MODULAR ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING ROBOTIC MODULE

BACKGROUND

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on, and claims the benefit of priority to, Indian provisional application no. 2018/11047472, filed on December 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a modular robotic system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to robotic modules and connectors used therewith to configure and reconfigure the robotic system to perform a desired task.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Toy development has evolved from a pre-defined structured toy such as a car, doll, trucks, etc. that perform simple functions such as the playing of sounds in dolls, performance of simple patterns of movement in cars via a remote control, etc. to the development of robotic toys configured to perform relatively complex tasks.

[0004] Today, robotic toys are built from toy building elements or pieces, where the building element may be programmable. Depending on a task programmed, the toy building elements may perform different physical actions partially through a function or task programmed in the building element and partially by building a toy structure consisting of interconnected building elements of various types.

[0005] However, such robotic toys require an external central processing unit for programming the building elements and directing its movement. There is a need to provide a modular robotic toy construction system having modules having their own micro-controller with easy to program software interface and capable of being easily connected to other modules by mechanical and/or electrical connections into configurations which function as a single robotic unit.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a robotic system. The robotic system includes a first housing comprising a first processor and a first connector, a second housing (e.g., a drvie motor, a function motor, sensors, a display, linkages, claw, etc.) comprising a second processor and a second connector, the first connector of the first housing being connectable to the second connector of the second housing in a plurality of orientations relative to one another, wherein the first processor and the second processor are configured to communicate with one other when connected in any of the plurality of orientations

[0007] The first connector comprises a groove; and a second connector comprises a ridge corresponding to the groove, the ridge comprising the plurality of electrical contacts, where the groove is configured to receive the ridge and the plurality of electrical contacts in the plurality of orientations. The first connector further comprises a track element having a plurality of tracks corresponding to the plurality of contacts of the second connector, where the track element is located at a first side of the first connector and receives the plurality of the contacts of the second connector from a second side of the first connector, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method for configuring a robotic module. The method includes connecting the robotic module to a first housing, and assigning, via the processor, an identifier to the robotic module, wherein the identifier is configured to identify a type of the robotic module, a number of the robotic module, and/or a location of the robotic module with respect to the first housing.

[0009] The assigning of the identifier involves assigning a first set of bits of a plurality of bits to identify the type of the robotic module, and a second set of bits of the plurality of bits to indicate the number the particular component. Furthermore, the assigning of the identifier may also involve daisy chaining of the plurality of bits corresponding to a plurality of robotic modules connected to the first housing and/or a robotic module of the plurality of robotic modules.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method for programming a robotic module. The method involves selecting, via an interface, i) a predefined function to be performed by the robotic module, or ii) an option to create a user defined function to be performed by the robotic module, defining, via the interface, logic and parameters related to the user defined function of the robotic module, and storing, via a processor, the user defined function in a processor of a first housing, wherein the processor is configured to control the robotic module based on the user-defined function when the robotic module is connected, via a joinery, to the processor, and wherein the joinery establishes an electrical connection between the first housing and the robotic module.

[0011] The defining the logic involves dragging and dropping of a plurality of pre-defined functions within a programming screen on the interface, and defining the parameters includes assigning values to variables related to the robotic module.

[0012] The robotic module is a drive motor or a function motor, and the parameters comprise a speed, an amount of rotation, and/or a direction of rotation of the drive motor or the function motor.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a communication protocol circuitry including a printed circuit board including a two- wired interface to communicate information from a first processor to a second processor when connected to the first processor via a connector, where the connector establishes an electrical connection between the first processor and the second processor.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a rotatory connector for a robotic system comprising a first component interoperably connected to a second component. The rotatory connector includes a first rotatable element is configured to removably coupled to the first component of the robotic system; and a second rotatable element configured to rotate in a desired orientation relative to the first rotatable element and lock to the first rotatable element in the desired orientation, where the second rotatable element removably couples to the second component of the robotic system thereby allowing the second component be connected to the first component in the desired orientation.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a slidable connector for a robotic system comprising a first component interoperably connected to a second component, the slidable connector includes a first slidable element removably couples to the first component of the robotic system; and a second slidable element disposed perpendicular to the first slidable element, the second slidable element configured to slide to a desired position relative to the first slidable element and lock to the second slidable element in the desired position, where the second slidable element removably couples to the second component of the robotic system thereby allowing the second component be connected to the first component of the robotic system in the desired position.

