from such image can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to derive three-dimensional coordinates or information indicative of the three-dimensional delivery location. The image can optionally includeterrain 366 of the second location, forexample land 369,structures 370 on the land or both. The image can be of any suitable type, including one or more photographs or video stored by the user, for example indevice example using device display 148 of thedevice 141,142 (seeFIG. 30 ). For example, in one possible step,photograph 367 can optionally be displayed on electronic screen ordisplay 148 and the user can touch thescreen 148, as shown inFIG. 30 , so as to indicate the precise location on the two-dimensional photograph, shown byindicator 368 inFIG. 31 , which can optionally be saved bycomputer network 136. It is appreciated that theindicator 368 can optionally be created on the image in any other suitable manner, for example by a computer mouse. - In one possible step, the two-dimensional delivery information from the image can optionally be mapped by
computer network 136 to a three-dimensional virtual model of a first, second or other location, for example stored incomputer network 136 or created by the computer network. Thenetwork 136 can optionally be programmed to register the two-dimensional indicator on the image to a precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model to obtain a three-dimensional pickup or delivery location. For example,computer network 136 can register the two-dimensional image of the location with the three-dimensional virtual model of the location so that at least some of the areas of the two-dimensional image, including for example the area or precise two-dimensional location identified byindicator 368, can optionally be represented on the three-dimensional virtual model with three-dimensional coordinates or other information. Such three-dimensional coordinates or other commission can optionally include coordinates in three orthogonal axes, for example orthogonal X, Y. and Z axes. In any embodiment, the entire two-dimensional image can optionally be registered to the three-dimensional virtual model so that three-dimensional coordinates or other information can optionally be obtained from the three-dimensional virtual model for all locations on the two-dimensional image. - In one possible step, the user provides a plurality of images, for example a plurality of photographs, of a first, second or other location, either with the request or otherwise, for use by
computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The plurality of images, which can optionally include video, can optionally be taken with thedeliveror computing device 141, thedeliveree computing device 142 or any other electronic device, either contemporaneously with or prior to submitting the images. In one possible step, the user scansterrain 366 viewable by the user with a sensor of thedevice display 148 of the device or stored in thedevice display 148. The plurality of images can optionally be used bycomputer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model of a first, second or other location. - In one possible step, the user provides a plurality of depth sensor signals of the first, second or other location, either with a request or otherwise, for use by
computer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The plurality of depth sensor signals can optionally be provided from one or more depth sensors included with thedeliveror computing device 141, thedeliveree computing device 142 or another device. For example, the device can optionally be pointed at the second location and scanned by the depth sensor of the device for providing the plurality of depth sensor signals. The plurality of depth sensor signals can optionally be used bycomputer network 136 in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model of the first, second or other location. - In one possible step, the request of the user can optionally include three-dimensional orientation information associated with the two-
dimensional image 367. Such orientation information can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 in registering the image with the two-dimensional pickup, delivery or other information with the three-dimensional virtual model of the first, second or other location when deriving the three-dimensional pickup, delivery or other location. - The user's request to purchase a product can optionally be directed by
computer network 136 to a single vendor of the product or to a plurality of vendors of the product. In any embodiment, the user's location can optionally be included in the request. The user's location can be provided in any suitable manner, for example by being inputted by the user. In any embodiment, the user's location can optionally be calculated or determined bycomputer network 136, for example by using a location sensor of any suitable type provided indeliveree computing device 142. The request can optionally be directed to any plurality of vendors of the product, including a plurality of vendors located within a predetermined or calculated distance of the user's location. Such predetermined distance can optionally be preprogrammed intocomputer network 136, or determined as a function of a plurality of variables, for example measured at the time of the request, and analyzed by thecomputer network 136 in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise. - The plurality of vendors can bid on the product, for example by providing a reply or response to the user, who can be referred to as a buyer, through
computer network 136. In any embodiment, the response of each vendor can optionally include a price quote from the vendor. In any embodiment,computer network 136 can optionally be programmed to deliver the lowest price quote from the plurality of vendors to the user. - In any embodiment, the response of each vendor can optionally include an indicator of the distance of the vendor from the location of the user. The indicator of distance can optionally include the location of the vendor, the distance of the vendor from the user's location or both. The location of the vendor can optionally include a location associated with the product of the vendor. The location of the vendor can be provided in any suitable manner, for example by being inputted by the vendor. In any embodiment, the vendor's location can optionally be calculated or determined by
computer network 136, for example by using a location sensor of any suitable type provided indeliveror computing device 141 or elsewhere. - In any embodiment, the response from each vendor can optionally include one or more additional items of information with respect to the vendor or the product of the vendor, which items of information can be referred to as product purchase factors or features associated with the vendor. The product purchase factors or features can be of any suitable type and can optionally include the price quote for the product from the vendor, the indicator of the distance of the vendor from the location of the user, the location of the vendor, the distance of the vendor from the user's location, the speed or quickness of the vendor in responding, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the user, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the user, a consumer rating of the vendor, a rating of the vendor from previous users or buyers, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product, the time to pick up the product of the vendor by at least one of the
robots 114 of system113 or any combination of the foregoing. A condition of such confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock can optionally include the vendor checking its computer records to confirm that the product is in stock, visually observing the product in its store or warehouse to confirm that the product is in stock or both and providing its results or confirmation to thecomputer network 136. - In any embodiment, the
computer network 136 can optionally be programmed to deliver the lowest price quote for a product in stock, as determined above or otherwise, to the user. In any embodiment, thecomputer network 136 delivers all price quotes and related information, including whether or not the product is in stock, to the user. - In any embodiment, the user can then select which vendor to purchase the product from in response to receiving one or more responses including the price quotes. For example,
computer network 136 can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of at least one of the product purchase factors. Thecomputer network 136 can optionally be programmed to permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of any number of the product purchase factors. Thecomputer network 136 can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of at least any two of the product purchase factors, at least any three of the product purchase factors, at least any four of the product purchase factors or at least any five of the product purchase factors. Thecomputer network 136 can optionally be programmed to permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and at least one of the other product purchase factors with respect to each of the plurality of vendors. Thecomputer network 136 can permit the user to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and at least any two of the other product purchase factors, the price of the product and at least any three of the other product purchase factors, the price of the product and at least any four of the other product purchase factors or the price of the product and at least any five of the other product purchase factors. - In any embodiment, the
computer network 136 analyzes all the responses from the plurality of vendors, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise, and provides the user with a recommended product to purchase. - In any embodiment, the
computer network 136 evaluates each response of a vendor against a plurality of features of each of the plurality of vendors. The features can be of any suitable type, for example any combination or number of the features disclosed herein. The computer network can select a response as a function of such of evaluating step, recommend a response as a function of such evaluating step, permit the user or buyer to select a response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of such evaluating step or any combination the foregoing. The evaluation step or method can be of any suitable type and can optionally be programmed intocomputer network 136. In any embodiment, the evaluation step or method can optionally include a ranking regression method of any suitable type. For example, the evaluation method can optionally include using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective vendors. Thecomputer network 136 can select or recommend a response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of vendors. For example, the vendor with the highest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended, or the vendor with the lowest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended bycomputer network 136. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of a vendor and determines an aggregate value for each vendor as a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective vendor. The numerical can be of any suitable type, including a cost-based value. In any embodiment, the aggregate value for each vendor can optionally be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the vendor. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a neural network in evaluating the responses of the vendors. In one such method, the computer network trains a neural network with a set of example vendors to provide a trained neural network and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of vendors. The aggregate value for each vendor can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features for each of the vendors. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a kernel method in evaluating the responses of the vendors. In one such method, the computer network trains a kernel method with a set of example vendors to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality features for each of the plurality of vendors. The aggregate value for each vendor can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features for each of the vendors. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a decision tree in evaluating the responses of the vendors. In one such method, the computer network trains a decision tree with a set of example vendors to provide a trained decision tree and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of vendors. The aggregate value for each vendor can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features for each of the vendors. - The
computer network 136 can permit the user or buyer to select one of the responses of the plurality of vendors, for example based upon a recommendation of the network, or the computer network can select one of the responses of the plurality of vendors autonomously, for example without input from the user or buyer. Thecomputer network 136 can permit the user or buyer to accept the selected response, or the computer network can accept the selected response autonomously. The acceptance can optionally include purchasing the article or product from the selected vendor. The acceptance of the request can optionally include charging the user or buyer for the article, charging the user or buyer for the delivery of the article or both. The foregoing method of selecting a response from one of a plurality of vendors can optionally be utilized independently of system113 and the other methods and components of system113. - In any embodiment, a price quote of a vendor can optionally be increased, decreased or otherwise altered or changed by the
computer network 136 in accordance with real-time demand for the product. For example, if real-time to demand for a product is high, determined by the computer network in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or otherwise, each of the price quotes can optionally be increased before delivery to the user. The amount of the increase can optionally be divided between the vendor and operator of system113 in any predetermined manner, for example all of such increase being directed to the vendor, a portion of such interest being directed to the vendor and a portion to the operator of system113 or all of such increase being directed to the operator of system113. - Once one or
more articles 121 are ready for delivery to a user or buyer in accordance with a request from the user, with or part of a purchase of the article or otherwise, arobot 114 can be directed bycomputer network 136 to travel to the first location and pick up the one ormore articles 121 at the first location. The first location can optionally be at the physical location of the deliveror, nearby the physical location of the deliveror, at a location associated with the deliveror, at a location in thecomputer network 136 associated with the deliveror, at a designation designated bycomputer network 136 with respect to the deliveror or at another location provided by the deliveror. In any embodiment, the first location can optionally be associated with a vendor from which the user purchased a product. In such embodiments, the first location can optionally include a selected one of a plurality of vendors, the location of a selected or other vendor, the location of the article or product of a selected or other vendor, any other suitable location or any combination of the foregoing. The robot, forexample robot 114, can optionally be one of a plurality of robots, for example one of a plurality of robots that is in the vicinity of the first location. The robot can optionally be one of the robots in a fleet or sub fleet of robots in system113. - Any suitable method can be provided for
computer network 136 to select, or recommend to the user, which of a plurality of robots, forexample robots 114, should be directed to pickup, deliver or both the article or product. The selecting or recommending method can optionally be programmed intocomputer network 136. In one such suitable method, the selecting or recommending step can optionally include thecomputer network 136 evaluating a plurality of the robots against a plurality features of the plurality of robots. The features can be of any suitable type and include any combination or number of features. For example, the features can optionally include the distance of each robot from the product of the vendor, the load capacity of each robot, the remaining battery life of each robot, the estimated travel time of each robot to the product of the vendor, the estimated travel time of each robot to the first location, any combination the foregoing or all of the foregoing. The computer network can select a robot as a function of such evaluating step, recommend a robot as a function of such evaluating step, permit the user or buyer to select a robot as a function of such evaluating step or any combination the foregoing. - In any embodiment, the evaluation step or method can optionally include a ranking regression method of any suitable type. For example, the evaluation method can optionally include using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective robots. The
computer network 136 can select or recommend a robot from one of the plurality of robots as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of robots. For example, the robot with the highest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended, or the robot with the lowest aggregate value can optionally be selected or recommended bycomputer network 136. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of a robot and determines an aggregate value for each robot as a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective robot. The numerical can be of any suitable type, including a cost-based value. In any embodiment, the aggregate value for each robot can optionally be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the robot. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a neural network in evaluating each of the plurality of robots. In one such method, the computer network trains a neural network with a set of example robots to provide a trained neural network and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of robots. The aggregate value for each robot can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features for each of the robots. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a kernel method in evaluating each of the plurality of robots. In one such method, the computer network trains a kernel method with a set of example robots to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality features for each of the plurality of robots. The aggregate value for each robot can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features for each of the robots. - In one optional ranking regression method, the
computer network 136 utilizes a decision tree in evaluating each of the plurality of robots. In one such method, the computer network trains a decision tree with a set of example robots to provide a trained decision tree and assigns a numerical value to each of the plurality of features for each of the plurality of robots. The aggregate value for each robot can optionally be computed bynetwork 136 applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features for each of the robots. - The
computer network 136 can permit the user or buyer to select one of the plurality of robots, for example based upon a recommendation of the network, or the computer network can select one of the plurality of robots autonomously, for example without input form the user or buyer. The foregoing method of selecting one of a plurality of robots can optionally be utilized independently of system113 and the other methods and components of the system113. - The
robot 114 can travel to the first location from a facility associated with the system, after a previous delivery, en route to another delivery or otherwise. The route traveled byrobot 114 to the first location can optionally include any portion oftransportation network 101. Such travel byrobot 114, including any portion thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. - Once at the first location, the
robot 114 can pick up the one ormore articles 121. Such pick up can include human delivery or placement of the article into the at least onecontainer 186 of the robot or pickup of the article by therobot 114 without human assistance. The one ormore articles 121 can be transported directly by system113 or placed in a transportation container, such as atransportation container 361, which can be transported by system113. In one possible step, atransportation container 361, for example an open container of a standardized size and shape, is received by deliveror for use in delivering the one ormore articles 121. Such one or more articles can optionally be placed in thetransportation container 361 by the deliveror for pickup by arobot 114 of system113. For simplicity, the methods herein shall discuss transport of one ormore articles 121 within atransportation container 361, it being understood that such methods apply equally to transport of one ormore articles 121 directly, that is not in atransportation container 361. Computer network 136 can cause ordirect robot 114 to pick up thetransportation container 361 at the first location. Thecomputer network 136 can cause ordirect robot 114 to move or place thetransportation container 361 inside the robot at the first location. In any method of the invention, the pickup of the article byrobot 114 can optionally include picking up thetransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121, from a support surface such as the ground upon which thetransportation container 361 has been left for pickup (seeFIGS. 32 and 33 ). Such actions byrobot 114, including any part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such actions can optionally include the use of computer vision byrobot 114. In any embodiment, the transport mechanism of the at least onecontainer 186, forexample transport mechanism 329 of one ofcontainers 115 of the at least onecontainer 186, can optionally be used in this regard. In any embodiment, one of thelower containers 115 of therobot 114, for example one ofcontainers 115 sitting directly onbase 281 of thechassis 187, can optionally be utilized for receiving thetransportation container 361.- In one possible step of such method, the
container 115 can optionally be positioned byrobot 114 so thatfront end 306 of one of thecontainers 115 ofrobot 114 is nearby or on the ground in the vicinity of thetransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121. For example, first andsecond wheel assemblies pivot assemblies robot 114 so that thefront end 306 of thecontainer 115 is adjacent one side of thetransportation container 361, such as oneside wall 362 of thetransportation container 361. In one possible step, theopening 317 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be aligned or registered with thetransportation container 361.Robot 114, for example oneend transportation container 361 over the ground to a position up against astationary object 371, for example an immovable object such as a curb, wall, post or door. In one possible step, the deliveror places thetransportation container 361 against astationary object 371.Attachment assembly 249 of the robot, including first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanisms second pivot assemblies lower chassis 187 towards or onto the ground, for example as illustrated inFIG. 32 , and if desired tilt thechassis 187 so that oneend base 281 of the chassis is closer to the ground than the other end, for examplefirst end 282 ofbase 281 as shown inFIG. 32 . - In one possible step of such method, such lowered or tilted
chassis 187, or both, can facilitaterobot 114 pushing or urgingtransportation container 361 up against such thestationary object 371. Oncedoor 321 of theappropriate transport container 115 ofrobot 114 is opened, for example bydoor opening mechanism 341, the front of thetransport mechanism 329 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be pushed againsttransportation container 361 so as to engage the transportation container and urge or push it againstobject 371. In any embodiment, a portion of thetransportation container 361 extends inside thetransport container 115, for example intointerior 316 of the transport container, so as to contacttransport mechanism 329, for example the front end ofbelt 336. Therobot 114 can urge the forward or front end ofbelt 336 of thetransport mechanism 329 of thecontainer 115 against thetransportation container 361 and activatemotor 337 of the transport mechanism to rotate the forward end of thebelt 336 upwardly so as to lift theengaged end 362 or other surface of thetransportation container 361 upwardly onto thebelt 336.Transport mechanism 329 can then be utilized to move thetransportation container 361 into the interior of the robot, for example into theinterior 316 of thetransport container 115. Therobot 114 can optionally be moved forwardly during this process to facilitate thetransportation container 361 being lifted onto the top surface of thebelt 336, moved intocontainer 115 or both. The pickup or loading process can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162 andweight sensor 356. The structure or components of the robot for picking up anarticle 121 ortransportation container 361 can be of any suitable type and referred to as a pickup assembly, mechanism or apparatus. For example, such pickup assembly, mechanism or apparatus can optionally includeattachment assembly 249,translational adjustment mechanisms pivot assemblies transport mechanism 329 or any combination of the foregoing. - Upon receipt of the
transportation container 361, and the one ormore articles 121 therein,door 321 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be closed androbot 114 directed bycomputer network 136 to the second location. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136 fromweight sensors 356 in thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of thearticle 121 received by thecontainer 115 conforms with the article designated for delivery byrobot 114. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the receipt bytransport container 115 ofarticle 121 ortransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121. - In any method of the invention, the pickup of the
transportation container 361 byrobot 114 can optionally include causing or directing the robot to pick up or retrieve thetransportation container 361 from apickup container 116, which can optionally be a stationary container into which thetransportation container 361 has been left for pickup. In such methods, the pickup location can be referred to as being inside thepickup container 116. Thetransportation container 361, with the one ormore articles 121 therein, is placed in thepickup container 116. In any embodiment or possible step where a human, which for example can optionally be the deliveror or an agent of the deliveror, is authorized or directed to place the transportation container in thepickup container 116, thecomputer network 136 can provide the human with an identifier of thepickup container 116, the location of thepickup container 116 and a code or key to access or unlock the pickup container so as to permit the article to be placed in thecontainer 116. The code or key can be static or dynamic. In any embodiment, the human communicates with thecomputer network 136 after arriving at thepickup container 116 to unlock the container, for example to unlockdoor latch 349 of thecontainer 115. In any embodiment, a physical key can optionally be utilized by the human to gain entry to thepickup container 116. The human can then manuallyopen door 321 of thecontainer 116 in any suitable manner or utilizing any suitable door opening apparatus, for example by utilizinglatch 343′ to disengage the door from cable portion362aand thus permit the door to be manually opened by the human. In any embodiment, the human can activatetransport mechanism 329 of thecontainer 116 to facilitate placement of thetransportation container 361 within thepickup container 116. After thecontainer 116 receives thetransportation container 361, the human can manually closedoor 321 of the container and reengagelatch 343′ with cable portion362a. In any embodiment, the closing of thedoor 321 can serve to automatically engagelatch 343′ withcable 362, activatedoor latch 349 or both so that thecontainer 116 is then locked and tamperproof. - Such pickup by
robot 114 of thetransportation container 361 frompickup container 116, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. In one possible step of such method, the desired container ofrobot 114, for example one oftransport containers 115, can optionally be positioned byrobot 114 so thatfront end 306 of thetransport container 115 is nearby thefront end 306 of the pickup container116 (seeFIG. 34 ). For example, first andsecond wheel assemblies pivot assemblies robot 114 so that thefront end 306 of thetransport container 115 is nearby thefront end 306 of thepickup container 116. - In one possible step, the
robot 114 aligns or registers theopening 317 of thetransport container 115 with theopening 317 of thepickup container 116, for example using computer vision. In one possible step, the robot aligns or registers thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115, which can optionally be a conveyor system, with thetransport mechanism 329 of thepickup container 116, which can optionally be a conveyor system. The transport mechanism of thepickup container 116 can be referred to as a pickup transport mechanism, a delivery transport mechanism, any of the other terms herein identified with respect thereto or any combination of the foregoing. In one possible step, the alignment of the twotransport mechanisms 329, which can each be a conveyor system, can result in the top surface of therespective conveyor belts 336 of the containers being substantially parallel to each other for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by thebelt 336 of thepickup container 116 to be picked up by or received by thebelt 336 of thetransport container 115. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belts 336 of the two containers can optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permit atransportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt. In any embodiment, the conveyor belts of the twocontainers 115 can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of atransportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts. - The
robot 114 can optionally include an orientation assembly or mechanism which permits such alignment or registration. Thetransport container 115 can optionally be translated, pivoted, tilted, rotated or any combination of the foregoing by therobot 114, for example by the orientation assembly or mechanism of the robot, as part of such alignment or registration process. For example, thecomputer network 136 can causerobot 114 to translatetransport container 115 in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to pivot thetransport container 115 about at least one axis so as to align thetransport container 115 with thepickup container 116 or any other container or receiver of contents of thetransport container 115. Such orientation assembly or mechanism can optionally include the three orthogonal axes adjustment mechanism hereof, the three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism hereof, or both. For example, one or more wheels of therobot 114, forexample wheels bogie 201, can optionally be utilized to move thetransport container 115 forwardly or rearwardly with respect to thepickup container 116,front wheels 206 andrear wheels 207, as pivoted 90° byrespective pivot assemblies transport container 115 sideways with respect to the pickup container,translational mechanisms transport container 115 upwardly or downwardly with respect to thepickup container 116 or any combination of the foregoing can occur. As a further example, one or more of the wheels of therobot 114, for examplefront wheels 206 andrear rules 207, can optionally be pivoted 45° byrespective pivot assemblies transport container 115 aboutaxis 183 with respect to pick upcontainer 116, first andsecond pivot assemblies transport container 115 aboutaxis 202 with respect topickup container 116, first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanisms transport container 115 aboutaxis 250 with respect to the pickup container or any combination of the foregoing can occur. - In one possible step of such method, the positioning of the
transport container 115 with respect to thepickup container 116 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162. In any embodiment, one or both ofcameras end robot 114 can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to visualizefront end 306 of thepickup container 116 and to compare the input sensor signals received from thecameras computer network 136 to move thefront end 306 oftransport container 115 into registration with thefront end 306 of thepickup container 116 so that theopenings 317 of the two containers can optionally be aligned or registered with each other. In any embodiment, sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors ofrobot 114 and fromIMU sensor 296 can optionally be utilized by thecomputer network 136 in such registration and alignment step. - Upon registration of the
opening 317 of thetransport container 115 with theopening 317 of thepickup container 116, in any embodiment or possible step theface 352 of thetransport container 115 engages theface 352 of thepickup container 116, permitting joiningdevices 351 to engage and secure thetransport container 115 and thepickup container 116 together. Power can optionally be transferred fromrobot 114 to thepickup container 116, for example by engagement of theelectrical connectors 353 on thetransport container 115 with the respective electrical connectors53 on thepickup container 116, so as to energize some or all ofcomponents 298 of thepickup container 116. For example,transceiver 171,computer 357,door opening mechanism 341,door latch 349, andtransport mechanism 329 of thepickup container 116, or any combination thereof, can optionally be so energized by the robot.Computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can wirelessly communicate with container computer327, for example by means of therobot transceiver 163 andcontainer receiver 171. In any embodiment,communications connector 358 of thecontainers computer network 136 can communicate with thepickup container 116 confirm the identity or address of thepickup container 116, to provide a suitable key or code to the pickup container for authorizing access to the pickup container, to provide direction to the pickup container or any combination of the foregoing. The key or code can be static or dynamic. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136, for example throughrobot computer 156 andcontainer computer 357, fromweight sensors 356 in thepickup container 116 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of thearticle 121 therein conforms with the article designated for delivery. - In one possible step, the
transportation container 361 and the one or more articles therein can then be transferred or moved in any suitable manner, for example by thetransport mechanisms 329 of thecontainers pickup container 116 to therobot 114, for example to thetransport container 115 of the robot. In one possible step, when one or both of thecontainers computer network 136 can open one or both of the containers. For example,computer network 136 can cause or direct thedoor opening mechanisms 341 of bothcontainers respective doors 321 of the containers so as to permit communication between theinteriors 316 of the containers.Computer network 136 can further cause or direct thetransport mechanisms 329 of both containers to be activated so as to move or transfertransportation container 361 from the interior ofpickup container 116 to the interior oftransport container 115 on robot114 (seeFIG. 34 ). For example, thecomputer network 136 can cause one or more articles of transportation containers to be retrieved from thepickup container 116 and placed in thetransport container 115. More broadly, thecomputer network 136 can cause a first container to move an article or transportation container out of the first container, a second container to move an article or transportation container into the second container or both. Thepickup container 116 can deliver one or more articles or transportation containers to thetransport container 115. For example,transport mechanism 329 of thepickup container 116 can serve to move thetransportation container 361 out of thecontainer 116 for delivery to thetransport container 115, such as until thetransportation container 361 touches and engages thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115. Thetransport mechanism 329 ofcontainer 115 can thereafter move thetransportation container 361 into theinterior 316 of thetransport container 115. Such transfer, from the conveyor system ofpickup container 116 to the conveyor system oftransport container 115, or more broadly from one container to another container or from one conveyor system to another conveyor system, can be referred to as a conveyor system transfer. Once thetransportation container 361 has been fully received bytransport container 115, thecomputer network 136 can cause or direct thedoors 321 of bothcontainers robot 114 away frompickup container 116. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136 fromweight sensors 356 in thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of the article therein conforms with the article designated for delivery byrobot 114. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the receipt bytransport container 115 oftransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121. Any or all actions, directions, commands or instructions of thecomputer network 136 to thepickup container 116 can optionally be throughrobot 114, forexample robot computer 156. - In a further step of the method of the invention,
robot 114 can be navigated bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, overtransportation network 101 from the first location to the second location, for example to deliver one ormore articles 121 ortransportation containers 361 to the second location. Such travel byrobot 114, including any portion thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. The navigating step can optionally include thecomputer network 136 accessing a virtual map to chart a course over thetransportation network 101 from the first location to the second location. The route ofrobot 114 overtransportation network 101 can optionally be determined initially bycomputer network 136, for example by considering factors such as traffic and weather, and can optionally include travel over roads, bike paths and sidewalks for example. The route ofrobot 114 can optionally be changed, for example as a result of input received by thecomputer network 136 from any ofsensors 162. One example of a route travel byrobot 114 between a first location and a second location is illustrated inFIG. 1 . The first location can optionally be in the vicinity of adeliveror 118, for example apickup container 116 associated with thedeliveror 118.Robot 114 is shown traveling on a route that includes analley 106, asidewalk 104, a crosswalk107, abike path 103 and a further crosswalk107,sidewalk 104 andbike path 103 before reachingdeliveree 119, for example arecipient container 117 associated with thedeliveree 119. Such navigation can optionally include the use of computer vision. - In any embodiment or possible step, the input signals from any or all of
sensors 162 can optionally be used for relaying real-time information with respect to such navigation and the possible or contemplated routes ofrobot 114 tocomputer network 136 for analysis. In any embodiment, the input signals from any or all ofsensors 162 can optionally be used for observing the terrain encountered byrobot 114, which can optionally be used by thecomputer network 136 to prepare or update maps of the terrain, including changes in transient, dynamic or other objects, newly traveled routes, newly encountered buildings or structures and other information that may be useful in navigating other robots between locations. At least some such maps can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and in each case can optionally be updated on a real-time basis by therobots 114 of system113. - The delivery by
robot 114 of thetransportation container 361 at the second location can be performed in any suitable manner. In any method of the invention, thearticle 121 can optionally be retrieved from therobot 114 by a human at the second location. The human can remove the one or more articles from thetransportation container 361, and leave thetransportation container 361 in robot or retain thetransportation container 361 for future use with system113.Computer network 136 can cause or direct the robot to deliver thetransportation container 361 at the second location, for example free of human assistance. In any method of the invention, the delivery of thetransportation container 361 by therobot 114 can optionally include delivery of thetransportation container 361 to arecipient container 117 at the second location. In such methods, the recipient or delivery location can be referred to as being inside therecipient container 117. Such delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361 to therecipient container 117, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Theopening 317 of thetransport container 115 of therobot 114 can optionally be registered or aligned with theopening 317 of therecipient container 117, for example in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the pickup of an article byrobot 114 from a pickup container116 (seeFIGS. 34-35, 39 and 41 ). Such aligning or registering can optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision. In any method of the invention, the desired container ofrobot 114, for example one oftransport containers 115, can optionally be positioned byrobot 114 so thatfront end 306 of thetransport container 115 is nearby thefront end 306 of therecipient container 117. For example, first andsecond wheel assemblies pivot assemblies robot 114 so that thefront end 306 of thetransport container 115 is nearby thefront end 306 of therecipient container 117. - In one possible step, the
robot 114 aligns or registers theopening 317 of thetransport container 115 with theopening 317 of therecipient container 117. In one possible step, the robot aligns or registers thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115, which can optionally be a conveyor system, with thetransport mechanism 329 of therecipient container 117, which can optionally be a conveyor system. The transport mechanism of therecipient container 117 can be referred to as a recipient transport mechanism, a receiving transport mechanism, any of the other terms herein identified with respect thereto or any combination of the foregoing. In one possible step, the alignment of the twotransport mechanisms 329, which can each be a conveyor system, can result in the top surface of therespective conveyor belts 336 of the containers being substantially parallel to each other for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by thebelt 336 of thetransport container 115 to be picked up by or received by thebelt 336 of therecipient container 116. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belts 336 of the two containers can optionally be relatively close to each other so as to facilitate or permittransportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt. In any embodiment, the conveyor belts of the twocontainers 115 can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with each other so as to facilitate a transfer of atransportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts. - The
robot 114 can optionally include an orientation assembly or mechanism which permits such alignment or registration. Thetransport container 115 can optionally be translated, pivoted, tilted, rotated or any combination of the foregoing by therobot 114, for example by the orientation assembly or mechanism of the robot, as part of such alignment or registration process. For example, thecomputer network 136 can causerobot 114 to translatetransport container 115 in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to pivot thetransport container 115 about at least one axis so as to align thetransport container 115 with therecipient container 117. Such orientation mechanism can optionally include the three orthogonal axes adjustment mechanism hereof, the three orthogonal axes pivot or rotation mechanism hereof, or both. For example, one or more wheels of therobot 114, forexample wheels bogie 201, can optionally be utilized to move thetransport container 115 forwardly or rearwardly with respect to therecipient container 117,front wheels 206 andrear wheels 207, as pivoted 90° byrespective pivot assemblies transport container 115 sideways with respect to the recipient container,translational mechanisms transport container 115 upwardly or downwardly with respect to therecipient container 117 or any combination of the foregoing. As a further example, one or more of the wheels of therobot 114, for examplefront wheels 206 andrear rules 207, can optionally be pivoted 45° byrespective pivot assemblies transport container 115 aboutaxis 183 with respect torecipient container 117, first andsecond pivot assemblies transport container 115 aboutaxis 202 with respect torecipient container 117, first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanisms transport container 115 aboutaxis 250 with respect to the recipient container or any combination of the foregoing. - In one possible step, the positioning of the
transport container 115 with respect to therecipient container 117 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162. In any embodiment, one or both ofcameras end robot 114 can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to visualizefront end 306 of therecipient container 117 and to compare the input sensor signals received from thecameras computer network 136 to move thefront end 306 oftransport container 115 into registration with thefront end 306 of therecipient container 116 so that theopenings 317 of the two containers can optionally be aligned or registered with each other. In any embodiment, sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors ofrobot 114 and fromIMU sensor 296 can optionally be utilized by thecomputer network 136 in such registration and alignment step. - Once the
containers openings 317 thereof face each other, in one possible step the containers can optionally be secured together for example by joiningdevices 351. In one possible step, power can optionally be transferred from therobot 114 to therecipient container 117, for example by means ofelectrical connectors 353 of the two containers, so as to power some or all ofcomponents 298 of therecipient container 117. For example,transceiver 171,computer 357, thetransport mechanism 329,door opening mechanism 341 anddoor latch 349 of therecipient container 117, or any combination thereof, can optionally be so energized by the robot.Computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can wirelessly communicate withcomputer 357 of therecipient container 117, for example by means of therobot transceiver 163 andrecipient container receiver 171. In any embodiment,communications connector 358 of thecontainers computer network 136 can communicate with therecipient container 117 to confirm the identity or address of therecipient container 117, to provide a suitable key or code to the recipient container for authorizing access to the pickup container, to provide direction to the pickup container, or any combination of the foregoing. The key or code can be static or dynamic. Computer network 136 can causerobot 114 to remove thetransportation container 361 from within the robot for delivery to the second location. In one possible step, thetransportation container 361 and the one or more articles therein can then be transferred or moved in any suitable manner, for example by thetransport mechanisms 329 of thecontainers robot 114, for example thetransport container 115 of the robot, to therecipient container 117. In one possible step, when one or both of thecontainers computer network 136 can open one or both of the containers. For example,computer network 136 can direct thedoor opening mechanisms 341 of bothcontainers respective doors 321 of the containers so as to permit communication between theinteriors 316 of the containers.Computer network 136 can further direct thetransport mechanisms 329 of both containers to be activated so as to movetransportation container 361 from the interior oftransport container 115 onrobot 114 to the interior of recipient container117 (seeFIG. 34 ). For example,transport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 can serve to move thetransportation container 361 out of thecontainer 115 for delivery to therecipient container 117 or other second location, for example until thetransportation container 361 touches and engages thetransportation mechanism 329 of therecipient container 117.Computer network 136 can causerecipient container 117 to movetransportation container 361 inside the recipient container at the second location. For example, thetransport mechanism 329 of therecipient container 117 can move or place thetransportation container 361 into theinterior 316 of therecipient container 117. Once thetransportation container 361 has been fully received byrecipient container 117, thecomputer network 136 can direct thedoors 321 of bothcontainers robot 114 away fromrecipient container 117. Such transfer, from the conveyor system oftransport container 115 to the conveyor system ofrecipient container 117, can be referred to as a conveyor system to conveyor system transfer. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136, for example throughrobot computer 156 andcontainer computer 357, fromweight sensors 356 in therecipient container 117 can optionally be utilized to determine whether the weight of thearticle 121 therein conforms with the articles designated for delivery to therecipient container 117. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the receipt byrecipient container 117 oftransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121. Any or all actions, directions, commands or instructions of thecomputer network 136 to therecipient container 117 can optionally be throughrobot 114, forexample robot computer 156.- The
pickup containers 116 andrecipient containers 117 of the invention can be of any suitable type, for example anystationary container 115 located at the first or pickup location, at the second or drop off location, at another location withintransportation network 101 or at any other location. As illustrated inFIG. 34 , for example, apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117 can optionally be acontainer 115 rigidly mounted to arigid support 376, such as a post, extending upwardly from the ground. Thecontainer 115 can optionally be mounted atop thepost 376, as shown inFIG. 34 , or at any other location on thepost 376. As illustrated inFIG. 35 , for example, apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117 can optionally be acontainer 115 rigidly mounted to arigid support 377, such as a wall. Thewall 377 can optionally be part of a building or part of any other structure, for example the wall of the home of the deliveree or user. Thewall 377 can optionally be the outer wall of the structure, such that thecontainer 115 extends into the structure. The majority of thecontainer 115 can extend inside, or be located in, the structure. In any embodiment,front end 306 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be substantially flush with the outer surface ofwall 337. In any embodiment, thecontainer 115 can optionally include a second or other opening (not shown) into theinterior 316 of the container that can optionally be accessed from inside the structure, for example by the deliveree or user. Such second or other opening can optionally be lockable, and for example include a door, or be not lockable. Such second or other opening can optionally be inside the building, so as to permit access to thecontainer 115 from within the building. - In any embodiment or possible step where a human, which for example can optionally be the deliveree, an agent of the deliveree or purchaser of the one or
more articles 121, is authorized or directed to retrieve thetransportation container 361 in therecipient container 117, thecomputer network 136 can provide the human with an identifier of therecipient container 117, the location of therecipient container 117 and a code or key to access or unlock the recipient container so as to permit thearticle 121 to be removed from thecontainer 117. The code or key can be static or dynamic. In any embodiment, the human communicates with thecomputer network 136 after arriving at therecipient container 117 to unlock the container, for example to unlockdoor latch 349 of thecontainer 115. In any embodiment, a physical key can optionally be utilized by the human to gain entry to therecipient container 117. The human can then manuallyopen door 321 of thecontainer 117 in any suitable manner or utilizing any suitable door opening apparatus, for example by utilizinglatch 343′ to disengage the door from cable portion362aand thus permit the door to be manually opened by the human. In any embodiment, the human can activatetransport mechanism 329 of thecontainer 117 to facilitate removal of thetransportation container 361 from therecipient container 117. After thetransportation container 361 has been removed from therecipient container 117, the human can manually closedoor 321 of the container and reengagelatch 343′ with cable portion362a. In any embodiment, the closing of thedoor 321 can serve to automatically engagelatch 343′ withcable 362, activatedoor latch 349 or both so that thecontainer 117 is then locked and tamperproof. The human can remove the one ormore articles 121 from thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, the human retains thetransportation container 361 for use at a later time with system113. In any embodiment, the human leaves thetransportation container 361 within therecipient container 117 for retrieval by arobot 114 of the system at a later time. - In any method of the invention, the delivery of the
