Mark Kevin Matthews

US Patent:

20200223632, Jul 16, 2020

Filed:

Jan 10, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/739257

Inventors:

- Pittsburgh PA, US
Ryan List - Beaver PA, US
Spencer Allen - Wexford PA, US
Scott E. Stropkay - Carlisle MA, US
Andres Chamorro, III - Ashland MA, US
Mark C. Matthews - Scituate MA, US
Ashley James Nye Legg - Newton MA, US

International Classification:

B65G 1/137
G06Q 50/28
G07C 9/00
G07C 9/20

Abstract:

Disclosed are a system and a method that includes a robotic unit configured to deliver items (e.g., medicine, foodstuff, linens, equipment, etc.) to sites (e.g., rooms, offices, etc.) and/or individuals (e.g., patients, pharmacists, technician, etc.) throughout a facility (e.g., hospital, office building, mailroom, manufacturing facility, etc.). The robotic unit is a mobile unit that operates autonomously to follow predetermined or programmed routes throughout the facility to deliver the items. The system is configured to maintain a chain of custody for the items. In addition, the robotic unit is configured to only allow designated items to be delivered to designated sites and/or to authorized individuals. This can be achieved by the robotic unit having a plurality of containers that are locked within a storage space of the robotic unit, and are only accessible upon successful completion of an authorization process.