[0016] Furthermore, According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a skin connector for a robotic toy, the skin connector includes a ridge configured to insert in a groove element of the robotic toy; and one or more snap elements formed at edges of the skin connector, the one or more snap elements configured to be snap fit in a cavity of a shaped cover thereby giving the robotic toy a desired toy form.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an interface between two different interlocking toy systems, the interface includes a plurality of connecting elements, formed on a first face, having a first geometric configuration compatible with one or more pieces of a first interlocking toy system; and a joinery, formed on a second face, having a second geometric configuration compatible with a second interlocking toy system, the interface enabling an interoperable connection between the first interlocking toy system and the second interlocking system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Any values dimensions illustrated in the accompanying graphs and figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all features may not be illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. In the drawings:

[0019] Figures 1A-1F are different views of a main component according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figures 2A-2B are different views of a groove element of a joinery according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figures 3A-3C are different views of a ridge element of the joinery according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figures 4A-4B are cross-section views of the joinery according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figures 5A-5F are different views of a secondary component, a drive motor, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figures 6A-6G are different views of another secondary component, a function motor, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figures 7A-7C are different views of another secondary component, a display, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figures 8A-8L are different views of another secondary components, sensors, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figures 9A-9D illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1 A-1F and secondary components to form a toy car according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figures 10A-10C illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form a robot according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figures 11A-11B illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components that is further connected to linkages according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figures 12A-12C illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form an excavator according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figures 13A-13C illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components that is further connected to a linkage, a hook, or a claw according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figures 14A-14F illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form a dog according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figures 15A-15B illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components connected to another set of linkages according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figures 17A-17B illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form a tail (e.g., of a dog) according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figures 18A-18C illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components further connected to a claw according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figures 19A-19F illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form another car according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 20 illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1A-1F and secondary components to form a drill according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 21 illustrate example robotic structure including the main component of Figures 1 A-1F and secondary components to form shown structure according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 22 is an example block diagram of a communication system between any secondary component and the main component according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figures 23-30 illustrate example schematics of processing circuit boards (PCB) of the main component, communication protocol, and different secondary components according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figures 31-32 illustrate example structure configuration and location identification for defining an identifier for automatically identifying a secondary component when connected to the main component according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 33A and 33B are example configuration illustrating the addressing mechanisms according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 34 is an exemplary flowchart of a method of user-defined configuration for a robotic module according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 35 is an exemplary flowchart of a method for module configuration of a robotic module according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 36 is an example of a programming interface (e.g., a web programming interface) including pre-defined coding blocks according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 37 is an example of a programming interface (e.g., a web programming interface) including user-defined coding blocks according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 38 is an example architecture of the robotic system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figures 39A-39G, 40, 41, 42, and 43 are example screens of a building interface tor building a robotic structure using the robotic modules according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figures 44A-44D are example screens of a gaming interface configured to guide user to play a game using the robotic structure built, for example, according to Figures 39A-39G, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 44E is an example controller used for playing the game of Figures 44A-44D, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 45 is an illustrative diagram of an exemplary computer system architecture, in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 46 there is depicted an architecture of a mobile device, which can be used to realize a specialized system implementing this disclosure, in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 47 is an example robotic toy (e.g., a car) including a first component and a second component attached to the first component, according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 48 is perspective view of the main component used in Figure 47, according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the second component (e.g., a drive motor) used in Figure 47, according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 50A is a perspective view of a rotatable connector when viewed from a first side, according to an embodiment;