transportation container 361 byrobot 114 can optionally include dropping off or placing thetransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121 onto a support surface such as the ground, for example using computer vision. Such delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. The drop off location can optionally be determined by any suitable algorithm included incomputer network 136, for example an observation bysensors 162 carried byrobot 114 of various potential drop off locations at the second location and comparing them to categories of rated drop off locations stored incomputer network 136. In any method of the invention,computer network 136 determines which highest rated drop off location is available and directs therobot 114 to drop thetransportation container 361 at such location. - In one possible step, the drop off location can optionally be a specific or precise location at the second location designated by the user, for example included in the request of the user. The specific or precise location, as noted above, can optionally be a specific or precise location on the ground at the second location as well as on other surfaces or in
containers 115 at the second location. In any method of the invention,sensors 162 ofrobot 114 compare images of the terrain at and around the second location with the photograph or other image provided by the user, forexample image 367 withindicator 368 thereon provided with the user's request, to locate or determine at the second location the precise drop off location shown byindicator 368 or otherwise identified by the user on its photograph or other image.Robot 114 can optionally be directed bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, to drop the article ortransportation container 361 at such precise location. In any embodiment, the drop off location has been indicated by the deliveree by any other suitable means or manner. Computer network 136 can cause ordirect robot 114 to drop off or place thetransportation container 361 on the ground at the specified location or otherwise at the second location, for example free of human assistance. The routine forrobot 114 dropping thetransportation container 361 onto the ground or other support surface can be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the routine discussed above with respect to the pickup byrobot 114 oftransportation container 361 left for pickup on the ground or other support surface. In any embodiment, the transport mechanism of the at least onecontainer 186, forexample transport mechanism 329 of one ofcontainers 115 of the at least onecontainer 186, can optionally be used in this regard. In any embodiment, one of thelower containers 115 of therobot 114, for example one ofcontainers 115 sitting directly onbase 281 of thechassis 187, can optionally be utilized when thetransportation container 361 is to be dropped off on the ground or on another support surface at the second location.- In one possible step of such method, the
container 115 can optionally be positioned byrobot 114 so thatfront end 306 of one of thecontainers 115 is nearby or on the drop off location. For example, first andsecond wheel assemblies pivot assemblies robot 114 so that thefront end 306 of thecontainer 115 is adjacent or nearby the drop off location.Attachment assembly 249 of the robot, including first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanisms second pivot assemblies lower chassis 187 towards or onto the ground. If desired, thechassis 187 can optionally be tilted so that oneend base 281 of the chassis is closer to the ground than the other end, for example thefirst end 282 of the base281 as illustrated inFIGS. 32-33 . Oncedoor 321 of theappropriate transport container 115 ofrobot 114 is opened, for example bydoor opening mechanism 341,transport mechanism 329 within thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to move thetransportation container 361 out of theinterior 316 of the robot, for example out of opening317 ofinterior 316 of thetransport container 115, and onto the ground at the drop off location. Therobot 114 can optionally be moved rearwardly during this process to facilitate thetransportation container 361 being moved out of thecontainer 115, being dropped or placed on the ground at the drop off location, or both. The drop off or unloading process can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162 andweight sensor 356. - Upon delivery of the
transportation container 361 to the drop off location, and the one or more articles therein,door 321 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be closed androbot 114 directed bycomputer network 136 to another location. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136 fromweight sensors 356 in thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to conform that thetransportation container 361 is no longer in thecontainer 115 of therobot 114. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361 from thetransport container 115 of the robot to the drop off location. A human, for example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one ormore articles 121 from thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, the human retains thetransportation container 361 for use at a later time with system113. - System113 can optionally include delivery of
transportation container 361 byrobot 114 at other locations that do not include acontainer 115.Computer network 136 can cause or direct therobot 114 to deliver thetransportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance. For example, the second or drop off location can optionally be inside of any suitable structure, for example a building. In any embodiment, the drop off location can optionally include a support surface for receiving thetransportation container 361. In any method of the invention,robot 114 can delivertransportation container 361 to anopening 381 provided in awall 382 of a structure (seeFIG. 36 ). Such delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such delivery can optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision. Theopening 381 can access the interior of the structure.Computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can verify the correctness of theopening 381 in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing theopening 381 withrobot cameras computer network 136. In any embodiment, such verification can optionally be accomplished bycomputer network 136 wirelessly or otherwise communicating, for example throughrobot transceiver 163, with a transmitting device (not shown) previously verified by system113 as being associated with theopening 381. - In any embodiment, the
opening 381 can have a size approximating the size, for example not less than the size, of theopening 317 of thetransport container 115.Wall 382 can optionally include asupport surface 383, for example the horizontal surface forming the bottom ofopening 381, for receiving thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, support or receivingsurface 383 extends to a downwardly-inclined ramp 384 having abase wall 386 at the end thereof for forming areceptacle 387 for receiving thetransportation container 361 from opening382. Asuitable support 387 can optionally be provided for supporting thereceptacle 388 above the ground. - In one possible step,
robot 114 can approach and register or aligncontainer opening 317 of the robot with theopening 381 in thewall 382 in any suitable manner, for example in any of the manner manners and methods discussed above for registering or aligning atransport container 115 with anopening 317 ortransport mechanism 329 of apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117. In one possible step, opening317 of thetransport container 115 can optionally be pushed up flush with opening381 inwall 382 as part of such alignment and registration. In one possible step,robot 114 aligns or registerstransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115, which can optionally be a conveyor system, with support orbottom surface 383 of theopening 381. In one possible step, the alignment of thetransport mechanism 329 withbottom surface 383 can result in the top surface of theconveyor belt 336 of thecontainer 115 being substantially parallel withsurface 383 for permitting transportation containers moved off of or delivered by thebelt 336 of thetransport container 115 to be received by thesurface 383. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belt 336 of the transport container is relatively close to thesurface 383 so as to facilitate or permit atransportation container 361 moving off the conveyor belt to be received by thebottom surface 383 of theopening 381. In any embodiment, the top surface of theconveyor belt 336 of thetransport container 115 can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned withbottom surface 383 so as to facilitate a transfer of atransportation container 361 from the conveyor belt into theopening 381. - In one possible step, the positioning of the
transport container 115 with respect to theopening 381 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162. In any embodiment, one or both ofcameras end robot 114 can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to visualizeopening 381 and to compare the input sensor signals received from thecameras opening 381 or similar openings or structures and utilize algorithms stored in thecomputer network 136 to move thefront end 306 oftransport container 115 into registration or alignment with theopening 381. In any embodiment, sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors ofrobot 114 and fromIMU sensor 296 can optionally be utilized by thecomputer network 136 in such registration and alignment step. - In one possible step,
transportation container 361 can optionally be transferred or moved bytransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 from the robot into theopening 381. In any embodiment,computer network 136 can direct thedoor opening mechanism 341 of thetransport container 115 toopen door 321 of the container so as to permit communication between the interior316 of the container and theopening 381.Computer network 136 can further direct thetransport mechanism 329 to be activated so as to movetransportation container 361 from the interior of thetransport container 115 ofrobot 114 intoopening 381. In any embodiment,transport mechanism 329, for example the top ofbelt 336 of the transport mechanism, can optionally be horizontally aligned withsupport surface 383 byrobot 114. In any embodiment, the top ofbelt 336 andsupport surface 383 can optionally be approximately in the same plane.Transport mechanism 329 can continue movingtransportation container 361 out of thecontainer 115 and into theopening 381 until thetransportation container 361 slides downramp 384 intoreceptacle 387. Once the transportation container has been fully pushed throughopening 383, for example as confirmed by one or more ofsensors 162 of therobot 114, thecomputer network 136 can direct thedoors 321 oftransport container 115 to close and moverobot 114 away from theopening 381 andwall 382. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery oftransportation container 361 byrobot 114 throughopening 381. A human, for example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one ormore articles 121 from thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, the human retains thetransportation container 361 for use at a later time with system113. - System113 can optionally include pickup or delivery of a
transportation container 361 byrobot 114 at other locations inside a building, for example inside a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles, or receipt of atransportation container 361 byrobot 114 from such other locations inside a building.Computer network 136 can cause or direct therobot 114 to deliver thetransportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance. In any embodiment, the drop off or pick up location can optionally include a support surface inside of a building for receiving or delivering thetransportation container 361. In any method of the invention,robot 114 can delivertransportation container 361 to a support surface inside of a building, or receives the transportation container from such support surface, that can optionally be in the form of any suitable transport mechanism, such as a conveyor system401 (seeFIG. 37 ). Such delivery or receipt byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such delivery byrobot 114 can optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision. In any embodiment, theconveyor system 401 can optionally include amotorized conveyor belt 402 movably carried on a plurality ofrollers 403. The top surface of theconveyor belt 402 can optionally be substantially planar, for example horizontal. Theconveyor system 401 can optionally be elevated above the ground or floor of the building by anysuitable support structure 404. Theconveyor system 401 has anend 406, for example formed by one end ofconveyor belt 402, that can optionally be accessed by atransport container 115 of arobot 114. Computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can verify the correctness of the drop off or pick up location, for example onto or fromconveyor system 401, in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing the location, the building, theconveyor system 401 or any combination of the foregoing withrobot cameras computer network 136. In any embodiment, such verification can optionally be accomplished bycomputer network 136 wirelessly or otherwise communicating, for example throughrobot transceiver 163, with a transmitting device (not shown) previously verified by system113 as being associated with the drop off location.- In one possible step,
robot 114 can approach and register or aligncontainer opening 317 of the robot with theconveyor system 401 in any suitable manner, for example in any of the manners and methods discussed above for registering or aligning atransport container 115 with anopening 317, or atransport mechanism 329 of atransport container 115, with atransport mechanism 329 of apickup container 116 or arecipient container 117. In one possible step, the alignment of thecontainer transport mechanism 329, which can each be a conveyor system, with theconveyor system 401 can result in the top surfaces of theconveyor belts belt 336 of thetransport container 115 to be picked up by or received by theconveyor belt 402 of theconveyor system 401. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belts transportation container 361 moving off one conveyor belt to be picked up by the opposing conveyor belt. In any embodiment, theconveyor belts transportation container 361 between the two conveyor belts. - In one possible step, the positioning of the
transport container 115 with respect to theconveyor system 401 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162 of the robot. In any embodiment, one or both ofcameras end robot 114 can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to visualizeconveyor system 401 and to compare the input sensor signals received from thecameras conveyor system 401 or similar conveyor systems or structures and utilize algorithms stored in thecomputer network 136 to move thefront end 306 oftransport container 115, andtransport mechanism 329 within the container, into registration or alignment with theconveyor system 401. In any embodiment, sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors ofrobot 114 and fromIMU sensor 296 can optionally be utilized by thecomputer network 136 in such registration and alignment step. - In one possible step, the
transportation container 361 and the one or more articles therein can then be transferred or moved by thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 andconveyor system 401 from therobot 114 to theconveyor system 401 or vice a versa. In any embodiment,computer network 136 can direct thedoor opening mechanism 341 of thetransport container 115 toopen door 321 of the transport container so as to permit theinterior 316 of the transport container to communicate withconveyor system 401.Computer network 136 can further direct thetransport mechanism 329 of the transport container and, for example by therobot transceiver 163, theconveyor system 401 to be activated so as to movetransportation container 361 from the interior oftransport container 115 onrobot 114 to theconveyor system 401 or vice a versa (seeFIG. 37 ). For example,transport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 can serve to move thetransportation container 361 out of thecontainer 115 until thetransportation container 361 touches and engages theconveyor belt 402 of theconveyor system 401, which can thereafter move thetransportation container 361 fully onto theconveyor belt 402. Once thetransportation container 361 has been fully received byconveyor system 401, or received from theconveyor system 401, thecomputer network 136 can direct thedoor 321 of thetransport container 115 to close and moverobot 114 away from theconveyor system 401. Such transfer, from the conveyor system oftransport container 115 to theconveyor system 401, can be referred to as a conveyor system to conveyor system transfer. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136, for example throughrobot computer 156 andcontainer computer 357, fromweight sensors 356 in thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to confirm that thetransportation container 361 has been delivered by therobot 114 or received by the robot, as appropriate. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery oftransportation container 361 containing thearticle 121 byrobot 114. Following delivery, the one ormore articles 121 can optionally be removed from thetransportation container 361 in any suitable manner, for example by a human or any suitable automated process. In any embodiment, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be retained for use at a later time with system113. - System113, and a suitable vehicle or other robot thereof, can optionally be utilized for transferring articles within a building, for example a warehouse, factory, store, distribution center or any other building containing articles. In any embodiment, a vehicle or other type of
robot 411 can be provided that can optionally be substantially identical torobot 114, and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components ofrobots 411 and114 (seeFIG. 38 ).Computer network 136 can cause or direct the vehicle orrobot 411 to transfer articles at such locations, for example free of human assistance. In any embodiment, the drop off or pickup location can optionally include a support surface inside of the building for receiving atransportation container 361. In any method of the invention,robot 411 can deliver an article to a support surface inside of a building, or receives an article from such support surface, that can optionally be in the form of any suitable transport mechanism, such asconveyor system 412. Such delivery or pick up byrobot 114 of an article, including any step or part thereof, can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such delivering or receiving can optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision. In any embodiment, theconveyor system 412 can optionally include one or more motorized conveyor belts. In any embodiment, theconveyor system 412 can optionally include a firstmotorized conveyor belt 416, a secondmotorized conveyor belt 417 and a thirdmotorized conveyor belt 418. Each of theconveyor belts rollers 419. Theconveyor belts first conveyor belt 416 being a top conveyor belt,second conveyor belt 417 being a middle or intermediate conveyor belt belowfirst conveyor belt 416 andthird conveyor belt 418 being a bottom conveyor belt belowsecond conveyor belt 417. The top surface of each of the conveyor belts can optionally be substantially planar, for example horizontal. The conveyor system for 12 can optionally be elevated above the ground or floor of the building by anysuitable support structure 421. Each of the conveyor belts has anend 422 for accessing the belt. Robot 411 can optionally include any suitable transport mechanism, for example any transport mechanisms discussed herein, for transferring an article orcontainer 423 of any suitable type between the robot andconveyor system 412. In any embodiment, the transport mechanism ofrobot 411 can optionally be a conveyor system mounted on the exterior of the robot of any suitable type, which can be of any suitable shape or curvature. In any embodiment, anexterior conveyor system 426 that is be planar can optionally be provided on any suitable horizontal surface of therobot 411. In any embodiment, theexterior conveyor system 426 can optionally be located on atop surface 427 of the robot, for example the top surface oftop portion 191 of the robot. In any embodiment, theexterior conveyor system 426 can optionally be a motorized conveyor system that can optionally include aconveyor belt 428 movably carried by a plurality ofrollers 429. Theconveyor system 426 can be of any suitable size and shape, and in any embodiment extends across at least a portion of the top ofrobot 411. In any embodiment, theconveyor system 426 extends across the entire length or width of the robot and in any embodiment, shown inFIG. 38 , theexterior conveyor system 426 extends between first orfront end 176 and second orrear end 177 of therobot 411. As such, each end of the exterior conveyor system is accessible at one and176,177 of the robot. Therollers 429 can optionally be coupled to or supported bytop portion 191 ofrobot 411 by any suitable means, for example by asupport 432 at each end of theconveyor system 426 extending between thesystem 426 andtop surface 427 of the robot.- The
exterior conveyor system 426 can optionally include a scale of any suitable type, for example for measuring the weight of the one ormore articles 423 being carried by thesystem 426. In any embodiment, a scale for measuring the weight of the objects resting onconveyor belt 428 can optionally be provided. In any embodiment, such weight scale can optionally be formed from one ormore sensors 433 disposed onsupports 432 of theconveyor system 426. Each ofsuch sensors 433 can be of any suitable type, for example a strain gauge. Such scales can optionally be coupled tocomputer network 136, either directly or indirectly. Robot 411 can optionally include at least onecontainer 186, which can optionally include acontainer assembly 301 provided with a plurality oftransport containers 115. Each of the containers can optionally include a transport mechanism of any suitable type, such astransport mechanism 329. Each transport mechanism can optionally be at least partially, or totally, disposed inside therespective container 115.- In any method of operating
robot 411,computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can verify the correctness of the drop off or pick up location, for example robotexterior conveyor system 426, in any suitable manner, for example any of the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect toconveyor system 401. In one aspect of such method,robot 411 can optionally approach and register or alignexterior conveyor system 426 withconveyor system 412, for examplefirst conveyor belt 416 of thesystem 412, in any suitable manner, for example any of the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect toconveyor system 401. In one aspect of such method, one ormore articles 423 can optionally be transferred or moved betweenexterior conveyor system 426 ofrobot 411 andconveyor system 412, for examplefirst conveyor belt 416 of thesystem 412, in any suitable manner, for example any the methods disclosed herein including the method disclosed with respect toconveyor system 401. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136, for example throughrobot computer 156, fromweight sensors 433 of theexterior conveyor system 426 can optionally be utilized to confirm thatarticle 423 has been delivered or received byrobot 411. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery ofarticle 423 byrobot 411. - In any embodiment, at least one of the conveyor belts of
system 412 can optionally be accessed by atransport container 115 ofrobot 411, and in any embodimentsecond conveyor belt 417 andthird conveyor belt 418 can optionally be accessed byrespective transport containers 115 of the robot, for transferring or moving one ormore transportation containers 361 orarticles 423 between thetransport containers 115 and theconveyor belts - A vehicle or other robot of system113 can stop at other locations between the first location and the second location, for picking up or delivering other articles or transportation containers in connection with other user requests or otherwise.
Computer network 136 can cause or direct the robot to pick up or deliver articles ortransportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance. Such other articles or transportation containers can optionally be contained in any of thetransport containers 115 ofrobot 114. In addition, such other articles can optionally be contained in atransportation container 361 which was arranged in tandem, for example end to end, within atransport container 115 of therobot 114 with anothertransportation container 361 previously delivered by therobot 114 fromsuch transport container 115. - In any method of the invention, one or more articles or transportation containers can optionally be delivered by
robot 114 to an intermediate location, for example to anintermediate container 115 such as anintermediate pickup container 116 or anintermediate recipient container 117, for later pickup by a second vehicle orother robot 114 for delivery by the second vehicle or other robot to the second location. The transfer of the one ormore articles 121, or the one ormore transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from the vehicle orrobot 114 to anintermediate pickup container 116 orintermediate recipient container 117 can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of atransportation container 361 between atransport container 115 of arobot 114 and acontainer 115 of apickup container 116 orrecipient container 117.Computer network 136 can direct the second robot to pick up or receive the one or more articles or transportation containers from the intermediate container, for example by traveling overtransportation network 101 to the intermediate container.Computer network 136 can direct or cause the transfer of the one ormore articles 121, or the one ormore transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from the intermediate container to thetransport container 115 of thesecond robot 114 in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of atransportation container 361 between atransport container 115 of arobot 114 and acontainer 115 of apickup container 116 orrecipient container 117.Computer network 136 can navigate thesecond robot 114 overtransportation network 101 from the intermediate location, which can be referred to as a second location, to the second location, which can be referred to as a third location. Thecomputer network 136 can cause or direct thesecond robot 114 to deliver the one or more articles at the third location by any suitable means including any of those disclosed herein. The third location can be any of those disclosed herein, including anadditional recipient container 117. Thesecond robot 114 can deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to theopening 317 orinterior 316 of theadditional recipient container 117 by any suitable means, including for example by use of thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 as disclosed herein to remove the one or more articles or transportation containers from thetransport container 115 of the second robot. Theadditional recipient container 117 can move the one or more articles or transportation containers into or inside the additional recipient container by any suitable means, including for example by use of thetransport mechanism 329 of theadditional recipient container 117. Any or all of the foregoing steps can optionally be performed free of human assistance. - In any method of the invention, a plurality of robots can optionally be utilized to deliver one or more articles from a first location to a final delivery location. For example, one or more articles or transportation containers can optionally be delivered by a first vehicle or
other robot 114 directly to a second or additional vehicle or other type ofrobot 114 at an intermediate location (seeFIG. 39 ). In this situation, the pickup container at the second or other location can optionally be atransport container 115 of the first robot and the recipient container at the second or other location can optionally be atransport container 115 of thesecond robot 114 The transfer of the one ormore articles 121, or the one ormore transportation containers 361 containing the articles, from therobot 114 to thesecond robot 114 can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of atransportation container 361 between atransport container 115 of arobot 114 and acontainer 115 of apickup container 116 orrecipient container 117.Computer network 136 can cause or direct thefirst robot 114 to deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the additional orsecond robot 114. Thesecond robot 114 can transport or deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the second location, which can be referred to as a third location, for example under the direction ofcomputer network 136. Such transport or delivery can optionally be, for example, overtransportation network 101.Computer network 136 can cause the second robot to deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to the third location by any suitable means including any of those disclosed herein. The third location can optionally be any of the second locations disclosed herein, including anadditional recipient container 117. Thesecond robot 114 can deliver the one or more articles or transportation containers to theopening 317 orinterior 316 of theadditional recipient container 117 by any suitable means, including for example by use of thetransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 as disclosed herein. Theadditional recipient container 117 can move the one or more articles or transportation containers into or inside the additional recipient container by any suitable means, including for example by use of thetransport mechanism 329 of theadditional recipient container 117. Any or all of the foregoing steps can optionally be performed free of human assistance. - System113 can optionally include other vehicles or robots for carrying one or more containers for transporting articles or transportation containers, such as
articles 121 ortransportation containers 361. Such vehicles or robots can optionally include conventional vehicles, for example cars and trucks and including cars and trucks that can optionally be operated by humans. In any embodiment, such vehicles or robots have human driver compartments for permitting onboard human drivers of the vehicles. Such vehicles or robots can dock with other vehicles or robots of system113, includingrobot 114. In any embodiment, one ormore transport containers 115 ofrobot 114 can dock with one ormore transport containers 115 of such vehicles or robots. - Such an other vehicle or robot can optionally be a
truck 441 having anoptional cab 442 and a plurality of motorized wheels443 (seeFIGS. 40-41 ). Thetruck 441 can carry a plurality of the containers of the invention, for example a plurality ofcontainers 115. In any embodiment, a plurality ofcontainers 115 can optionally be stacked in rows and columns withrespective openings 317 accessible from aside 444 of thetruck 441. In any embodiment,openings 317 of the plurality ofcontainers 115 can optionally be flush with the planar side of thetruck 441. Such a plurality ofcontainers 115 can optionally be provided on a first side of thetruck 441, an opposite second side of thetruck 441, the rear end of thetruck 441, the front of thetruck 441, or any combination of the foregoing. - The transfer of the one or
more articles 121, or the one ormore transportation containers 361 containing the articles, betweentruck 441 androbot 114 can be in any suitable manner or method, for example any of the methods disclosed herein, such as discussed above with respect to the transfer of atransportation container 361 between atransport container 115 of arobot 114 and acontainer 115 of apickup container 116 or recipient container117 (seeFIG. 41 ). Truck 441 can serve as a mobile warehouse that can be temporarily or permanently parked at any location intransportation network 101.Truck 441 can arrive at such temporary location with any or all of itstransport containers 115 filled or otherwise occupied bytransportation containers 361 for delivery by one ormore robots 114 that can optionally be directed bycomputer network 136 to truck441 to receiverespective transportation containers 361. In any embodiment,truck 441 can serve as a way station fortransportation containers 361 that are delivered totruck 441 by onerobot 114 and thereafter retrieved fromtruck 441 by anotherrobot 114 for delivery to a drop off or other location. In any embodiment,truck 441 hasmore transport containers 115 carried thereby thanrobot 114, for example multiples of thetransport containers 115 ofrobot 114.- In one aspect of the invention, a
transportation container 361 can optionally be moved between twotransport containers 115 within a vehicle orother robot 114. In any embodiment or possible step, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be moved internally withincontainer assembly 301, for example by openings or doors (not shown) provided in respective adjoining walls of the twocontainers 115 and utilizing therespective transport mechanisms 329 of the containers. In any embodiment or possible step, an opening or door can optionally be provided in theback end 307 of each of two adjoiningcontainers 115 and thetransport mechanisms 329 of the containers can optionally be used to move atransportation container 361 between the containers. In one aspect of the invention, atransportation container 361 can optionally be moved betweentransport containers 115 of therobot 114 by unloading thetransportation container 361 from thefirst transport container 115 in any suitable manner, for example as disclosed herein, and then reloading thetransportation container 361 to thesecond transport container 115 in any suitable manner, for example as disclosed herein. - System13 and the methods herein can optionally include delivery of the
transportation container 361 byrobot 114 to any location, for example locations that do not include acontainer 115, are not within a structure or are not at a structure (see for exampleFIGS. 42-47 ). For example,transportation container 361 can be delivered to any second or other location designated by a user, for example at a park, at a beach, at a street corner, at a shopping mall or at a parking lot.Computer network 136 can cause or direct therobot 114 to deliver thetransportation container 361 at such other locations, for example free of human assistance. Such delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361, including any step or part thereof, can optionally be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Such delivery can optionally be accomplished with the assistance of computer vision.Computer network 136 androbot computer 156 can verify the correctness of the delivery location in any suitable manner, for example by visualizing the location withrobot cameras computer network 136. - The second or delivery location can be designated by the user in any suitable manner, including any manner or technique disclosed herein. For example, the user can optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of the three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, to which the
transportation container 361 is to be delivered byrobot 114 in a delivery request. For example, the user can touch an image displayed on a computing device, such as animage 367 viewable ondisplay 148 ofdeliveror computing device 141 ordeliveree computing device 142, to designate a precise location to which thecontainer 361 should be delivered. Any suitable indicator, such asindicator 368, can optionally be created on the image, for example by the user touching the image or using a computer mouse, to indicate the precise delivery location and can optionally be used bycomputer network 136 in instructing and directing a robot to the delivery location (seeFIGS. 42,44,46 ). Such image can be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image, for example a three-dimensional virtual model. Such location can optionally be translated or converted into three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example as disclosed herein, for use bycomputer network 136 in coordinating and directingrobot 114 to such precise location. - In any method of the invention, a
robot 114 can delivertransportation container 361 to a step or other elevated surface relative to the ground, for example in front of a residence or other structure as shown inFIGS. 42-43 . Such elevated surface, forexample step 451, can be designated by the user in any suitable manner, for example in a request or otherwise. Such designation can optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of such three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, with respect to theprecise delivery location 452. In one possible step, the user touches animage 367 visible ondisplay 148 of acomputing device indicator 368 on theimage 361 designating theprecise delivery location 452 on the step451 (seeFIG. 42 ). - The method or routine for
robot 114 dropping thetransportation container 361 ontostep 451 or other elevated surface can be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the method or routine discussed above with respect to the drop off or placement of atransportation container 361 by a robot onto the ground. In any embodiment, for example as illustrated inFIG. 43 , the transport mechanism of the at least onecontainer 186, forexample transport mechanism 329 of one ofcontainers 115 of the at least onecontainer 186, can optionally be used in this regard. In any embodiment, one of thelower containers 115 of therobot 114, for example one ofcontainers 115 sitting directly onbase 281 of thechassis 187, can optionally be utilized when thetransportation container 361 is to be dropped off on an elevated surface such asstep 451 at the second or other location. - In one possible step of such method, the
container 115 can optionally be positioned byrobot 114 so thatfront end 306 of one of thecontainers 115 is nearby or slightly above thestep 451. For example, first andsecond wheel assemblies pivot assemblies robot 114 so that thefront end 306 of thecontainer 115 is adjacent or nearby thestep 451.Attachment assembly 249 of the robot, including first and secondtranslational adjustment mechanisms second pivot assemblies chassis 187 towards or adjacent thestep 451, for example slightly above thedelivery location 452 on thestep 451. If desired, thechassis 187 can optionally be tilted so that oneend base 281 of the chassis is lower than the other end, for example thefirst end 282 of the base281 as illustrated inFIG. 43 . Oncedoor 321 of theappropriate transport container 115 ofrobot 114 is opened, for example bydoor opening mechanism 341,transport mechanism 329 within thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to move thetransportation container 361 out of theinterior 316 of the robot, for example out of opening317 ofinterior 316 of thetransport container 115, and onto thestep 451 at thedelivery location 452. Therobot 114 can optionally be moved rearwardly or forwardly during this process to facilitate thetransportation container 361 being moved out of thecontainer 115, being dropped or placed on thestep 451 at thedelivery location 452, or both. The drop off or unloading process can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162 andweight sensor 356 of the robot. - Upon delivery of the
transportation container 361 to thedelivery location 452, and the one or more articles therein,door 321 of thecontainer 115 can optionally be closed androbot 114 directed bycomputer network 136 to another location. In one possible step of the method, signals received bycomputer network 136 fromweight sensors 356 in thetransport container 115 can optionally be utilized to conform that thetransportation container 361 is no longer in thecontainer 115 of therobot 114. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery byrobot 114 of thetransportation container 361 from thetransport container 115 of the robot to thedelivery location 452. A human, for example the deliveree or purchaser, can remove the one ormore articles 121 from thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, the human retains thetransportation container 361 for use at a later time with system113. - In any method of the invention, a
robot 114 can delivertransportation container 361 to such other locations such as other elevated surfaces relative to the ground, for example to a ledge or porch, forexample porch 461 shown inFIGS. 44-45 , or a table, for example picnic table462 shown inFIGS. 46-47 . Such elevated surface, for example the top ofporch 461 or picnic table462, can be designated by the user in any suitable manner, for example in a request or otherwise. Such designation can optionally include three-dimensional coordinates or other information, for example any of such three-dimensional coordinates or other information disclosed herein, with respect to a precise delivery location on such surfaces, forexample delivery location 463 onporch 461 ordelivery location 464 on table462. In one possible step, the user touches animage 367 visible ondisplay 148 of acomputing device indicator 368 on theimage 361 designating the precise delivery location, forexample location 463 onporch 461 orlocation 464 on table462 (seeFIGS. 44,46 ). - The method or routine for
robot 114 dropping off or depositing thetransportation container 361 ontoporch 461 or table462, or other elevated surface, can be performed in any suitable manner, for example similar to the method or routine discussed above with respect to the drop off or placement of atransportation container 361 by a robot intoopening 381 inwall 382 or ontoconveyor system 401. In one possible step,robot 114 aligns or registerstransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115, which can optionally be a conveyor system, with the top surface of theporch 461 or table462. In one possible step, the alignment of thetransport mechanism 329 with the top surface of the porch or table can result in the top surface of theconveyor belt 336 of thecontainer 115 being substantially parallel with or slightly elevated relative to the top surface of the porch or table for permitting the transportation container moved off of or delivered by thebelt 336 of thetransport container 115 to be received by such top surface. If desired,chassis 187 of the robot can optionally be tilted so that oneend base 281 of the chassis is lower than the other end. In any embodiment, the front of theconveyor belt 336 of the transport container can optionally be relatively close to the top surface of theporch 461 or table462 so as to facilitate or permit atransportation container 361 moving off the conveyor belt to be received by such top surface. In any embodiment, the top surface of theconveyor belt 336 of thetransport container 115 can optionally be substantially horizontally aligned with the top surface of theporch 461 or table462 so as to facilitate a transfer of atransportation container 361 from the conveyor belt onto the top surface of the porch or table. - In one possible step, the positioning of the
transport container 115 with respect to the top surface of theporch 461 or table462 can optionally be controlled bycomputer network 136, includingrobot computer 156, which can utilize input from one or more ofsensors 162. In any embodiment, one or both ofcameras end robot 114 can optionally be utilized bycomputer network 136 to visualize theporch 461 or table462 and to compare the input sensor signals received from thecameras computer network 136 to move thefront end 306 oftransport container 115 into registration or alignment with the top surface of theporch 461 or table462. In any embodiment, sensor input signals from radar or other distance sensors ofrobot 114 and fromIMU sensor 296 can optionally be utilized by thecomputer network 136 in such registration and alignment step. - In one possible step,
transportation container 361 can optionally be transferred or moved bytransport mechanism 329 of thetransport container 115 from therobot 114 to the delivery location, for example thedelivery location 463 onporch 461 or the deliver464 on table462. In any embodiment,computer network 136 can direct thedoor opening mechanism 341 of thetransport container 115 toopen door 321 of the container so as to permit communication between the interior316 of the container and the top surface of the porch or table.Computer network 136 can further direct thetransport mechanism 329 to be activated so as to movetransportation container 361 from the interior of thetransport container 115 ofrobot 114 onto such top surface. In any embodiment,transport mechanism 329, for example the top ofbelt 336 of the transport mechanism, can optionally be horizontally aligned with the top surface of theporch 462 or table462 byrobot 114. In any embodiment, the top ofbelt 336 and the top surface of the elevated surface, for example the top surface of the porch or table, can optionally be approximately in the same plane. Once thetransportation container 361 has been fully delivered from thetransport container 115 of therobot 114, for example as confirmed by one or more ofsensors 162 of therobot 114, thecomputer network 136 can direct thedoors 321 oftransport container 115 to close and moverobot 114 away from theporch 461 or table462. In one possible step of the method,computer network 136 can record the delivery oftransportation container 361 byrobot 114 to thedelivery location more articles 121 from thetransportation container 361. In any embodiment, the human retains thetransportation container 361 for use at a later time with system113. - The transportation containers of the invention can optionally be reused within system113, for example after the delivery of a
transportation container 361 to the second location and the removal of the one or more articles transported therein to the second location. In any embodiment, theempty transportation container 361 can optionally be placed on the ground or another surface at the second location. In any embodiment, theempty transportation container 361 can optionally be returned to therecipient container 117 at the second location for reuse. Theempty transportation container 361 can be picked up in any suitable manner at the second location by a vehicle orrobot 114 of system113, for example the vehicle orrobot 114 that delivered thetransportation container 361 to the second location or another one of a plurality of vehicles or robots from a fleet of vehicles or robots of system113.Computer network 136 can direct or cause any such second vehicle orrobot 114 to be navigated overtransportation network 101 to the second location. The method and manner of pickup by the vehicle orrobot 114 at the second location can be of any suitable type, including any of the methods and manners disclosed herein. Theempty transportation container 361 can optionally be moved, for example under the direction ofcomputer network 136, from therecipient container 117 to thetransport container 115 of the vehicle orrobot 114 at the second location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein. Thetransport container 115 of the vehicle or robot can optionally be registered or aligned with therecipient container 117, for example as disclosed above. The vehicle orrobot 114 can navigated, under a further step controlled bycomputer network 136, from the second location to a third location, which can be of any suitable type including any of those disclosed herein such as apickup container 116, arecipient container 117, atransport container 115 of another vehicle orrobot 114, acontainer 115 oftruck 441, a surface of any suitable type or the ground. The vehicle orrobot 114 can deliver theempty transportation container 361 to the third location, for example by any of the methods or manners disclosed herein. In any method of the invention, theempty transportation container 361 can optionally be removed from thetransport container 115 of the vehicle or robot at the third location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein for reuse in system113. Such method or process can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. - In any method of the invention, one or more
additional articles 121 can optionally be placed in thetransportation container 361 at the second location, for example for delivery to a third location. The second location can be of any suitable type, for example any of the pickup locations disclosed herein including apickup container 116, a surface of any suitable type or the ground. In any method of the invention, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be transported or delivered to a third location and one or moreadditional articles 121 placed in thetransportation container 361 at the third location, for example for delivery to a fourth location. The third location can be of any suitable type, for example any of the pickup locations disclosed herein including apickup container 116, a surface of any suitable type or the ground. - The one or more
additional articles 121 can be of any suitable type, for example any of the articles disclosed herein including articles for delivery by system or products purchased by a user of system113 for subsequent delivery. Thetransportation container 361 with the one or more additional articles therein can be picked up in any suitable manner at the pickup location, that is the respective second or third location, by a second vehicle orrobot 114 of system113, for example one of a plurality of vehicles or robots from a fleet of vehicles or robots of system113. The second vehicle orrobot 114 can deliver thetransportation container 361 to the delivery location, that is the respective third or fourth location. The second vehicle orother robot 114 can optionally be different or distinct from the first vehicle orrobot 114 utilized to deliver thetransportation container 361 from the first location to the second location. - The method and manner of pickup by second vehicle or
robot 114 can be of any suitable type, including any of the methods and manners disclosed herein. For example, in any method thetransportation container 361 can optionally be picked up from the ground or another surface by the second vehicle orrobot 114. In any method, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be placed in apickup container 116 at the pickup location.Computer network 136 can direct or cause the second vehicle orrobot 114 to be navigated overtransportation network 101 to the pickup location. Thetransportation container 361 can optionally be moved, for example under the direction ofcomputer network 136, from thepickup container 116 to thetransport container 115 of the second vehicle orrobot 114 at the pickup location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein. Thetransport container 115 can optionally be registered or aligned with thepickup container 116, for example as disclosed above. The second vehicle orrobot 114 can optionally be navigated, under a further step controlled bycomputer network 136, from the pickup location to the delivery location, which can be of any suitable type including any of those disclosed herein such as arecipient container 117, a surface of any suitable type or the ground. Thetransportation container 361 can optionally be moved, for example under the direction ofcomputer network 136, from thetransport container 115 of the second vehicle to therecipient container 117 at the delivery location by any suitable method or manner including any of those disclosed herein. Thetransport container 115 can optionally be registered or aligned with therecipient container 117, for example as disclosed above. Following delivery, the one ormore articles 121 can optionally be removed from thetransportation container 361 in any suitable manner, for example by a human or any suitable automated process. In any embodiment, thetransportation container 361 can optionally be retained for use at a later time with system113, including for example in therecipient container 117. Such method or process can be accomplished without human assistance, with human assistance, semi-autonomously or autonomously. - The utilization of a transportation container can increase the efficiency of system113, including the pickup, transportation and drop off of articles being transported and delivered by the system. The utilization of a plurality of transportation containers of a standardized size and shape can contribute to such efficiency. In addition, the sizing of the standardized transportation containers to approximate the size of any or all of the pickup, recipient and transport containers of the invention can contribute to such efficiency. The utilization of a transportation container with an open top can facilitate loading and unloading of the transportation container. Increases in efficiency can result in reductions in cost of system113 and the methods disclosed herein.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to pick up a product at a first location, directing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product at the first location, navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location.
