A magnetic robot includes a chassis and at least one track assembly associated with the chassis. The track assembly has a linear series of non-circulating magnet modules displaceably mounted with respect to the chassis. A driven track circulates about the magnet modules and travels on guide portions of the magnet modules.

An apparatus and method for attaching a crawler vehicle to the surface of an object. The crawler vehicle may comprise a frame, a number of moveable surface-engaging components attached to the frame, a number of actuators, and an electro-permanent magnet. The number of actuators is operable to move the frame with respect to the object when the number of moveable surface-engaging components is in contact with the surface of the object. The electro-permanent magnet is operable to hold the number of moveable surface-engaging components in contact with the surface of the object by a magnetic force between the electro-permanent magnet and the object when the electro-permanent magnet is activated and to remove the magnetic force when the electro-permanent magnet is deactivated to release the number of moveable surface-engaging components from the surface of the object.

An apparatus and method for attaching a crawler vehicle to the surface of an object. The crawler vehicle may comprise a frame, a number of moveable surface-engaging components attached to the frame, a number of actuators, and an electro-permanent magnet. The number of actuators is operable to move the frame with respect to the object when the number of moveable surface-engaging components is in contact with the surface of the object. The electro-permanent magnet is operable to hold the number of moveable surface-engaging components in contact with the surface of the object by a magnetic force between the electro-permanent magnet and the object when the electro-permanent magnet is activated and to remove the magnetic force when the electro-permanent magnet is deactivated to release the number of moveable surface-engaging components from the surface of the object.

Systems and methods for dynamically magnetizing a chassis of a robotic vehicle are provided. The system can include a chassis having a fixed first section with a first magnet, and a moveable a second section having a second magnet with an opposition orientation relative to the first magnet. The second section is located above or below the first section and includes a mechanism that moves the second section relative to the first magnet. The system also includes an actuator connected to the second section, and a control system operatively connected to the actuator. In the systems and methods, the control system can send commands to the actuator to selectively move the mechanism, thereby moving the second section relative to the location of the first magnet to activate or inactivate a magnetic force on a portion of the chassis.

Systems and methods for dynamically magnetizing a chassis of a robotic vehicle are provided. The system can include a chassis having a fixed first section with a first magnet, and a moveable a second section having a second magnet with an opposition orientation relative to the first magnet. The second section is located above or below the first section and includes a mechanism that moves the second section relative to the first magnet. The system also includes an actuator connected to the second section, and a control system operatively connected to the actuator. In the systems and methods, the control system can send commands to the actuator to selectively move the mechanism, thereby moving the second section relative to the location of the first magnet to activate or inactivate a magnetic force on a portion of the chassis.

A mobile internet of things (IoT) unit for cleaning grease vents, herein referred to as the unit, is disclosed. The unit is comprised of the following parts: a mobile platform with magnetic tracks; a mobile device software application (app); cleaning attachments such as power washers and lasers, sensors such as conductivity meters (to measure buildup), air temperature, velocity and pressure; recording devices such as digital still and streaming cameras; a microcontroller with wireless communications; onboard lighting and a rechargeable battery. Additional details regarding the unit are examined further in this disclosure.

A mobile internet of things (IoT) unit for cleaning grease vents, herein referred to as the unit, is disclosed. The unit is comprised of the following parts: a mobile platform with magnetic tracks; a mobile device software application (app); cleaning attachments such as power washers and lasers, sensors such as conductivity meters (to measure buildup), air temperature, velocity and pressure; recording devices such as digital still and streaming cameras; a microcontroller with wireless communications; onboard lighting and a rechargeable battery. Additional details regarding the unit are examined further in this disclosure.

Adhesion devices for transport assemblies are configured to engage non-metallic surfaces. The transport assemblies can be wheels, such as omni-directional wheels, or can be a tractor tread assembly. The transport assembly is configured to move adjacent to a non-metallic surface of a structure. The transport assembly comprises an outer surface disposed adjacent to the non-metallic surface as the transport assembly moves, and a plurality of adhesion devices are each mounted to the outer surface and extend at least in a normal direction away from the outer surface. Each adhesion device is responsive to proximity to the non-metallic surface to adhere to the non-metallic surface. The adhesion devices in one or more embodiments include a Van der Waals-type adhesion device, a micro spine-type adhesion device, a suction cup-type adhesion device, or a combination of such devices.

Adhesion devices for transport assemblies are configured to engage non-metallic surfaces. The transport assemblies can be wheels, such as omni-directional wheels, or can be a tractor tread assembly. The transport assembly is configured to move adjacent to a non-metallic surface of a structure. The transport assembly comprises an outer surface disposed adjacent to the non-metallic surface as the transport assembly moves, and a plurality of adhesion devices are each mounted to the outer surface and extend at least in a normal direction away from the outer surface. Each adhesion device is responsive to proximity to the non-metallic surface to adhere to the non-metallic surface. The adhesion devices in one or more embodiments include a Van der Waals-type adhesion device, a micro spine-type adhesion device, a suction cup-type adhesion device, or a combination of such devices.

A mobile robot may include a first track located on a first side of a robot body and a second track located on a second side of the robot body. The first track and the second track may be configured to cause movement of the robot body relative to a first surface. The mobile robot may also include a crutch. The crutch may have a crutch arm extending from a magnet base, where the crutch includes a crutch magnet secured to the magnet base, where the crutch arm is rotatable relative to the robot body about an axis, and where the magnet base is fixed relative to the crutch arm such that the crutch magnet moves when the crutch arm rotates about the axis.