Robot Design for Carrying Objects While Walking

This patent describes a robot with a torso, legs, arms, and a special forward-extending protrusion designed to help it carry objects while it walks.

What it covers

This patent details a robot designed to carry objects while moving. The robot has a torso with upper and lower sections, legs attached to the lower torso for walking, and arms attached to the upper torso. The key feature is a protrusion extending forward from the lower part of the torso. The robot uses its arms to bring an object closer to its body. While walking, it supports the object's weight using this protrusion. Importantly, the protrusion can move upwards relative to the torso as the robot walks, helping to stabilize the carried object.

What it doesn't cover

• —Robots that do not have a torso with superior, inferior, and intermediate portions.
• —Robots that cannot ambulate (walk) using legs.
• —Robots that cannot move an object toward the torso using arms.
• —Robots that do not have a protrusion extending anteriorly from the torso.
• —Robots that cannot support an object's weight using the protrusion while ambulating.
• —Robots where the protrusion cannot move superiorly relative to the torso while supporting weight.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in the protrusion's ability to move superiorly relative to the torso while the robot is walking and supporting an object. This dynamic support mechanism likely helps maintain balance and stability by adjusting to the robot's gait and the object's weight distribution.

Why it matters

This patent is relevant to the development of humanoid robots capable of complex tasks in dynamic environments, such as logistics and manufacturing. Robots like those from Agility Robotics are designed to operate in spaces built for humans, requiring sophisticated balance and manipulation capabilities.

Real-world examples

• 1.Agility Robotics' Digit robot