- The navigating step can include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location. The causing step can include causing the robot to place the product on the ground at the second location. The receiving step can include receiving from the user a specified location on the ground at the second location where the product should be delivered and the causing step can include causing the robot to place the product on the ground at the specified location. The causing step can include causing the robot to remove the product from within the robot for delivery to the second location. The robot can have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the robot to open the transport container and remove the product from the container for delivery to the second location. The robot can have a delivery mechanism for removing the product from within the robot for delivery to the second location. The causing step can include causing the robot to deliver the product to an interior of a recipient container at the second location. The causing step can include causing the robot to remove the product from within the robot, and the method can include placing the product in the recipient container. The recipient container can be associated with the user. The causing step can include causing the robot to deliver the product to an additional robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks at the second location, and the method can include navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to the third location and causing the additional robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the third location. The additional robot can deliver the product to an interior of a recipient container at the third location. The causing step can include causing the robot to deliver the product to a recipient container at the second location, and the method can include directing an additional robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product free of human assistance from the recipient container at the second location, navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to the third location, and causing the additional robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the third location. The method can include causing the robot to receive the product from a pickup container free of human assistance at the first location. The receiving step can include purchasing the product by the user. The method can include charging the user for delivering the product at the second location. The recipient container can have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the causing step can include directing the door to open for permitting delivery of the product to the interior of the recipient container. The transport container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the recipient container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the recipient container and the causing step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The robot can have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The robot can have a delivery mechanism for removing the product from within the transport container for delivery to the recipient container.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location, directing a robot configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a transport container to receive the article within the transport container at the first location, navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, causing the robot to remove the article from the transport container and deliver the article to a recipient container at the second location and causing the recipient container to move the article inside the recipient container at the second location.
- The robot can be a wheeled vehicle free of a human driver compartment. The robot can have a delivery mechanism inside the transport container for removing the article from the transport container for delivery to the second location. The delivery mechanism can be a conveyor mechanism. The robot can open the transport container. The robot can autonomously remove the article from the transport container and deliver the article to the recipient container. The causing the robot to deliver step can include causing the robot to deliver the article to an additional robot at the second location, the recipient container at the second location can be a transport container of the additional robot, and the method can include navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, causing the additional robot to deliver the article to an additional recipient container at the third location and causing the additional recipient container to move the article inside the additional recipient container. The method can include directing an additional robot having an additional transport container to receive the article within the additional transport container from the recipient container at the second location, navigating the additional robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, causing the additional robot to remove the article from the additional transport container and deliver the article to an additional recipient container at the third location and causing the additional recipient container to move the article inside the additional recipient container. The method can include causing the transport container of the robot to receive the article from a pickup container at the first location and causing the transport container to move the article inside the transport container at the first location. The pickup container can have a delivery mechanism for removing the article from the pickup container for delivery to the transport container of the robot. The receiving step can include purchasing the article by the user. The transport container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the recipient container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the recipient container and the causing the robot to deliver step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The robot can have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The recipient container can have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the door can be directed to open for permitting the recipient container to move the article to the interior of the recipient container. The recipient container can be directed through the robot. The recipient container can be powered through the robot. The method can include directing the robot to autonomously translate the transport container in at least one of a vertical direction and a sideways direction and to autonomously pivot the transport container about at least one axis so as to align the transport container with the recipient container. The robot can be a driverless wheeled vehicle.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to pick up a product at a first location, causing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product free of human assistance at the first location, and navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location.
- The method can include causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location. The method can include charging the user for delivering the product at the second location. The causing step can include causing the robot to pick up the product from the ground at the first location. The causing step can include causing the robot to place the product inside the robot at the first location. The robot can have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the robot to open the transport container and place the product inside the transport container. The robot can have a receiving mechanism for placing the product inside the robot. The causing step can include causing the robot to retrieve the product from a pickup container at the second location. The robot can have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include retrieving the product from the pickup container and placing the product in the transport container. The pickup container can have an interior and a door for accessing the interior and the causing step can include directing the door to open for permitting retrieval of the product from the interior of the pickup container. The transport container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the pickup container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the pickup container and the causing step can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container. The robot can have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the pickup container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the pickup container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container. The receiving step can include purchasing the product by the user. The navigating step can include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location, navigating a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a closeable transport container to the first location, causing the robot to open the closeable transport container and move the article inside the transport container at the first location and navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location for delivering the article to the second location.
- The method can include causing a pickup container at the first location to deliver the article from the pickup container to the transport container at the first location. The pickup container can have a transport mechanism for removing the article from the pickup container for delivery to the transport container at the first location. The transport mechanism can be inside the pickup container. The pickup container can be a closeable pickup container and the causing the pickup container step can include opening the pickup container. The transport container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the transport container and the pickup container can have an interior and an opening communicating with the interior of the pickup container, and the method can include causing the robot to align the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container. The robot can have a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the pickup container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the pickup container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the pickup container. The causing the robot step can include causing the robot to pick up the article from the ground at the first location. The transport container can have a transport mechanism for moving the article inside the transport container. The robot can be wheeled vehicle free of a human driver compartment. The receiving step can include purchasing the article by the user. The navigating step can include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to the second location, placing the article in a pickup container at the first location, navigating a robot configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and having a transport container to the first location, autonomously moving the article from the pickup container to the transport container at the first location and additionally navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location for delivering the article to the second location.
- The pickup container can be a closeable pickup container and the transport container can be a closeable transport container and the autonomous moving step can include autonomously opening the closeable pickup container and autonomously opening the closeable transport container. The additionally navigating step can include autonomously navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location. The robot can autonomously navigate to the first location. The robot can be a wheeled vehicle.
- In one aspect of the invention, a system for delivering a product from a first location to a second location is provided that can include a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks for transporting the product from the first location to the second location, the robot having a transport container for housing the product during transport, a recipient container at the second location for receiving the product at the second location, at least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, the robot having a product transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the product from the transport container and delivering the product to the recipient container.
- The product transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the transport container. The transport container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door. The door opening assembly can be disposed inside the transport container. The robot can include a plurality of transport containers and a plurality of respective product transport mechanisms. The recipient container can include a receiving transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for moving the product received from the robot inside the recipient container. The receiving transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the recipient container. The recipient container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door. The door opening assembly can be disposed inside the recipient container. The recipient container can have an opening and the transport container can have an opening and the robot can include an orientation assembly for registering the opening in the transport container with the opening in the recipient assembly. The orientation assembly can include a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The transport container can have at least one first electrical connector and the recipient container can have at least one second electrical connector for cooperatively engaging with the at least one first electrical connector to permit the transport container to provide power to the recipient container. The recipient container can be a transport container of an additional robot. The robot can have a pickup assembly that can be controlled by the at least one computer and can include the product transport mechanism for picking up the product free of human assistance at the first location. The system can include a pickup container at the first location, and the product transport mechanism can be configured to receive the product from the pickup container and move the product inside the transport container. The pickup container can include a delivering transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the product from the pickup container and delivering the product to the transport container. The delivering transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the pickup container. The pickup container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer and disposed inside the pickup container for opening and closing the side door. The pickup container can be a transport container of an additional robot. The at least one computer can include a computer carried by the robot and a cloud-based computer. The at least one computer can include a smartphone configured for communication with the cloud-based computer.
- In one aspect of the invention, a system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location is provided and can include a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks for transporting the article from the first location to the second location, the robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport, a closeable recipient container at the second location for receiving the article, at least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, the robot having a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container at the second location and the recipient container having a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.
- The first article transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the transport container. The transport container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door. The door opening assembly can be disposed inside the transport container. The robot can include a plurality of transport containers and a plurality of respective robot article transport mechanisms. The recipient transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the recipient container. The recipient container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer for opening and closing the side door. The door opening assembly can be disposed inside the recipient container. The robot can be a driverless vehicle and the recipient container can have an opening and the transport container can have an opening and the driverless vehicle can include an orientation assembly for registering the opening in the transport container with the opening in the recipient assembly. The orientation assembly can include a first assembly for causing the transport container to translate in three orthogonal directions relative to the recipient container and a second assembly for causing the transport container to rotate about three orthogonal axes relative to the recipient container for permitting alignment of the opening of the transport container with the opening of the recipient container. The transport container can have a least one first electrical connector and the recipient container can have at least one second electrical connector for cooperatively engaging with the at least one first electrical connector to permit the transport container to provide power to the recipient container. The recipient container can be a transport container of an additional robot. The robot can have a pickup assembly that can be controlled by the at least one computer and can include the robot article transport mechanism for picking the article up off the ground free of human assistance at the first location. The system can include a pickup container at the first location, and the robot article transport mechanism can be configured to receive the article from the pickup container and move the article inside the transport container. The pickup container can include a pickup article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the pickup container and delivering the article to the transport container. The pickup article transport mechanism can be at least partially disposed inside the pickup container. The pickup container can include a side door and a door opening assembly controlled by the at least one computer and disposed inside the pickup container for opening and closing the side door. The pickup container can be a transport container of an additional robot. The at least one computer can include a computer carried by the robot and a cloud-based computer. The at least one computer can include a smartphone configured for communication with the cloud-based computer.
- In one aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a plurality of articles from a first location to a second location is provided that can include receiving a transportation container of a standardized size and shape for being carried within a transport container of any of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robots, each of the plurality of robots being configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and being free of a human driver compartment, placing the plurality of articles in the transportation container, placing the transportation container in a pickup location at the first location, navigating a first robot from the fleet of robots to the first location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport container of the first robot at the first location, navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container to a recipient location at the second location.
- The transportation container can be made from a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard, plastic and metal. The transportation container can have the shape of a parallelepiped. The transportation container can have four interconnected side walls joined to a bottom wall. The transportation container can be free of a top. The step of autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport container can include autonomously picking the transportation container up off the ground at the first location. The pickup location can be inside a pickup container and wherein the step of autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup location to the transport container can include autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container. The transportation container can be autonomously placed on the ground at the second location. The recipient location can be inside a recipient container and the transportation container can be autonomously moved from the transport container to the recipient container. The transport container can be a closeable transport container and each autonomous moving step can include autonomously opening the transport container. The transport container can have a transport mechanism for moving the transportation container into and out from the transport container. The method can include receiving payment for the purchase of the plurality of articles.
- In one aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a plurality of articles from a first location to a second location is provided that can include receiving an open transportation container of a standardized size and shape for being carried within a transport container of any of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robots, each of the plurality of robots being configured to travel along roads, bike paths and sidewalks and being free of a human driver compartment, placing the plurality of articles in the transportation container, placing the transportation container in a pickup container at the first location, navigating a first robot from the fleet of robots to the first location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container of the first robot at the first location, navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to the second location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container to a recipient container at the second location.
- The recipient container can be a closeable recipient container and the recipient container can be autonomously opened. The method can include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container. The method can include receiving the open transportation container at a third location, placing a second plurality of articles in the transportation container at the third location, placing the transportation container in a pickup container at the third location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the third location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container to the transport container of the second robot at the third location, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the third location to a fourth location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container of the second robot to a recipient container at the fourth location. The method can include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container at the fourth location. The method can include placing an additional article in the transportation container at the second location, placing the transportation container in recipient pickup container at the second location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the second location, autonomously moving the transportation container from the pickup container at the second location to the transport container of the second robot, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, and autonomously moving the transportation container from the transport container of the second robot to a recipient container at the third location. The removing step can include removing the plurality of articles from the open transportation container to create an empty transportation container, placing the empty transportation container in the recipient container at the second location, navigating a second robot from the fleet of robots to the second location, autonomously moving the empty transportation container from the recipient container to the transport container of the second robot at the second location, navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the second location to a third location, and removing the empty transportation container from the transport container of the second robot at the third location for later reuse. The removing step can include autonomously removing the empty transportation container from the transport container of the second robot at the third location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, the request including the location of the buyer, directing the request to a plurality of vendors within a predetermined distance from the buyer for bidding, receiving a price quote from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, permitting the buyer to purchase the product from one of the plurality of vendors, and directing a robot configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks to pick up the product at a first location associated with the selected one of the plurality of vendors.
- The price quote can include an indicator of the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyer. The step of receiving a price quote can include receiving a confirmation from each of the plurality of vendors that the product is in stock. The indicator of the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyer can be selected from the group consisting of the location of each of the plurality of vendors and the distance of each of the plurality of vendors from the location of the buyer. The step of directing the robot can include causing the robot to pick up the product free of human assistance at the first location. The method can include navigating the robot over an outdoor transportation network that can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks from the first location to a second location associated with the buyer. The method can include causing the robot to deliver the product free of human assistance at the second location. The method can include charging the buyer for delivering the product at the second location. The charge to the buyer can be altered or increased as a function of demand for the product.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for delivering a purchased product with a robot is provided that can include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to a plurality of vendors of the product, receiving a response from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, each response including at least the price of the product, evaluating each response against a plurality of features of each of the plurality of vendors, selecting the response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the evaluating step and directing the robot to pick up the product from the one of the plurality of vendors of the selected response.
- The evaluating step can include evaluating each response against a plurality of features of the respective vendor using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective vendors. The selecting step can include selecting the response from one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of vendors. The selecting step can include selecting the response from the one of the plurality of vendors selected from the group consisting of vendor with the highest aggregate value and the vendor with the lowest aggregate value. The ranking regression method can include assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being a function of the numerical value of each of the features of the respective vendor. The aggregate value for the respective vendor can be the sum of the numerical values of each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor. The numerical value can be a cost-based value. The ranking regression method can include training a neural network with a set of example vendors to provide a trained neural network and assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the trained neural network to the plurality of features of the vendor. The ranking regression method can include training a kernel method with a set of example vendors to provide a plurality of support vectors and a weight for each of the plurality of support vectors and assigning a numerical value to each of the plurality of features of the respective vendor, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the plurality of support vectors and the weights to the plurality of features of the vendor. The ranking regression method can include training a decision tree with a set of example vendors to provide a trained decision tree and assigning a numerical value for each of the plurality of features, the aggregate value for the respective vendor being computed by applying the trained decision tree to the plurality of features of the vendor. The plurality of features are selected from the group consisting of the price of the product, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, the distance from the product of the vendor to the buyer, an estimate of the travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the brand of the product of the vendor, the rating of the vendor from previous buyers, the name of the vendor, the time to pick up the product of the vendor by the robot, any combination of the foregoing and all of the foregoing.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for delivering a purchased product with one of a plurality of robots from a fleet of robots is provided that can include receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to at least one vendor of the product, receiving a response from the vendor, evaluating a plurality of the robots for picking up the product against a plurality of features of the plurality of robots, selecting one of the plurality of robots as a function of the evaluating step and directing the selected one of the plurality of a robot to pick up the product from the vendor.
- The evaluating step can include evaluating a plurality of the robots for picking up the product against a plurality of features of the plurality of robots using a ranking regression method to provide an aggregate value for each of the respective robots. The selecting step can include selecting one of the plurality of robots as a function of the aggregate value for each of the plurality of robots. The ranking regression method can include a step selected from the group consisting of training a neural network, training a kernel method and training a decision tree. The plurality of features are selected from the group consisting of the distance of a robot from the product of the vendor, the load capacity of the robot, the remaining battery life of the robot, the estimated travel time of the robot to the product of the vendor, any combination of the foregoing and all of the foregoing.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes receiving a request from a buyer to purchase a product, directing the request to a plurality of vendors of the product, receiving a reply from each of the plurality of vendors for the product, providing the buyer with a response that can include with respect to each of the plurality of vendors the price of the product of the vendor and at least one product purchase factor selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot, permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least one product purchase factor and purchase the product from the selected one of the plurality of vendors, and directing the robot to pick up the product from the selected one of the plurality of vendors.
- The response can include at least two product purchase factors selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot and the permitting step can include permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least two product purchase factors. The response can include at least three product purchase factors selected from the group consisting of the distance of the product of the vendor from the buyer, an estimate of travel time between the product of the vendor and the buyer, an estimate of the delivery time of the product to the buyer, the speed of the response from the vendor, a confirmation from the vendor that the product is in stock, a consumer rating of the vendor, the name of the vendor, the brand of the product and the time to pick up the product of the vendor by a robot and the permitting step can include permitting the buyer to select one of the plurality of vendors as a function of the price of the product and the at least three product purchase factors. The method can include charging the buyer for the product. The method can include altering the price of the product to the buyer as a function of the demand for the product.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to deliver a product from a first location to a second location, the request including a photo of the second location and an indicator on the photo identifying a precise drop off location for the product, directing at least one robot to pick up the product at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the product to the drop off location.
- The at least one robot can be configured to travel on roads, bike paths and sidewalks and the outdoor transportation network can include roads, bike paths and sidewalks. The navigating step can include accessing a virtual map to chart a course over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location. The navigating step can include comparing terrain at the second location observed by the at least one robot with the photo to enable the at least one robot to deliver the product to the drop off location. The at least one robot can have at least one camera for observing terrain at the second location. The causing step can include causing the at least one robot to place the product on the ground at the drop off location. The causing step can include causing the at least one robot to remove the product from within the at least one robot for delivery to the drop off location. The at least one robot can have a transport container for housing the product during transport and the causing step can include causing the at least one robot to open the transport container and remove the product from the container for delivery to the drop off location. The method can include causing the at least one robot to receive the product from a pickup container free of human assistance at the first location. The receiving step can include purchasing the product by the user. The method can include charging the user for delivering the product to the drop off location. The directing step can include directing a first robot to pick up the product at the first location, the navigating step can include navigating the first robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to an intermediate location, causing the first robot to deliver the product free of human assistance to the intermediate location, causing a second robot to pick up the product free of human assistance at the intermediate location and navigating the second robot over the outdoor transportation network from the intermediate location to the second location, and the second robot can deliver the product to the drop off location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided that can store computer-executable instructions to, display a photograph on a display, permit a user to touch the photograph on the display to identify a location on the photograph and request a third party to deliver a product to the location identified on the photograph.
- The computer-executable instructions can be configured to purchase the product from the third party. The computer-executable instructions can be configured to operate on a smartphone and receive the photograph from a camera on the smartphone.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location, the request including an image of the second location and an indicator on the image identifying a precise delivery location for the article, providing a three-dimensional virtual model that can include the second location, registering the indicator on the image to a precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model to obtain a three-dimensional delivery location, directing at least one robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- The three-dimensional delivery location can include three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location. The registering step can include registering the image to the three-dimensional virtual model. The request can include a plurality of images, further comprising utilizing the plurality of images in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The plurality of images are a plurality of photographs. The plurality of images can include a video. The method can include obtaining a plurality of depth sensor signals of the second location and utilizing the plurality of depth sensor signals in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The request can include the plurality of depth sensor signals. The image can be a photograph. The request can include a three-dimensional orientation associated with the image. The method can include touching a computer screen displaying the image to create the indicator on the image identifying the precise delivery location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided that can include receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location, the request including a three-dimensional delivery location for the article, directing at least one robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one robot over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- The method can include providing a three-dimensional virtual model that can include the second location to the user and indicating on the three-dimensional model the three-dimensional delivery location. The indicating step can include touching a computer screen displaying the three-dimensional virtual model to indicate the three-dimensional delivery location on the three-dimensional virtual model. The method can include utilizing a plurality of images of the second location provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The method can include utilizing a plurality of depth sensor signals provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model. The three-dimensional delivery location can include three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location.
- In one aspect of the invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided that can store computer-executable instructions useable by a mobile computing device having a display to, permit a user of the device to display a three-dimensional virtual model on the display, permit the user to touch the displayed three-dimensional virtual model to identify a three-dimensional delivery location of an article and request a third party to deliver an article to the three-dimensional delivery location.
- The computer-executable instructions can permit the user to purchase the article from the third party. The mobile computing device can be selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a laptop, a watch, a mobile computer and a smart wearable item with a camera. The computer-executable instructions can permit the user to scan a location with a sensor of the device to produce the three-dimensional virtual model. The sensor of the device can be a camera.
- The foregoing methods of the invention do not require all of the steps disclosed or discussed herein. Methods of the invention can be provided that include less than all or some of the steps disclosed herein or other or additional steps not disclosed herein. Steps of such methods need not be performed in the order disclosed herein, but instead can be performed in any other or suitable order. Steps of one method of the invention can be mixed or added to steps of other methods of the invention.
Claims (23)
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location over an outdoor transportation network, the request including an image of the second location and an indicator on the image identifying a precise delivery location elevated relative to the outdoor transportation network for the article, providing a three-dimensional virtual model that includes the second location, registering the indicator on the image to a precise location on the three-dimensional virtual model to obtain a three-dimensional delivery location, directing at least one wheeled robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one wheeled robot over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one wheeled robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
2. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional delivery location includes three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location.
3. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the registering step includes registering the image to the three-dimensional virtual model.
4. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the request includes a plurality of images, further comprising utilizing the plurality of images in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
5. The method ofclaim 4 , wherein the plurality of images are a plurality of photographs.
6. The method ofclaim 4 , wherein the plurality of images include a video.
7. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising obtaining a plurality of depth sensor signals of the second location and utilizing the plurality of depth sensor signals in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
8. The method ofclaim 7 , wherein the request includes the plurality of depth sensor signals.
9. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the image is a photograph.
10. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the request includes a three-dimensional orientation associated with the image.
11. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising touching a computer screen displaying the image to create the indicator on the image identifying the precise delivery location.
12. A computer-implemented method, comprising receiving a request from a user to deliver an article from a first location to a second location over an outdoor transportation network, the request including a three-dimensional delivery location elevated relative to the outdoor transportation network for the article, directing at least one wheeled robot to pick up the article at the first location, navigating the at least one wheeled robot over the outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location, and causing the at least one wheeled robot to deliver the article free of human assistance to the three-dimensional delivery location.
13. The method ofclaim 12 , further comprising providing a three-dimensional virtual model that includes the second location to the user and indicating on the three-dimensional model the three-dimensional delivery location.
14. The method ofclaim 13 , wherein the indicating step includes touching a computer screen displaying the three-dimensional virtual model to indicate the three-dimensional delivery location on the three-dimensional virtual model.
15. The method ofclaim 13 , further comprising utilizing a plurality of images of the second location provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
16. The method ofclaim 13 , further comprising utilizing a plurality of depth sensor signals provided by the user in the creation of the three-dimensional virtual model.
17. The method ofclaim 12 , wherein the three-dimensional delivery location includes three-dimensional coordinates of the delivery location.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions useable by a mobile computing device having a display to, permit a user of the device to display a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional virtual model on the display, permit the user to touch the displayed two-dimensional image to identify a delivery location for an article cause a processor to map the delivery location to the three-dimensional virtual model to create a three-dimensional delivery location and request a third party to deliver the article to the three-dimensional delivery location.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18 , wherein the computer-executable instructions permit the user to purchase the article from the third party.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18 , wherein the mobile computing device is selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a laptop, a watch, a mobile computer and a smart wearable item with a camera.
21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18 , wherein the computer-executable instructions permit the user to scan a location with a sensor of the device to produce the three-dimensional virtual model.
22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18 , wherein the sensor of the device is a camera.
