Patent attributes
A proximity sensing autonomous robotic system and apparatus is provided. The robot includes one or more vision modules for viewing the environment for depth perception, object detection, object avoidance and temperature detection of objects. A proximity sensing skin is laminated on one or more parts of the robot. The proximity sensing skin includes a plurality of proximity sensors and mechanical stress sensors for collision avoidance, speed control and deceleration of motion near detected objects, and touch recognition. The proximity sensing skin may include conductive pads for contacting different materials in a composite part to inhibit galvanic corrosion. The robot includes an end effector to which different tools may be attached for performing different tasks. The end effector includes a mounting interface with connections for supplying power and hydraulic/pneumatic control of the tool. All wiring to the sensors and vision modules are routed internally within the robot.