Patent ID: 8185241
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A tracked robotic crawler comprising: a plurality of frame units, each frame unit having a continuous track rotatably coupled to the frame unit with at least one surface of the continuous track being exposed to enable engagement with a surface for propulsion of the frame unit; at least one actuated linkage coupling the frame units in a series configuration, the actuated linkage having at least one actuated joint configured to provide controllable bending about at least one axis; and at least one arm disposed on one of the plurality of frame units to form an armed frame unit, said at least one arm being movable relative to the armed frame unit in at least one dimension to extend beyond an end of the armed frame unit to assist in control of pose and movement of the tracked robotic crawler over the surface, wherein said at least one arm is selectively movable to a position out of contact with the surface.