Abstract:
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/587,098 filed on Aug. 16, 2012 entitled “Method and Device for Accommodating Items” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to devices and, in one aspect, to autonomous and/or semi-autonomous mechanisms that hold and/or transport one or more items. 
     2. Background Information 
     Various devices such as vehicles and/or robots have been used for a variety of functions in military, law enforcement and other applications. Such vehicles are typically controlled by an operator, which can limit its uses and effectiveness, and are utilized for surveillance and other light duty activities. 
     An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, such as a robot or the like, may prove useful in a number of various environments and applications such as, among others, military and law enforcement applications. The complexity and sophistication required from both a mechanical and a software standpoint for safe and accurate performance of such vehicles, however, have been the primary setbacks in their adoption to date in military and law enforcement as well as commercial environments such as, among others, manufacturing, warehousing and medical environments. 
     It therefore may be desirable to provide an autonomous or semi-autonomous device, such as a vehicle or robot that can safely and accurately perform a number of functions in a variety of settings. It also may be desirable to provide such a device that is capable of safely transporting one or more articles to one or more locations within one or more areas or facilities. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A device, system and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which there is shown one or more of the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustration of an embodiment of an electro-mechanical mobile mechanism according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a mobile mechanism body for the mobile mechanism in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view illustration of another embodiment of a mobile mechanism body for the mobile mechanism in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the mobile mechanism in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustration of an embodiment of a mobile mechanism system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustration of an embodiment of a mobile mechanism (e.g., docking) station according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a station body for the mobile mechanism station in  FIG. 6 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for transferring one or more items between the mobile mechanism in  FIG. 1  and the mobile mechanism station in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the invention. 
     It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular module components, analysis techniques, etc. described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, system components, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. 
     The design and implementation of autonomous and semi-autonomous electro-mechanical mechanisms such as, for example, vehicles, robots and manipulators is a growing technical area with promising benefits for a variety of industries. Examples of various robotic applications, particularly those with hydraulic systems, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,902,784; 7,719,222 and 7,348,747, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The present disclosure shall govern any discrepancies between it and these patents. It is to be understood, however, that the particular details of the robot, vehicle, tool, actuator, hydraulic system or other apparatus may vary without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     The term “autonomous” or “fully autonomous” may be used to describe an apparatus, system and/or method that may perform one or more tasks without outside control. An autonomous mobile robot, for example, may be configured to perform a task without receiving vectors and/or commands from a human operator during the performance of the task. 
     The term “semi-autonomous” may be used to describe an apparatus, system and/or method that may perform one or more tasks without continuous outside control. A semi-autonomous mobile robot, for example, may be configured to perform a task utilizing one or more periodic vectors and/or commands from a human operator that bound and/or qualify the performance of the task. The vectors and/or commands, for example, may provide a location of where a task is to be performed, control the scope of the task, etc. It is to be understood, however, that the terms “autonomous”, “fully autonomous” and “semi-autonomous” are well known terms in the art and may vary to include definitions other than those provided herein. 
     An autonomous and/or semi-autonomous, electro-mechanical mobile mechanism (e.g., a vehicle or mobile robot) may be configured to (i) securely hold and/or transport one or more items, and/or (ii) control access to the secured items. The mobile mechanism may securely transport one or more items between a plurality of locations within a military, commercial, and/or consumer environment. The mobile mechanism may also securely hold one or more items (e.g., power sources, etc.) while performing one or more additional tasks within a military, commercial, and/or consumer environment. The additional tasks may include, for example, assisting hospital patients, elderly, disabled and/or otherwise-incapacitated users with activities of daily living (ADL). Examples of activities of daily living may include getting out of bed, getting into and out of a bathtub, getting on and off a toilet, generally navigating around a living quarters, etc. The mobile mechanism of the present invention, however, is not limited to performing any particular type of additional tasks. 
     In some embodiments, the mobile mechanism may be configured as a mobile robot or robotic vehicle with, for example, one or more manipulators (e.g., robotic arms). In other embodiments, the mobile mechanism may be configured as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), and/or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In still other embodiments, the mobile mechanism may be configured as a rail vehicle (e.g., a train or monorail), and/or a cable vehicle/system. In still other embodiments, the mobile mechanism may be configured as an aquatic vehicle (e.g., a boat), and/or a submersible vehicle. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular mobile mechanism configuration. 
