We propose a docking manipulator that separates the base it travels on from the base it works from. Instead of improving the means of travel, we made the arm itself detachable, an approach inspired by the way Canadarm2 on the International Space Station moves by docking. The arm has an identical docking interface at both ends, and docking ports of the same standard are placed on mobile robots and at work reference points.
Ride a mobile platform to the work area
Docked to an AMR or a legged platform, the arm travels to the entrance of the work area.
Lock the other end onto a site port
Only after that lock is confirmed does the mobile-platform side undock.
The ride leaves, the arm stays and works
The detached mobile platform moves off to its next job.
Out of reach? Move to the next port
When the working range runs out, the arm moves like an inchworm to a nearby docking port and repositions itself.
Access by switching rides
Because the arm switches between means of travel, it enters the workspace regardless of whether any one platform can get in.
A working range that relocates
When reach is a problem, the arm moves to a port near the work point and relocates its working range. Instead of building a longer arm, add one more port.
Precision work on solid structure
Some problems only exist on mobile platforms that can never be fully fixed. The arm moves directly onto solid structure to work, and gains stability.
Adoption without rebuilding
No heavy renovation or building from scratch. Installing ports where they are needed and preparing a means of travel that suits the site is enough.
In this sense our docking port is not just a fixture. It works as a standard adapter that connects many kinds of mobile platforms with the robot arm.