23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18 , wherein the processor is selected from the group consisting of a processor in the mobile computing device, a processor remote of the mobile computing device, a processor in a network computing device, a processor in a cloud computer and any combination of the foregoing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15/707,743US20180330325A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Method for indicating delivery location and software for same |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201762505801P | 2017-05-12 | 2017-05-12 | |
| US201762534674P | 2017-07-19 | 2017-07-19 | |
| US201762555970P | 2017-09-08 | 2017-09-08 | |
| US15/707,743US20180330325A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Method for indicating delivery location and software for same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20180330325A1true US20180330325A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
Family
ID=64095951
Family Applications (13)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15/707,743AbandonedUS20180330325A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Method for indicating delivery location and software for same |
| US15/707,549ActiveUS10345818B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot transport method with transportation container |
| US15/707,430ActiveUS11009886B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot pickup method |
| US15/707,313ActiveUS10520948B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot delivery method |
| US15/707,468ActiveUS10459450B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot delivery system |
| US16/505,565Active2038-02-22US11366479B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-07-08 | Robot transport method with transportation container |
| US16/666,182ActiveUS10852739B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-10-28 | Robot delivery system |
| US16/724,340PendingUS20200125110A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-12-22 | Robot delivery method |
| US17/107,951Active2037-10-24US11507100B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2020-12-01 | Robot delivery system |
| US17/323,771ActiveUS11768501B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2021-05-18 | Robot pickup method |
| US17/845,975ActiveUS12032382B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-06-21 | Method for selecting transportation container |
| US17/992,379ActiveUS12050469B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-11-22 | Robot delivery system |
| US18/789,308PendingUS20240385615A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2024-07-30 | Robot Delivery System |
Family Applications After (12)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15/707,549ActiveUS10345818B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot transport method with transportation container |
| US15/707,430ActiveUS11009886B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot pickup method |
| US15/707,313ActiveUS10520948B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot delivery method |
| US15/707,468ActiveUS10459450B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2017-09-18 | Robot delivery system |
| US16/505,565Active2038-02-22US11366479B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-07-08 | Robot transport method with transportation container |
| US16/666,182ActiveUS10852739B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-10-28 | Robot delivery system |
| US16/724,340PendingUS20200125110A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-12-22 | Robot delivery method |
| US17/107,951Active2037-10-24US11507100B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2020-12-01 | Robot delivery system |
| US17/323,771ActiveUS11768501B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2021-05-18 | Robot pickup method |
| US17/845,975ActiveUS12032382B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-06-21 | Method for selecting transportation container |
| US17/992,379ActiveUS12050469B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-11-22 | Robot delivery system |
| US18/789,308PendingUS20240385615A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2024-07-30 | Robot Delivery System |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (13) | US20180330325A1 (en) |
Cited By (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10421326B2 (en)* | 2017-11-30 | 2019-09-24 | Facebook, Inc. | Driven platform with tilting suspension |
| US10459450B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-10-29 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
| US10678242B2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-06-09 | Facebook, Inc. | Differential drive robotic platform and assembly |
| US10710404B2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-07-14 | Facebook, Inc. | Driven caster wheel and assembly |
| US20200393854A1 (en)* | 2019-06-14 | 2020-12-17 | Rebecca Romanucci | Parcel deploying apparatus and vehicle delivery |
| DE102019129771A1 (en)* | 2019-11-05 | 2021-05-06 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Self-propelled transport module |
| DE102019219660A1 (en)* | 2019-12-16 | 2021-06-17 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Process for creating navigation aids for delivery robots, system for creating navigation aids for delivery robots |
| US20210228010A1 (en)* | 2019-03-11 | 2021-07-29 | Rakuten, Inc. | Delivery system, control device, delivery method, and control method |
| US20210362335A1 (en)* | 2019-07-12 | 2021-11-25 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Robot and method for manage item using same |
| US20220002080A1 (en)* | 2017-10-27 | 2022-01-06 | Berkshire Grey, Inc. | Mobile carriers for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US20220048190A1 (en)* | 2018-02-26 | 2022-02-17 | dogugonggan Co., Ltd. | Method of controlling mobile robot, apparatus for supporting the method, and delivery system using mobile robot |
| US20220057797A1 (en)* | 2020-08-19 | 2022-02-24 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Bi-directional autonomous logistics vehicles |
| US11338866B2 (en)* | 2018-05-31 | 2022-05-24 | Uatc, Llc | Movable front shield for vehicles |
| US20220250527A1 (en)* | 2021-02-10 | 2022-08-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Automated Systems And Methods For Transferring Packages From A Vehicle To A Curbside Locker Box |
| US20220351558A1 (en)* | 2021-05-02 | 2022-11-03 | Jeffrey Scott VanDeusen | Position keyed lockbox |
| US11517134B2 (en)* | 2019-03-04 | 2022-12-06 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Movable body and method of using the same |
| US11587034B2 (en) | 2018-11-19 | 2023-02-21 | Syrius Robotics Co., Ltd. | Robot-based warehouse order picking method, apparatus and system, electronic device, and storage medium |
| US20240176605A1 (en)* | 2021-03-31 | 2024-05-30 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for application deployment in software-as-a-service platform and storage medium |
| US12138778B1 (en)* | 2017-09-13 | 2024-11-12 | AI Incorporated | Control system for robotic devices |
| US12145798B2 (en) | 2017-03-20 | 2024-11-19 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12282321B2 (en) | 2017-03-23 | 2025-04-22 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated mobile matrix carriers |
Families Citing this family (60)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11403589B2 (en)* | 2017-07-07 | 2022-08-02 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Establishing a location for unmanned delivery/pickup of a parcel |
| US10613533B1 (en)* | 2017-12-11 | 2020-04-07 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Autonomous delivery and retrieval of inventory holders at transfer locations |
| US11815894B1 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2023-11-14 | AI Incorporated | Autonomous versatile vehicle system |
| US11144057B1 (en)* | 2018-05-16 | 2021-10-12 | AI Incorporated | Autonomous versatile vehicle system |
| JP7056182B2 (en)* | 2018-01-30 | 2022-04-19 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Goods storage system, information processing device and information processing method |
| CN116070977A (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2023-05-05 | 联邦快递服务公司 | Method for performing scheduled logistics operations |
| DE102018106352B4 (en)* | 2018-03-19 | 2025-10-02 | Deutsche Post Ag | Authentication at mail machines |
| EP4495030A3 (en) | 2018-06-08 | 2025-04-02 | Attabotics Inc. | Improved storage and retrieval systems |
| US11887163B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2024-01-30 | Productive Applicant Solutions, Inc. | System and method for mobile gig locker |
| CN109753039B (en)* | 2018-12-29 | 2021-02-02 | 北京极智嘉科技有限公司 | Customizable article processing method and device, electronic equipment and storage medium |
| CN109849007B (en)* | 2019-01-28 | 2020-12-01 | 武汉科技大学 | Intelligent food delivery service robot |
| SG11202109481RA (en) | 2019-03-01 | 2021-09-29 | Attabotics Inc | Multi-nodal supply chain system and method for supply chain workflow execution using transportable and continuously trackable storage bins |
| US11361277B2 (en)* | 2019-03-06 | 2022-06-14 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Integrated container conveyance system |
| EP3744661B1 (en)* | 2019-03-26 | 2022-05-11 | Rakuten Group, Inc. | Consignment sorting device and consignment sorting method |
| US11518022B1 (en)* | 2019-05-31 | 2022-12-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Mobile drive unit having a conveyor module spaced apart from a chassis unit |
| EP4442634B1 (en)* | 2019-08-27 | 2025-10-15 | Crown Equipment Corporation | Adaptive acceleration for materials handling vehicle |
| US12259724B2 (en) | 2019-08-27 | 2025-03-25 | Crown Equipment Corporation | Adaptive acceleration for materials handling vehicle |
| WO2021076250A2 (en)* | 2019-09-11 | 2021-04-22 | Alexandru Balan | 360° advanced rotation system |
| KR20190120107A (en)* | 2019-10-04 | 2019-10-23 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot |
| JP2021062431A (en)* | 2019-10-11 | 2021-04-22 | ソニー株式会社 | Robot device and method for controlling the same |
| JP7207258B2 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2023-01-18 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Article transfer system, article transfer robot, and storage box |
| JP7226240B2 (en)* | 2019-10-16 | 2023-02-21 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Article transport robot |
| JP7429289B2 (en)* | 2019-10-23 | 2024-02-07 | シャンハイ クイックトロン インテリジェント テクノロジー カンパニー リミテッド | Expanding/contracting device and transfer robot |
| US12179337B2 (en)* | 2019-12-18 | 2024-12-31 | Carla R. Gillett | Modular robotic service vehicle |
| EP3848324B1 (en)* | 2019-12-30 | 2024-07-31 | STILL GmbH | Automatic guided vehicle |
| US12325294B2 (en) | 2020-01-30 | 2025-06-10 | Magna International Inc. | Transportable enclosure with rotary door |
| CN111413963B (en)* | 2020-02-20 | 2021-10-15 | 上海交通大学 | Multifunctional robot autonomous delivery method and system |
| US11919761B2 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2024-03-05 | Crown Equipment Corporation | Based on detected start of picking operation, resetting stored data related to monitored drive parameter |
| AT523666B1 (en)* | 2020-03-19 | 2022-12-15 | S A M Tech Gmbh | pallet collector |
| WO2021194747A1 (en)* | 2020-03-23 | 2021-09-30 | Nuro, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for automated deliveries |
| CN111775160A (en)* | 2020-06-12 | 2020-10-16 | 上海擎朗智能科技有限公司 | Method, device, medium and robot for automatically distributing articles |
| CN111906780B (en)* | 2020-06-30 | 2022-04-01 | 上海擎朗智能科技有限公司 | Article distribution method, robot and medium |
| USD949218S1 (en)* | 2020-06-30 | 2022-04-19 | Bühler AG | Plan sifter |
| WO2022036333A2 (en)* | 2020-08-14 | 2022-02-17 | Opex Corporation | Material handling apparatus having separate workstation and method of use |
| JP7318623B2 (en)* | 2020-10-02 | 2023-08-01 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | shipping shelf |
| US12066844B2 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2024-08-20 | Crown Equipment Corporation | Adaptive acceleration for materials handling vehicle |
| US11951893B2 (en)* | 2020-12-23 | 2024-04-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Interlocking reconfigurable modular lockers |
| CN112757320A (en)* | 2021-01-15 | 2021-05-07 | 陈红元 | Signal receiving device for intelligent road inspection robot |
| US11934202B2 (en) | 2021-02-09 | 2024-03-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for smart containers configured for moving goods |
| US12380754B2 (en) | 2021-02-25 | 2025-08-05 | Federal Express Corporation | Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced automated access to a dispatched personal delivery device operative to transport a shipment item |
| US11724897B2 (en)* | 2021-03-15 | 2023-08-15 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for self-loading a modular robot into a delivery vehicle |
| US11981508B2 (en)* | 2021-03-19 | 2024-05-14 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Container method and system for automated end-to-end package delivery |
| US11829145B2 (en)* | 2021-03-24 | 2023-11-28 | Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. | Home dialysis supplies delivery robot, network, and method |
| CN113021382B (en)* | 2021-04-29 | 2022-02-01 | 西安建筑科技大学 | Full-automatic intelligent spraying robot |
| DE102021003508A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2023-01-12 | Poul Henrik Woelfle | Systems, modules and goods carriers for handling and transporting goods and packages |
| US11993119B2 (en)* | 2021-08-26 | 2024-05-28 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Robot having multiple wheel sets |
| CN113822995B (en)* | 2021-09-26 | 2024-09-06 | 泰州擎朗智能科技有限公司 | Method, device and storage medium for creating navigation map of mobile device |
| DE102021128214A1 (en) | 2021-10-28 | 2023-05-04 | Innovative Robot Delivery Gmbh | Method and transfer device for transferring goods |
| US12024285B1 (en) | 2022-03-10 | 2024-07-02 | Skypad Tech, Inc. | Modular mobility system including thrusters movably connected to a support structure |
| EP4566768A4 (en)* | 2022-08-11 | 2025-08-27 | Bear Robotics Korea Inc | TRANSPORT ROBOT |
| DE102022120398A1 (en)* | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-15 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Scanning system for scanning an environment |
| GB202216978D0 (en) | 2022-11-14 | 2022-12-28 | Neom Company | System and method of orchestration between heterogenous robots and robots from multiple robotic platforms for goods delivery |
| WO2024123536A1 (en)* | 2022-12-07 | 2024-06-13 | Lucomm Technologies, Inc. | Robotic post |
| WO2024225492A1 (en)* | 2023-04-24 | 2024-10-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Transport robot |
| KR102841930B1 (en)* | 2023-04-25 | 2025-08-05 | 주식회사 엑스와이지 | Management method of robot for disinfection and article transfer in hospital |
| US20250265598A1 (en)* | 2024-02-21 | 2025-08-21 | Ebay Inc. | Autonomous Technician System For Component Handling and Installation |
| USD1095632S1 (en) | 2024-08-15 | 2025-09-30 | Clutterbot, Inc. | Robot |
| USD1059453S1 (en) | 2024-08-15 | 2025-01-28 | Clutterbot, Inc. | Robot |
| USD1095633S1 (en) | 2024-08-15 | 2025-09-30 | Clutterbot, Inc. | Robot |
| CN118954358A (en)* | 2024-09-04 | 2024-11-15 | 博兴县消防救援大队 | A solar rescue vehicle |
Family Cites Families (1248)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB814714A (en) | 1954-08-13 | 1959-06-10 | Alfd Miles Ltd | Improvements in or relating to storage compartments |
| US290475A (en)* | 1883-12-18 | Show-box for hats | ||
| US8177A (en)* | 1851-06-24 | Improvement in cars for transportation of coal | ||
| US2035218A (en) | 1932-07-26 | 1936-03-24 | Bloom Isaac Herman | Direct by mail advertising device |
| US3085707A (en) | 1958-04-08 | 1963-04-16 | Sea Land Service | Freight containers adapted to be stacked |
| US3027025A (en) | 1958-04-08 | 1962-03-27 | Sea Land Service | Apparatus for handling freight in transit |
| US3253806A (en) | 1964-05-20 | 1966-05-31 | Eickmann Karl | Control means in a hydraulic driven helicopter |
| US3507409A (en)* | 1968-04-24 | 1970-04-21 | Aldennis Gordon | Security apparatus |
| US3556438A (en) | 1969-09-02 | 1971-01-19 | Ludwig F Meditz | Airborne vehicle |
| US3762669A (en) | 1971-11-02 | 1973-10-02 | A Curci | High-speed helicopter |
| US3844434A (en) | 1972-11-20 | 1974-10-29 | Fabit Corp | Refuse container loading and transport assembly |
| US3881616A (en) | 1972-11-20 | 1975-05-06 | Fabit Corp | Process of refuse container emptying |
| DE2712705C3 (en)* | 1977-03-23 | 1980-01-03 | Ingenieurgesellschaft Kuhbier Kg, 4044 Kaarst | Transport, transfer and storage system for means of payment, valuables or other valuable or dangerous substances |
| US4127856A (en)* | 1977-04-11 | 1978-11-28 | Bickel Gary G | Vehicle-dock latching apparatus |
| US4119163A (en) | 1977-10-03 | 1978-10-10 | Douglas Ball | Curb climbing wheel chair |
| US4161843A (en) | 1978-09-01 | 1979-07-24 | Hui Danny C T | Electrically powered toy aircraft |
| AU7092981A (en) | 1980-05-30 | 1981-12-03 | Elektro-Dahlen A.B. | Baking oven and cart with rotating surfaces |
| JPS5878835A (en) | 1981-11-04 | 1983-05-12 | Shinko Electric Co Ltd | Unmanned vehicle with transfer conveyor |
| US4556198A (en) | 1983-12-19 | 1985-12-03 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Height adjusting lifter for hospital bed |
| US4914605A (en) | 1984-10-22 | 1990-04-03 | Etak, Inc. | Apparatus and method for displaying a map |
| US4613275A (en) | 1985-01-22 | 1986-09-23 | Karlowsky Ernest W | Auger arrangement for unloading a truck box |
| US4698775A (en) | 1985-05-17 | 1987-10-06 | Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Inc. | Self-contained mobile reprogrammable automation device |
| US4779203A (en) | 1985-08-30 | 1988-10-18 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Visual navigation system for mobile robots |
| US5032989A (en) | 1986-03-19 | 1991-07-16 | Realpro, Ltd. | Real estate search and location system and method |
| US4915576A (en) | 1986-10-20 | 1990-04-10 | Mi-Jack Products, Inc. | Side shift grappler |
| US4729246A (en) | 1986-12-22 | 1988-03-08 | Despatch Industries, Inc. | Product testing system |
| US5208750A (en) | 1987-06-17 | 1993-05-04 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Control system for unmanned automotive vehicle |
| US4996468A (en) | 1987-09-28 | 1991-02-26 | Tennant Company | Automated guided vehicle |
| US7072849B1 (en) | 1988-07-15 | 2006-07-04 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for presenting advertising in an interactive service |
| US5002457A (en) | 1988-09-06 | 1991-03-26 | Dorner Mfg. Corp. | Apparatus for storing stacks of articles and subsequently unstacking the articles and feeding the articles to working equipment |
| US4958978A (en) | 1988-09-12 | 1990-09-25 | George E. Wilkinson | Articulated dumping vehicle |
| US5006988A (en) | 1989-04-28 | 1991-04-09 | University Of Michigan | Obstacle-avoiding navigation system |
| US5050844A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1991-09-24 | Vbm Corporation | Lift assembly |
| USRE34292E (en) | 1990-02-16 | 1993-06-22 | Sunbelt Automated Systems, Inc. | Refuse collection and loading system |
| US5049026A (en) | 1990-02-16 | 1991-09-17 | Sunbelt Automated Systems, Inc. | Refuse collection and loading system |
| JPH0747403B2 (en) | 1990-05-22 | 1995-05-24 | インベストロニカ・ソシエダッド・アノニマ | Program-controlled box / container operation / transfer device |
| US5774133A (en) | 1991-01-09 | 1998-06-30 | 3Dlabs Ltd. | Computer system with improved pixel processing capabilities |
| US5199686A (en) | 1991-01-18 | 1993-04-06 | Advantage Lift Systems Inc. | Non-continuous base ground level automotive lift system |
| US5230393A (en) | 1991-06-27 | 1993-07-27 | Mezey Armand G | Refuse collection and weighing system |
| US7006881B1 (en) | 1991-12-23 | 2006-02-28 | Steven Hoffberg | Media recording device with remote graphic user interface |
| US5582497A (en) | 1992-01-29 | 1996-12-10 | Wing Labo Co., Ltd. | Automatic warehouse system |
| EP0775891B1 (en) | 1992-02-18 | 1999-05-12 | Pioneer Electronic Corporation | Navigation apparatus with enhanced positional display function |
| US5325294A (en) | 1992-06-29 | 1994-06-28 | Keene Sharon A | Medical privacy system |
| US5372211A (en) | 1992-10-01 | 1994-12-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Method for surmounting an obstacle by a robot vehicle |
| US5581630A (en) | 1992-12-21 | 1996-12-03 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Personal identification |
| US6282489B1 (en) | 1993-05-28 | 2001-08-28 | Mapquest.Com, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for displaying a travel route and generating a list of places of interest located near the travel route |
| US5794207A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 1998-08-11 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for a cryptographically assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate buyer-driven conditional purchase offers |
| US5590062A (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1996-12-31 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Simulator for producing various living environments mainly for visual perception |
| DE9311075U1 (en) | 1993-07-24 | 1994-11-24 | Strothmann, Rolf, Dr., 66123 Saarbrücken | Electric drive of a hand-drawn or pushed, mobile object |
| AU1170295A (en) | 1993-10-29 | 1995-05-22 | Kevin L. Keithley | Interactive multimedia communications system which accesses industry-specific information |
| US5751245A (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1998-05-12 | Trimble Navigation Ltd. | Vehicle route and schedule exception reporting system |
| US5521817A (en) | 1994-08-08 | 1996-05-28 | Honeywell Inc. | Airborne drone formation control system |
| JPH0885603A (en) | 1994-09-16 | 1996-04-02 | Daifuku Co Ltd | Storage device |
| EP0790955B1 (en) | 1994-09-20 | 1999-07-28 | Fantuzzi-Reggiane S.p.A. | Freight handling plant in depots |
| US6029195A (en) | 1994-11-29 | 2000-02-22 | Herz; Frederick S. M. | System for customized electronic identification of desirable objects |
| US5937413A (en) | 1994-11-30 | 1999-08-10 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institure | Data audits based on timestamp criteria in replicated data bases within digital mobile telecommunication system |
| US5671342A (en) | 1994-11-30 | 1997-09-23 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for displaying information relating to a story and a story indicator in a computer system |
| US5577567A (en) | 1994-12-20 | 1996-11-26 | Johnson; Robert E. | Stair climbing wheelchair |
| US5682525A (en) | 1995-01-11 | 1997-10-28 | Civix Corporation | System and methods for remotely accessing a selected group of items of interest from a database |
| US5630103A (en) | 1995-03-20 | 1997-05-13 | Smith; Patrick C. | Radio transmission system for distribution of newspaper copy in computer format to personal computers for viewing |
| US5805810A (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1998-09-08 | Maxwell; Robert L. | Apparatus and methods for converting an electronic mail to a postal mail at the receiving station |
| US5682005A (en) | 1995-05-31 | 1997-10-28 | Loral Vought Systems Corporation | Missile container support rack |
| US5931262A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-08-03 | Greenlaw; Robert J. | Delivery vehicle with multi-tier storage of cargo |
| US5905499A (en) | 1995-07-05 | 1999-05-18 | Fakespace, Inc. | Method and system for high performance computer-generated virtual environments |
| JPH102950A (en) | 1995-07-25 | 1998-01-06 | Rookasu:Kk | Positioning system |
| US5826244A (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1998-10-20 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for providing a document service over a computer network using an automated brokered auction |
| US5831664A (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1998-11-03 | Mediaone Group, Inc. | Method and system for synchronizing data between at least one mobile interface device and an interactive terminal |
| US5720363A (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1998-02-24 | Kipp; Ludwig | System and method for automatic ordering and direct underground distribution of articles to customers |
| US5852810A (en) | 1996-01-29 | 1998-12-22 | Student Housing Network | Geographic specific information search system and method |
| US5930474A (en) | 1996-01-31 | 1999-07-27 | Z Land Llc | Internet organizer for accessing geographically and topically based information |
| JP2865043B2 (en) | 1996-02-02 | 1999-03-08 | 日本電気株式会社 | Mobile radio telephone equipment |
| US6010239A (en) | 1996-03-07 | 2000-01-04 | Hardgrave; William David | Automatic item-driven system for deposit and pick-up |
| US6513069B1 (en) | 1996-03-08 | 2003-01-28 | Actv, Inc. | Enhanced video programming system and method for providing a distributed community network |
| US5991737A (en) | 1996-03-11 | 1999-11-23 | Connexus Corporation | Automated consumer response to publicly broadcast information |
| US5953234A (en)* | 1996-03-12 | 1999-09-14 | Woodson Incorporated | Automated storage facility including a storage and retrieval system and a floor inventory management system |
| US5835896A (en) | 1996-03-29 | 1998-11-10 | Onsale, Inc. | Method and system for processing and transmitting electronic auction information |
| US6148289A (en) | 1996-05-10 | 2000-11-14 | Localeyes Corporation | System and method for geographically organizing and classifying businesses on the world-wide web |
| US6907405B2 (en) | 1996-05-23 | 2005-06-14 | Ita Investments, Llc | Computer controlled priority right auctioning system |
| US5819269A (en) | 1996-06-21 | 1998-10-06 | Robert G. Uomini | Dynamic subgrouping in a news network |
| US6092105A (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2000-07-18 | Intraware, Inc. | System and method for vending retail software and other sets of information to end users |
| US6229533B1 (en) | 1996-08-02 | 2001-05-08 | Fujitsu Limited | Ghost object for a virtual world |
| US20040139049A1 (en) | 1996-08-22 | 2004-07-15 | Wgrs Licensing Company, Llc | Unified geographic database and method of creating, maintaining and using the same |
| US5839088A (en) | 1996-08-22 | 1998-11-17 | Go2 Software, Inc. | Geographic location referencing system and method |
| US6597983B2 (en) | 1996-08-22 | 2003-07-22 | Wgrs Licensing Company, Llc | Geographic location multiple listing service identifier and method of assigning and using the same |
| US5940806A (en) | 1996-08-28 | 1999-08-17 | Danial; Jeffrey | Method and apparatus for receiving, storing and providing data corresponding to geometrically describable raw materials |
| US20040243478A1 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2004-12-02 | Walker Jay S. | Purchasing, redemption, and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
| US6108639A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2000-08-22 | Priceline.Com Incorporated | Conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system for collectibles |
| US6185427B1 (en) | 1996-09-06 | 2001-02-06 | Snaptrack, Inc. | Distributed satellite position system processing and application network |
| US6199076B1 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2001-03-06 | James Logan | Audio program player including a dynamic program selection controller |
| US5907322A (en) | 1996-10-16 | 1999-05-25 | Catch Tv Acquisition Corp. | Television event marking system |
| US5968109A (en) | 1996-10-25 | 1999-10-19 | Navigation Technologies Corporation | System and method for use and storage of geographic data on physical media |
| US6034618A (en) | 1996-10-31 | 2000-03-07 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Device authentication system which allows the authentication function to be changed |
| US5944769A (en) | 1996-11-08 | 1999-08-31 | Zip2 Corporation | Interactive network directory service with integrated maps and directions |
| US5932869A (en) | 1996-12-27 | 1999-08-03 | Graphic Technology, Inc. | Promotional system with magnetic stripe and visual thermo-reversible print surfaced medium |
| BE1010850A3 (en)* | 1997-01-14 | 1999-02-02 | Agri Ventures International S | Device for transporting valuables. |
| US6175831B1 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 2001-01-16 | Six Degrees, Inc. | Method and apparatus for constructing a networking database and system |
| US6750881B1 (en) | 1997-02-24 | 2004-06-15 | America Online, Inc. | User definable on-line co-user lists |
| US7184990B2 (en) | 1997-03-21 | 2007-02-27 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for selling an aging food product |
| US6339784B1 (en) | 1997-05-20 | 2002-01-15 | America Online, Inc. | Self-policing, rate limiting online forums |
| US6029141A (en) | 1997-06-27 | 2000-02-22 | Amazon.Com, Inc. | Internet-based customer referral system |
| US6018774A (en) | 1997-07-03 | 2000-01-25 | Yobaby Productions, Llc | Method and system for creating messages including image information |
| US5904214A (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1999-05-18 | Lin; David Jung-Ching | Power assist anti-tip wheel system for invalid carriage |
| US20080010365A1 (en) | 1997-07-25 | 2008-01-10 | Eric Schneider | Methods, products, systems, and devices for processing reusable information |
| US6182068B1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2001-01-30 | Ask Jeeves, Inc. | Personalized search methods |
| US6047194A (en) | 1997-09-23 | 2000-04-04 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Method, and associated apparatus, for selectively permitting transmission of packet data to a mobile terminal |
| US6049778A (en) | 1997-10-31 | 2000-04-11 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for administering a reward program |
| US6269369B1 (en) | 1997-11-02 | 2001-07-31 | Amazon.Com Holdings, Inc. | Networked personal contact manager |
| US6081803A (en) | 1998-02-06 | 2000-06-27 | Navigation Technologies Corporation | Support for alternative names in a geographic database used with a navigation program and methods for use and formation thereof |
| US6088702A (en) | 1998-02-25 | 2000-07-11 | Plantz; Scott H. | Group publishing system |
| US6092076A (en) | 1998-03-24 | 2000-07-18 | Navigation Technologies Corporation | Method and system for map display in a navigation application |
| US7051277B2 (en) | 1998-04-17 | 2006-05-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Automated assistant for organizing electronic documents |
| CA2235187A1 (en) | 1998-04-19 | 1999-10-20 | Jeffrey A. Stewart | Automotive lift |
| US6134486A (en) | 1998-04-20 | 2000-10-17 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Robot and method of control for an autonomous vehicle to track a path consisting of directed straight lines and circles with positional feedback and continuous curvature |
| US7805388B2 (en) | 1998-05-01 | 2010-09-28 | Health Discovery Corporation | Method for feature selection in a support vector machine using feature ranking |
| IL124413A (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-05-20 | Friendly Robotics Ltd | System and method for area coverage with an autonomous robot |
| NL1009376C1 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 1998-07-06 | Boardwalk Ag | Data system for providing relationship patterns between people. |
| JP2000020815A (en) | 1998-07-06 | 2000-01-21 | Sanden Corp | Merchandise supply device |
| DE59912484D1 (en) | 1998-07-31 | 2005-10-06 | Tecan Trading Ag Maennedorf | magnetic separator |
| US6487583B1 (en) | 1998-09-15 | 2002-11-26 | Ikimbo, Inc. | System and method for information and application distribution |
| WO2000016209A1 (en) | 1998-09-15 | 2000-03-23 | Local2Me.Com, Inc. | Dynamic matchingtm of users for group communication |
| JP2000113220A (en) | 1998-09-30 | 2000-04-21 | Sony Corp | Information processor, information processing method and provision medium |
| IL142574A (en) | 1998-10-13 | 2004-03-28 | Integrated Systems Res Corp | System and method for vehicle fleet tracking |
| US6845370B2 (en) | 1998-11-12 | 2005-01-18 | Accenture Llp | Advanced information gathering for targeted activities |
| US6819995B2 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 2004-11-16 | Cummins, Inc. | System and method for controlling vehicle braking operation |
| US6522875B1 (en) | 1998-11-17 | 2003-02-18 | Eric Morgan Dowling | Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems |
| US6842877B2 (en) | 1998-12-18 | 2005-01-11 | Tangis Corporation | Contextual responses based on automated learning techniques |
| US6453339B1 (en) | 1999-01-20 | 2002-09-17 | Computer Associates Think, Inc. | System and method of presenting channelized data |
| EP1182611A4 (en) | 1999-01-25 | 2003-04-02 | Kabushiki Kaisya Zenrin | Device and method for creating and using data on road map expressed by polygons |
| ATE250246T1 (en)* | 1999-02-08 | 2003-10-15 | United Parcel Service Inc | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERNET-CONTROLLED PARCEL TRANSPORT |
| US6036601A (en) | 1999-02-24 | 2000-03-14 | Adaboy, Inc. | Method for advertising over a computer network utilizing virtual environments of games |
| US6317718B1 (en) | 1999-02-26 | 2001-11-13 | Accenture Properties (2) B.V. | System, method and article of manufacture for location-based filtering for shopping agent in the physical world |
| US7359871B1 (en) | 1999-03-02 | 2008-04-15 | Alticor Investments Inc. | System and method for managing recurring orders in a computer network |
| US6401085B1 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2002-06-04 | Accenture Llp | Mobile communication and computing system and method |
| US6687878B1 (en) | 1999-03-15 | 2004-02-03 | Real Time Image Ltd. | Synchronizing/updating local client notes with annotations previously made by other clients in a notes database |
| US6968513B1 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2005-11-22 | Shopntown.Com, Inc. | On-line localized business referral system and revenue generation system |
| US6212710B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2001-04-10 | Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. | Folding vehicle bed assembly |
| US7353199B1 (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2008-04-01 | Perfect Web Technologies, Inc. | Method of moderating external access to an electronic document authoring development and distribution system |
| ATE403847T1 (en) | 1999-03-23 | 2008-08-15 | Sony Deutschland Gmbh | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING GEOLOCALIZATION INFORMATION |
| US6557013B1 (en) | 1999-03-24 | 2003-04-29 | Successes.Com, Inc. | Story workflow management system and method |
| US6101484A (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2000-08-08 | Mercata, Inc. | Dynamic market equilibrium management system, process and article of manufacture |
| US6963850B1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2005-11-08 | Amazon.Com, Inc. | Computer services for assisting users in locating and evaluating items in an electronic catalog based on actions performed by members of specific user communities |
| JP3327877B2 (en) | 1999-04-14 | 2002-09-24 | キヤノン株式会社 | Information providing method, information providing system, terminal device, and storage medium storing information providing program |
| WO2000069163A2 (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2000-11-16 | Expanse Networks, Inc. | Advertisement subgroups for digital streams |
| US6493703B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2002-12-10 | Prophet Financial Systems | System and method for implementing intelligent online community message board |
| US6553271B1 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2003-04-22 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System and method for control scheduling |
| US7013292B1 (en) | 1999-06-10 | 2006-03-14 | Felicite.Com Inc. | Method and system for universal gift registry |
| US6684196B1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2004-01-27 | Ziprealty, Inc. | Beginning-to-end online automation of real estate transactions |
| US7330826B1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2008-02-12 | Perfect.Com, Inc. | Method, system and business model for a buyer's auction with near perfect information using the internet |
| AU6231600A (en) | 1999-07-22 | 2001-02-13 | Emarkmonitor Inc. | Process for searching and monitoring for internet trademark usage |
| US20050135912A1 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2005-06-23 | Hagen Schempf | Robotic systems for handling objects |
| US6798407B1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2004-09-28 | William J. Benman | System and method for providing a functional virtual environment with real time extracted and transplanted images |
| US6647270B1 (en) | 1999-09-10 | 2003-11-11 | Richard B. Himmelstein | Vehicletalk |
| SG94334A1 (en)* | 1999-09-15 | 2003-02-18 | First Cube Pte Ltd | A method and system for facilitating delivery and pickup of goods |
| US6300873B1 (en) | 1999-09-16 | 2001-10-09 | Atlantes Services, Inc. | Locking mechanism for use with one-time access code |
| US6643663B1 (en) | 1999-10-08 | 2003-11-04 | The Belo Company | Method and system for operating a content management system |
| US6745196B1 (en) | 1999-10-08 | 2004-06-01 | Intuit, Inc. | Method and apparatus for mapping a community through user interactions on a computer network |
| US7630986B1 (en) | 1999-10-27 | 2009-12-08 | Pinpoint, Incorporated | Secure data interchange |
| JP2001195491A (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2001-07-19 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Selling support method for commodity associated with living space, method and system for charging the same and recording medium |
| US6629136B1 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2003-09-30 | @ Security Broadband Corp. | System and method for providing geographically-related content over a network |
| US7813958B1 (en) | 1999-11-17 | 2010-10-12 | Heavy Hammer, Inc. | Method, system, and software for geographically focused network advertising |
| US7664669B1 (en) | 1999-11-19 | 2010-02-16 | Amazon.Com, Inc. | Methods and systems for distributing information within a dynamically defined community |
| JP4952964B2 (en) | 1999-11-25 | 2012-06-13 | 修一 大津 | Electronic publishing system |
| US7158941B1 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2007-01-02 | Thompson Clifford C | Residential and business logistics system and method |
| ATE341981T1 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2006-11-15 | Dynamid Ltd | SECURE DELIVERY OR RECEPTION SYSTEM |
| US6976031B1 (en) | 1999-12-06 | 2005-12-13 | Sportspilot, Inc. | System and method for automatically generating a narrative report of an event, such as a sporting event |
| US20010005829A1 (en) | 1999-12-10 | 2001-06-28 | Raveis William M. | System and method for managing customer relationships over a distributed computer network |
| US7505919B2 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2009-03-17 | Richardson Mary L | Method and system for employment placement |
| US7822823B2 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2010-10-26 | Neeraj Jhanji | Systems for communicating current and future activity information among mobile internet users and methods therefor |
| US6741969B1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2004-05-25 | Murray Huneke | System and method for reducing excess capacity for restaurants and other industries during off-peak or other times |
| US6405123B1 (en) | 1999-12-21 | 2002-06-11 | Televigation, Inc. | Method and system for an efficient operating environment in a real-time navigation system |
| US7447509B2 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2008-11-04 | Celeritasworks, Llc | Geographic management system |
| US20010049616A1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2001-12-06 | Khuzadi Mbuyi N. | Group funding forum for networked computer systems |
| AU2913701A (en) | 1999-12-30 | 2001-07-16 | Choicelinx Corporation | System and method for facilitating selection of benefits |
| US6459435B1 (en) | 2000-01-11 | 2002-10-01 | Bluebolt Networks, Inc. | Methods, systems and computer program products for generating storyboards of interior design surface treatments for interior spaces |
| US20010034631A1 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2001-10-25 | Kiselik Daniel R. | Method and apparatus for the automatic selection of parties to an arrangement between a requestor and a satisfier of selected requirements |
| GB0002985D0 (en) | 2000-02-09 | 2000-03-29 | Travelfusion Limited | Integrated journey planner |
| US6931419B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2005-08-16 | Hallmark Cards Incorporated | Data management system for automatically accessing, maintaining, propagating user data among plurality of communities, each of which contains plurality of members |
| US20020029350A1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2002-03-07 | Cooper Robin Ross | Web based human services conferencing network |
| US7810037B1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2010-10-05 | Sony Corporation | Online story collaboration |
| US8095467B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2012-01-10 | Bettinger David S | Internet news compensation system |
| US7210104B2 (en) | 2000-02-16 | 2007-04-24 | Sega Corporation | Information display method and information display system for finding another user in a plurality of users based upon registered information |
| US8046269B2 (en) | 2000-02-17 | 2011-10-25 | Fedbid, Inc. | Auction based procurement system |
| US6633311B1 (en) | 2000-02-18 | 2003-10-14 | Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P. | E-service to manage and export contact information |
| US6889213B1 (en) | 2000-02-18 | 2005-05-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | E-service to manage contact information with privacy levels |
| CA2400161C (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2015-11-24 | Metacarta, Inc. | Spatially coding and displaying information |
| US7707245B2 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2010-04-27 | Harvey Lunenfeld | Metasearching a client's request for displaying different order books on the client |
| US6871140B1 (en) | 2000-02-25 | 2005-03-22 | Costar Group, Inc. | System and method for collection, distribution, and use of information in connection with commercial real estate |
| US6711414B1 (en) | 2000-02-25 | 2004-03-23 | Charmed Technology, Inc. | Wearable computing device capable of responding intelligently to surroundings |
| US7599795B1 (en) | 2000-02-29 | 2009-10-06 | Smarter Agent, Llc | Mobile location aware search engine and method of providing content for same |
| AUPQ599700A0 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-03-23 | Super Internet Site System Pty Ltd | On-line geographical directory |
| US7136915B2 (en) | 2000-03-14 | 2006-11-14 | Rieger Iii Charles J | System for communicating through maps |
| US6654800B1 (en) | 2000-03-14 | 2003-11-25 | Rieger, Iii Charles J. | System for communicating through maps |
| US6697821B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2004-02-24 | Süccesses.com, Inc. | Content development management system and method |
| US6587787B1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2003-07-01 | Alpine Electronics, Inc. | Vehicle navigation system apparatus and method providing enhanced information regarding geographic entities |
| WO2001071485A1 (en) | 2000-03-17 | 2001-09-27 | Vicinity Corp. | System and method for abstracting and visualizing a route map |