     Examples of items that may be securely held and/or transported by the mobile mechanism may include one or more of the following: storage containers (e.g., single or multi-compartment lockboxes), modular components (e.g., removable power sources), regulated and/or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and/or medications, medical supplies (e.g., needles, surgical tools, linens, etc.), biological and/or contaminated waste (e.g., used needles, bodily fluids, tissue samples, etc.), currency (e.g., cash, coins, checks, bonds, stock certificates, etc.), jewelry, business and/or legal documents, and various other military, business and/or consumer commodities. The present invention, however, is not limited to holding, transporting and/or controlling access to any particular type and/or size of item. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustration of an embodiment of a mobile mechanism  20 ; e.g., a semi-autonomous or autonomous mobile robotic vehicle. The mobile mechanism  20  may include electronics and/or mechanical devices that are configured to (e.g., autonomously or semi-autonomously) operate and/or control one or more mobile mechanism components and/or systems. The electronics and/or mechanical devices and the mobile mechanism components and/or systems may be housed within and/or connected to a mobile mechanism body  22 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the mobile mechanism body  22 . The mobile mechanism body  22  extends longitudinally between a first (e.g., aft) end  24  and a second (e.g., forward) end  26 . The mobile mechanism body  22  extends laterally between a first side  28  and a second side  30 . The mobile mechanism body  22  also extends vertically between a third (e.g., bottom) end  32  and a fourth (e.g., top) end  34 . 
     The mobile mechanism body  22  may include a mobile mechanism base  36 , a mobile mechanism console  38 , and at least one (e.g., securable) storage container  40 . The mobile mechanism base  36  may include an item area first surface  42  (e.g., a cargo deck or bed) that extends, for example, longitudinally from the first end  24  to the mobile mechanism console  38 , and laterally between the first side  28  and the second side  30 . The mobile mechanism console  38  may include an item area second surface  44  (e.g., a cargo support wall) that extends, for example, laterally between the first side  28  and the second side  30 , and vertically from the first surface  42  to the fourth end  34 . The storage container  40  may include one or more (e.g., securable) drawers  46  and  48  and one or more (e.g., securable) cabinets  50  and  52 . 
     The mobile mechanism body  22  is configured with one or more securable item areas. The item areas may include, for example, a cargo space  54 , one or more component bays  56  and  58 , a container bay  60 , one or more first storage spaces, and/or one or more second storage spaces. The cargo space  54  may be formed adjacent to the first surface  42  and the second surface  44 , and configured to receive and mate with the storage container  40 . One or more of the component bays  56  and  58  may be arranged in the mobile mechanism console  38 , and configured to receive and mate with one or more respective removable modular components  62  and  64 . An example of a removable modular component is a power source (e.g., a battery) that powers the mobile mechanism  20  during operation. The container bay  60  may be arranged in the mobile mechanism console  38 , and configured to mate with a removable modular container  66  such as, for example, a drawer, a lockbox, etc. The first storage spaces may be respectively formed within, for example, the drawers  46  and  48 . The second storage spaces may be respectively formed within, for example, the cabinets  50  and  52 . The number and configuration of the item areas, however, may vary from those described above and illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view illustration of another embodiment of the mobile mechanism body  22 . In contrast to the mobile mechanism body configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the mobile mechanism body  22  in  FIG. 3  may include a mobile mechanism base  68  configured with one or more manipulators  70 . One or more of the manipulators  70  may include a (e.g., gripper) end effector  72  connected to a (e.g., single or multi-jointed) arm member  74 . Alternative examples of mobile mechanism body and/or manipulator configurations are disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,902,784, 7,719,222, and 7,348,747. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular mobile mechanism body and/or manipulator configurations. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the mobile mechanism body  22  is configured with at least one securable item area such as, for example, a component bay  58 . The component bay  58  may be arranged in the mobile mechanism base  68 , and configured to receive and mate with a removable modular component  64  such as, for example, a power source (e.g., battery). The number and configuration of the item areas, however, may vary from those described above and illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the electronics and/or mechanical devices may include, for example, one or more sensors  76  and  78 , a communication device  80  (e.g., a wireless transceiver), a user interface  82 , a memory  84 , a vehicle drive system  86 , an item security system  88 , an item loading system  90 , and an onboard mobile mechanism control system  92 . It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not to be limited in any way by the aforesaid electronic or mechanical devices, and may include devices and systems other than those specifically described herein as well as any known or future equivalents thereof. 
