Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of robotic workstations, and specifically to robotic workstations for use for educational purposes, for demonstration purposes, for use at exhibitions, and to robotic workstations that can easily be moved from one place to another.

Background of the invention

Traditional robotic workstations for use for educational purposes, for

demonstration purposes, and for use at exhibitions have the disadvantage that they are unmanageable. Furthermore, the safety legislation in many countries prohibit a single user to lift the weight of a robotic workstation, complicating their transportation.

Object of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a robotic workstation, which can be managed by a single user.

Description of the Invention

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a robotic workstation comprising

- a base unit comprising a bottom section with a pair of wheels, and a top section;

- a movable robotic arm with multiple joints, and configured to be coupled to the top section of the base unit;

- a handle a) positioned in close relation to the top section of the base unit or b) retractable to a position in close relation to the top section of the base unit; and

- a longitudinal runner configured for sliding contact with an edge of an obstacle to be passed during transportation of the robotic workstation. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a robotic workstation comprising:

- a base unit comprising a bottom section with a pair of wheels, and a top section;

- a movable robotic arm with multiple joints, and configured to be coupled to the top section of the base unit;

- a handle a) positioned in close relation to the top section of the base unit or b) retractable to a position in close relation to the top section of the base unit; and - a runner configured for sliding contact with an edge of an obstacle to be passed during transportation of the robotic workstation.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a robotic workstation

comprising:

- a base unit comprising a bottom section with a pair of wheels, and a top section;

- a movable robotic arm with multiple joints, and configured to be coupled to the top section of the base unit;

- a handle a) positioned in close relation to the top section of the base unit or b) retractable to a position in close relation to the top section of the base unit; and

- a sliding unit configured for sliding contact with an edge of an obstacle to be passed during transportation of the robotic workstation.

In one or more embodiments, the bottom section of the base unit comprises the control unit for the robotic arm. The position of the control unit, optionally, in combination with suitable ballast and/or support legs (preferably retractable), prevent the robotic workstation from tilting.

In one or more embodiments, the top section of the base unit and a part of the bottom section of the base unit is configured as a beam, preferably a hollow beam. This configuration stabilizes the robotic workstation when the robotic arm is operating.

In one or more embodiments, the robotic workstation comprises two or more (longitudinal) runners attached to the base unit, and positioned in line from the bottom section towards the top section of the base unit; wherein said two or more (longitudinal runners) are positioned with a space between them. This

configuration allows for electrical connections to be reached through said spaces.

In one or more embodiments, the (longitudinal) runner is positioned between the pair of wheels, and extends upwards towards the top section of the base unit. When sliding the robotic workstation down an obstacle (such as down from a boot or transport compartment of a car) and over an edge (such as the bumper or side rail of the car), this configuration will allow for a smooth transition between the wheels being in contact with the edge and the runner being in contact with the edge. The runner is preferably longitudinal, as the sliding operation will be needed along a substantial length of the robotic workstation. In one or more embodiments, the pair of wheels and the handle extends beyond the back face of the base unit. When sliding the robotic workstation down an obstacle (such as down from a boot or transport compartment of a car) and over an edge (such as the bumper or side rail of the car), this configuration will allow for a smooth transition between the wheels being in contact with the edge and the runner being in contact with the edge.

In one or more embodiments, the (longitudinal) runner comprises a top layer of an elastic and/or flexible material. Many suitable elastic and/or flexible materials exists, such as rubber, elastomer, carpets, or woven or non-woven textiles. The runner should have a relatively smooth surface in order to allow for the robotic workstation to slide over an obstacle. The surface should also preferably be elastic to avoid damaging the obstacle and/or the robotic workstation.

In one or more embodiments, the (longitudinal) runner is configured as a cord winder.

In one or more embodiments, the (longitudinal) runner is attached to the backside of the robotic workstation, such as to the backside of the bottom section and/or to the top section of the base unit.

In one or more embodiments, the (longitudinal) runner is attached to the backside of the robotic workstation, such as to the backside of the bottom section and/or to the top section of the base unit, and wherein the base of the runner is narrower than its top section (serving as the sliding surface), such that a cord may be wrapped around the base.

In one or more embodiments, the handle comprises one or more wheels. The one or more wheels may be releasably attached to the handle. The wheels of the handle and the pair of wheels of the bottom section makes it possible for a user to position the robotic workstation in a rollout position (e.g. within a trunk of a car, i.e. within the main storage compartment), which makes it easier to handle during loading, positioning, and unloading during transportation (e.g. within the trunk). In one or more embodiments, the pair of wheels and the handle extends beyond the back face of the bottom section of the base unit.

In one or more embodiments, the handle further comprises a control pad holder. In one or more embodiments, the control pad holder is attached to the handle, preferably between the wheels; and wherein the handle is configured for being rotated such that the control pad holder may be in a retracted position behind the wheels and in an advanced position, in front of the wheels. In one or more embodiments, the robotic workstation further comprises a protective cover adapted for covering at least a part of the movable arm segments when the movable arm is collapsed.

In one or more embodiments, the protective cover comprises a horizontal plate configured for covering at least a part of the top face of the bottom section of the base unit, and wherein said cover is adapted for being positioned in an inverted position, such that the horizontal plate serves as a table top for the movable arm to work on when active. The horizontal plate may comprise fixture holes and/or or work holes for demonstration items.

