PatrolBot is a programmable autonomous general purpose service robot

Service robot

Service robots assist human beings, typically by performing a job that is dirty, dull, distant, dangerous or repetitive, including household chores. They typically are autonomous and/or operated by a build in control system, with manual override options....

 rover built by MobileRobots Inc. PatrolBots are manufactured in various configurations and serve as bases for companies developing delivery robots, security robots, environmental monitoring rovers, robot guides and other indoor service robots.

Capabilities of PatrolBot

PatrolBot can scan buildings, create floor plans

Robotic mapping

Robotic mapping is related to cartography. The goal for an autonomous robot to be able to construct a map or floor plan and to localize itself in it...

 and navigate them autonomously using a laser range-finding sensor inside the robot. It employs Monte Carlo/Markov-style

Monte Carlo method

Monte Carlo methods are a class of computational algorithms that rely on repeated random sampling to compute their results. Monte Carlo methods are often used in computer simulations of physical and mathematical systems...

 localization techniques using a modified value-iterated search technique for navigation. It searches for alternative paths if a hall is blocked, circumnavigates obstacles and re-charges itself at its automated docking/charging station as needed. Using a Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...

 system the device can operate autonomously or be controlled remotely.

Applications

PatrolBot is a robotic base used for delivery, security, sensor monitoring, inspection and guidance tasks. It is a reference platform added onto with various carrying attachments, sensors, touchscreens and cameras. While it began primarily as a security robot the platform is now used as a base for a broad range of applications.

Robot Control

Users set up the robot using a GUI interface to give goals, docking location and constraints such as forbidden areas into the robot's map. Then, using drag and drop, an operator can give goal names, tasks and macros into a "route" or program for the robot to follow. Users can then use set or random sequences for the robot to follow by dragging routes into a weekly schedule. Advanced users can communicate with the robot from external systems or program more advance actions over a command language interface as well as add new sensors.

PatrolBot can be sent to goals on demand or can patrol a sequence of goals. Status windows in the control GUI

Graphical user interface

In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...

provide read-outs from the sensors as well as proprioceptive information such as battery levels. The robot's data logs are available for security and energy optimization as well as troubleshooting.

External links

• The PatrolBot page at MobileRobots Inc.
• PatrolBot: Robots Move Into Corporate Roles.