     The sensors  76  and  78  may include one or more location and/or proximity sensors configured to spatially locate (e.g., triangulate) the mobile mechanism  20  relative to, for example, its surrounding environment and/or one or more locators (e.g., RF tags, physical landmarks, etc.). Examples of a location and/or proximity sensor may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a radar system, a sonar system, an infrared device, a laser, a camera, a radio transceiver, etc. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular sensor configurations. 
     The communication device  80  may include a cellular, satellite and/or radio transmitter, and/or a cellular, satellite and/or radio transmitter receiver. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the user interface  82  may include one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices, and/or one or more security devices. Examples of an I/O device may include a display screen  94 , a speaker, a touch screen, a keypad, and a voice command system with an electro-acoustic transducer (e.g., microphone). Examples of a security device may include a bio-information sensor, palm vein scanner  95 , a voice recognition system with an electro-acoustic transducer, a barcode scanner  96 , a microchip (or security-chip) reader, a card reader  98 , etc. Examples of a bio-information sensor may include an eye retinal sensor or scanner, a fingerprint sensor or scanner, a handprint sensor or scanner (e.g.,  95 ), etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the I/O devices (e.g., the touch screen  94 ) may also be configured to include at least one of the security devices (e.g., the fingerprint sensor and/or the handprint sensor). The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular I/O device and/or security device configurations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the memory  84  (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) may be configured to store software (e.g., program instructions) for execution by the control system  92 . The memory  84  may include a volatile memory and/or a nonvolatile memory. Examples of a volatile memory may include a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a video random access memory (VRAM), etc. Examples of a nonvolatile memory may include a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a computer hard drive, etc. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular memory configurations. 
     The drive system  86  may be configured to move the mobile mechanism  20  to various locations around its operating environment. The drive system  86  may include, for example, one or more motorized and/or steerable propulsion devices (e.g.,  100  and  102 ). One example of a propulsion device is a motorized drive wheel  104  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Another example of a propulsion device is a motorized (e.g., robotic and multi-linkage) track system  106  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular drive system components and/or configurations. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the security system  88  may include various electronics and/or mechanical devices that are configured to secure at least one item within at least one item area. The electronics and/or mechanical devices may include, for example, one or more electronically, hydraulically, pneumatically and/or mechanically actuated latches and/or locks (e.g.,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  and  120 ). The security system  88  may include, for example, one or more latches  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  that respectively secure (i) the storage container  40  to the first surface  42  and/or the second surface  44 , (ii) the modular components  62  and  64  within the component bays  56  and  58 , and/or (iii) the modular container  66  within the container bay  60 . The security system  88  may also include, for example, one or more locks  114 ,  116 ,  118  and  120  that respectively secure the drawers  46  and  48  and/or the cabinets  50  and  52  in a closed position. Alternatively, the security system may include a motor that, for example, closes a drawer (or cabinet) to secure an item therein, and opens the drawer (or cabinet) to provide access to the item. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular security system components and/or configurations. 