| JP2001338176A (en) | 2000-03-23 | 2001-12-07 | Casio Comput Co Ltd | Information transmission mediation method and system |
| US7038681B2 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2006-05-02 | Sourceprose Corporation | System and method for georeferencing maps |
| US7024455B2 (en) | 2000-03-31 | 2006-04-04 | Fujitsu Limited | Network community supporting method and system |
| AU2001253161A1 (en) | 2000-04-04 | 2001-10-15 | Stick Networks, Inc. | Method and apparatus for scheduling presentation of digital content on a personal communication device |
| US6688451B2 (en)* | 2000-04-05 | 2004-02-10 | Stephen J. Derby | Multi-head robot system and method of use |
| AU2001251634A1 (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2001-10-30 | Emtera Corporation | System and method for wireless purchases of goods and services |
| JP2001312497A (en) | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-09 | Yamaha Corp | Content generating device, content distribution system, device and method for content reproduction, and storage medium |
| US6505093B1 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2003-01-07 | Si Handling Systems, Inc. | Automated order filling method and system |
| US6619544B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2003-09-16 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System and method for instant online postage metering |
| US6662016B1 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2003-12-09 | Openwave Systems, Inc. | Providing graphical location information for mobile resources using a data-enabled network |
| US7725525B2 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2010-05-25 | James Duncan Work | Method and apparatus for internet-based human network brokering |
| US20040211834A1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2004-10-28 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Systems and methods of modifying item delivery utilizing linking |
| US7188080B1 (en) | 2000-05-12 | 2007-03-06 | Walker Digital, Llc | Systems and methods wherin a buyer purchases products in a plurality of product categories |
| US6672601B1 (en) | 2000-05-12 | 2004-01-06 | The County Of Alameda, A Political Subdivision Of The State Of California | Meal delivery cart |
| IL136233A (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2009-05-04 | Whitmaps Us Foundation Llc | Method and system for downloading map data through a communication network |
| US7900130B1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2011-03-01 | Libredigital, Inc. | Method, system and computer program product for embedding a hyperlink within a version of a paper |
| US6819267B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2004-11-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for proximity bookmarks using GPS and pervasive computing |
| US6381537B1 (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2002-04-30 | Navigation Technologies Corp. | Method and system for obtaining geographic data using navigation systems |
| US8060389B2 (en) | 2000-06-07 | 2011-11-15 | Apple Inc. | System and method for anonymous location based services |
| US8073565B2 (en) | 2000-06-07 | 2011-12-06 | Apple Inc. | System and method for alerting a first mobile data processing system nearby a second mobile data processing system |
| KR100656150B1 (en) | 2000-06-09 | 2006-12-12 | 안종선 | Community automatic generation system and method |
| US20020023018A1 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2002-02-21 | Robert Kleinbaum | Method and system for network-based community for sharing information services |
| US7043457B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2006-05-09 | Probuild, Inc. | System and method for managing and evaluating network commodities purchasing |
| US6716101B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2004-04-06 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | System and method for monitoring the location of individuals via the world wide web using a wireless communications network |
| JP3514704B2 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2004-03-31 | 株式会社昭文社 | Map information distribution system, map information distribution method, server for distributing map information, and server for providing services |
| US7024397B1 (en) | 2000-07-05 | 2006-04-04 | J. J. Donahue & Company | Method and apparatus for negotiating a real estate lease using a computer network |
| US6445983B1 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2002-09-03 | Case Corporation | Sensor-fusion navigator for automated guidance of off-road vehicles |
| US7047202B2 (en) | 2000-07-13 | 2006-05-16 | Amit Jaipuria | Method and apparatus for optimizing networking potential using a secured system for an online community |
| US6968179B1 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2005-11-22 | Microsoft Corporation | Place specific buddy list services |
| ZA200107085B (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2002-03-05 | Yair Shimansky | An on-line shopping system. |
| CA2354717A1 (en) | 2000-08-01 | 2002-02-01 | Chris Roebuck | A method of distributing a product, providing incentives to a consumer, and collecting data on the activities of a consumer |
| US7395212B2 (en) | 2000-08-04 | 2008-07-01 | Aol Llc | Online reactivation of an account or service |
| US20050091175A9 (en) | 2000-08-11 | 2005-04-28 | Telanon, Inc. | Automated consumer to business electronic marketplace system |
| US7596511B2 (en) | 2000-08-22 | 2009-09-29 | Iclosings.Com | Closing system for closing real-estate transactions between a plurality of parties |
| GB2371178B (en) | 2000-08-22 | 2003-08-06 | Symbian Ltd | A method of enabling a wireless information device to access data services |
| GB2370378B (en) | 2000-08-25 | 2005-03-23 | Bearbox Com Ltd | Secure unattended delivery system |
| WO2002019236A1 (en) | 2000-08-30 | 2002-03-07 | Converge, Inc. | Internet based method for asset recovery maximization through reverse logistics optimization and utilizing new seller incentive methodology |
| US6647383B1 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2003-11-11 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | System and method for providing interactive dialogue and iterative search functions to find information |
| US6950791B1 (en) | 2000-09-13 | 2005-09-27 | Antartica Systems, Inc. | Method for describing objects in a virtual space |
| US7129825B2 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2006-10-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Action recommendation system for a mobile vehicle |
| US20020038225A1 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2002-03-28 | Klasky Benjamin R. | Method and system for matching donations |
| WO2002029593A1 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2002-04-11 | Enic Corporation | Determining alternative textual identifiers, such as for registered domain names |
| US7233942B2 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2007-06-19 | Truelocal Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing geographically authenticated electronic documents |
| US20070112645A1 (en) | 2000-10-11 | 2007-05-17 | Ebay Inc. | Sales system with sales activity feedback |
| US7660740B2 (en) | 2000-10-16 | 2010-02-09 | Ebay Inc. | Method and system for listing items globally and regionally, and customized listing according to currency or shipping area |
| CN1209690C (en) | 2000-10-16 | 2005-07-06 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Automated guided vehicle and its operation control system and method, and automated vehicle |
| JP3851944B2 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2006-11-29 | 株式会社メキキ | Human network relationship registration system, human network relationship registration method and server, human network relationship registration program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the program |
| US7640204B2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2009-12-29 | Costar Group, Inc. | System and method for collection, distribution, and use of information in connection with commercial real estate |
| US7487114B2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2009-02-03 | Costar Group, Inc. | System and method for associating aerial images, map features, and information |
| US7174301B2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2007-02-06 | Costar Group, Inc. | System and method for accessing geographic-based data |
| US7076452B2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2006-07-11 | Costar Group, Inc. | System and method for collection, distribution, and use of information in connection with commercial real estate |
| US6507776B1 (en) | 2000-10-26 | 2003-01-14 | Fox, Iii Angus C. | Autopilot for aircraft having automatic descent function in the event of cabin depressurization |
| US6408243B1 (en) | 2000-10-26 | 2002-06-18 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Service delivery system |
| US6766319B1 (en) | 2000-10-31 | 2004-07-20 | Robert J. Might | Method and apparatus for gathering and evaluating information |
| EP1346295A4 (en) | 2000-11-15 | 2005-01-12 | Mark Frigon | Method and apparatus for processing objects in online images |
| JP2002157204A (en) | 2000-11-17 | 2002-05-31 | Square Co Ltd | Game device, server system, information service method, recording medium and program |
| US7636687B2 (en) | 2000-11-20 | 2009-12-22 | General Electric Capital Corporation | Method and system for completing a lease for real property in an on-line computing environment |
| US20030036963A1 (en) | 2000-11-20 | 2003-02-20 | Jeffrey Jacobson | Method and system for aggregating real estate information content in an on-line computing environment |
| US20020065762A1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2002-05-30 | Lee Ho Soo | Method and visual interface for evaluating multi-attribute bids in a network environment |
| US7299206B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2007-11-20 | Ebay Inc. | Method and system to implement seller authorized buying privileges within a network-based shopping facility |
| US20020099693A1 (en) | 2000-12-01 | 2002-07-25 | Tev Kofsky | Method and apparatus for performing automated trademark and domain name correlation |
| US20070150375A1 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2007-06-28 | Ping Yang | Method and apparatus for efficient meal delivery |
| US20020070967A1 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2002-06-13 | Tanner Timothy T. | Method and apparatus for map display of news stories |
| US6600418B2 (en) | 2000-12-12 | 2003-07-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags |
| JP4302872B2 (en) | 2000-12-12 | 2009-07-29 | パナソニック株式会社 | Landmark update system and navigation device |
| CN1401082A (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2003-03-05 | 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 | Method of providing position information of mobile terminals |
| US20020077901A1 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2002-06-20 | Catalina Marketing International, Inc. | Paired promotion architecture |
| US20020078171A1 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2002-06-20 | Robert Schneider | Document delivery system with integrated feedback generation facilities |
| US6847823B2 (en) | 2000-12-20 | 2005-01-25 | Nokia Corporation | System and method for accessing local services with a mobile terminal |
| US7925703B2 (en) | 2000-12-26 | 2011-04-12 | Numedeon, Inc. | Graphical interactive interface for immersive online communities |
| US7467212B2 (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2008-12-16 | Intel Corporation | Control of access control lists based on social networks |
| US20020087506A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2002-07-04 | Reddy Sada L. | Method and system for interactively enabling venture financing for entrepreneurs |
| FI115567B (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2005-05-31 | Nokia Corp | Procedures and systems for the administration of digital collector cards |
| US20020130967A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2002-09-19 | Michael Sweetser | Multi-point, concurrent, video display system using relatively inexpensive, closed vehicles |
| KR20010025567A (en) | 2001-01-06 | 2001-04-06 | 정용석 | Access Methods Using Logo Domain on the internet(web) |
| US20020091556A1 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2002-07-11 | Onepub.Com.Inc. | Systems and methods for travel networking |
| US7685224B2 (en) | 2001-01-11 | 2010-03-23 | Truelocal Inc. | Method for providing an attribute bounded network of computers |
| US20030069693A1 (en) | 2001-01-16 | 2003-04-10 | Snapp Douglas N. | Geographic pointing device |
| JP2004533034A (en) | 2001-02-22 | 2004-10-28 | コーヨームセン アメリカ，インコーポレイテッド | Apparatus, method and system for capturing, analyzing, integrating, distributing and utilizing data on current events |
| US7080019B1 (en) | 2001-03-04 | 2006-07-18 | Ducktrip, Llc | Ride share contact system |
| US7251647B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2007-07-31 | International Business Machines Corporation | Web based resource distribution system |
| US6542817B2 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2003-04-01 | Alpine Electronics, Inc. | Route search method in navigation system |
| US20020161640A1 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2002-10-31 | Jason Wolfe | Method for the wireless delivery and redemption of merchant discount offers |
| US7076741B2 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2006-07-11 | Alpine Electronics, Inc. | Point-of-interest icon and point-of-interest mark display method |
| US20030004802A1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2003-01-02 | Jeff Callegari | Methods for providing a virtual coupon |
| WO2002076003A2 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-26 | Imesh Ltd. | System and method for peer-to-peer file exchange mechanism from multiple sources |
| US20030055983A1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2003-03-20 | Jeff Callegari | Methods for providing a virtual journal |
| US6611751B2 (en) | 2001-03-23 | 2003-08-26 | 981455 Alberta Ltd. | Method and apparatus for providing location based data services |
| US20040030741A1 (en) | 2001-04-02 | 2004-02-12 | Wolton Richard Ernest | Method and apparatus for search, visual navigation, analysis and retrieval of information from networks with remote notification and content delivery |
| US6641351B2 (en) | 2001-04-02 | 2003-11-04 | William S. Payne | Parking garage elevator system |
| US20020147638A1 (en) | 2001-04-05 | 2002-10-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Business method for e-commerce through customized activity-based advertising |
| US7467298B2 (en) | 2001-04-16 | 2008-12-16 | Microsoft Corporation | Methods and arrangements for selectively maintaining parental access consent in a network environment |
| US20020156782A1 (en) | 2001-04-19 | 2002-10-24 | Rubert Amy L. | Controlling access to database |
| US7324810B2 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2008-01-29 | Zvika Nave | Cellular broadcasting Media |
| US6474912B1 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2002-11-05 | Joseph L. Meeks | Pneumatic mail delivery system |
| US6892195B2 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2005-05-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for configuring sell bids |
| US20020169662A1 (en) | 2001-05-10 | 2002-11-14 | Infospace, Inc. | System and method for aggregating and distributing electronic coupons |
| US7730401B2 (en) | 2001-05-16 | 2010-06-01 | Synaptics Incorporated | Touch screen with user interface enhancement |
| US20030061503A1 (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-03-27 | Eyal Katz | Authentication for remote connections |
| US7441031B2 (en) | 2001-05-21 | 2008-10-21 | Sridhar Shrinivasan | System using registration information set by a user to allow other users to access updated portion of contact information of the user |
| JP3894031B2 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2007-03-14 | 株式会社村田製作所 | Card type portable device |
| US20030125836A1 (en) | 2002-11-23 | 2003-07-03 | Munroe Chirnomas | Method and apparatus for controlling a vending machine |
| US7240035B1 (en)* | 2001-05-31 | 2007-07-03 | Hall Aluminum Llc | Method and apparatus for masking private mailing address information by manipulating delivery transactions |
| US7580862B1 (en) | 2001-05-31 | 2009-08-25 | The Servicemaster Company | Method and system to select, schedule and purchase home services |
| US6883748B2 (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2005-04-26 | Rafi Yoeli | Vehicles particularly useful as VTOL vehicles |
| GB2376314A (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2002-12-11 | Hewlett Packard Co | Peer-to-peer network search popularity statistical information collection |
| US8131585B2 (en) | 2001-06-14 | 2012-03-06 | Nicholas Frank C | Method and system for providing network based target advertising |
| US20030018521A1 (en) | 2001-07-17 | 2003-01-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Advertising based upon events reported from a GPS enabled event report system |
| US6553313B1 (en) | 2001-07-24 | 2003-04-22 | Trimble Navigation Limited | Method and system for updating directed user-based dynamic advertising |
| US7099862B2 (en) | 2001-08-02 | 2006-08-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | Programmatic discovery of common contacts |
| US6470268B1 (en) | 2001-08-14 | 2002-10-22 | Horizon Navigation, Inc. | Navigation destination entry via glyph to digital translation |
| US20030036958A1 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2003-02-20 | Warmus James L. | Methods and apparatus for connecting consumers to advertisers |
| US7562023B2 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2009-07-14 | Panasonic Corporation | Method and processing apparatus for settling purchase and providing information about subsequent act to be performed |
| JP2003085086A (en) | 2001-09-12 | 2003-03-20 | Sony Corp | Service provision system and method |
| US6646568B2 (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-11-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for automated parking |
| EP1442411A4 (en) | 2001-09-30 | 2006-02-01 | Realcontacts Ltd | Connection service |
| US20030064705A1 (en) | 2001-10-02 | 2003-04-03 | Desiderio Piero L. | Communication of real estate information utilizing moving map GPS and wireless telecommunications to access MLS and other property specific information from remote databases |
| WO2003033176A1 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2003-04-24 | Deutsche Post Ag | Method for transporting postal deliveries and a device for storing postal deliveries |
| US7068309B2 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2006-06-27 | Microsoft Corp. | Image exchange with image annotation |
| US7233781B2 (en) | 2001-10-10 | 2007-06-19 | Ochoa Optics Llc | System and method for emergency notification content delivery |
| IL161437A0 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2004-09-27 | Npx Technologies Ltd | Verification of a person identifier received online |
| US20040030525A1 (en) | 2001-10-18 | 2004-02-12 | Gary Robinson | Method and system for identifying high-quality items |
| US7478157B2 (en) | 2001-11-07 | 2009-01-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | System, method, and business methods for enforcing privacy preferences on personal-data exchanges across a network |
| US6636803B1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2003-10-21 | Corus Home Realty | Real-estate information search and retrieval system |
| US20040021584A1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2004-02-05 | Hartz Daniel K. | Market status icons in real-estate information search and retrieval system |
| US20030218253A1 (en) | 2001-12-13 | 2003-11-27 | Avanzino Steven C. | Process for formation of a wiring network using a porous interlevel dielectric and related structures |
| CA2469699C (en)* | 2001-12-21 | 2016-01-19 | Accenture Global Services Gmbh | Delivery of goods to electronic storage lockers |
| US7680859B2 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2010-03-16 | Location Inc. Group Corporation a Massachusetts corporation | Method for analyzing demographic data |
| US20040260604A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2004-12-23 | Bedingfield James C. | Methods and systems for location-based yellow page services |
| US7032861B2 (en) | 2002-01-07 | 2006-04-25 | Sanders Jr John K | Quiet vertical takeoff and landing aircraft using ducted, magnetic induction air-impeller rotors |
| US6622086B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2003-09-16 | Horizon Navigation, Inc. | Method of representing a location in a database for a vehicle navigation system |
| US20030158668A1 (en) | 2002-02-15 | 2003-08-21 | Anderson James J. | System and method of geospatially mapping topological regions and displaying their attributes |
| BR0308165A (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2005-06-28 | Networks In Motion Inc | Method and apparatus for sending, retrieving and planning relevant location information |
| JP4004825B2 (en) | 2002-03-14 | 2007-11-07 | 株式会社東芝 | Information extraction and sharing device |
| US20030177019A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-09-18 | Santos Richard A. | System and method for visual representation of an electroni community |
| US7424438B2 (en) | 2002-03-19 | 2008-09-09 | Marc Vianello | Apparatus and methods for providing career and employment services |
| US6853875B1 (en) | 2002-03-20 | 2005-02-08 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | System for the combined handling, delivery and/or protection of multiple standardized containers and their controllable payloads |
| US6978284B2 (en) | 2002-03-21 | 2005-12-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for designating and deleting expired files |
| DE10213308A1 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2003-10-23 | Gerhard Finkbeiner | Lifting device for vehicles, assembly units, machines or the like |
| US7324968B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2008-01-29 | Paid, Inc. | Method and system for improved online auction |
| US20060149624A1 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2006-07-06 | Shumeet Baluja | Generating and/or serving local area advertisements, such as advertisements for devices with call functionality |
| US6974123B2 (en) | 2002-04-03 | 2005-12-13 | Advance Lifts, Inc. | Platform centering device |
| US20030200192A1 (en) | 2002-04-18 | 2003-10-23 | Bell Brian L. | Method of organizing information into topical, temporal, and location associations for organizing, selecting, and distributing information |
| US7346554B2 (en)* | 2002-05-01 | 2008-03-18 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Online shopping system, information processing apparatus and method, and information processing program recording medium |
| JP2004030606A (en)* | 2002-05-01 | 2004-01-29 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Mail order system, information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and program storage medium |
| DE10257842A1 (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2003-11-27 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Determining risk of accident between first vehicle and at least one second object involves determining collision probability and hazard probability from movements of first object and second object |
| JP3902551B2 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2007-04-11 | 日本ビクター株式会社 | Mobile robot |
| US20030220807A1 (en) | 2002-05-23 | 2003-11-27 | Kevin Hoffman | Automated method and system for managing and/or transferring real estate information |
| CA2388150A1 (en) | 2002-05-29 | 2003-11-29 | Ibm Canada Limited-Ibm Canada Limitee | Toggleable widget for a user interface |
| US20030225632A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2003-12-04 | Vincent Tong | Method and system for providing personalized online shopping service |
| US20030225833A1 (en) | 2002-05-31 | 2003-12-04 | Paul Pilat | Establishing multiparty communications based on common attributes |
| US20050108520A1 (en) | 2002-06-12 | 2005-05-19 | Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Authentication apparatus and method, network system, recording medium and computer program |
| US20060184617A1 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nicholas Frank C | Method and system for the creating, managing, and delivery of feed formatted content |
| US8046832B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2011-10-25 | Microsoft Corporation | Spam detector with challenges |
| US20040002871A1 (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2004-01-01 | Geranio Nicholas L. | Integrated property database and search engine |
| AUPS330502A0 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-07-25 | Kusic, Tom | Tandem powered power tilting aircraft - june 2002 |
| US6950722B2 (en) | 2002-07-15 | 2005-09-27 | Distrobot Systems, Inc. | Material handling system and method using mobile autonomous inventory trays and peer-to-peer communications |
| US20040049960A1 (en) | 2002-07-31 | 2004-03-18 | Percy Kelly C. | Remote controlled advertising system |
| WO2004013733A2 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2004-02-12 | Limoq, Inc. | Method, system and apparatus for providing transportation services |
| US6668729B1 (en) | 2002-08-21 | 2003-12-30 | Bryan Richards | Transit system |
| US7363126B1 (en) | 2002-08-22 | 2008-04-22 | United Parcel Service Of America | Core area territory planning for optimizing driver familiarity and route flexibility |
| US7680673B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2010-03-16 | Wheeler Cynthia R | System for real estate sale management |
| US7689463B1 (en)* | 2002-08-28 | 2010-03-30 | Ewinwin, Inc. | Multiple supplier system and method for transacting business |
| US7188056B2 (en) | 2002-09-09 | 2007-03-06 | Maia Institute | Method and apparatus of simulating movement of an autonomous entity through an environment |
| US7886359B2 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2011-02-08 | Symantec Corporation | Method and apparatus to report policy violations in messages |
| US6937165B2 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2005-08-30 | Honeywell International, Inc. | Virtual rumble strip |
| US20140254896A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2014-09-11 | Tiger T G Zhou | Unmanned drone, robot system for delivering mail, goods, humanoid security, crisis negotiation, mobile payments, smart humanoid mailbox and wearable personal exoskeleton heavy load flying machine |
| AU2002335204A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2004-04-23 | Fujitsu Limited | Robot system and autonomously traveling robot |
| WO2004034194A2 (en) | 2002-10-07 | 2004-04-22 | Summus, Inc. (Usa) | Method and software for navigation of data on a device display |
| US7249123B2 (en) | 2002-10-31 | 2007-07-24 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for building social networks based on activity around shared virtual objects |
| US20040088177A1 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2004-05-06 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | Employee performance management method and system |
| MXPA05004988A (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2005-12-05 | Arbitration Forums Inc | A system and process for electronic subrogation, inter-organization workflow management, inter-organization transaction processing and optimized web-baser user interaction. |
| AU2003297275A1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2004-06-15 | Big Champagne, Llc. | Monitor file storage and transfer on a peer-to-peer network |
| EP1426876A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2004-06-09 | H.W.S.- Hardware Solution Limited | Geographical information system |
| US7398481B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2008-07-08 | Science Applications International Corporation (Saic) | Virtual environment capture |
| US20040122693A1 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2004-06-24 | Michael Hatscher | Community builder |
| US7853563B2 (en) | 2005-08-01 | 2010-12-14 | Seven Networks, Inc. | Universal data aggregation |
| US20040135805A1 (en) | 2003-01-10 | 2004-07-15 | Gottsacker Neal F. | Document composition system and method |
| US20040210661A1 (en) | 2003-01-14 | 2004-10-21 | Thompson Mark Gregory | Systems and methods of profiling, matching and optimizing performance of large networks of individuals |
| US7472110B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2008-12-30 | Microsoft Corporation | System and method for employing social networks for information discovery |
| US7272258B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2007-09-18 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Reformatting documents using document analysis information |
| US20050055353A1 (en) | 2003-01-30 | 2005-03-10 | Marx Peter Samuel | Acquiring, managing, distributing, and presenting contextual data relating to a known postion for location-based services to and between users |
| JP4363177B2 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2009-11-11 | 日本ビクター株式会社 | Mobile robot |
| US20040158488A1 (en) | 2003-02-07 | 2004-08-12 | Johnson Kurt D. | Internet based automated real estate post card mailout system |
| WO2004106009A1 (en)* | 2003-06-02 | 2004-12-09 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Article operating system and method, and article managing system and method |
| GB0303888D0 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2003-03-26 | Sec Dep Acting Through Ordnanc | Image streaming |
| US20040167787A1 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2004-08-26 | Arteis, Inc | Systems and methods for network-based design submission and management |
| CA2841289A1 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-09-10 | Thomas Erskine | Method and system for providing supervisory control over wireless phone usage |
| US7248159B2 (en) | 2003-03-01 | 2007-07-24 | User-Centric Ip, Lp | User-centric event reporting |
| US20040186766A1 (en) | 2003-03-19 | 2004-09-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for marketing to instant messaging service users |
| GB2399983A (en) | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-29 | Canon Kk | Picture storage and retrieval system for telecommunication system |
| US7480867B1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2009-01-20 | Unisys Corporation | Logistic management system having user interface with customizable data fields |
| TW200421140A (en) | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-16 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Online bidding procurement management system and method |
| US8156045B2 (en) | 2003-04-22 | 2012-04-10 | Qwest Communications International Inc. | Methods and systems for associating customized advertising materials with billing statements |
| US6906643B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2005-06-14 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Systems and methods of viewing, modifying, and interacting with “path-enhanced” multimedia |
| US8051089B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2011-11-01 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Systems and methods for location-based real estate service |
| US20040220903A1 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-04 | Emarkmonitor Inc. | Method and system to correlate trademark data to internet domain name data |
| ATE373602T1 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2007-10-15 | Ancra Int Llc | STEERABLE/RETRACTABLE CARGO POWER UNIT |
| US6882307B1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2005-04-19 | Concentrax, Inc. | Interactive system for monitoring and inventory of emergency vehicles and equipment and associated methods |
| WO2004104776A2 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2004-12-02 | Directory Xpress Incorporated | System and method of providing an online user with directory listing information about an entity |
| US6802143B1 (en) | 2003-05-28 | 2004-10-12 | Fuel Cell Components And Integrators, Inc. | Reliable, rotating, illuminated advertising unit |
| US20050015488A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2005-01-20 | Pavan Bayyapu | Selectively managing data conveyance between computing devices |
| JP4055656B2 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2008-03-05 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Collision prediction device |
| US20050034075A1 (en) | 2003-06-05 | 2005-02-10 | Ch2M Hill, Inc. | GIS-based emergency management |
| US20050131645A1 (en)* | 2003-06-09 | 2005-06-16 | Panopoulos Peter J. | Machine having automatic transport with scanning and GPS functions |
| US7069308B2 (en) | 2003-06-16 | 2006-06-27 | Friendster, Inc. | System, method and apparatus for connecting users in an online computer system based on their relationships within social networks |
| US20040260677A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2004-12-23 | Radhika Malpani | Search query categorization for business listings search |
| US7059566B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2006-06-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Unmanned aerial vehicle for logistical delivery |
| US7177872B2 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2007-02-13 | Sony Corporation | Interface for media publishing |
| US7739602B2 (en) | 2003-06-24 | 2010-06-15 | Aol Inc. | System and method for community centric resource sharing based on a publishing subscription model |
| US7454061B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2008-11-18 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | System, apparatus, and method for providing illegal use research service for image data, and system, apparatus, and method for providing proper use research service for image data |
| US6955482B2 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2005-10-18 | Finisar Corporation | Optical transceiver having a single optical subassembly |
| US7154383B2 (en) | 2003-07-09 | 2006-12-26 | Steven Earl Berquist | Dynamic mobile advertising system |
| EP1683086A4 (en) | 2003-07-09 | 2007-03-21 | Myong-Sun Chun | Method for estate transaction by network of member store |
| US7599938B1 (en) | 2003-07-11 | 2009-10-06 | Harrison Jr Shelton E | Social news gathering, prioritizing, tagging, searching, and syndication method |
| AU2003265278A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 | 2005-03-07 | Harman Becker Automotive Systems Gmbh | Transmission of special routes to a navigation device |
| US20050149432A1 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2005-07-07 | Mark Galey | System and method of online real estate listing and advertisement |
| US7343564B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2008-03-11 | Core Mobility, Inc. | Systems and methods for displaying location-based maps on communication devices |
| US20050143174A1 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2005-06-30 | Goldman Daniel P. | Systems and methods for data mining via an on-line, interactive game |
| US20050044061A1 (en) | 2003-08-22 | 2005-02-24 | Klemow Jason L. | Method and system for providing interactive business directory services |
| US7991505B2 (en) | 2003-08-29 | 2011-08-02 | Casepick Systems, Llc | Materials-handling system using autonomous transfer and transport vehicles |
| US7591630B2 (en)* | 2003-08-29 | 2009-09-22 | Casepick Systems, Llc | Materials-handling system using autonomous transfer and transport vehicles |
| US20050048918A1 (en) | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-03 | Onami, Llc | Radio controller system and method for remote devices |
| US7735631B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2010-06-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mail processing system and method of delivering articles to delivery locations therein |
| EP1515122B1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2015-02-25 | Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH | Navigation device and method providing cost information |
| US7693827B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2010-04-06 | Google Inc. | Personalization of placed content ordering in search results |
| US9202217B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2015-12-01 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | Methods and apparatuses to manage multiple advertisements |
| US7870199B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2011-01-11 | Aol Inc. | System and method for seamlessly bringing external services into instant messaging session |
| US7079943B2 (en) | 2003-10-07 | 2006-07-18 | Deere & Company | Point-to-point path planning |
| US20050114527A1 (en) | 2003-10-08 | 2005-05-26 | Hankey Michael R. | System and method for personal communication over a global computer network |
| US7355528B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2008-04-08 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Traffic information providing system and car navigation system |
| US8433650B1 (en) | 2003-10-21 | 2013-04-30 | Neil Thomas | Computerized process to, for example, automate the home sale, mortgage loan financing and settlement process, and the home mortgage loan refinancing and settlement processes |
| US7286913B2 (en) | 2003-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Navigating a UAV with telemetry through a socket |
| US7099745B2 (en) | 2003-10-24 | 2006-08-29 | Sap Aktiengesellschaft | Robot system using virtual world |
| US7519900B2 (en) | 2003-10-24 | 2009-04-14 | Microsoft Corporation | System and method for processing digital annotations |
| WO2005043313A2 (en) | 2003-10-24 | 2005-05-12 | Caringfamily, Llc | Influencing communications among a social support network |
| DK1685045T4 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2015-03-09 | Aew Delford Systems Ltd | Improved pickup and attachment grips |
| US20050120084A1 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2005-06-02 | Yu Hu | Method of and system for creating, maintaining, and utilizing an online universal address book |
| US20050096977A1 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2005-05-05 | Rossides Michael T. | Method and system for paying decision makers for attention |
| US7155738B2 (en) | 2003-11-04 | 2006-12-26 | Yahoo! Inc. | System and method for managing a trusted email datastore |
| US7389324B2 (en) | 2003-11-07 | 2008-06-17 | Plaxo, Inc. | Viral engine for network deployment |
| US20050192999A1 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2005-09-01 | Cook Scott J. | System and method of virtualizing physical locations |
| US7451190B2 (en) | 2003-11-26 | 2008-11-11 | Yahoo! Inc. | Associating multiple visibility profiles with a user of a real-time communication system |
| US7854108B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2010-12-21 | Vision Robotics Corporation | Agricultural robot system and method |
| US7477285B1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2009-01-13 | Careview Communication, Inc. | Non-intrusive data transmission network for use in an enterprise facility and method for implementing |
| US7296026B2 (en) | 2003-12-15 | 2007-11-13 | J2 Global Communications | Method and apparatus for automatically performing an online content distribution campaign |
| US20050131761A1 (en) | 2003-12-16 | 2005-06-16 | Trika Sanjeev N. | Mobile digital coupons |
| US20050144065A1 (en) | 2003-12-19 | 2005-06-30 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Keyword advertisement management with coordinated bidding among advertisers |
| US20050154639A1 (en) | 2004-01-09 | 2005-07-14 | Zetmeir Karl D. | Business method and model for integrating social networking into electronic auctions and ecommerce venues. |
| US8015119B2 (en) | 2004-01-21 | 2011-09-06 | Google Inc. | Methods and systems for the display and navigation of a social network |
| US7059466B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2006-06-13 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa | Carton transfer unit |
| JP4293917B2 (en) | 2004-01-26 | 2009-07-08 | アルパイン株式会社 | Navigation device and intersection guide method |
| US7885901B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2011-02-08 | Yahoo! Inc. | Method and system for seeding online social network contacts |
| US7269590B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2007-09-11 | Yahoo! Inc. | Method and system for customizing views of information associated with a social network user |
| US8612359B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2013-12-17 | Yahoo! Inc. | Method and system for sharing portal subscriber information in an online social network |
| US7050909B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-05-23 | Northrop Grumman Corporation | Automatic taxi manager |
| US20050171954A1 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Yahoo! Inc. | Selective electronic messaging within an online social network for SPAM detection |
| US7707122B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2010-04-27 | Yahoo ! Inc. | System and method of information filtering using measures of affinity of a relationship |
| US7310676B2 (en) | 2004-02-09 | 2007-12-18 | Proxpro, Inc. | Method and computer system for matching mobile device users for business and social networking |
| JP2005227894A (en) | 2004-02-10 | 2005-08-25 | Sony Corp | Data recording method, data recording device, and data recording system |
| US7827120B1 (en) | 2004-02-19 | 2010-11-02 | Celeritasworks Llc | Community awareness management systems and methods |
| US10417298B2 (en) | 2004-12-02 | 2019-09-17 | Insignio Technologies, Inc. | Personalized content processing and delivery system and media |
| US6926233B1 (en) | 2004-02-21 | 2005-08-09 | Corcoran, Iii James John | Automatic formation flight control system (AFFCS)—a system for automatic formation flight control of vehicles not limited to aircraft, helicopters, or space platforms |
| US7433876B2 (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2008-10-07 | Radar Networks, Inc. | Semantic web portal and platform |
| US20050187823A1 (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2005-08-25 | Howes Jeffrey V. | Method and system for geographically-targeted internet advertising |
| CA2557074A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-01 | Paul Walter Dinkel | Network auction system and method |
| US20070033064A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2007-02-08 | Abrahamsohn Daniel A A | Method of and system for capturing data |
| US20050192859A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2005-09-01 | Mertins Karl-Heinz O. | Method and system of establishing a wind-powered electrical energy facility |
| US7293019B2 (en) | 2004-03-02 | 2007-11-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Principles and methods for personalizing newsfeeds via an analysis of information novelty and dynamics |
| US20050198305A1 (en) | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Peter Pezaris | Method and system for associating a thread with content in a social networking environment |
| US20050198031A1 (en) | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Peter Pezaris | Method and system for controlling access to user information in a social networking environment |
| US20050197846A1 (en) | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Peter Pezaris | Method and system for generating a proximity index in a social networking environment |
| EP1723509A2 (en) | 2004-03-05 | 2006-11-22 | The National Research Exchange, Inc. | Data structure with performance descriptors |
