Self-driving systems with inventory holder

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-driving system that can engage and move an inventory holder. In one embodiment, the self-driving system includes a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, an actuator disposed within the mobile base, the actuator is operable to adjust a height of the mobile base, a console having an upper portion and a main body, the main body being coupled to a first end of the mobile base in a standing configuration, and a first camera disposed on a first side of the upper portion of the console, the first camera facing a second end of the mobile base opposing the first end.

1 . A self-driving system, comprising:
 a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, the mobile base having a first end and a second end opposing the first end;   an actuator disposed within the mobile base, the actuator is operable to adjust a height of the mobile base;   a console coupled to the first end of the mobile base in a standing configuration; and   a camera disposed on a front side of the upper portion, the front side being faced away from the second end, and the camera being operable to capture visual images and detect the presence of an obstacle.   
     
     
         2 . The self-driving system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more sensors disposed on an upper surface of the mobile base, the one or more sensors are operable to detect the presence of an object to be supported by the upper surface of the mobile base.   
     
     
         3 . The self-driving system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a first LiDAR sensor disposed at the first end of the mobile base.   
     
     
         4 . The self-driving system of  claim 3 , wherein the first LiDAR sensor is disposed within a first cutout extending along a width of the first end of the mobile base. 
     
     
         5 . The self-driving system of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a second LiDAR sensor disposed at the second end of the mobile base.   
     
     
         6 . The self-driving system of  claim 5 , wherein the second LiDAR sensor is disposed within a second cutout extending along a width of the second end of the mobile base. 
     
     
         7 . A self-driving system, comprising:
 a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, the mobile base having a first end and a second end opposing the first end;   an actuator disposed within the mobile base, the actuator is operable to adjust a height of the mobile base;   a console having a first portion extending along a first direction and a second portion extending along a second direction different from the first direction, the first portion comprising a display, and the second portion being coupled to the first end of the mobile base in a standing configuration; and   a camera disposed on the second portion of the console, the camera being faced away from the second end and operable to follow a target.   
     
     
         8 . The self-driving system of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a first LiDAR sensor disposed at the first end of the mobile base, the first LiDAR sensor being operable to scan a field of view of about 270 degrees.   
     
     
         9 . The self-driving system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a second LiDAR sensor disposed at the second end of the mobile base, the second LiDAR sensor being operable to scan a field of view of about 270 degrees.   
     
     
         10 . The self-driving system of  claim 9 , wherein the mobile base is directed to follow the target by maintaining a side distance of the target, and the side distance is adjustable based on information received by the camera. 
     
     
         11 . The self-driving system of  claim 10 , wherein the side distance is adjusted in response to a mobile phone, a wristband, and/or a gesture of the target. 
     
     
         12 . A self-driving system, comprising:
 a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, the mobile base having a first end and a second end opposing the first end;   a console having a first portion extending along a first direction and a second portion extending along a second direction different from the first direction, and the second portion being coupled to the first end of the mobile base;   a camera disposed on the second portion of the console, the camera being faced away from the second end; and   a first LiDAR sensor disposed at the first end of the mobile base.   
     
     
         13 . The self-driving system of  claim 12 , wherein the mobile base is directed to follow a target in a side follow position based on information received by the camera. 
     
     
         14 . The self-driving system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a second LiDAR sensor disposed at the second end of the mobile base.   
     
     
         15 . The self-driving system of  claim 14 , wherein the first LiDAR sensor is disposed within a first cutout extending along a width of the first end of the mobile base, and the second LiDAR sensor is disposed within a second cutout extending along a width of the second end of the mobile base. 
     
     
         16 . The self-driving system of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second LiDAR sensors are operable to scan a field of view of about 270 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The self-driving system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a first sensor disposed adjacent the console on the upper surface of the mobile base; and   a second sensor disposed adjacent a periphery of the upper surface and away from the console.   
     
     
         18 . The self-driving system of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second sensors are reflective-type photosensors. 
     
     
         19 . The self-driving system of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second sensors are pressure sensors and the actuator is operable to move the upper surface of the mobile base in response to a force applied on the first and second sensors. 
     
     
         20 . The self-driving system of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator is operable to move the upper surface of the mobile base in response to a change of state of the first and second sensors from non-blocked to being blocked.