     The loading system  90  may include various electronics and/or mechanical devices that are configured to move and/or assist in the moving of one or more items into and/or out of the item areas. The electronics and/or mechanical devices may include, for example, one or more electronically, hydraulically, pneumatically and/or mechanically actuated manipulators, motors, end effectors (e.g., grippers, suction devices, electromagnets, etc.), conveyors, slide carriages, etc. The loading system  90  may include, for example, one or more motors  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  that respectively open one or more of the drawers  46  and  48  and/or one or more of the cabinets  50  and  52  during item loading and unloading, and close the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52  thereafter. The loading system  90  may also include a manipulator  130  that is, for example, configured to (i) extend out of the container bay  60 , (ii) grasp or connect to the modular container  66 , and (ii) retract the modular container  66  into the container bay  60 . The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular loading system components and/or configurations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the control system  92  may be implemented using hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The control system  92  hardware may include one or more processors, analog and/or digital circuitry, etc. The control system  92  is in signal communication (e.g., wirelessly connected or hardwired) with the sensors  76  and  78 , the communication device  80 , the user interface  82 , the memory  84 , the drive system  86 , the security system  88  and the loading system  90 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method for operating the mobile mechanism  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In step  402 , the control system  92  may receive command data (e.g., one or more commands) through the communication device  80  and/or from the user interface  82 . The command data may include, for example, scheduling data, inventory data and/or security data. The scheduling data may be indicative of one or more successive (e.g., item pickup and/or drop-off) locations the mobile mechanism  20  is to stop at along a mobile mechanism route. The scheduling data may also be indicative of respective times-of-day and/or dates the mobile mechanism  20  is to stop at the respective locations to pickup and/or deliver the items. The inventory data may be indicative of the types, masses or weights, dimensions, etc. of items to be loaded into and/or unloaded from the mobile mechanism  20  at the respective locations. The security data may be indicative of one or more model security criteria that may be utilized to authorize the pickup and/or drop off of the items. Examples of the model security criteria may include user identification numbers, alphanumeric pass codes, retinal images, fingerprint or handprint images, spoken audio commands and/or passwords, etc. The present invention, however, is not limited to receiving any particular types of command data. 
     In step  404 , the mobile mechanism  20  may move to a first (e.g., pickup) location such as, for example, a hospital pharmacy. The control system  92 , for example, may signal the drive system  86  to move the mobile mechanism  20  to the first location based on signals received from the sensors  76  and  78  and/or the scheduling data. 
     In step  406 , one or more items may be respectively loaded into one or more of the item areas. The control system  92 , for example, may receive first security criteria through the communication device  80  and/or the user interface  82  from, for example, a first user such as a hospital pharmacist. Examples of the first security criteria may include user identification numbers, alphanumeric pass codes, retinal images, fingerprint or handprint images, spoken audio commands and/or passwords, etc. The first security criteria may be compared to the model security criteria to determine whether the first user is authorized to access one or more of the item areas. Where the first user is determined to be an authorized user, the control system  92  may signal the security system  88  to provide access to the respective item areas. The security system  88 , for example, may (i) unlock one or more of the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52 , and/or (ii) unlatch the storage container  40 , one or more of the modular components  62  and  64 , and/or the modular container  66  from the mobile mechanism body  22 . The control system  92  may also signal the loading system  90  to open the respective drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52 . 
     The first user and/or the loading system  90  may load one or more items into the respective item areas. The first user, for example, may load the drawers  46  and  48  with pharmaceutical supplies. The first user and/or the loading system  90  may also exchange one or more previously secured items for respective replacement items. The loading system  90 , for example, may autonomously eject a depleted power source (e.g.,  64 ) from the component bay  58 , and autonomously load a replacement (e.g., recharged) power source (e.g.,  64 ) into the component bay  58 . 
     In step  408 , the items may be autonomously secured within the respective item areas. The control system  92 , for example, may signal the loading system  90  to close the respective drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52 . The control system  92  may also signal the security system  88  to secure the respective item areas such that unauthorized personnel may not access (e.g., steal, misappropriate, etc.) the secured items while the items are located with the mobile mechanism  20 . The security system  88 , for example, may (i) lock the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52  shut, and/or (ii) latch the storage container  40 , the modular components  62  and  64 , and/or the modular container  66  to the mobile mechanism body  22 . 
     In step  410 , the mobile mechanism  20  may move to a second (e.g., drop off) location such as, for example, a nurse station, a remote hospital pharmacy, a patient room, etc. The control system  92 , for example, may signal the drive system  86  to move the mobile mechanism  20  to the second location based on signals received from the sensors  76  and  78  and/or the scheduling data. 
     In step  412 , one or more of the secured items may be respectively unloaded from one or more of the item areas. The control system  92 , for example, may receive second security criteria through the communication device  80  and/or the user interface  82  from, for example, a second user such as a nurse, a doctor, a patient, etc. Examples of the second security criteria may include user identification numbers, alphanumeric pass codes, retinal images, fingerprint or handprint images, spoken audio commands and/or passwords, etc. The second security criteria may be compared to the model security criteria to determine whether the second user is authorized to access one or more of the item areas. Where the second user is determined to be an authorized user, the control system  92  may signal the security system  88  to provide access to the respective item areas. The security system  88 , for example, may (i) unlock one or more of the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52 , and/or (ii) unlatch the storage container  40 , one or more of the modular components  62  and  64 , and/or the modular container  66  from the mobile mechanism body  22 . The control system  92  may also signal the loading system  90  to open the respective drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52 . 