In one or more embodiments, the top section of the base unit is narrower than the bottom section of the base unit, such that the top face of the bottom section of the base unit may function as a table top for the movable arm to work on when active. The top face of the bottom section may comprise fixture holes and/or or work holes for demonstration items.

In one or more embodiments, the bottom section comprises a compartment with an opening through the upper face of bottom section, and wherein the opening is configured with a cable slot facing the back face of the bottom section; wherein the compartment is configured for holding a control pad for storage.

In one or more embodiments, the robotic workstation comprises means for zero- point clamping. This configuration reduces the need for recalibration of the robotic workstation.

In one or more embodiments, the base unit, such as the bottom section and/or the top section, comprises means for zero-point clamping.

Zero-point clamps may employ a mounting knob and clamping wedge lock to pull the robotic workstation against the ground face of a zero-point chuck and/or against another workstation. The retention knob sits inside the chuck bore and offers positional accuracy to within a few tenths of an inch and several tons of clamping force until released through mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic pressure.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a left-side perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where a protective cover has been removed;

Figure 3 is a right-side perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where a protective cover has been removed; Figure 4 is a right-side perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where a protective cover has been inverted such that the horizontal plate serves as a table top for the movable arm;

Figure 5 is a close-up view of the top face of the bottom section of the base unit in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation in a rollout position from e.g. a trunk of a car;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation with a movable robotic arm that can be completely covered by a protective cover;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the robotic workstation shown in Figure 7, where a parts tray may be connected to the protective cover when the latter serves as a table top;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation in a rollout position from e.g. a trunk of a car, and in an upright position;

Figure 10 is a close-up view of the handle of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 1 1 is a close-up view of the handle shown in Figure 10, and where a control pad is positioned in the control pad holder; and

Figure 12 is a cross section of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. References

100 Base unit

1 10 Bottom section

1 12 Back face of the bottom section

1 14 Top face of the bottom section

1 16 Opening

1 17 Opening

1 18 Cable slot

120 Top section of the base unit

200 Movable robotic arm

210 Joint

300 Pair of wheels

400 Longitudinal runner

500 Handle

510 Wheel

520 Control pad holder

600 Protective cover

610 Horizontal plate

620 Parts tray

700 Control pad

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The robotic workstation comprises a base unit

100, a movable robotic arm 200, a handle 500, and a longitudinal runner 400. The base unit 100 comprises a bottom section 1 10 with a pair of wheels 300, and a top section 120. The movable robotic arm 200 comprises multiple joints 210, and is configured to be coupled to the top section 120 of the base unit 100. The handle 500 is positioned in close relation to the top section 120 of the base unit 100, and comprises two wheels 510. The wheels 510 of the handle 500 and the pair of wheels 300 of the bottom section 1 10 makes it possible for a user to position the robotic workstation in a rollout position (Figures 6+9) e.g. within a trunk of a car, which makes it easier to position within the trunk, but also to roll out of the trunk. The pair of wheels 300 and the handle 500 extends beyond the back face 1 12 of the bottom section 1 10 of the base unit 100.

The longitudinal runner 400 is configured for sliding contact with an edge of an obstacle to be passed during transportation of the robotic workstation; and is positioned between the pair of wheels 300 of the bottom section 1 10, and extends upwards towards the top section 120 of the base unit 100. The longitudinal runner 400 is configured as a cord winder. The pair of wheels 300 extend beyond the longitudinal runner 400, as can be better seen in the cross section of the robotic workstation in Figure 12.

The robotic workstation also comprises a protective cover 600 adapted for covering at least a part of the movable arm segments when the movable robotic arm 200 is collapsed. In Figure 9, the protective cover can cover all the movable arm segments when the movable robotic arm is collapsed. The protective cover

600 comprises a horizontal plate 610 configured for covering at least a part of the top face 1 14 of the bottom section 1 10 of the base unit 100. The cover 600 is also adapted for being positioned in an inverted position, such that the horizontal plate 610 serves as a table top for the movable arm 200 to work on when active (Figures 4+8).

Figure 2 is a left-side perspective view of a robotic workstation in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where a protective cover has been removed. The top section of the base unit is narrower than the bottom section of the base unit, such that the top face 1 14 of the bottom section of the base unit may function as a table top for the movable arm to work on when active. In Figure 4, the bottom section comprises a compartment with an opening 1 16 through the upper face 1 14 of bottom section, and wherein the opening 1 16 is configured with a cable slot 1 18 facing the back face 1 12 of the bottom section. The compartment is configured for holding a control pad 700 for storage (Figure

5).

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a robotic workstation with a movable robotic arm that can be completely covered by a protective cover. Furthermore, a parts tray 620 is stored on the side of the protective cover. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the robotic workstation shown in Figure 7, where the parts tray 620 is connected to the protective cover when the latter serves as a table top.

Figure 10 is a close-up view of the handle of a robotic workstation as shown in Figure 7. The wheels 510 are here positioned at a different position on the handle than as shown in Figure 1 . Furthermore, a control pad holder 520 is attached to the handle between the wheels 510. The handle is configured for being rotated such that the control pad holder 520 may be in a retracted position behind the wheels 510 (as shown to the left) and in an advanced position (as shown to the right), in front of the wheels 510, where the control pad may be positioned therein (Figure 1 1 ).