Voice controlled material handling mobile robotic system

Abstract

An AMU system includes an Autonomous Mobile Unit (“AMU”), base station, lanyard, and Warehouse Management System (“WMS”) configured to communicate with one another over a network. The AMU includes a microphone configured to receive verbal commands from an individual. The individual can further provide verbal commands through the base station and the lanyard when worn by the individual. The lanyard can also provide a geo-fence around the individual where the AMU slows down to enhance safety.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system, comprising:
 an autonomous mobile unit (AMU) that is responsive to one or more voice commands.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the voice commands include safety control commands. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the safety control commands are configured to stop the AMU. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the AMU has a controller to process the voice commands locally to reduce latency. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the AMU is configured to transmit non-safety related control commands for remote processing. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the controller includes a circuit board integrated with a microphone. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the voice commands include requests for information. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the voice commands include one or more system control commands for controlling functions of the AMU. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the system control commands control movement of the AMU. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the AMU includes one or more microphones for receiving the voice commands. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the AMU includes an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base station with a microphone for receiving the voice commands to control the AMU.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lanyard with a microphone for receiving the voice commands to control the AMU.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the lanyard includes a tracking device for location tracking. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the AMU is configured to perform a safety action in the presence of the lanyard. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the voice commands are configured to temporarily interrupt workflow of the AMU to perform a different task. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising:
 operating an autonomous mobile unit (AMU); and   changing activity of the AMU in response to one or more voice commands.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the voice commands include one or more safety control commands. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 stopping the AMU in response to the safety control commands.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 processing the voice commands locally with a controller of the AMU to reduce latency.