     The second user and/or the loading system  90  may unload one or more previously secured items from the respective item areas. The second user, for example, may remove the pharmaceutical supplies from the drawers  46  and  48 . The second user and/or the loading system  90  may also exchange one or more previously secured items for respective replacement items. The loading system  90 , for example, may autonomously eject a depleted power source (e.g.,  64 ) from the component bay  58 , and autonomously load a replacement (e.g., recharged) power source (e.g.,  64 ) into the component bay  58 . 
     The aforesaid method may be performed, for example, to securely transport items between a plurality of locations along a mobile mechanism route. The method may also be performed, for example, to exchange worn, broken and/or depleted modular components  62  and  64  (e.g., depleted power sources) for new, repaired and/or recharged modular components  62  and  64  (e.g., recharged power sources) before, after and/or in between performing one or more additional tasks. The mobile mechanism  20  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , for example, may assist hospital patients, elderly, disabled and/or otherwise-incapacitated users with activities of daily living (ADL), as described above, in between replacing the modular component  64  (e.g., a power source) at the first and/or second locations. 
     In some embodiments, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the mobile mechanism  20  may also be configured to (e.g., autonomously or semi-autonomously) dock with one or more mobile mechanism stations (e.g.,  132  and  134 ) located at respective locations (e.g.,  136  and  138 ) along the mobile mechanism route. For example, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the control system  92  may signal the drive system  86  to move the mobile mechanism  20  to a first (e.g., docking) location  136  adjacent to the first mobile mechanism station  132  based on signals received from the sensors  76  and  78  and/or scheduling data. In some embodiments, the mobile mechanism  20  may contact the mobile mechanism station  132  and/or  134  to physically align and/or mate the mobile mechanism  20  with the mobile mechanism station  132  and/or  134 . In other embodiments, the mobile mechanism  20  may be aligned with the mobile mechanism station  132  and/or  134  without such contact where, for example, the control system  92  receives precise location, orientation and/or proximity information from the sensors  76  and  78  and/or the scheduling data. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustration of an embodiment of the mobile mechanism stations (e.g.,  132  and  134 ). The mobile mechanism stations  132  and  134  may each include electronics and/or mechanical devices that are configured to (e.g., autonomously and/or semi-autonomously) communicate with the mobile mechanism  20 , and/or move one or more items into and/or out of the item areas of the mobile mechanism  20 . The electronics and/or mechanical devices may include, for example, a communication device  136  (e.g., a wireless transceiver), a memory  138 , an item security system  140 , an item loading system  142 , and a mobile mechanism station control system  144 . It is to be understood, however, that present invention is not to be limited in any way by the aforesaid electronic or mechanical devices, and may include devices and system other than those specifically described herein as well as any known or future equivalents thereof. 
     The electronics and/or mechanical devices may be configured similar to the afore-described electronics and/or mechanical devices arranged with the mobile mechanism  20 . The electronics and/or mechanical devices may be housed within and/or connected to a station body  146 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of such a station body  146 . The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular electronic, mechanical devices and/or station body configurations. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method for moving (e.g., loading and/or unloading) one or more items between the mobile mechanism  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and one of the mobile mechanism stations (e.g.,  132 ) illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In step  802 , security criteria may be communicated between the communication device  80  and the communication device  136  in order to authorize the loading and/or unloading of one or more items. The mobile mechanism  20 , for example, may communicate first security criteria to the mobile mechanism station  132  in order to authorize the moving of one or more items from the mobile mechanism station  132  into respective item areas of the mobile mechanism  20 . In another example, the mobile mechanism station  132  may communicate second security criteria to the mobile mechanism  20  in order to authorize the moving of one or more items from the mobile mechanism  20  into respective item areas of the mobile mechanism station  132 ; e.g., into one or more of the station cabinets  148  and  150 , the station drawers  152  and  154  and/or the station bays  156 ,  158  and  160  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     In step  804 , one or more first items may be respectively semi-autonomously and/or autonomously loaded into one or more of the item areas of the mobile mechanism  20 . The control system  144 , for example, may signal the security system  140  to (i) unlock one or more of the station drawers  152  and  154  and/or station cabinets  148  and  150 , and/or (ii) unlatch the modular container  66  and/or one or more modular components  62  and  64  from the respective station bays  160 ,  156  and  158 . The control system  144  may subsequently signal the loading system  142  to load one or more first items from the station drawers  152  and  154  and/or station cabinets  148  and  150  into respective drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52  of the mobile mechanism  20 . The loading system  142  may also (i) eject the modular container  66  and/or one or more of the modular components  62  and  64  from the respective station bays  160 ,  156  and  158 , and (ii) mate the modular container  66  and/or modular components  62  and  64  with respective mobile mechanism bays  60 ,  56  and  58 . Alternatively, the control system  92  may signal the loading system  90  to move the first items from the mobile mechanism station  132  to the mobile mechanism  20 . 