| EP1738323A4 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2009-02-04 | Aol Llc | Sharing social network information |
| US20050219044A1 (en) | 2004-03-16 | 2005-10-06 | Science Traveller International Inc | Emergency, contingency and incident management system and method |
| US7599790B2 (en) | 2004-03-23 | 2009-10-06 | Google Inc. | Generating and serving tiles in a digital mapping system |
| WO2005104039A2 (en) | 2004-03-23 | 2005-11-03 | Google, Inc. | A digital mapping system |
| US7155336B2 (en) | 2004-03-24 | 2006-12-26 | A9.Com, Inc. | System and method for automatically collecting images of objects at geographic locations and displaying same in online directories |
| CA2559726C (en) | 2004-03-24 | 2015-10-20 | A9.Com, Inc. | System and method for displaying images in an online directory |
| US20050216550A1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2005-09-29 | Paseman William G | Communication mode and group integration for social networks |
| US7609156B2 (en) | 2004-04-07 | 2009-10-27 | Jeffrey D Mullen | Advanced cooperative defensive military tactics, armor, and systems |
| US20060259191A1 (en) | 2005-04-22 | 2006-11-16 | Lowe J M | System and method for vending vendible media products |
| US7373244B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2008-05-13 | Keith Kreft | Information mapping approaches |
| US20050238465A1 (en) | 2004-04-27 | 2005-10-27 | Razumov Sergey N | Robotic retail facility |
| US7980808B2 (en) | 2004-05-03 | 2011-07-19 | Jervis B. Webb Company | Automatic transport loading system and method |
| US8041701B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2011-10-18 | DG FastChannel, Inc | Enhanced graphical interfaces for displaying visual data |
| EP1759521B1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2016-06-29 | Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. | Advanced contact identification system |
| US7856449B1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2010-12-21 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for determining social relevance in near constant time |
| US7593740B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2009-09-22 | Google, Inc. | Location-based social software for mobile devices |
| US7689452B2 (en) | 2004-05-17 | 2010-03-30 | Lam Chuck P | System and method for utilizing social networks for collaborative filtering |
| WO2005116979A2 (en) | 2004-05-17 | 2005-12-08 | Visible Path Corporation | System and method for enforcing privacy in social networks |
| US7394763B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2008-07-01 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Routing for networks with content filtering |
| US7296021B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2007-11-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method, system, and article to specify compound query, displaying visual indication includes a series of graphical bars specify weight relevance, ordered segments of unique colors where each segment length indicative of the extent of match of each object with one of search parameters |
| US7505929B2 (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2009-03-17 | Angert Charles D | Method, system and computer product for auction of deliverable prepared food via the internet |
| US20050273346A1 (en) | 2004-06-02 | 2005-12-08 | Frost Richard N | Real property information management system and method |
| AT501062B1 (en) | 2004-06-04 | 2007-06-15 | Katt Transp Gmbh | METHOD FOR PROMOTING GOODS AND PLANT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROCESS |
| US7788260B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2010-08-31 | Facebook, Inc. | Ranking search results based on the frequency of clicks on the search results by members of a social network who are within a predetermined degree of separation |
| US9213461B2 (en) | 2004-06-16 | 2015-12-15 | Redfin Corporation | Web-based real estate mapping system |
| US9105061B2 (en) | 2004-06-16 | 2015-08-11 | Redfin Corporation | Online marketplace for real estate transactions |
| US8832138B2 (en) | 2004-06-17 | 2014-09-09 | Nokia Corporation | System and method for social network search operations |
| US20060113425A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2006-06-01 | Hermann Rader | Vertical take-off and landing aircraft with adjustable center-of-gravity position |
| GB2415580B (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2006-08-16 | Toshiba Res Europ Ltd | Network node security analysis method |
| US8442883B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2013-05-14 | Siebel Systems, Inc. | Relationship management in an auction environment |
| US7359894B1 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2008-04-15 | Google Inc. | Methods and systems for requesting and providing information in a social network |
| US7886024B2 (en) | 2004-07-01 | 2011-02-08 | Microsoft Corporation | Sharing media objects in a network |
| US8195744B2 (en) | 2004-07-09 | 2012-06-05 | Orb Networks, Inc. | File sharing system for use with a network |
| US7273172B2 (en) | 2004-07-14 | 2007-09-25 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Methods and systems for automating inventory and dispatch procedures at a staging area |
| JP2006041848A (en) | 2004-07-27 | 2006-02-09 | Hitachi Ltd | Receiving apparatus and receiving method |
| US20060036748A1 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-16 | Nusbaum Edward S | Apparatus and method for computerized information management |
| WO2006011819A1 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-02 | Eurekster, Inc. | Adaptive search engine |
| US20060025883A1 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-02 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Integrated warehouse management system |
| US20080126476A1 (en) | 2004-08-04 | 2008-05-29 | Nicholas Frank C | Method and System for the Creating, Managing, and Delivery of Enhanced Feed Formatted Content |
| WO2006020471A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2006-02-23 | Dinagrannar Inc | Method for providing services available within a neighborhood |
| US8688143B2 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2014-04-01 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Location based service (LBS) system and method for creating a social network |
| US7890871B2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2011-02-15 | Redlands Technology, Llc | System and method for dynamically generating, maintaining, and growing an online social network |
| US7386542B2 (en) | 2004-08-30 | 2008-06-10 | The Mitre Corporation | Personalized broadcast news navigator |
| US8010460B2 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2011-08-30 | Linkedin Corporation | Method and system for reputation evaluation of online users in a social networking scheme |
| US20060058952A1 (en) | 2004-09-07 | 2006-03-16 | Cooper Clive W | System and method of wireless downloads of map and geographic based data to portable computing devices |
| US20060058921A1 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Tamao Okamoto | Mobile robot |
| US20070260599A1 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2007-11-08 | Mcguire Heather A | Social network analysis |
| US7707167B2 (en) | 2004-09-20 | 2010-04-27 | Microsoft Corporation | Method, system, and apparatus for creating a knowledge interchange profile |
| US7178720B1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2007-02-20 | West Corporation | Methods, computer-readable media, and computer program product for intelligent selection of items encoded onto portable machine-playable entertainment media |
| US7672543B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2010-03-02 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Triggering applications based on a captured text in a mixed media environment |
| US20060075335A1 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2006-04-06 | Tekflo, Inc. | Temporal visualization algorithm for recognizing and optimizing organizational structure |
| US7342587B2 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2008-03-11 | Imvu, Inc. | Computer-implemented system and method for home page customization and e-commerce support |
| US20060080613A1 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2006-04-13 | Ray Savant | System and method for providing an interactive social networking and role playing game within a virtual community |
| US11283885B2 (en) | 2004-10-19 | 2022-03-22 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | System and method for location based matching and promotion |
| CN102982092B (en) | 2004-10-19 | 2017-06-09 | 飞扬管理有限公司 | For the system and method for location-based social networks |
| US20060088145A1 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2006-04-27 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Methods and systems for an interactive communications directory and directory channel |
| US20060095171A1 (en) | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-04 | Whittaker William L | Methods, devices and systems for high-speed autonomous vehicle and high-speed autonomous vehicle |
| US8615565B2 (en) | 2008-09-09 | 2013-12-24 | Monster Patents, Llc | Automatic content retrieval based on location-based screen tags |
| US20060100892A1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-11 | Manohar Ellanti | System and method for neighborhood affinity based online environments |
| US20060226281A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2006-10-12 | Walton Joh-Paul C | Ducted fan vertical take-off and landing vehicle |
| JP4316477B2 (en) | 2004-11-18 | 2009-08-19 | パナソニック株式会社 | Tracking method of mobile robot |
| US20060125616A1 (en) | 2004-11-29 | 2006-06-15 | Song Won M | Method for a changing safety signaling system |
| US7326022B2 (en)* | 2004-11-30 | 2008-02-05 | Brown James C | Tow trailer assembly |
| US20100222925A1 (en) | 2004-12-03 | 2010-09-02 | Takashi Anezaki | Robot control apparatus |
| JP4573105B2 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2010-11-04 | 株式会社ダイフク | Article conveying device |
| GB0427642D0 (en) | 2004-12-16 | 2005-01-19 | Renovo Ltd | Information collection system |
| US7739038B2 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2010-06-15 | Information Patterns Llc | Methods and apparatus for geo-collaboration |
| KR100750999B1 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2007-08-22 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Device and method for processing call/message-related event in wireless terminal |
| US20060143183A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2006-06-29 | Goldberg Adam J | System and method for providing collection sub-groups |
| US20060143066A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2006-06-29 | Hermann Calabria | Vendor-driven, social-network enabled review syndication system |
| US7409362B2 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2008-08-05 | Diamond Review, Inc. | Vendor-driven, social-network enabled review system and method with flexible syndication |
| DE102004063205B3 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2006-05-04 | Julian Kuntz | Aircraft for transporting persons, has rotors/propellers with sheathings, which enable independent drive movement of aircraft on land according to function of wheel rims based on direct power transmission from aircraft to land |
| JP2006177862A (en) | 2004-12-24 | 2006-07-06 | Aisin Aw Co Ltd | Navigation apparatus |
| US20060143083A1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2006-06-29 | Wedeen Peter S | System and method for providing electronic information relating to printed advertisements |
| US7720436B2 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2010-05-18 | Nokia Corporation | Displaying network objects in mobile devices based on geolocation |
| US7228232B2 (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2007-06-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Navigating a UAV with obstacle avoidance algorithms |
| US20080195483A1 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2008-08-14 | Moore James F | Widget management systems and advertising systems related thereto |
| US9436945B2 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2016-09-06 | Redfin Corporation | Interactive map-based search and advertising |
| US7958047B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2011-06-07 | The Invention Science Fund I | Virtual credit in simulated environments |
| US20060184482A1 (en) | 2005-02-14 | 2006-08-17 | Manyworlds, Inc. | Adaptive decision process |
| US7716300B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2010-05-11 | Microsoft Corporation | Systems and methods to facilitate self regulation of social networks through trading and gift exchange |
| US7375618B2 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2008-05-20 | Quintos Mel Francis P | Speed control system for automatic stopping or deceleration of vehicle |
| US20060190279A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-08-24 | Brent Heflin | System and method for marketing and managing real property |
| US7658346B2 (en) | 2005-02-25 | 2010-02-09 | Honeywell International Inc. | Double ducted hovering air-vehicle |
| US7647249B2 (en) | 2005-02-25 | 2010-01-12 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Method for providing a shipping label via an intermediary's website |
| US20060194186A1 (en) | 2005-02-28 | 2006-08-31 | Amit Nanda | Method and apparatus for automatically grouping within a networking database and system for parents |
| US20060200384A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 | 2006-09-07 | Arutunian Ethan B | Enhanced map imagery, such as for location-based advertising and location-based reporting |
| US20060265277A1 (en) | 2005-03-07 | 2006-11-23 | Vadim Yasinovsky | Systems, methods, and programming for Internet games, including dating games |
| US8271431B1 (en) | 2005-03-08 | 2012-09-18 | Unearthed Land Technologies, Llc | Method and system for retrieving and serving regulatory history for a property |
| US7774243B1 (en)* | 2005-03-11 | 2010-08-10 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Method and system for predestination item transfer among agents within a materials handling facility |
| KR100690021B1 (en) | 2005-03-15 | 2007-03-08 | 엔에이치엔(주) | On-line human network management system and method for facilitating multi-faceted relationship establishment |
| US7520466B2 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2009-04-21 | Nicolae Bostan | Gyro-stabilized air vehicle |
| US20060212407A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2006-09-21 | Lyon Dennis B | User authentication and secure transaction system |
| US20060218226A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-09-28 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Automatic recording based on preferences |
| US8370054B2 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2013-02-05 | Google Inc. | User location driven identification of service vehicles |
| US8930023B2 (en) | 2009-11-06 | 2015-01-06 | Irobot Corporation | Localization by learning of wave-signal distributions |
| US20060218225A1 (en) | 2005-03-28 | 2006-09-28 | Hee Voon George H | Device for sharing social network information among users over a network |
| US7353034B2 (en) | 2005-04-04 | 2008-04-01 | X One, Inc. | Location sharing and tracking using mobile phones or other wireless devices |
| US20060256008A1 (en) | 2005-05-13 | 2006-11-16 | Outland Research, Llc | Pointing interface for person-to-person information exchange |
| US20060229063A1 (en) | 2005-04-12 | 2006-10-12 | Microsoft Corporation | Systems and methods automatically updating contact information |
| US7287349B1 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2007-10-30 | Autoflex, Inc. | Low speed electric vehicle mobile advertising system |
| US7946528B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2011-05-24 | Urban Aeronautics, Ltd. | Flight control system especially suited for VTOL vehicles |
| US7620902B2 (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2009-11-17 | Microsoft Corporation | Collaboration spaces |
| US7466244B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2008-12-16 | Microsoft Corporation | Virtual earth rooftop overlay and bounding |
| US10210159B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2019-02-19 | Oath Inc. | Media object metadata association and ranking |
| US8103445B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2012-01-24 | Microsoft Corporation | Dynamic map rendering as a function of a user parameter |
| US8732175B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2014-05-20 | Yahoo! Inc. | Interestingness ranking of media objects |
| US7777648B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2010-08-17 | Microsoft Corporation | Mode information displayed in a mapping application |
| US7451161B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2008-11-11 | Friendster, Inc. | Compatibility scoring of users in a social network |
| US20060248573A1 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Content Guard Holdings, Inc. | System and method for developing and using trusted policy based on a social model |
| US7809722B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2010-10-05 | Like.Com | System and method for enabling search and retrieval from image files based on recognized information |
| WO2006122098A2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2006-11-16 | Addington Don W | System and method for buying and selling event tickets |
| US7809192B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2010-10-05 | Like.Com | System and method for recognizing objects from images and identifying relevancy amongst images and information |
| US9805395B2 (en) | 2012-01-19 | 2017-10-31 | Dizpersion Corporation | Online marketing system and method |
| US7853518B2 (en) | 2005-05-24 | 2010-12-14 | Corelogic Information Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for advanced mortgage diagnostic analytics |
| US7848765B2 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2010-12-07 | Where, Inc. | Location-based services |
| EP1893508B1 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2009-03-25 | Macgregor (SWE) AB | Fully automatic twistlock |
| US7765131B2 (en) | 2006-06-20 | 2010-07-27 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing personalized delivery services |
| US20060293892A1 (en) | 2005-06-22 | 2006-12-28 | Jan Pathuel | Biometric control systems and associated methods of use |
| US8688740B2 (en) | 2005-06-24 | 2014-04-01 | Smith Equities Corporation | System and method for the maintenance and management of commercial property data |
| KR100744724B1 (en) | 2005-06-24 | 2007-08-01 | (주)뮤직소프트 | Online record store operating system and method |
| US7353114B1 (en) | 2005-06-27 | 2008-04-01 | Google Inc. | Markup language for an interactive geographic information system |
| AU2006263703A1 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2007-01-04 | Nokia Corporation | User interface for geographic search |
| US7738884B2 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2010-06-15 | Microsoft Corporation | Positioning service utilizing existing radio base stations |
| US20070003182A1 (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2007-01-04 | Hunn David L | Fiber optic impact sensing system and method of using same |
| US20070005683A1 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-04 | Pierre Omidyar | Cost-based community feedback |
| US7437368B1 (en) | 2005-07-05 | 2008-10-14 | Chitika, Inc. | Method and system for interactive product merchandizing |
| US20070011617A1 (en) | 2005-07-06 | 2007-01-11 | Mitsunori Akagawa | Three-dimensional graphical user interface |
| US7707251B2 (en) | 2005-07-14 | 2010-04-27 | Bebo, Inc. | Drawing tool used with social network computer systems |
| US7894933B2 (en) | 2005-07-19 | 2011-02-22 | Kiva Systems, Inc. | Method and system for retrieving inventory items |
| WO2007019021A2 (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2007-02-15 | Geosim Systems Ltd. | Web enabled three-dimensional visualization |
| TW200705299A (en) | 2005-07-21 | 2007-02-01 | Yu-Chung Chu | Method and system for consumer photograph based advertisement and information distribution |
| US7421429B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2008-09-02 | Microsoft Corporation | Generate blog context ranking using track-back weight, context weight and, cumulative comment weight |
| US7831381B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2010-11-09 | Microsoft Corporation | Data engine for ranking popularity of landmarks in a geographical area |
| WO2007019699A1 (en) | 2005-08-17 | 2007-02-22 | Canada Post Corporation | Electronic content management systems and methods |
| US20070043947A1 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2007-02-22 | Mizikovsky Semyon B | Providing multimedia system security to removable user identity modules |
| US7904366B2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2011-03-08 | General Electric Capital Corporation | Method and system to determine resident qualifications |
| JP2007074265A (en)* | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-22 | Toshiya Makino | Display system, commodity sales system and commodity selling method using the display system, video telephone system, and apparatus remote control system |
| US7702545B1 (en) | 2005-09-08 | 2010-04-20 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | System and method for facilitating exchanges between buyers and sellers |
| US8433711B2 (en) | 2005-09-09 | 2013-04-30 | Kang Jo Mgmt. Limited Liability Company | System and method for networked decision making support |
| WO2007033273A2 (en) | 2005-09-13 | 2007-03-22 | Romer Incorporated | Vehicle comprising an articulator of a coordinate measuring machine |
| US20070061405A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2007-03-15 | Keohane Susann M | Automatically setting an avoidance threshold and adjusting a chat presence based on user avoidance of chat sessions |
| US20070078772A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2007-04-05 | Burnlounge, Inc. | System and method for the distribution of digital content |
| US20070073436A1 (en) | 2005-09-26 | 2007-03-29 | Sham John C | Robot with audio and video capabilities for displaying advertisements |
| US20070078747A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2007-04-05 | Baack James H | System and method for providing bidding on real estate among previously identified parties. |
| US7827052B2 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2010-11-02 | Google Inc. | Systems and methods for reputation management |
| US20070106627A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2007-05-10 | Mohit Srivastava | Social discovery systems and methods |
| US7996109B2 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2011-08-09 | Aethon, Inc. | Robotic ordering and delivery apparatuses, systems and methods |
| US7457609B2 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2008-11-25 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Methods and systems for controlling services provided to shared plan subscribers |
| US7840558B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2010-11-23 | Microsoft Corporation | Geo-tagged based listing service and mapping engine |
| US20070105536A1 (en) | 2005-11-07 | 2007-05-10 | Tingo George Jr | Methods and apparatus for providing SMS notification, advertisement and e-commerce systems for university communities |
| US8571999B2 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2013-10-29 | C. S. Lee Crawford | Method of conducting operations for a social network application including activity list generation |
| US9141825B2 (en) | 2005-11-18 | 2015-09-22 | Qurio Holdings, Inc. | System and method for controlling access to assets in a network-based media sharing system using tagging |
| US7912633B1 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2011-03-22 | Adept Mobilerobots Llc | Mobile autonomous updating of GIS maps |
| US7949714B1 (en) | 2005-12-05 | 2011-05-24 | Google Inc. | System and method for targeting advertisements or other information using user geographical information |
| US8152092B2 (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2012-04-10 | Delcon Deutsche Luftfahrt Consult Gmbh | Aerial transporter |
| US7802290B1 (en) | 2005-12-08 | 2010-09-21 | At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. | Digital social network trust propagation |
| US7444241B2 (en) | 2005-12-09 | 2008-10-28 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Method for detecting or predicting vehicle cut-ins |
| US7827208B2 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2010-11-02 | Facebook, Inc. | Generating a feed of stories personalized for members of a social network |
| US8549651B2 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2013-10-01 | Facebook, Inc. | Determining a trust level in a social network environment |
| US8171128B2 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2012-05-01 | Facebook, Inc. | Communicating a newsfeed of media content based on a member's interactions in a social network environment |
| US7809805B2 (en) | 2007-02-28 | 2010-10-05 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members |
| US8296373B2 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2012-10-23 | Facebook, Inc. | Automatically managing objectionable behavior in a web-based social network |
| US8027943B2 (en) | 2007-08-16 | 2011-09-27 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for observing responses to invitations by users in a web-based social network |
| US7669123B2 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2010-02-23 | Facebook, Inc. | Dynamically providing a news feed about a user of a social network |
| US7797256B2 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2010-09-14 | Facebook, Inc. | Generating segmented community flyers in a social networking system |
| US20090049127A1 (en) | 2007-08-16 | 2009-02-19 | Yun-Fang Juan | System and method for invitation targeting in a web-based social network |
| US8204952B2 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2012-06-19 | Facebook, Inc. | Digital file distribution in a social network system |
| US20080189292A1 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Jed Stremel | System and method for automatic population of a contact file with contact content and expression content |
| US8402094B2 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2013-03-19 | Facebook, Inc. | Providing a newsfeed based on user affinity for entities and monitored actions in a social network environment |
| US7945653B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2011-05-17 | Facebook, Inc. | Tagging digital media |
| US20080208956A1 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2008-08-28 | Spiridellis Gregg N | Content aggregation and sharing system |
| US8225376B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2012-07-17 | Facebook, Inc. | Dynamically generating a privacy summary |
| CA2633512A1 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2007-06-21 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for social mapping |
| US7801542B1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2010-09-21 | Stewart Brett B | Automatic management of geographic information pertaining to social networks, groups of users, or assets |
| EP2518637A1 (en) | 2005-12-22 | 2012-10-31 | Catalog.Com, Inc. | System and method for cross-domain social networking |
| US20140172727A1 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2014-06-19 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Short-term automobile rentals in a geo-spatial environment |
| WO2007076150A2 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2007-07-05 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for generating a social timeline |
| US7525425B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2009-04-28 | Perdiem Llc | System and method for defining an event based on relationship between an object location and a user-defined zone |
| US20130054317A1 (en) | 2011-08-24 | 2013-02-28 | Raj Vasant Abhyanker | Geospatially constrained gastronomic bidding |
| US20070218900A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Raj Vasant Abhyanker | Map based neighborhood search and community contribution |
| US9459622B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2016-10-04 | Legalforce, Inc. | Driverless vehicle commerce network and community |
| US8874489B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-10-28 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Short-term residential spaces in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20070156429A1 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2007-07-05 | Godar Joseph F | Online transaction related to vacation rental property |
| US7831917B1 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2010-11-09 | Google Inc. | Method, system, and graphical user interface for identifying and communicating with meeting spots |
| WO2007079346A2 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2007-07-12 | Olsen Christopher J | Articulated wheel assemblies and vehicles therewith |
| WO2008013568A2 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2008-01-31 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous mobile robot |
| US8082319B2 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2011-12-20 | Apple Inc. | Publishing and subscribing to digital image feeds |
| WO2007081958A2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-19 | Christopher Armstrong | Indicating and searching recent content publication activity by a user |
| US7620636B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2009-11-17 | Stay Awake Inc. | Method and apparatus for collecting and storing information about individuals in a charitable donations social network |
| US8047915B2 (en) | 2006-01-11 | 2011-11-01 | Lyle Corporate Development, Inc. | Character for computer game and method |
| US20070162547A1 (en) | 2006-01-11 | 2007-07-12 | Groope.Com Llc | Methods and apparatus for community organization |
| US20070160449A1 (en)* | 2006-01-12 | 2007-07-12 | Girn Paramjit S | Robotic trailer loading/unloading system |
| US7761789B2 (en) | 2006-01-13 | 2010-07-20 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Methods for computing a navigation path |
| US7602281B2 (en) | 2006-01-26 | 2009-10-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | System and method for tactical distributed event warning notification for individual entities, and computer program product therefor |
| US7598850B2 (en) | 2006-01-26 | 2009-10-06 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | System and method for centralized event warning notification for individual entities, and computer program product therefor |
| US20110093340A1 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2011-04-21 | Hoozware, Inc. | System for providing a service to venues where people perform transactions |
| US8261071B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2012-09-04 | Microsoft Corporation | Stateless human detection for real-time messaging systems |
| US8676680B2 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2014-03-18 | Zillow, Inc. | Automatically determining a current value for a home |
| US7475953B2 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2009-01-13 | Kelsey-Hayes Company | Soft-stop braking control |
| US8352183B2 (en) | 2006-02-04 | 2013-01-08 | Microsoft Corporation | Maps for social networking and geo blogs |
| US8015484B2 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2011-09-06 | Alejandro Backer | Reputation system for web pages and online entities |
| US20110078012A1 (en) | 2006-02-15 | 2011-03-31 | Rent2Buy America, Llc | Method for Encouraging Home Ownership |
| US8139514B2 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2012-03-20 | Yahoo! Inc. | Method and system for communicating with multiple users via a map over the internet |
| FR2898204B1 (en) | 2006-03-02 | 2014-06-20 | Patrick Hurpin | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTIVE TRANSPORT |
| US8145719B2 (en) | 2006-03-03 | 2012-03-27 | Gogroups | Method and system for messaging and communication based on groups |
| US8095400B2 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2012-01-10 | Cbs Interactive, Inc. | Online waiting room system, method and computer program product |
| US7774341B2 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2010-08-10 | Veveo, Inc. | Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on dynamically identifying microgenres associated with the content |
| US20080243667A1 (en) | 2006-03-13 | 2008-10-02 | Lecomte Patrick P | Instruments and market for hedging risks in commercial real estate assets |
| US9070101B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2015-06-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Peer-to-peer neighborhood delivery multi-copter and method |
| US20080240397A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2008-10-02 | Fatdoor, Inc. | White page and yellow page directories in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20140108556A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-04-17 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Holiday expression and mapping in a geospatially constrained social network |
| EP3067771B1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2017-11-08 | iRobot Corporation | Robot confinement |
| US20140330456A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-11-06 | Manuel R. Lopez Morales | Landing site designation in an autonomous delivery network |
| US20080301565A1 (en) | 2007-06-01 | 2008-12-04 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Bookmarking and lassoing in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20130072114A1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2013-03-21 | Raj Vasant Abhyanker | Near-field communication enabled wearable apparel garment and method to capture geospatial and socially relevant data of a wearer of the wearable apparel garment and/or a user of a reader device associated therewith |
| US20140277900A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-09-18 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Mapping search engine offering sidewalk maps |
| US9071367B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-06-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Emergency including crime broadcast in a neighborhood social network |
| US20090018925A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Holiday commerce and holiday expressions in a geo-spatial environment |
| US8190357B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2012-05-29 | Google Inc. | Multi-occupant structure in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090019122A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Direct mailing in a geo-spatial environment |
| US9098545B2 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2015-08-04 | Raj Abhyanker | Hot news neighborhood banter in a geo-spatial social network |
| US8732091B1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-05-20 | Raj Abhyanker | Security in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20140067704A1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2014-03-06 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Job broadcast data publication through a work-opportunity listing server using a radial algorithm to automatically distribute the job broadcast data in a threshold radial distance from a set of geospatial coordinates associated with a mobile device |
| US20080201156A1 (en) | 2007-02-21 | 2008-08-21 | Fatdoor, Inc. | User-generated community publication in a geo-spatial environment |
| US8738545B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-27 | Raj Abhyanker | Map based neighborhood search and community contribution |
| US9373149B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2016-06-21 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Autonomous neighborhood vehicle commerce network and community |
| US20070220174A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Marker placement in a mapping environment |
| US20140095293A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-04-03 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Social connections through tagable apparel |
| US7415448B2 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2008-08-19 | Microsoft Corporation | Adaptive engine for processing geographic data |
| US20070226314A1 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2007-09-27 | Sss Research Inc. | Server-based systems and methods for enabling interactive, collabortive thin- and no-client image-based applications |
| US7996270B2 (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2011-08-09 | Ebay Inc. | Community based network shopping |
| US20070233375A1 (en) | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-04 | Ashutosh Garg | Providing advertising in aerial imagery |
| WO2007113844A1 (en) | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Dalvi Abhishek | System and method to facilitate travel networking |
| WO2007115273A2 (en) | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Geospot, Inc. | Methods for interaction, sharing, and exploration over geographical locations |
| US7840224B2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2010-11-23 | Pelago, Inc. | Facilitating user interactions based on proximity |
| US7668405B2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2010-02-23 | Eastman Kodak Company | Forming connections between image collections |
| US20070239352A1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2007-10-11 | Microsoft Corporation | Embedded dynamic map generation |
| US20070245002A1 (en) | 2006-04-15 | 2007-10-18 | Huy Nguyen | Community-based information view, management and delivery system with micro-access control for data view and data scope |
| US8103947B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2012-01-24 | Timecove Corporation | Collaborative system and method for generating biographical accounts |
| US8712192B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2014-04-29 | Microsoft Corporation | Geo-coding images |
| US9892196B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2018-02-13 | Excalibur Ip, Llc | Method and system for entering search queries |
| US20070250321A1 (en) | 2006-04-24 | 2007-10-25 | E3 Infosystems, Inc. | Personal and remote article-on-demand system |
| US7958192B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2011-06-07 | Ralph Harik | Method for information gathering and dissemination in a social network |
| US20080040428A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2008-02-14 | Xu Wei | Method for establishing a social network system based on motif, social status and social attitude |
| US8046411B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2011-10-25 | Yahoo! Inc. | Multimedia sharing in social networks for mobile devices |
| US7636779B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2009-12-22 | Yahoo! Inc. | Contextual mobile local search based on social network vitality information |
| US7627311B2 (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2009-12-01 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Image acquisition for contacts list |
| US20070266003A1 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-15 | 0752004 B.C. Ltd. | Method and system for constructing dynamic and interacive family trees based upon an online social network |
| US8255464B2 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2012-08-28 | Wilkins John T | Contact management system and method |
| US20070271367A1 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-22 | Zohar Yardeni | Systems and methods for location-based social web interaction and instant messaging system |
| US7707286B2 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2010-04-27 | Sonim Technologies, Inc. | Methods for managing presence information in a real-time communications network |
| US8108092B2 (en)* | 2006-07-14 | 2012-01-31 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous behaviors for a remote vehicle |
| KR100735565B1 (en) | 2006-05-17 | 2007-07-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Object detection method using structured light and robot using same |
| US7456848B2 (en) | 2006-05-18 | 2008-11-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for consolidating overlapping map markers |
| US7756534B2 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2010-07-13 | Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. | Provision of location-based services utilizing user movement statistics |
| US8856019B2 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2014-10-07 | True[X] Media Inc. | System and method of storing data related to social publishers and associating the data with electronic brand data |
| US20080010343A1 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2008-01-10 | Digital Sports, Inc. | Method of providing a digital athlete profile |
| US7792903B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2010-09-07 | Red Hat, Inc. | Identity management for open overlay for social networks and online services |
| US7881864B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2011-02-01 | Garmin Switzerland Gmbh | Method and apparatus for utilizing geographic location information |
| US20070281690A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Flipt, Inc | Displaying and tagging places of interest on location-aware mobile communication devices in a local area network |
| US8989778B2 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2015-03-24 | Green Dot Corporation | Secure and private location sharing for location-aware mobile communication devices |
| US20070281716A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Flipt, Inc | Message transmission system for users of location-aware mobile communication devices in a local area network |
| US20070282621A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Flipt, Inc | Mobile dating system incorporating user location information |
| US8571580B2 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2013-10-29 | Loopt Llc. | Displaying the location of individuals on an interactive map display on a mobile communication device |
| WO2007143202A2 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-12-13 | Nicolas Kernene | Broadband gaming system and method |
| US7896243B2 (en)* | 2006-06-07 | 2011-03-01 | Michael Herskovitz | Self-service autonomous merchandising machine |
| US20070288311A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-13 | Underhill Jeremy P | Method and system for flexible incentive programs in sales organizations |
| US20070288164A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-13 | Microsoft Corporation | Interactive map application |
| US7581702B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2009-09-01 | Insitu, Inc. | Wirelessly controlling unmanned aircraft and accessing associated surveillance data |
| US20080005231A1 (en) | 2006-06-14 | 2008-01-03 | Digital Sports, Inc. | Method of providing a digital athlete profile |
| US20070294357A1 (en) | 2006-06-20 | 2007-12-20 | Lennox Bertrand Antoine | Geospatial community facilitator |
| US7424488B2 (en) | 2006-06-27 | 2008-09-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Context-aware, adaptive approach to information selection for interactive information analysis |
| US7822762B2 (en) | 2006-06-28 | 2010-10-26 | Microsoft Corporation | Entity-specific search model |
| US7797267B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2010-09-14 | Microsoft Corporation | Methods and architecture for learning and reasoning in support of context-sensitive reminding, informing, and service facilitation |
