Patent attributes
A system and method for positioning a mobile machine, such as a robot, using a tether line connected between two mobile machines. A first mobile machine, such as a boundary vehicle, is controlled to move along a path, such as a boundary defining an area. The first machine employs a localization device to determine and maintain its position on the path. A tether line is connected between the boundary vehicle and a second mobile machine, such as a roving vehicle. The first machine determines the position of the second machine relative to the first machine from a length of extension and angle of the tether line. The first machine controls movement of the second machine to perform a task or mission, such as a task performed in the area defined by the boundary.