     In step  806 , one or more second items may be respectively semi-autonomously and/or autonomously unloaded from one or more of the item areas of the mobile mechanism  20 . The control system  92 , for example, may signal the security system  88  to (i) unlock one or more of the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52  of the mobile mechanism  20 , and/or (ii) unlatch the modular container  66  and/or one or more modular components  62  and  64  from the respective mobile mechanism bays  60 ,  56  and  58 . The control system  92  may subsequently signal the loading system  90  to move one or more second items from the drawers  46  and  48  and/or cabinets  50  and  52  of the mobile mechanism  20  into respective station drawers  152  and  154  and/or station cabinets  148  and  150 . The loading system  90  may also (i) eject the modular container  66  and/or modular components  62  and  64  out of the respective mobile mechanism bays  60 ,  56  and  58 , and (ii) mate the modular container  66  and/or modular components  62  and  64  with respective station bays  160 ,  156  and  158 . Alternatively, the control system  144  may signal the loading system  142  to move the second items from the mobile mechanism  20  to the mobile mechanism station  132 . 
     In step  808 , the second items may be autonomously secured with the mobile mechanism station  132 . The control system  144 , for example, may signal the loading system  142  to close the respective station drawers  152  and  154  and/or station cabinets  148  and  150 . The control system  144  may also signal the security system  140  to secure the respective items with the mobile mechanism station  132  such that unauthorized personnel may not access the secured items. The security system  140 , for example, may (i) lock the station drawers  152  and  154  and/or station cabinets  148  and  150  shut, and/or (ii) latch the modular components  62  and  64 , and/or the modular container  66  to the station body  146 . 
     In some embodiments, the mobile mechanism  20  may be configured to dock with a mobile mechanism station where, for example, the control system  92  receives a low power signal. The mobile mechanism station may be (i) at a predetermined location and/or (ii) at the closest location to the mobile mechanism at the time the low power signal is received. A depleted power source in the docked mobile mechanism may be replaced with a charged power source, and the low power signal may be cancelled. The mobile mechanism may subsequently undock with the mobile mechanism station to continue its performance of other task(s). 
     The mobile mechanism  20  may also be adapted for use with a pneumatic conveying system (not illustrated) that are common in many facilities such as hospitals, factories, drive-up tellers at a bank or the like and retail establishments, among other facilities. In these pneumatic systems, a container is provided, an item to be transported is placed with the interior of the container and the container is placed within a tube of the pneumatic conveying system at an end point or node. Once in the system, the container is transported through the tube to a required destination. 
     Once at the destination, an operator typically removes the container from the system and the item is extracted. Typically, the item needs to be transported from the end point or node to a final destination within the facility. It is contemplated that the mobile mechanism  20  can readily be utilized to provide this transportation to the final destination by readily acquiring the container at the end point or node, securing the container and transporting that item to an end user or some other type of location, such as a docking station or the like which can be provided with secure access. 
     It is to be understood that the mobile mechanism  20  can transport one or more items from one docking station to another, from one docking station to a person, from one person to a docking station and from one person to another person. Additionally, a person can interrupt delivery that currently is in progress and may give alternative instructions to the mobile mechanism  20 . 
     Although the description above contains many specific examples, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims which include known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of this application. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.