Autonomous mobile robot for radiologic surveys
An apparatus is described for conducting radiologic surveys. The apparatus comprises in the main a robot capable of following a preprogrammed path through an area, a radiation monitor adapted to receive input from a radiation detector assembly, ultrasonic transducers for navigation and collision avoidance, and an on-board computer system including an integrator for interfacing the radiation monitor and the robot. Front and rear bumpers are attached to the robot by bumper mounts. The robot may be equipped with memory boards for the collection and storage of radiation survey information. The on-board computer system is connected to a remote host computer via a UHF radio link. The apparatus is powered by a rechargeable 24-volt DC battery, and is stored at a docking station when not in use and/or for recharging. A remote host computer contains a stored database defining paths between points in the area where the robot is to operate, including but not limited to the locations of walls, doors, stationary furniture and equipment, and sonic markers if used. When a program consisting of a series of paths is downloaded to the on-board computer system, the robot conducts a floor survey autonomously at any preselected rate. When the radiation monitor detects contamination, the robot resurveys the area at reduced speed and resumes its preprogrammed path if the contamination is not confirmed. If the contamination is confirmed, the robot stops and sounds an alarm. 5 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5324948; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-966925
- OSTI ID:
- 7173931
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 27 Oct 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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A mobile autonomous robot for radiological surveys
A mobile autonomous robot for radiological surveys
Related Subjects
RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS
ROBOTS
DESIGN
ALARM SYSTEMS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
DATA ACQUISITION
DATA TRANSMISSION
DETECTION
ELECTRONIC GUIDANCE
OPERATION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
COMMUNICATIONS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MATERIALS
ON-LINE CONTROL SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
SURVEYS
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