Multi-Purpose Robot Configuration in Robotic Fleet

Abstract

A method includes receiving a request for a robotic fleet to perform a job and defining a set of tasks that are to be performed in performance of the job. The method includes assigning robots selected from a robot inventory to the set of tasks based on a robot inventory data structure that indicates, for each robot, a status and set of baseline features. The robots include one or more assigned multi-purpose robots that can be configured for different tasks and different environments. The method includes determining a configuration for each assigned robot based on the respective task that is assigned and a components inventory. The components inventory indicates multiple components and, for each component, a status and a set of extended capabilities. The method includes configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots based on the respective configurations. The method includes deploying the robotic fleet to perform the job.

1 . A method of configuring a multi-purpose robot of a fleet of robots, the method comprising:
 receiving a request for a robotic fleet to perform a job;   defining a set of tasks that are to be performed in performance of the job;   assigning a plurality of robots selected from a robot inventory to the set of tasks based on the set of tasks and a robot inventory data structure that indicates a plurality of robots that can be assigned to a robot fleet, and for each respective robot, a set of baseline features of the robot and a respective status of the robot, wherein the plurality of robots includes one or more assigned multi-purpose robots that can be configured for different tasks and different environments;   determining a respective configuration for each respective assigned multi-purpose robot based on the respective task that is assigned to the assigned multi-purpose robot and a components inventory that indicates different components that can be provisioned to one or more multi-purpose robots, and for each component, a respective set of extended capabilities corresponding to the component and a respective status of the component;   configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots based on the respective configurations; and   deploying the robotic fleet to perform the job.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the robot inventory includes special purpose robots. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein assigning a plurality of robots selected from the robot inventory is further based on an environment of the job. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein assigning a plurality of robots selected from the robot inventory is further based on a budget for the job. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein assigning a plurality of robots selected from the robot inventory is further based on a timeline for completing the job. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the robot inventory includes special purpose robots and to assigning a plurality of robots selected from the robot inventory is further based on an available inventory of the special purpose robots. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a respective configuration for each respective assigned multi-purpose robot is further based on an environment of the job. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a respective configuration for each respective assigned multi-purpose robot is further based on a budget for the job. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a respective configuration for each respective assigned multi-purpose robot is further based on a timeline for completing the job. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes configuring at least one robot system selected from a list of robot systems including a robot baseline system, a module system, a robot control system, and a robot security system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes configuring one or more of a software robot module or a hardware robot module. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots task includes accessing a robot module system via at least one of a physical interface module and a control interface module. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes configuring one or more modules of a robot baseline system, the one or more modules selected from a baseline module list including an energy storage and power distribution system, an electromechanical and electro-fluidic system, a transport system, and a vision and sensing system. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots is based on one or more characteristics of a target operating environment. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes configuring an energy storage and power distribution system to utilize two or more distinct power sources based on an aspect of one of a task and an operating environment. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a first distinct power source of the two or more distinct power sources is a mobile power source of the multi-purpose robot and a second distinct power source of the two or more distinct power sources is a fixed position power source that provides power to the robot via a wireless power signal. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes configuring a propulsion system of the robot to adaptably utilize one or more legs for locomotion. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes provisioning one or more modules identified in a job execution plan to the multi-purpose robot. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes provisioning one or more of appendages, sensor sets, chipsets, and motive adaptors to the multi-purpose robot based on at least one task in a set of target tasks for the robot that are identified in a job execution plan. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes analyzing a job execution plan that defines a fleet of robots and configuring at least one multi-purpose robot of the fleet of robots. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein configuring the one or more assigned multi-purpose robots includes provisioning a local manager capability that enables the multi-purpose robot to control one or more robots.