| TWI305610B (en) | 2006-07-07 | 2009-01-21 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Path guidance method for autonomous mobile device |
| US8290943B2 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2012-10-16 | Raytheon Company | Geographical information display system and method |
| US20080033641A1 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2008-02-07 | Medalia Michael J | Method of generating a three-dimensional interactive tour of a geographic location |
| US8876057B2 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2014-11-04 | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation | Aerodynamic integration of a payload container with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft |
| US7823073B2 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2010-10-26 | Microsoft Corporation | Presence-based location and/or proximity awareness |
| US7958011B1 (en) | 2006-08-04 | 2011-06-07 | Associations, Inc. | Obtaining community association data in a direct, efficient manner |
| US20080033652A1 (en) | 2006-08-05 | 2008-02-07 | Patrick Hensley | Determining and displaying the geographic location of articles |
| US20080032703A1 (en) | 2006-08-07 | 2008-02-07 | Microsoft Corporation | Location based notification services |
| US20080032666A1 (en) | 2006-08-07 | 2008-02-07 | Microsoft Corporation | Location based notification services |
| US20080043020A1 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Microsoft Corporation | User interface for viewing street side imagery |
| US7561169B2 (en) | 2006-08-21 | 2009-07-14 | Geo-Softworks, LLC | Systems and methods for generating user specified information from a map |
| US7890337B2 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2011-02-15 | Jermyn & Associates, Llc | Anonymity-ensured system for providing affinity-based deliverables to library patrons |
| US8726169B2 (en) | 2006-09-05 | 2014-05-13 | Circleup, Inc. | Online system and method for enabling social search and structured communications among social networks |
| US7992171B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2011-08-02 | Qurio Holdings, Inc. | System and method for controlled viral distribution of digital content in a social network |
| US8224567B2 (en) | 2006-09-11 | 2012-07-17 | Sony Corporation | Map-based browser |
| US20080086431A1 (en) | 2006-09-15 | 2008-04-10 | Icebreaker, Inc. | Social interaction messaging and notification |
| US20080071929A1 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-20 | Yann Emmanuel Motte | Methods and apparatus for selection of information and web page generation |
| US20080077464A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Sap Ag | Vehicle scheduling and routing with trailers |
| WO2008039768A2 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2008-04-03 | Careflash, Llc | A system and method for providing medical disposition sensitive content |
| US8364757B2 (en) | 2006-09-26 | 2013-01-29 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | System and method for electronically managing and routing news content |
| US20080126411A1 (en) | 2006-09-26 | 2008-05-29 | Microsoft Corporation | Demographic prediction using a social link network |
| US20080086368A1 (en) | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | Google Inc. | Location Based, Content Targeted Online Advertising |
| US8413752B2 (en)* | 2006-10-06 | 2013-04-09 | Irobot Corporation | Robotic vehicle |
| US7891446B2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2011-02-22 | Irobot Corporation | Robotic vehicle deck adjustment |
| AU2007347733B2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2012-05-03 | Irobot Corporation | Robotic vehicle |
| US20080097999A1 (en) | 2006-10-10 | 2008-04-24 | Tim Horan | Dynamic creation of information sharing social networks |
| US20080098090A1 (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2008-04-24 | J.S.B.K. Inc. | Computer implemented system and methods for mapping using web-based content |
| US20080098313A1 (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2008-04-24 | Instabuddy Llc | System and method for developing and managing group social networks |
| US8566227B2 (en) | 2006-10-27 | 2013-10-22 | Ccip Corp. | Location based credit |
| US8108501B2 (en) | 2006-11-01 | 2012-01-31 | Yahoo! Inc. | Searching and route mapping based on a social network, location, and time |
| JP4193186B2 (en) | 2006-11-02 | 2008-12-10 | 村田機械株式会社 | Overhead traveling car |
| US7673248B2 (en) | 2006-11-06 | 2010-03-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Combining calendar entries with map views |
| US20080109246A1 (en) | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-08 | Russell Mark C | Method for Cooperative transport of parcels |
| US7765176B2 (en) | 2006-11-13 | 2010-07-27 | Accenture Global Services Gmbh | Knowledge discovery system with user interactive analysis view for analyzing and generating relationships |
| US7603435B2 (en) | 2006-11-15 | 2009-10-13 | Palm, Inc. | Over-the-air device kill pill and lock |
| US20080217268A1 (en) | 2006-11-15 | 2008-09-11 | Daifuku Co., Ltd. | Frame system for an article storage apparatus |
| WO2008064171A1 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2008-05-29 | At & T Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing geospatial and temporal navigation |
| US20080117928A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2008-05-22 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Communication capture in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090024740A1 (en) | 2007-07-20 | 2009-01-22 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Neighborhood block communication method and system |
| US20140149244A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-29 | Raj Abhyanker | Demand aggregation to enable efficient neighborhood delivery |
| US20140114866A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-04-24 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Automobile sharing by users of a neighborhood social network using a radial algorithm |
| US20080221984A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2008-09-11 | Fatdoor, Inc. | User-managed coupons in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20140143061A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-22 | Raj Abhyanker | Garage sales in a geo-spatial social network |
| US20140136624A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-15 | Raj V. Abhyanker | Smart lists in a geo-spatial social network |
| US20080270945A1 (en) | 2007-04-24 | 2008-10-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Interior spaces in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090061883A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Business reviews claiming in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20080306754A1 (en) | 2007-06-08 | 2008-12-11 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Pet commerce and pet groups in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20080270158A1 (en) | 2007-04-30 | 2008-10-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Method and apparatus for geo-spatial and social relationship analysis |
| US20090019004A1 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Notifications in a geo-spatial social network |
| US20080229424A1 (en) | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Dispute resolution in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20080294747A1 (en) | 2007-05-22 | 2008-11-27 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Property billboarding and financial revenue distribution to property owner in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090069034A1 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Fatdoor, Inc | Neighbor to neighbor relay in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20080242317A1 (en) | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Mobile content creation, sharing, and commerce in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090064144A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Community boundaries in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20140123247A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-01 | Raj Abhyanker | Nextdoor neighbor connect |
| US20080319806A1 (en) | 2007-06-22 | 2008-12-25 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Mealtime commerce and publishing in a geo-spatial environment |
| WO2008064240A2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2008-05-29 | Vela Systems, Inc. | A method and system for inspecting and managing information |
| US7966567B2 (en) | 2007-07-12 | 2011-06-21 | Center'd Corp. | Character expression in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20140165091A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-06-12 | Raj Abhyanker | Television and radio stations broadcasted by users of a neighborhood social network using a radial algorithm |
| US20140136328A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-15 | Raj Abhyanker | Immediate communication between neighboring users surrounding a specific geographic location |
| US20140123246A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-01 | Raj Abhyanker | Multi-occupant structure in a geo-spatial environment |
| US7895176B2 (en) | 2006-11-29 | 2011-02-22 | Red Hat, Inc. | Entry group tags |
| US8812582B2 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2014-08-19 | Red Hat, Inc. | Automated screen saver with shared media |
| US8671114B2 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2014-03-11 | Red Hat, Inc. | Search results weighted by real-time sharing activity |
| US7752553B2 (en) | 2006-12-01 | 2010-07-06 | Red Hat, Inc. | Method and system for aggregating and displaying an event stream |
| US7930730B2 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2011-04-19 | Microsoft Corporation | Community network navigation |
| US10783526B2 (en) | 2006-12-19 | 2020-09-22 | Celeritasworks, Llc | Campaign awareness management systems and methods |
| US20080155019A1 (en) | 2006-12-20 | 2008-06-26 | Andrew Wallace | System, apparatus and method to facilitate interactions between real world and proprietary environments |
| US8438062B2 (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2013-05-07 | Google Inc. | Network node ad targeting |
| US9302678B2 (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2016-04-05 | Robotic Research, Llc | Robotic driving system |
| US8862497B2 (en) | 2007-01-02 | 2014-10-14 | Washington State University Research Foundation | Method and system of determining and issuing user incentives on a web server via assessment of user-generated content relevance and value |
| US20080168175A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2008-07-10 | Truong Tran | Method and system for local search and social networking with content validation |
| US20080167817A1 (en)* | 2007-01-06 | 2008-07-10 | Transbotics Corporation | Automated cargo loading systems and methods |
| US20080168068A1 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2008-07-10 | Hutheesing Vivek A | Methods and systems for a geographically defined communication platform |
| US7693953B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2010-04-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Providing Web services for wireless communication devices |
| US20080172244A1 (en) | 2007-01-16 | 2008-07-17 | Gb Internet Solutions, Inc. | Systems And Methods For Displaying Current Prices, Including Hotel Room Rental Rates, With Markers Simultaneously On A Map |
| US7751971B2 (en) | 2007-01-17 | 2010-07-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Location mapping for key-point based services |
| DE102007003458A1 (en) | 2007-01-24 | 2008-07-31 | Diehl Bgt Defence Gmbh & Co. Kg | Power supply device for battery-operated small air-craft, has charging device provided for recharging rechargeable battery after implementing flight mission of small air-craft, and landing and loading platform attached to battery magazine |
| US8397897B2 (en)* | 2007-01-25 | 2013-03-19 | Bastian Solutions, Llc | Vertical spiral multilevel sorter and merge conveyor for three dimensional automated pick module |
| US8276739B2 (en) | 2007-01-25 | 2012-10-02 | Bastian Material Handling, Llc | Three-dimensional automated pick module |
| US7812717B1 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2010-10-12 | Resource Consortium Limited | Situational network |
| WO2008094168A1 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Facebook, Inc. | System and method for giving gifts and displaying assets in a social network environment |
| US8251629B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2012-08-28 | Cerner Innovation, Inc. | Medication dispensing apparatus |
| EP2122490B1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2020-11-25 | ESRI Technologies, LLC | A method and system for integrating a social network and data repository to enable map creation |
| US20100138259A1 (en) | 2007-02-16 | 2010-06-03 | Delk Louis D | Service management systems and associated methods |
| US7912847B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 | 2011-03-22 | Wright State University | Comparative web search system and method |
| US20080243378A1 (en) | 2007-02-21 | 2008-10-02 | Tele Atlas North America, Inc. | System and method for vehicle navigation and piloting including absolute and relative coordinates |
| WO2008103447A2 (en) | 2007-02-21 | 2008-08-28 | Facebook, Inc. | Implementation of a structured query language interface in a distributed database |
| US8683342B2 (en) | 2007-02-28 | 2014-03-25 | Red Hat, Inc. | Automatic selection of online content for sharing |
| EP2132646A4 (en) | 2007-02-28 | 2010-05-05 | Facebook Inc | Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members |
| US20080215975A1 (en) | 2007-03-01 | 2008-09-04 | Phil Harrison | Virtual world user opinion & response monitoring |
| US20080222308A1 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2008-09-11 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Wiki groups of an online community |
| WO2008111929A2 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2008-09-18 | Center'd Corporation | Wiki groups of an online community |
| WO2008108772A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2008-09-12 | Center'd Corporation | User-managed coupons in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20080228719A1 (en) | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Fatdoor, Inc. | People and business search result optimization |
| WO2008112293A1 (en) | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for network authentication |
| US20080228775A1 (en) | 2007-03-15 | 2008-09-18 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Youth communities in a geo-spatial environment |
| US7827265B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2010-11-02 | Facebook, Inc. | System and method for confirming an association in a web-based social network |
| WO2008118119A1 (en) | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Center'd Corporation | Mobile content creation, sharing, and commerce in a geo-spatial environment |
| US8064590B2 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2011-11-22 | Dealmap Inc. | Campaign in a geo-spatial environment |
| US8749585B2 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2014-06-10 | Microsoft Corporation | Adding custom content to mapping applications |
| US20080243830A1 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-02 | Fatdoor, Inc. | User suggested ordering to influence search result ranking |
| WO2008123851A1 (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2008-10-16 | Center'd Corporation | Demand aggregation in a geo-spatial network |
| US8095430B2 (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2012-01-10 | Google Inc. | Demand aggregation in a geo-spatial network |
| US8117486B2 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2012-02-14 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for detecting an anomalous networked device |
| US20080255759A1 (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2008-10-16 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Travel arrangements through buddy lists in a geosocial environment |
| JP4576445B2 (en) | 2007-04-12 | 2010-11-10 | パナソニック株式会社 | Autonomous mobile device and program for autonomous mobile device |
| US7922085B2 (en) | 2007-04-13 | 2011-04-12 | Aps Technology Group, Inc. | System, method, apparatus, and computer program product for monitoring the transfer of cargo to and from a transporter |
| US20080263460A1 (en) | 2007-04-20 | 2008-10-23 | Utbk, Inc. | Methods and Systems to Connect People for Virtual Meeting in Virtual Reality |
| US8584091B2 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2013-11-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Management of graphical information notes |
| US8713143B2 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2014-04-29 | President And Fellows Of Harvard College | Establishing a social network |
| US20080281854A1 (en) | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Opt-out community network based on preseeded data |
| WO2008140738A1 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2008-11-20 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for classified advertising in an authenticated web-based social network |
| EP2165269A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2010-03-24 | Facebook Inc. | Personalized platform for accessing internet applications |
| CA2687089C (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2015-07-07 | Facebook, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing privacy settings for applications associated with a user profile |
| US20080300979A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Method and apparatus of customer relationship management and maketing |
| US8249943B2 (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2012-08-21 | Facebook, Inc. | Auction based polling |
| US8560387B2 (en) | 2007-06-07 | 2013-10-15 | Qurio Holdings, Inc. | Systems and methods of providing collaborative consumer-controlled advertising environments |
| US8880583B2 (en) | 2007-06-08 | 2014-11-04 | Nixle, Llc | System and method for permitting geographically-pertinent information to be ranked by users according to users' geographic proximity to information and to each other for affecting the ranking of such information |
| US8302033B2 (en) | 2007-06-22 | 2012-10-30 | Apple Inc. | Touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for providing maps, directions, and location-based information |
| US20080319778A1 (en) | 2007-06-22 | 2008-12-25 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Neighborhood bartering in a geo-spatial network |
| US9438860B2 (en) | 2007-06-26 | 2016-09-06 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | Method and system for filtering advertisements in a media stream |
| US8249934B2 (en) | 2007-06-27 | 2012-08-21 | Alcatel Lucent | IMS network providing purchasing sessions to mobile devices that are located proximate to a business |
| US20090006177A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 | 2009-01-01 | Microsoft Corporation | Providing ads to unconnected client devices |
| US8787366B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2014-07-22 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Community driven program access system and method |
| US20100024045A1 (en) | 2007-06-30 | 2010-01-28 | Sastry Manoj R | Methods and apparatuses for privacy in location-aware systems |
| US20090018850A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Security in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090019373A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Government structures in a geo-spatial environment |
| US8745060B2 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2014-06-03 | Yahoo! Inc. | Indexing and searching content behind links presented in a communication |
| US7987110B2 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2011-07-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Managing organizational resources |
| US20090043650A1 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2009-02-12 | Legalforce, Inc. | Segmented services having a global structure of networked independent entities |
| US8130951B2 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2012-03-06 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Intelligent electronic document content processing |
| US9740731B2 (en) | 2007-08-14 | 2017-08-22 | John Nicholas and Kristen Gross Trust | Event based document sorter and method |
| US20090049070A1 (en) | 2007-08-15 | 2009-02-19 | Arieh Steinberg | Web-based social network badges |
| US8732846B2 (en) | 2007-08-15 | 2014-05-20 | Facebook, Inc. | Platform for providing a social context to software applications |
| US8204776B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2012-06-19 | Google Inc. | Polling in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090063467A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Persona management in a geo-spatial environment |
| US20090064011A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Generational views in a geo-spatial environment |
| US7765236B2 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2010-07-27 | Microsoft Corporation | Extracting data content items using template matching |
| CA2696945C (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2014-12-02 | Facebook, Inc. | Dynamically updating privacy settings in a social network |
| US20090070435A1 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Targeted websites based on a user profile |
| US7808378B2 (en) | 2007-10-17 | 2010-10-05 | Hayden Robert L | Alert notification system and method for neighborhood and like groups |
| US8010524B2 (en) | 2007-10-29 | 2011-08-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method of monitoring electronic media |
| US8178825B2 (en) | 2007-10-29 | 2012-05-15 | Honeywell International Inc. | Guided delivery of small munitions from an unmanned aerial vehicle |
| US9177210B2 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2015-11-03 | Hki Systems And Service Llc | Processing container images and identifiers using optical character recognition and geolocation |
| US8510268B1 (en) | 2007-11-13 | 2013-08-13 | Google Inc. | Editable geographic data for maps, and applications thereof |
| US8145703B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2012-03-27 | Iac Search & Media, Inc. | User interface and method in a local search system with related search results |
| US8732155B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2014-05-20 | Iac Search & Media, Inc. | Categorization in a system and method for conducting a search |
| US8521656B2 (en) | 2007-12-07 | 2013-08-27 | Z-Firm, LLC | Systems and methods for providing extended shipping options |
| US8107879B2 (en) | 2007-12-31 | 2012-01-31 | Intel Corporation | Device, system, and method of establishing multiple wireless connections |
| US7933808B2 (en) | 2008-01-07 | 2011-04-26 | Garcia John Andrew | Rental network security system and method |
| WO2009097130A1 (en) | 2008-01-30 | 2009-08-06 | Jean Donald C | Method and system for purchase of a product or services using a communication network site |
| US9633881B2 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2017-04-25 | Brooks Automation, Inc. | Automatic handling buffer for bare stocker |
| US8463764B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2013-06-11 | Fuhu Holdings, Inc. | Social based search engine, system and method |
| US8070415B2 (en) | 2008-03-18 | 2011-12-06 | Bins, Llc | Method and apparatus for unloading containers |
| US8070234B2 (en) | 2008-03-18 | 2011-12-06 | Bins, Llc | Vehicle having loading and unloading capabilities |
| US8145661B1 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2012-03-27 | Unites Services Automobile Association (USAA) | Systems and methods for a home area recommender |
| US20090271524A1 (en) | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | John Christopher Davi | Associating User Comments to Events Presented in a Media Stream |
| US20090271417A1 (en) | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | John Toebes | Identifying User Relationships from Situational Analysis of User Comments Made on Media Content |
| US8856671B2 (en) | 2008-05-11 | 2014-10-07 | Navteq B.V. | Route selection by drag and drop |
| US8370003B2 (en) | 2008-05-27 | 2013-02-05 | Wilfred So | System and method for multiple aircraft lifting a common payload |
| US7961986B1 (en) | 2008-06-30 | 2011-06-14 | Google Inc. | Ranking of images and image labels |
| US9141640B2 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2015-09-22 | MLSListings, Inc. | Methods and systems of advanced real estate searching |
| US8401771B2 (en) | 2008-07-22 | 2013-03-19 | Microsoft Corporation | Discovering points of interest from users map annotations |
| US8301743B2 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2012-10-30 | Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC | Enhanced domain name generation and registration |
| US7698029B2 (en)* | 2008-08-19 | 2010-04-13 | The Boeing Company | Autonomous asset transportation method, apparatus and computer program product |
| US8052081B2 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2011-11-08 | Draganfly Innovations Inc. | Dual rotor helicopter with tilted rotational axes |
| JP5141507B2 (en) | 2008-08-25 | 2013-02-13 | 村田機械株式会社 | Autonomous mobile device |
| US8392112B2 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2013-03-05 | General Motors Llc. | Dynamic determination of optimal route delivery method |
| WO2010026517A2 (en) | 2008-09-02 | 2010-03-11 | Urban Aeronautics Ltd. | Vtol vehicle with coaxially tilted or tiltable rotors |
| US7991703B1 (en) | 2008-09-09 | 2011-08-02 | United Services Automobile Association (Usaa) | Systems and methods for providing a real estate and rental marketplace |
| US9213961B2 (en) | 2008-09-21 | 2015-12-15 | Oracle International Corporation | Systems and methods for generating social index scores for key term analysis and comparisons |
| US8195601B2 (en) | 2008-09-26 | 2012-06-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Visitor-assisted user profile creation |
| US20100079338A1 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2010-04-01 | Clear Channel Management Services, Inc. | Promotion Using Geopositioning Technology |
| US9129023B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2015-09-08 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | Connected address book systems and methods |
| US9037513B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2015-05-19 | Apple Inc. | System and method for providing electronic event tickets |
| TWI388803B (en) | 2008-10-02 | 2013-03-11 | Mstar Semiconductor Inc | Navigation system having simplified display mode and displaying method thereof |
| US8041456B1 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2011-10-18 | Anybots, Inc. | Self-balancing robot including an ultracapacitor power source |
| US8626361B2 (en) | 2008-11-25 | 2014-01-07 | Honeywell International Inc. | System and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation |
| US8328130B2 (en) | 2008-12-08 | 2012-12-11 | Honeywell International Inc. | Vertical take off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle airframe structure |
| US20110258028A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2011-10-20 | Billshrink, Inc. | System and method for providing a geographic map of alternative savings opportunities in association with a financial transaction data |
| US8938446B2 (en) | 2009-01-26 | 2015-01-20 | Google Inc. | System and method of transmitting search results based on arbitrary queries |
| US8493849B2 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2013-07-23 | Miraveo, Inc. | Systems and methods for creating, managing and communicating users and applications on spontaneous area networks |
| KR100899820B1 (en) | 2009-03-03 | 2009-05-27 | 국방과학연구소 | Ground / obstacle discrimination device and method for autonomous moving vehicle |
| EP2406969A4 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2015-06-10 | Arbitron Mobile Oy | Mobile terminal and method for providing life observations and a related server arrangement and method with data analysis, distribution and terminal guiding features |
| KR101194603B1 (en) | 2009-03-12 | 2012-10-25 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Unmanned transport apparatus and its method |
| US8271057B2 (en) | 2009-03-16 | 2012-09-18 | Waze Mobile Ltd. | Condition-based activation, shut-down and management of applications of mobile devices |
| US8073907B2 (en) | 2009-03-18 | 2011-12-06 | Wavemarket, Inc. | User contribution based mapping system and method |
| GB0905027D0 (en) | 2009-03-24 | 2009-05-06 | Allen Technology Ltd | Flying apparatus |
| US20120047087A1 (en) | 2009-03-25 | 2012-02-23 | Waldeck Technology Llc | Smart encounters |
| US8560515B2 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2013-10-15 | Microsoft Corporation | Automatic generation of markers based on social interaction |
| US8157642B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2012-04-17 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wagering environment |
| US8352111B2 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2013-01-08 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Platoon vehicle management |
| US8028470B2 (en) | 2009-04-21 | 2011-10-04 | Deere & Company | Robotic watering unit |
| US20120046995A1 (en) | 2009-04-29 | 2012-02-23 | Waldeck Technology, Llc | Anonymous crowd comparison |
| US20100306016A1 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Microsoft Corporation | Personalized task recommendations |
| US8706297B2 (en) | 2009-06-18 | 2014-04-22 | Michael Todd Letsky | Method for establishing a desired area of confinement for an autonomous robot and autonomous robot implementing a control system for executing the same |
| US8799253B2 (en) | 2009-06-26 | 2014-08-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Presenting an assembled sequence of preview videos |
| US20110001020A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 | 2011-01-06 | Pavol Forgac | Quad tilt rotor aerial vehicle with stoppable rotors |
| US8515609B2 (en) | 2009-07-06 | 2013-08-20 | Honeywell International Inc. | Flight technical control management for an unmanned aerial vehicle |
| US9152945B2 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2015-10-06 | Sean Ward | Systems and methods for automated rental management |
| US20110022540A1 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-27 | Fmr Llc | Location-Based Address Determination and Real Estate Valuation |
| US10445796B2 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2019-10-15 | Mousiki Inc. | System and method for acquiring, comparing and evaluating property condition |
| US9842373B2 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2017-12-12 | Mousiki Inc. | System and method for acquiring, comparing and evaluating property condition |
| US9342532B2 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2016-05-17 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | System and method for real-time map-based lost and found |
| WO2011029476A1 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2011-03-17 | Abb Technology Ab | Improved pick and place |
| US20110066648A1 (en) | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Raj Vasant Abhyanker | Simultaneous reservation of brand identity |
| US8626699B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2014-01-07 | Microsoft Corporation | Construction of photo trip patterns based on geographical information |
| US8275546B2 (en) | 2009-09-29 | 2012-09-25 | Microsoft Corporation | Travelogue-based travel route planning |
| US20110082747A1 (en) | 2009-10-06 | 2011-04-07 | Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. | Mobile social networking enabled by bar codes |
| US20110084162A1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2011-04-14 | Honeywell International Inc. | Autonomous Payload Parsing Management System and Structure for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| US20110106658A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-05 | Barry Britt | Internet portal for mortgagee/renter pass-through subscription |
| DE102009052382A1 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2011-05-12 | Cargobeamer Ag | Method and cargo handling terminal for handling semi-trailers from rail to road and vice versa, as well as towing vehicles for semi-trailers and semitrailer tractors therefor, as well as methods of transhipping semi-trailers from rail to road and vice versa and for transporting semi-trailers on rail |
| US8443107B2 (en) | 2009-11-11 | 2013-05-14 | Digital Envoy, Inc. | Method, computer program product and electronic device for hyper-local geo-targeting |
| US20110114398A1 (en)* | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-19 | Bianco James S | Battery Power System for Plug In Hybrid Tractor Trailers |
| US9102339B2 (en) | 2009-11-27 | 2015-08-11 | Blach Holding Aps | Container-transfer system |
| US8264345B2 (en) | 2009-11-30 | 2012-09-11 | Baron Services, Inc. | System and method of providing real-time site specific information |
| US8504512B2 (en) | 2009-12-02 | 2013-08-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Identifying geospatial patterns from device data |
| JP5432688B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2014-03-05 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Mobile robot and its running stabilization method |
| US8635015B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2014-01-21 | Deere & Company | Enhanced visual landmark for localization |
| KR100985939B1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2010-10-06 | 김은순 | Management system and method for rooms of the hotel and the residence and the condominium |
| US8543143B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2013-09-24 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for grouping points-of-interest according to area names |
| FR2954736A1 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2011-07-01 | Gerard Grosse | CASE FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS HAVING A CONVEYING DEVICE |
| US9310806B2 (en) | 2010-01-06 | 2016-04-12 | Irobot Corporation | System for localization and obstacle detection using a common receiver |
| US8315389B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2012-11-20 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Geosecurity methods and devices using geotags derived from noisy location data from multiple sources |
| US8702108B2 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2014-04-22 | Zoomability Ab | Vehicle having a level compensation system |
| US8590828B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2013-11-26 | Robert Marcus | Rotocraft |
| US20110231268A1 (en) | 2010-03-17 | 2011-09-22 | Jay Ungos | Online barcode directory and systems for facilitating transactions utilizing the same |
| US8167234B1 (en) | 2010-03-21 | 2012-05-01 | Michael Moore | Insect-like micro air vehicle having perching, energy scavenging, crawling, and offensive payload capabilities |
| US8812345B2 (en) | 2010-04-02 | 2014-08-19 | Vivint, Inc. | Door to door sales management tool |
| US8391789B2 (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2013-03-05 | Nokia Corporation | Apparatus for facilitating peripheral device selection |
| US8346796B2 (en) | 2010-04-23 | 2013-01-01 | MobileRealtyApps.com, LLC | System for searching property listings based on location |
| US20130041862A1 (en) | 2010-04-23 | 2013-02-14 | Thomson Loicensing | Method and system for providing recommendations in a social network |
| US8723679B2 (en) | 2010-05-25 | 2014-05-13 | Public Engines, Inc. | Systems and methods for transmitting alert messages relating to events that occur within a pre-defined area |
| US8723872B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2014-05-13 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Display with robotic pixels |
| US20110318148A1 (en)* | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-29 | Obermeyer James H | Cable reeving system for lifting and loading |
| US8812147B2 (en) | 2010-08-02 | 2014-08-19 | Brightstar Corp. | Fulfilling orders for serialized products |
| US8150844B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2012-04-03 | Facebook, Inc. | Location ranking using social graph information |
| US8699370B2 (en) | 2010-08-24 | 2014-04-15 | Euclid, Inc. | Method and apparatus for analysis of user traffic within a predefined area |
| US8732219B1 (en) | 2010-08-25 | 2014-05-20 | United Services Automobile Association (Usaa) | Method and system for determining correlated geographic areas |
| DE102010040841A1 (en) | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for processing objects by means of a buffer and a sorting system. |
| US20120096098A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 | 2012-04-19 | Edward Balassanian | System and method for aggregating and displaying user provided content |
| US8418386B1 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2013-04-16 | D2 Auto Group LLC | Mobile vehicle display device |
| US8229470B1 (en) | 2010-10-22 | 2012-07-24 | Narus, Inc. | Correlating user interests and location in a mobile network |
| KR101069834B1 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2011-10-04 | 동국대학교 경주캠퍼스 산학협력단 | Apparatus and method for providing collaborative contents between neighbors in Pumadazon network using location information of smartphone |
| WO2012063220A2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2012-05-18 | Sky Sapience | Aerial unit and method for elevating payloads |
| US8718910B2 (en) | 2010-11-14 | 2014-05-06 | Pelmorex Canada Inc. | Crowd sourced traffic reporting |
| US20120143482A1 (en) | 2010-12-02 | 2012-06-07 | Honeywell International Inc. | Electronically file and fly unmanned aerial vehicle |
| US9187244B2 (en)* | 2010-12-15 | 2015-11-17 | Symbotic, LLC | BOT payload alignment and sensing |
| US8965619B2 (en)* | 2010-12-15 | 2015-02-24 | Symbotic, LLC | Bot having high speed stability |
| US20120166935A1 (en) | 2010-12-24 | 2012-06-28 | Trademarkia, Inc. | Automatic association of government brand information with domain and social media availability |
| US8798784B1 (en)* | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-05 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Robotic induction in materials handling facilities with batch singulation |
| US8718814B1 (en)* | 2010-12-29 | 2014-05-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Robotic induction and stowage in materials handling facilities |
| US9792636B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2017-10-17 | Dwolla, Inc. | Social network transaction processing system |
| US9218515B2 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2015-12-22 | Brian Joseph Niedermeyer | Radio frequency identification communication and applications thereof |
| US20120232958A1 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2012-09-13 | Bar & Club Statistics, Inc. | Systems and methods for dynamic venue demographics and marketing |
| US20120239503A1 (en) | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-20 | Cohen Peter C | Shared interactive mobile advertising platform system and method |
| KR101115742B1 (en) | 2011-03-17 | 2012-07-09 | 이정갑 | Method and server of auction |
| US8868443B2 (en) | 2011-03-17 | 2014-10-21 | Ebay Inc. | Targeted incentive actions based on location and intent |
| US9146559B2 (en) | 2011-03-18 | 2015-09-29 | The Raymond Corporation | System and method for gathering video data related to operation of an autonomous industrial vehicle |
| US9547945B2 (en)* | 2011-03-18 | 2017-01-17 | The Raymond Corporation | Integration of an autonomous industrial vehicle into an asset management system |
| US8433469B2 (en)* | 2011-03-18 | 2013-04-30 | The Raymond Corporation | Communication technique by which an autonomous guidance system controls an industrial vehicle |
| US8688594B2 (en) | 2011-03-23 | 2014-04-01 | Bank Of America Corporation | Self-service home buying |
| US20120254774A1 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2012-10-04 | Banjo, Inc. | Method for managing a local messaging platform |
| US20130041761A1 (en) | 2011-04-07 | 2013-02-14 | Jeffrey Allen Voda | Location based advertising asset tracking system and method |
| US8548493B2 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2013-10-01 | Navteq B.V. | Location tracking |
| US20120278743A1 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2012-11-01 | Microsoft Corporation | Common interface for multiple network services |
| US20170109667A1 (en) | 2011-05-08 | 2017-04-20 | Panaya Ltd. | Automaton-Based Identification of Executions of a Business Process |
| WO2012156417A1 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2012-11-22 | K & K Maschinenentwicklungs Gmbh & Co. Kg | Railway work vehicle |
| US9190304B2 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2015-11-17 | Brooks Automation, Inc. | Dynamic storage and transfer system integrated with autonomous guided/roving vehicle |
| US9520012B2 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2016-12-13 | Bby Solutions, Inc. | Retail location robotic wall system and mobile retail sales vehicle |
| US20130159127A1 (en) | 2011-06-10 | 2013-06-20 | Lucas J. Myslinski | Method of and system for rating sources for fact checking |
| EP2535034B1 (en) | 2011-06-17 | 2014-04-23 | Kiro Robotics S.L. | Machine and method for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication |
| US8936366B2 (en) | 2011-06-17 | 2015-01-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Illuminated skin robot display |
| US20170183159A1 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2017-06-29 | Seegrid Corporation | Robot-enabled case picking |
| US8688366B2 (en) | 2011-07-19 | 2014-04-01 | Navteq B.V. | Method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information |
| BR112014004808A2 (en)* | 2011-08-29 | 2017-05-30 | Crow Equipment Corp | system method and vehicle |
| WO2013033179A1 (en)* | 2011-08-29 | 2013-03-07 | Crown Equipment Corporation | Vehicular navigation control interface |
| JP5776934B2 (en) | 2011-09-02 | 2015-09-09 | 株式会社ダイフク | Article processing equipment |
| TWI622540B (en)* | 2011-09-09 | 2018-05-01 | 辛波提克有限責任公司 | Automated storage and handling system |
| US20130063026A1 (en) | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-14 | Keith Stickley | Towed Vehicle Light-Sensitive External Lighting Control Device |
| US8827200B2 (en) | 2011-09-16 | 2014-09-09 | Bogdan Radu | Flying vehicle |
| US20130073474A1 (en) | 2011-09-16 | 2013-03-21 | Sarah Young | Social network and location-based employment placement system and method |
| WO2013042275A1 (en) | 2011-09-22 | 2013-03-28 | ヤマトホールディングス株式会社 | Picking gate and picking system |
| US8666660B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2014-03-04 | Blackberry Limited | Method, system and apparatus for determining geofence data based on estimated time of arrival |
| US20130103437A1 (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2013-04-25 | Mark J. Nelson | Digital method for providing transportation services related applications |
| US8655873B2 (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2014-02-18 | Geofeedr, Inc. | System and method for aggregating and distributing geotagged content |
| US20130105635A1 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2013-05-02 | King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau | Quad tilt rotor vertical take off and landing (vtol) unmanned aerial vehicle (uav) with 45 degree rotors |
