Russian inventor Vladimir Ryzhkin has received a patent for a ground-based robotic complex for evacuating faulty unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with an automatic coupling device. The development is designed for remote removal of disabled equipment.
The complex consists of a self-propelled chassis, at the rear of which a movable coupling device is installed – a standard automotive tow ball hitch with a spring-loaded latch and guiding bevels. A corresponding ball is attached to the robot being evacuated.
The operating algorithm is as follows: the onboard controller guides the evacuator to the faulty machine and lowers the coupling head onto the ball. The guiding bevels ensure centering, the ball presses the latch, and it automatically locks the coupling. The entire process occurs without operator intervention.
A feature of the design is the hinged "ball-head" joint, which compensates for angular movements during motion and prevents breakdowns. Uncoupling is done manually. The development can be used in military and civilian robotics for evacuating equipment in the field, as well as in logistics and manufacturing.