# 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. - **Patent:** US 12246441 - **Original title:** Torso protrusion for robotic manipulation of objects and related technology - **Owner:** Agility Robotics - **Granted:** 2025 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 3 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, automotive, robotics, mechanical, ai_ml ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Agility Robotics' Digit robot ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Robot Design for Carrying Objects While Walking cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 12246441? Agility Robotics owns this patent, granted in 2025. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on December 5, 2042, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 12246441 cited by? This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Robots that do not have a torso with superior, inferior, and intermediate portions. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12246441/torso-protrusion-for-robotic-manipulation-of-objects-and-related-technology **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12246441 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Humanoid Robot Actuators Connect with a Smart Wire Assembly](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734717/humanoid-robot-with-advanced-wiring-assembly) — This patent describes a specific way to connect two moving parts (actuators) in a humanoid robot using a wire bundle that routes through openings and connects to circuit boards with different numbers of pins. - [How Robots Figure Out What They're Carrying While Moving](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20250170731/dynamic-mass-estimation-methods-for-an-integrated-mobile-manipulator-robot) — This patent describes how a mobile robot can estimate the weight and balance of an object it's carrying *while moving it*, and then adjust its movements for better control and safety. - [Removable Protective Cap for Robot Arm Parts](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12736122/cap-for-a-robot-arm) — This patent describes a cap designed to be easily attached and removed from a robot arm element, using a clever system of interlocking shapes and a flexible part to hold it securely. - [How a Robot Arm Can Be Manually Moved While Staying Safe](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12064197/system-and-methods-for-positioning-a-manipulator-arm-by-clutching-within-a-null-) — This patent describes how a robotic arm can be partly moved by a human, like pushing it, while the robot's computer automatically handles other movements to keep it stable or avoid obstacles. - [Robots That Grab Objects Without Knowing Their Exact Spot](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20190084152/robotic-gripping-device-system-and-method) — Ocado's patent describes a robotic gripping system that can precisely manipulate objects of varying sizes and positions, even when the robot doesn't know the object's exact starting location.