| WO2013074969A1 (en) | 2011-11-16 | 2013-05-23 | University Of South Florida | Systems and method for communicating robot intentions to human beings |
| US8463295B1 (en) | 2011-12-07 | 2013-06-11 | Ebay Inc. | Systems and methods for generating location-based group recommendations |
| US8739986B2 (en) | 2011-12-08 | 2014-06-03 | Effizient, LLC | Retail cart |
| WO2013095297A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-27 | Ocws Logistics Pte Ltd | A system and method for managing transportation resources and transporting freight containers |
| US9739864B2 (en) | 2012-01-03 | 2017-08-22 | Ascentia Imaging, Inc. | Optical guidance systems and methods using mutually distinct signal-modifying |
| US20130173380A1 (en) | 2012-01-04 | 2013-07-04 | Homaira Akbari | System and Method for Mobile Advertising Configuration |
| US20130240673A1 (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2013-09-19 | Kevin Schlosser | Enabling multiple autonomous cargo deliveries in a single mission |
| EP2637369A1 (en) | 2012-03-06 | 2013-09-11 | Alcatel Lucent | Process for sending an electronic file to at least one contact of a user |
| US8660541B1 (en) | 2012-04-11 | 2014-02-25 | WhitePages, Inc. | Provision of location-based venue information |
| US9384668B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2016-07-05 | Singularity University | Transportation using network of unmanned aerial vehicles |
| US8671106B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2014-03-11 | Google Inc. | Indicators for entities corresponding to search suggestions |
| US9031779B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2015-05-12 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | System and method for hazard detection and sharing |
| US8291041B1 (en) | 2012-05-31 | 2012-10-16 | Google Inc. | Systems and methods for disseminating content to remote devices |
| WO2013188762A1 (en) | 2012-06-15 | 2013-12-19 | Pathfinders International, Llc | Gps pathfinder cell phone and method |
| KR101396403B1 (en) | 2012-07-09 | 2014-05-30 | 주식회사 이음소시어스 | Method and system for providing social network service |
| US20140025233A1 (en) | 2012-07-17 | 2014-01-23 | Elwha Llc | Unmanned device utilization methods and systems |
| US9798325B2 (en) | 2012-07-17 | 2017-10-24 | Elwha Llc | Unmanned device interaction methods and systems |
| KR101441187B1 (en) | 2012-07-19 | 2014-09-18 | 고려대학교 산학협력단 | Method for planning path for a humanoid robot |
| US20190135535A9 (en) | 2012-07-23 | 2019-05-09 | Oren Technologies, Llc | Cradle for proppant container having tapered box guides |
| US8794566B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2014-08-05 | Neurosciences Research Foundation, Inc. | Vehicle capable of stabilizing a payload when in motion |
| US9230236B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2016-01-05 | Daniel Judge Villamar | Automated delivery vehicle, systems and methods for automated delivery |
| JP5559278B2 (en) | 2012-09-19 | 2014-07-23 | ファナック株式会社 | Multicolor molded article manufacturing method and injection molding system |
| US9527586B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2016-12-27 | Elwha Llc | Inter-vehicle flight attribute communication for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) |
| US9669926B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2017-06-06 | Elwha Llc | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location confirmance |
| MX361792B (en) | 2013-01-20 | 2018-12-17 | Wynright Corp | Automated truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product from trailers and containers. |
| US8844994B2 (en) | 2013-01-23 | 2014-09-30 | 19Th Hole Cart Llc | Golf cart vending service unit |
| US20140222908A1 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2014-08-07 | Nextdoor.Com, Inc. | Methods and systems for a location-based online social network |
| US20140258168A1 (en)* | 2013-03-07 | 2014-09-11 | Darryl George Crawford | Automated Pickup & Delivery System |
| US9080367B2 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2015-07-14 | Lift Tech Holdings, Llc | Automatic door opener for delivery trucks |
| US9075415B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2015-07-07 | Airphrame, Inc. | Unmanned aerial vehicle and methods for controlling same |
| US20140279658A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Systems and methods of suggesting attended delivery/pickup locations |
| US20140316243A1 (en) | 2013-04-17 | 2014-10-23 | Brian J. Niedermeyer | Systems and techniques for delivery and medical support |
| US20140351163A1 (en) | 2013-05-21 | 2014-11-27 | Kevin Alan Tussy | System and method for personalized delivery verification |
| DE102013106640B8 (en) | 2013-06-25 | 2015-03-05 | Motum | Storage and picking system for picking with autonomously movable storage and retrieval machines |
| US9256852B1 (en)* | 2013-07-01 | 2016-02-09 | Google Inc. | Autonomous delivery platform |
| US10551851B2 (en) | 2013-07-01 | 2020-02-04 | Steven Sounyoung Yu | Autonomous unmanned road vehicle for making deliveries |
| US9785911B2 (en) | 2013-07-25 | 2017-10-10 | I AM Robotics, LLC | System and method for piece-picking or put-away with a mobile manipulation robot |
| USD710454S1 (en) | 2013-08-15 | 2014-08-05 | Traxxas Lp | Canopy for a quadrotor model helicopter |
| US9127872B1 (en) | 2013-09-25 | 2015-09-08 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Mobile storage units for delivery |
| DE102013016118A1 (en) | 2013-09-26 | 2015-03-26 | Grenzebach Maschinenbau Gmbh | Transport vehicle and method for trouble-free transport of load racks in factory halls with partially autonomous driving |
| DE102013016381A1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Grenzebach Maschinenbau Gmbh | Transport vehicle and method for the trouble-free transport of load racks in factory halls with radio shading and with partially autonomous driving operation |
| US10069456B2 (en)* | 2013-10-02 | 2018-09-04 | Lt 350, Llc | Methods for loading battery storage compartments into a solar canopy support structure |
| US8818081B1 (en) | 2013-10-16 | 2014-08-26 | Google Inc. | 3D model updates using crowdsourced video |
| CA2927096C (en) | 2013-10-26 | 2023-02-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system |
| US20150132092A1 (en)* | 2013-11-08 | 2015-05-14 | Jack Rust Burrell | Self-contained self-leveling moving and storage container and system |
| DE102013019368A1 (en)* | 2013-11-18 | 2015-05-21 | Grenzebach Maschinenbau Gmbh | Method and device for the largely automated assembly of goods deliveries in warehouses |
| KR20150058679A (en) | 2013-11-20 | 2015-05-29 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Apparatus and method for localization of autonomous vehicle in a complex |
| US8989053B1 (en)* | 2013-11-29 | 2015-03-24 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Association management in a wireless node network |
| GB2534820A (en)* | 2013-12-02 | 2016-08-03 | Wal Mart Stores Inc | System and method for placing an order using a local device |
| US8825226B1 (en) | 2013-12-17 | 2014-09-02 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Deployment of mobile automated vehicles |
| CA2934513C (en)* | 2013-12-19 | 2022-03-01 | Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing Inc. | Radius rotating flatbed |
| US20150178678A1 (en)* | 2013-12-20 | 2015-06-25 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | Product delivery systems and methods |
| US10839336B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2020-11-17 | Flir Detection, Inc. | Unmanned delivery |
| WO2015103411A1 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2015-07-09 | Blacknight Holdings, Llc | Landing pad for unmanned aerial vehicle delivery |
| US20150202770A1 (en) | 2014-01-17 | 2015-07-23 | Anthony Patron | Sidewalk messaging of an autonomous robot |
| US20150206230A1 (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2015-07-23 | John Milner McCary, SR. | Internet, Goods, Services, Location, Shipping and Assembly |
| US20170262800A1 (en)* | 2014-01-27 | 2017-09-14 | Wayne Dorpfeld | Apparatus and method of securely delivering and receiving packages |
| US10192189B2 (en)* | 2014-02-13 | 2019-01-29 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Mobile pickup locations |
| US9990601B2 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2018-06-05 | Bruce E. Stuckman | System, delivery device and methods for use therewith |
| US9266624B2 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2016-02-23 | The Boeing Company | Systems and methods for movement of objects |
| US9436926B2 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2016-09-06 | Savioke, Inc. | Entryway based authentication system |
| FR3018047A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2015-09-04 | Inst Francais De Mecanique Avancee | ROBOTIC UNIT FOR TRANSPORTING LONG LOADS |
| US9852392B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2017-12-26 | Nokia Technologies Oy | 3D model and beacon for automatic delivery of goods |
| KR20150104863A (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-16 | 정우성 | The manless receiving system of the delivered package using an unmanned aerial vehicles |
| US20150269520A1 (en) | 2014-03-21 | 2015-09-24 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Establishment of a transient warehouse |
| CN106458447B (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2019-05-28 | 瓦斯菲·阿希达法特 | Autonomous ground station coupled with aerial delivery |
| DE102014105583A1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2015-10-15 | Deutsche Post Ag | Arrangement for transferring a consignment |
| US9146557B1 (en) | 2014-04-23 | 2015-09-29 | King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals | Adaptive control method for unmanned vehicle with slung load |
| US9990684B2 (en) | 2014-05-01 | 2018-06-05 | Sammy Hejazi | Mailport for automated parcel carriers |
| EP3137401B1 (en) | 2014-05-02 | 2018-08-01 | ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB | Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment |
| DE102014106689B4 (en) | 2014-05-12 | 2023-01-19 | Deutsche Post Ag | Method for delivering at least one shipment |
| US9505559B1 (en)* | 2014-05-12 | 2016-11-29 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Dedicated network delivery systems |
| US9688403B2 (en) | 2014-05-20 | 2017-06-27 | Infatics, Inc. | Method for adaptive mission execution on an unmanned aerial vehicle |
| CA2951151A1 (en) | 2014-06-04 | 2015-12-10 | Intelligrated Headquarters Llc | Truck unloader visualization |
| US9494937B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2016-11-15 | Verizon Telematics Inc. | Method and system for drone deliveries to vehicles in route |
| US9971985B2 (en)* | 2014-06-20 | 2018-05-15 | Raj Abhyanker | Train based community |
| US10204465B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2019-02-12 | Ebay Inc. | Handshake authenticated coded locked container |
| US20160012393A1 (en)* | 2014-07-14 | 2016-01-14 | Nutex Communications Corp. | Parcel delivery method using an unmanned aerial vehicle |
| US10163177B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-12-25 | Emmett Farris | System and method for controlling drone delivery or pick up during a delivery or pick up phase of drone operation |
| US9734367B1 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2017-08-15 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Distinguishing RFID tags using motion data |
| US10518409B2 (en) | 2014-09-02 | 2019-12-31 | Mark Oleynik | Robotic manipulation methods and systems for executing a domain-specific application in an instrumented environment with electronic minimanipulation libraries |
| WO2016033795A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. | Velocity control for an unmanned aerial vehicle |
| US9359074B2 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2016-06-07 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Methods, systems and devices for delivery drone security |
| US9567168B1 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2017-02-14 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Mobile crossdock |
| US9459620B1 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2016-10-04 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Human interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles |
| US9868596B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2018-01-16 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Automated loading system |
| US9754496B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2017-09-05 | Elwha Llc | System and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft |
| US9248834B1 (en) | 2014-10-02 | 2016-02-02 | Google Inc. | Predicting trajectories of objects based on contextual information |
| US20160104099A1 (en)* | 2014-10-13 | 2016-04-14 | Daniel Villamar | System and method for enhancing an automated delivery system |
| WO2016063197A1 (en) | 2014-10-20 | 2016-04-28 | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University | Warehouse system and transfer vehicle |
| CN107077657A (en) | 2014-10-20 | 2017-08-18 | 美国联合包裹服务公司 | Systems and methods for facilitating procurement of items |
| US9244147B1 (en)* | 2014-10-22 | 2016-01-26 | Google Inc. | Automated package delivery to a delivery receptacle |
| US9524648B1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2016-12-20 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Countermeasures for threats to an uncrewed autonomous vehicle |
| DE102014116882B4 (en)* | 2014-11-18 | 2018-05-24 | B. Strautmann & Söhne GmbH u. Co. KG | Method for taking feed from silos |
| US9840340B2 (en) | 2014-12-09 | 2017-12-12 | Dan O'Toole | Drone docking station and delivery system |
| US9536216B1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2017-01-03 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Delivery of packages by unmanned aerial vehicles |
| US10214354B2 (en)* | 2014-12-18 | 2019-02-26 | Nextshift Robotics, Inc. | Method and system for automated transport of items |
| US9527605B1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-12-27 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Multi-use unmanned aerial vehicle docking station |
| US9305280B1 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2016-04-05 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Airborne fulfillment center utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles for item delivery |
| US9833097B2 (en)* | 2015-02-13 | 2017-12-05 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Smart postal box in support of autonomous delivery nodes |
| US10176447B2 (en) | 2015-02-16 | 2019-01-08 | International Business Machines Corporation | Autonomous delivery of items |
| US9540121B2 (en) | 2015-02-25 | 2017-01-10 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Pre-flight self test for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) |
| US10162353B2 (en) | 2015-03-03 | 2018-12-25 | PreNav, Inc. | Scanning environments and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles |
| DE102015003381B3 (en)* | 2015-03-17 | 2016-07-21 | Karlsruher Institut für Technologie | Method for controlling a material flow system |
| US9561941B1 (en) | 2015-03-30 | 2017-02-07 | X Development Llc | Autonomous approach and object pickup |
| US9688489B1 (en)* | 2015-03-30 | 2017-06-27 | X Development Llc | Modular dock for facilities integration |
| US9457970B1 (en) | 2015-03-30 | 2016-10-04 | Google Inc. | Modular cross-docking system |
| SG11201708005YA (en)* | 2015-03-31 | 2017-10-30 | Next Future Transp Inc | Selectively combineable independent driving vehicles |
| JP6182279B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2017-08-16 | 株式会社Ｕｂｉｃ | Data analysis system, data analysis method, data analysis program, and recording medium |
| US20160307449A1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2016-10-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Autonomous drone service system |
| US11023846B2 (en) | 2015-04-24 | 2021-06-01 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Location-based pick up and delivery services |
| US9616773B2 (en)* | 2015-05-11 | 2017-04-11 | Uber Technologies, Inc. | Detecting objects within a vehicle in connection with a service |
| US10435241B2 (en) | 2015-06-02 | 2019-10-08 | Alert Innovation Inc. | Storage and retrieval system |
| US9786187B1 (en) | 2015-06-09 | 2017-10-10 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Transportation network utilizing autonomous vehicles for transporting items |
| US9567021B2 (en)* | 2015-06-11 | 2017-02-14 | Christopher Mailey | Dynamically stable stair climbing home robot |
| US9567081B1 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2017-02-14 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Maneuvering a package following in-flight release from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) |
| DE102015111888A1 (en)* | 2015-07-22 | 2017-01-26 | Deutsche Post Ag | Method, distribution vehicle and system for the autonomous delivery and / or collection of at least one shipment |
| US20170038780A1 (en) | 2015-08-04 | 2017-02-09 | Gerald N. Fandetti | Method of drone delivery using aircraft |
| CA2994164A1 (en) | 2015-08-07 | 2017-02-16 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | Apparatus and method for updating directions to a container |
| IL244096A0 (en) | 2015-08-09 | 2016-07-31 | Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd | Grip for moving an article |
| US10430744B2 (en)* | 2015-08-21 | 2019-10-01 | Autodesk, Inc. | Robot service platform |
| US9611595B2 (en)* | 2015-08-25 | 2017-04-04 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | System for communications between plant and machines |
| US10137566B2 (en) | 2015-09-09 | 2018-11-27 | Bastian Solutions, Llc | Automated guided vehicle (AGV) with batch picking robotic arm |
| US20150379468A1 (en) | 2015-09-12 | 2015-12-31 | Thomas Danaher Harvey | Methods for delivery to multiple locations using autonomous vehicles |
| US20170090484A1 (en) | 2015-09-29 | 2017-03-30 | T-Mobile U.S.A., Inc. | Drone-based personal delivery system |
| EP3362865B1 (en) | 2015-10-13 | 2021-07-21 | Starship Technologies OÜ | Method and system for autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery |
| US9682481B2 (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2017-06-20 | X Development Llc | Communication of information regarding a robot using an optical identifier |
| US10048697B1 (en) | 2015-10-29 | 2018-08-14 | Vecna Technologies, Inc. | Mobile robot with conveyor system |
| DE102015221337A1 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-04 | Keba Ag | Method and control system for controlling the movements of articulated arms of an industrial robot as well as motion specification means used thereby |
| US20170120794A1 (en)* | 2015-11-04 | 2017-05-04 | Gerard Muegerl | Dual Axis Tow Lift |
| WO2017079404A1 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2017-05-11 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | Targeted location product delivery systems and methods |
| EP3374263A4 (en) | 2015-11-10 | 2019-05-08 | Matternet, Inc. | METHODS AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS USING PILOT-FREE AIR VEHICLES |
| WO2017085316A1 (en) | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-26 | Ocado Innovation Limited | Secured container system for unattended deliveries |
| US9858707B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2018-01-02 | Daqri, Llc | 3D video reconstruction system |
| US11533240B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2022-12-20 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Automatic recommendations for deployments in a data center |
| EP3405916B1 (en)* | 2016-01-21 | 2023-08-09 | Zoetis Denmark Aps | A system and a method for collecting batches of food |
| US9645581B1 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2017-05-09 | Zerotech (Shenzhen) Intelligence Robot Co., Ltd | Method and apparatus for navigating unmanned aerial vehicle |
| CN205507865U (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2016-08-24 | 常州信息职业技术学院 | Automatic receiving system of unmanned aerial vehicle express delivery |
| US11087272B2 (en) | 2016-03-29 | 2021-08-10 | Bossa Nova Robotics Ip, Inc. | System and method for locating, identifying and counting items |
| MX382093B (en)* | 2016-05-04 | 2025-03-13 | Walmart Apollo Llc | DISTRIBUTED AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SYSTEMS AND METHODS. |
| US10994954B2 (en) | 2016-06-30 | 2021-05-04 | Sandbox Enterprises, Llc | Bulk material shipping container unloader |
| US20180008076A1 (en) | 2016-07-06 | 2018-01-11 | Mahasweta Mitra | Smart Mailbox Device |
| CN109478306A (en)* | 2016-07-15 | 2019-03-15 | Cj大韩通运 | Unmanned Delivery System Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles |
| SG10201606948XA (en)* | 2016-08-19 | 2018-03-28 | Mastercard Asia Pacific Pte Ltd | Item delivery management systems and methods |
| US11429917B2 (en)* | 2016-09-02 | 2022-08-30 | Home Valet, Inc. | System and method for robotic delivery |
| US9990521B2 (en)* | 2016-09-06 | 2018-06-05 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Bundled unit identification and tracking |
| US10245993B1 (en)* | 2016-09-29 | 2019-04-02 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Modular autonomous ground vehicles |
| US10460280B2 (en)* | 2016-10-11 | 2019-10-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | Methods and systems for multiple drone delivery system |
| GB2555130A (en)* | 2016-10-20 | 2018-04-25 | Deutsche Post Ag | Transportation vehicle for mobile sorting of shipments |
| CN106428263B (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2018-10-16 | 桂林电子科技大学 | Trolley is sent in a kind of full-automatic express delivery with charge free |
| US10304147B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2019-05-28 | Kevin Kelly | Drive-thru / point-of-sale automated transaction technologies and apparatus |
| US10373097B2 (en)* | 2016-11-16 | 2019-08-06 | Staples, Inc. | Autonomous multimodal logistics |
| US10338591B2 (en)* | 2016-11-22 | 2019-07-02 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Methods for autonomously navigating across uncontrolled and controlled intersections |
| US10099598B2 (en)* | 2016-12-30 | 2018-10-16 | Michael H Gurin | Reconfigurable shared use vehicle |
| US10949792B2 (en)* | 2016-12-30 | 2021-03-16 | United States Postal Service | System and method for delivering items using autonomous vehicles and receptacle targets |
| US10160366B1 (en)* | 2017-01-19 | 2018-12-25 | Kevin Lee Rampley | Rollback dump truck |
| CA3050729A1 (en)* | 2017-01-30 | 2018-08-02 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems and methods for resolving issues in a distributed autonomous robot system |
| WO2018140690A1 (en)* | 2017-01-30 | 2018-08-02 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems and methods for distributed autonomous robot interfacing using live image feeds |
| US11136189B2 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2021-10-05 | Get Fabric Ltd | Robotic delivery and retrieval of crates to and from non-uniformly sized storage spaces in a versatile shelving array |
| US10940998B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2021-03-09 | Opex Corporation | Automated storage and retrieval system |
| AU2018224834B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2023-04-27 | Opex Corporation | Automated storage and retrieval systems and methods |
| WO2018156292A1 (en)* | 2017-02-24 | 2018-08-30 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems and methods for delivering products via unmanned mobile lockers |
| WO2018165670A1 (en)* | 2017-03-10 | 2018-09-13 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | System and method for automated handoff between unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous ground vehicles |
| WO2018183272A1 (en)* | 2017-03-29 | 2018-10-04 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Smart apparatus and method for retail work flow management |
| US9952589B1 (en) | 2017-03-30 | 2018-04-24 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Inventory system with swiveling vertically mobile drive units |
| US10252659B2 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2019-04-09 | Intel Corporation | Autonomous mobile goods transfer |
| US10343881B2 (en)* | 2017-04-24 | 2019-07-09 | Ching Qing Guo | Automatic batch picking robot |
| US10028606B1 (en)* | 2017-05-04 | 2018-07-24 | John K. Ritchie | Protected unmanned vehicle delivery receptacle |
| US20180330319A1 (en)* | 2017-05-10 | 2018-11-15 | Ping Liang | Autonomous vehicles for efficient transportation and delivery of packages |
| US20180330325A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2018-11-15 | Zippy Inc. | Method for indicating delivery location and software for same |
| JP6720920B2 (en)* | 2017-05-26 | 2020-07-08 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Tire pressure detection system |
| US10464500B2 (en) | 2017-05-29 | 2019-11-05 | Aamp Of Florida, Inc. | Aftermarket head unit interface and protocol converter cartridge |
| JP6870517B2 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2021-05-12 | 株式会社ダイフク | Transport vehicle and transport equipment |
| US20190031075A1 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2019-01-31 | Koch | Autonomous Delivery Platform |
| EP3659077A4 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2021-05-26 | Nuro, Inc. | FOOD AND BEVERAGE DELIVERY SYSTEM ON AN AUTONOMOUS AND SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE |
| US10026054B1 (en)* | 2017-08-04 | 2018-07-17 | Newtonoid Technologies, L.L.C. | Systems and methods for receiving packages delivered by unmanned vehicles |
| JP6946861B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-10-13 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Automatic driving evaluation device and automatic driving evaluation method |
| US10535035B2 (en)* | 2017-08-31 | 2020-01-14 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems and methods for delivering products to multiple delivery destinations via autonomous transport vehicles |
| US10948912B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2021-03-16 | Passion Mobility Ltd. | Automatic following system and method |
| US11099562B1 (en)* | 2017-11-02 | 2021-08-24 | AI Incorporated | Autonomous delivery device |
| US20210216955A1 (en)* | 2017-11-07 | 2021-07-15 | Arrival Limited | Augmented reality based package finding assistance system |
| MY188417A (en) | 2017-11-14 | 2021-12-08 | Hai Robotics Co Ltd | Automated guided vehicle designed for warehouse |
| US10343286B2 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2019-07-09 | Starship Technologies Oü | Storage system, use and method with robotic parcel retrieval and loading onto a delivery vehicle |
| JP6958369B2 (en)* | 2018-01-12 | 2021-11-02 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Judgment system, judgment method, and authentication information control system |
| US10809745B2 (en)* | 2018-01-15 | 2020-10-20 | Motogo, Llc | System and method of last mile delivery |
| US20190220032A1 (en)* | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-18 | Eliport, Inc. | Autonomous delivery system with autonomous delivery vehicles and dedicated delivery receiving stations |
| US10467581B2 (en)* | 2018-01-19 | 2019-11-05 | Udelv Inc. | Delivery management system |
| JP6935760B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2021-09-15 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Collection and delivery system and information processing equipment |
| JP2019139264A (en) | 2018-02-06 | 2019-08-22 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, collection and delivery system, collection and delivery method and program |
| WO2019171917A1 (en)* | 2018-03-05 | 2019-09-12 | 日本電気株式会社 | Information processing device, information processing method and information processing program |
| US20190322504A1 (en)* | 2018-04-18 | 2019-10-24 | Christopher Edward Raab. | Autonmous Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Device |
| US10427873B1 (en)* | 2018-05-29 | 2019-10-01 | Schaefer Systems International, Inc. | Cluster-based-system and method for E-commerce-order fulfillment |
| JP2021527204A (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2021-10-11 | デカ・プロダクツ・リミテッド・パートナーシップ | Systems and methods for delivery multipurpose service execution |
| US11352016B2 (en) | 2018-06-12 | 2022-06-07 | Autostore Technology AS | Storage system |
| CN112218806B (en) | 2018-06-12 | 2022-11-29 | 自动存储科技股份有限公司 | Storage system |
| US11259663B2 (en)* | 2018-12-06 | 2022-03-01 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Containment unit for facilitating parcel delivery by unmanned aerial vehicles |
| US11420338B2 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2022-08-23 | Toyota Research Institute, Inc. | Assistive robot systems for container tilting |
| US10834523B1 (en)* | 2019-01-14 | 2020-11-10 | Accelerate Labs, Llc | Identification of delivery zones for autonomous vehicles, rovers, and drones |
| US11392141B2 (en) | 2019-01-17 | 2022-07-19 | United States Postal Service | Methods and systems for coordinating cargo delivery, pick up, and transportation |
| US11806861B2 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2023-11-07 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Multi-use mobile robot and methods of use |
| US20200311674A1 (en)* | 2019-03-29 | 2020-10-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method and apparatus for facilitating a vehicle as a delivery site |
| CA3136339A1 (en)* | 2019-05-02 | 2020-11-05 | Ian W. Hunter | Electric bicycle |
| US11607804B2 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2023-03-21 | X Development Llc | Robot configuration with three-dimensional lidar |
| US11077554B2 (en) | 2019-05-31 | 2021-08-03 | Mujin, Inc. | Controller and control method for robotic system |
| US11055656B2 (en)* | 2019-06-06 | 2021-07-06 | Motogo, Llc | Systems and methods of package container return |
| US11521160B2 (en)* | 2019-06-13 | 2022-12-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Intelligent vehicle delivery |
| US11780676B2 (en) | 2019-08-14 | 2023-10-10 | Opex Corporation | Systems and methods for managing inventory |
| US10846646B1 (en)* | 2019-08-26 | 2020-11-24 | Coupang Corp. | Computerized systems and methods for facilitating package redelivery |
| DE102020005987A1 (en) | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-15 | Sew-Eurodrive Gmbh & Co Kg | System and method for transporting goods |
| US11958397B2 (en) | 2019-12-12 | 2024-04-16 | Revolutionary Truck Systems | Container transfer system |
| US11130242B1 (en) | 2020-01-23 | 2021-09-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Container transporter |
| CN111267127B (en) | 2020-02-24 | 2021-04-13 | 陕西科技大学 | A multifunctional intelligent distribution robot |
| CA3171234A1 (en) | 2020-03-12 | 2021-09-16 | Kenneth HAMEL | Baggage and parcel handling system |
| JP6961739B2 (en)* | 2020-03-12 | 2021-11-05 | 楽天グループ株式会社 | Delivery management device, delivery system, and delivery management method |
| EP3886016A1 (en)* | 2020-03-27 | 2021-09-29 | Sony Group Corporation | Safeguarded delivery of goods by unmanned aerial vehicles |
| EP3888704A1 (en) | 2020-04-03 | 2021-10-06 | Gibotech A/S | System for opening and/or closing a lid of a container containing medical equipment in a sterile processing department |
| US11708042B2 (en)* | 2021-03-17 | 2023-07-25 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Seatbelt system with inflatable cushions |
- 2017
- 2017-09-18USUS15/707,743patent/US20180330325A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2017-09-18USUS15/707,549patent/US10345818B2/enactiveActive
- 2017-09-18USUS15/707,430patent/US11009886B2/enactiveActive
- 2017-09-18USUS15/707,313patent/US10520948B2/enactiveActive
- 2017-09-18USUS15/707,468patent/US10459450B2/enactiveActive
- 2019
- 2019-07-08USUS16/505,565patent/US11366479B2/enactiveActive
- 2019-10-28USUS16/666,182patent/US10852739B2/enactiveActive
- 2019-12-22USUS16/724,340patent/US20200125110A1/enactivePending
- 2020
- 2020-12-01USUS17/107,951patent/US11507100B2/enactiveActive
- 2021
- 2021-05-18USUS17/323,771patent/US11768501B2/enactiveActive
- 2022
- 2022-06-21USUS17/845,975patent/US12032382B2/enactiveActive
- 2022-11-22USUS17/992,379patent/US12050469B2/enactiveActive
- 2024
- 2024-07-30USUS18/789,308patent/US20240385615A1/enactivePending
Cited By (44)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US12145798B2 (en) | 2017-03-20 | 2024-11-19 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12282321B2 (en) | 2017-03-23 | 2025-04-22 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated mobile matrix carriers |
| US20210271256A1 (en)* | 2017-05-12 | 2021-09-02 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot Pickup Method |
| US10459450B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-10-29 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
| US10520948B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-12-31 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery method |
| US12050469B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2024-07-30 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
| US11768501B2 (en)* | 2017-05-12 | 2023-09-26 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot pickup method |
| US10852739B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2020-12-01 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
| US11507100B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-11-22 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
| US11009886B2 (en)* | 2017-05-12 | 2021-05-18 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot pickup method |
| US11366479B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-06-21 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot transport method with transportation container |
| US12138778B1 (en)* | 2017-09-13 | 2024-11-12 | AI Incorporated | Control system for robotic devices |
| US20220002080A1 (en)* | 2017-10-27 | 2022-01-06 | Berkshire Grey, Inc. | Mobile carriers for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12195274B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2025-01-14 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Mobile carriers for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12098027B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2024-09-24 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Maintenance systems for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12252340B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2025-03-18 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Movement systems and method for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12157632B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2024-12-03 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Discontinuous grid system for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US12157631B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2024-12-03 | Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc. | Bin infeed and removal systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems |
| US10421326B2 (en)* | 2017-11-30 | 2019-09-24 | Facebook, Inc. | Driven platform with tilting suspension |
| US10890913B1 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2021-01-12 | Facebook, Inc. | Differential drive robotic platform and assembly |
| US10710404B2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-07-14 | Facebook, Inc. | Driven caster wheel and assembly |
| US10678242B2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-06-09 | Facebook, Inc. | Differential drive robotic platform and assembly |
| US20220048190A1 (en)* | 2018-02-26 | 2022-02-17 | dogugonggan Co., Ltd. | Method of controlling mobile robot, apparatus for supporting the method, and delivery system using mobile robot |
| US12030190B2 (en)* | 2018-02-26 | 2024-07-09 | dogugonggan Co., Ltd. | Method of controlling mobile robot, apparatus for supporting the method, and delivery system using mobile robot |
| US11338866B2 (en)* | 2018-05-31 | 2022-05-24 | Uatc, Llc | Movable front shield for vehicles |
| US12128961B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2024-10-29 | Uatc, Llc | Movable front shield for vehicles |
| US11587034B2 (en) | 2018-11-19 | 2023-02-21 | Syrius Robotics Co., Ltd. | Robot-based warehouse order picking method, apparatus and system, electronic device, and storage medium |
| US11517134B2 (en)* | 2019-03-04 | 2022-12-06 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Movable body and method of using the same |
| US20210228010A1 (en)* | 2019-03-11 | 2021-07-29 | Rakuten, Inc. | Delivery system, control device, delivery method, and control method |
| US11986114B2 (en)* | 2019-03-11 | 2024-05-21 | Rakuten Group, Inc. | Delivery system, control device, delivery method, and control method |
| US11782458B2 (en)* | 2019-06-14 | 2023-10-10 | Rebecca Romanucci | Parcel deploying apparatus and vehicle delivery |
| US20200393854A1 (en)* | 2019-06-14 | 2020-12-17 | Rebecca Romanucci | Parcel deploying apparatus and vehicle delivery |
| US20210362335A1 (en)* | 2019-07-12 | 2021-11-25 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Robot and method for manage item using same |
| DE102019129771A1 (en)* | 2019-11-05 | 2021-05-06 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Self-propelled transport module |
| DE102019219660A1 (en)* | 2019-12-16 | 2021-06-17 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Process for creating navigation aids for delivery robots, system for creating navigation aids for delivery robots |
| DE102019219660B4 (en)* | 2019-12-16 | 2025-05-15 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method for creating navigation aids for delivery robots, system for creating navigation aids for delivery robots |
| US12360528B2 (en)* | 2020-08-19 | 2025-07-15 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Bi-directional autonomous logistics vehicles |
| US20220057797A1 (en)* | 2020-08-19 | 2022-02-24 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Bi-directional autonomous logistics vehicles |
| US20220250527A1 (en)* | 2021-02-10 | 2022-08-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Automated Systems And Methods For Transferring Packages From A Vehicle To A Curbside Locker Box |
| US11560079B2 (en)* | 2021-02-10 | 2023-01-24 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Automated systems and methods for transferring packages from a vehicle to a curbside locker box |
| US12164895B2 (en)* | 2021-03-31 | 2024-12-10 | Beijing Boe Technology Development Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for application deployment in software-as-a-service platform and storage medium |
| US20240176605A1 (en)* | 2021-03-31 | 2024-05-30 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for application deployment in software-as-a-service platform and storage medium |
| US20220351558A1 (en)* | 2021-05-02 | 2022-11-03 | Jeffrey Scott VanDeusen | Position keyed lockbox |
| US11508194B1 (en)* | 2021-05-02 | 2022-11-22 | Jeffrey Scott VanDeusen | Position keyed lockbox |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US10345818B2 (en) | 2019-07-09 |
| US11366479B2 (en) | 2022-06-21 |
| US10852739B2 (en) | 2020-12-01 |
| US11009886B2 (en) | 2021-05-18 |
| US20210173404A1 (en) | 2021-06-10 |
| US20180327236A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
| US20180327237A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
| US20180326886A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
| US20240385615A1 (en) | 2024-11-21 |
| US20200125110A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
| US20180327184A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
| US11768501B2 (en) | 2023-09-26 |
| US20220317698A1 (en) | 2022-10-06 |
| US11507100B2 (en) | 2022-11-22 |
| US20210271256A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 |
| US10459450B2 (en) | 2019-10-29 |
| US20200064852A1 (en) | 2020-02-27 |
| US20190332116A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
| US12050469B2 (en) | 2024-07-30 |
| US12032382B2 (en) | 2024-07-09 |
| US20230083532A1 (en) | 2023-03-16 |
| US10520948B2 (en) | 2019-12-31 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US12050469B2 (en) | Robot delivery system | |
| US11995599B1 (en) | Indoor deliveries by autonomous vehicles | |
| US10613533B1 (en) | Autonomous delivery and retrieval of inventory holders at transfer locations | |
| US10698409B1 (en) | Navigable path networks for autonomous vehicles | |
| US11099562B1 (en) | Autonomous delivery device | |
| US11835947B1 (en) | Item exchange between autonomous vehicles of different services | |
| US11174100B2 (en) | Container transporter and methods | |
| US10538190B1 (en) | Storage compartment vehicles | |
| US11180069B2 (en) | Automated loading of delivery vehicles using automated guided vehicles | |
| JP2021193569A (en) | Method and system for autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery | |
| US10241516B1 (en) | Autonomous ground vehicles deployed from facilities | |
| US7066291B2 (en) | Robot system | |
| US11392130B1 (en) | Selecting delivery modes and delivery areas using autonomous ground vehicles | |
| US11474530B1 (en) | Semantic navigation of autonomous ground vehicles | |
| US20210209543A1 (en) | Directing secondary delivery vehicles using primary delivery vehicles | |
| US12205072B1 (en) | Fulfilling orders for multiple items from multiple sources via multimodal channels | |
| WO2023244138A1 (en) | Robotic all-terrain system for storing and distributing goods |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Assignment | Owner name:ZIPPPY INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text:ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIBLEY, GABRIEL T;REEL/FRAME:043617/0131 Effective date:20170529 | |
| AS | Assignment | Owner name:ZIPPY INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text:ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIBLEY, GABRIEL T.;REEL/FRAME:044034/0166 Effective date:20170928 | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION | |
| AS | Assignment | Owner name:AUTONOMY SQUARED LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text:ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZIPPY INC.;REEL/FRAME:049065/0032 Effective date:20181201 | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:NON FINAL ACTION MAILED | |
| AS | Assignment | Owner name:AUTONOMY SQUARED LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text:CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE APPLICATION NUMBER 065058010653467406555970 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 049065 FRAME 0032. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:ZIPPY INC.;REEL/FRAME:050451/0369 Effective date:20181201 | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:FINAL REJECTION MAILED | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:NON FINAL ACTION MAILED | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:FINAL REJECTION MAILED | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION | |
| STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general | Free format text:NON FINAL ACTION MAILED | |
| STCV | Information on status: appeal procedure | Free format text:NOTICE OF APPEAL FILED | |
| STCV | Information on status: appeal procedure | Free format text:APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER | |
| STCV | Information on status: appeal procedure | Free format text:EXAMINER'S ANSWER TO APPEAL BRIEF MAILED | |
| STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation | Free format text:ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |