Robotic sherpa

Number: 11360471
Published: 2022-06-14
Filed: 2019-04-19
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Kalama; Asa K., Trowbridge; Robert Scott, Watson; Scott
CPC: B60R25/24; B60R25/25; G05D1/0038; G05D1/0055; G05D1/0231; G05D1/0238; G07C9/00182; G07C9/00563; G07C9/00571; G07C9/00896; H04N23/54; H04N23/57; H04N7/185
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Autonomous robotic "sherpa" hardware/locomotion control.

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein include a mobile locker. The mobile locker can include a mobility unit to enable the locker to relocate from one location to another. The mobile locker is modular which allows the storage compartment to be detached from the mobility unit for storage, transfer via other means. The storage compartment can be coupled either the same or a different mobility unit. The mobile lockers can be recalled by a customer to either the customer's location or to designated locations at the venue. The lockers can include any one of multiple locking mechanisms. The mobile locker can communicate with a monitoring center that oversees the deployment of multiple mobile lockers. Embodiments of the mobile locker can interact with customers through a display, microphone, and speaker.

Background

FIELD (1) The present disclosure relates generally to robotic storage devices. BACKGROUND (2) Patrons of large venues (e.g., amusement parks) pack and carry many items with them, but only need a few of those items at different points during the day. For example, lunch may be packed, but it is needed at only at one point in the day. Umbrellas or outerwear may be needed sporadically based on current weather conditions, but these items are currently carried all day. Conversely, in-venue purchases create a burden of carrying the items for the rest of the day or until a suitable storage locker is found. Even in a shopping mall, for example, the need to carry purchases can limit the ability to continue shopping. Alternatively, items can be stored in physical lockers that may be difficult to access when the time comes to retrieve the items, especially if the lockers are located on the other side of the venue. BRIEF SUMMARY (3) Certain embodiments are directed to devices for mobile lockers that can easily summoned by customers, provide a storage container to secure valuables, and be stored in a secure location. Customers can recall the mobile lockers, even if they are located in different areas of a venue, to retrieve their stored belongings. The mobile lockers can be monitored, and in some cases, remotely driven by personnel in a monitoring center. (4) In various embodiments, a mobile locker can include: a storage container having a locking mechanism, the storage container removably

Claims

1. A mobile locker, comprising: a storage container having a locking mechanism, the storage container removably coupled to a mobility unit; the mobility unit, comprising: a navigation unit capable of developing a route to a geographic location; a proximity sensor to detect one or more objects; and a powertrain unit capable of moving the mobile locker via the route to the geographic location; a communication unit integrated into the storage container, the communication unit comprising a transceiver for sending and receiving one or more electronic signals; and a power unit capable of providing power to the storage container, the communication unit, and the mobility unit. || 15. A method, comprising: receiving, by an electronic device, a selection of a command for a mobile locker comprising a storage container removably coupled to a mobility unit; transmitting, by the electronic device, the command via a communication network to the mobile locker; receiving, by the electronic device, an indication that the command was received by the mobile locker; and receiving, by the electronic device, a current location of the mobile locker. || 18. A system of mobile lockers, comprising: one or more mobile lockers, each mobile locker comprising a storage container removably coupled to a mobility unit and communicatively connected to a monitoring center to view a communications network; one or more displays in the monitoring center for monitoring fault status, external views, and power level of the one or more mobile lockers; and one or more controls in the monitoring center for monitoring a status and a location of the one or more mobile lockers.