[0057] Figure SOB is another perspective view of the rotatable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 50C is a front view of the rotatable connector in an unlocked state, according to an embodiment;

[0059] Figure SOD is the front view of the rotatable connector in a locked state, according to an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 50E is a side view of the rotatable connector in the unlocked state, according to an embodiment;

[0061] Figure 50F is the side view of the rotatable connector in the locked state, according to an embodiment;

[0062] Figure 50G is an exploded view of the rotatable connector including an electrical connector, according to an embodiment;

[0063] Figure 50H is an exploded view of the rotatable connector omitting the electrical connector, according to an embodiment;

[0064] Figure 501 is a perspective view of a first rotatable element of the rotatable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0065] Figure 50J is a front view of a second rotatable element of the rotatable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0066] Figure 51 A is an exploded view of a first variation of the rotatable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0067] Figure 5 IB is an exploded view of a second variation of the rotatable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0068] Figure 52A is a perspective view of a slidable connector in a first configuration or a first position, according to an embodiment;

[0069] Figure 52B is a perspective view of the slidable connector in a second configuration or a second position, according to an embodiment;

[0070] Figure 52C is a perspective view of the slidable connector in a third configuration or a third position, according to an embodiment;

[0071] Figure 52D is a front view of a slidable connector in the first configuration or the first position, according to an embodiment;

[0072] Figure 52E is a side view of the slidable connector in the second configuration or the second position, according to an embodiment;

[0073] Figure 52F is a side view of the slidable connector in the third configuration or the third position, according to an embodiment;

[0074] Figure 52G is an exploded view of the slidable connector when viewed from a top side, according to an embodiment;

[0075] Figure 52H is an exploded view of the slidable connector when viewed from a bottom side, according to an embodiment;

[0076] Figure 521 is another exploded view of the slidable connector when viewed from the bottom side, according to an embodiment;

[0077] Figure 52J is a front view of the slidable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0078] Figure 52K shows a portion of the slidable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0079] Figure 52L is an exploded view when viewed from a bottom side of the slidable connector omitting a member, according to an embodiment;

[0080] Figure 52M illustrates another exemplary slidable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0081] Figure 53A is a front view of a first variation of the slidable connector, according to an embodiment;

[0082] Figure 53B is a front view of the first variation of the slidable connector omitting a member, according to an embodiment;

[0083] Figure 54A is a perspective view of a skin connector when viewed from a top side, according to an embodiment;

[0084] Figure 54B is a perspective view of the skin connector when view from a bottom side, according to an embodiment;

[0085] Figure 54C is an elevation view of the skin connector, according to an embodiment;

[0086] Figure 54D is a perspective view of another example skin connector, according to an embodiment;

[0087] Figure 54E is a perspective view of yet another example skin connector, according to an embodiment;

[0088] Figure 54F is a cross-section view yet another example skin connector, according to an embodiment;

[0089] Figure 55 A is an example toy (e.g., a three-wheeler) build by coupling a first skin to the robotic toy, according to an embodiment;

[0090] Figure 55B is another example toy (e.g., a satellite) build by coupling a second skin to the robotic toy, according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 56A illustrates a perspective view showing a first side of an interface (e.g., a LEGO connector) having connecting elements compatible with a first interlocking system, according to an embodiment.

[0092] Figure 56B is a plan view of the interface of Figure 56A viewed from the first side, according to an embodiment.

[0093] Figure 56C illustrates a perspective view showing a second side of the interface of Figure 56A having a joinery compatible with a robotic components (e.g., of Figure 47) of the robotic system, according to an embodiment.

[0094] Figure 56D illustrates a plan view of the interface of Figure 56C viewed from the second side, according to an embodiment.

[0095] Figure 57 illustrates an example interface with LEGO pieces attached thereto, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosed embodiment(s). However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiment(s) may be practiced without those specific details.

In some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

[0097] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0098] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase“in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase“in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0099] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as“and”,“or”, or“and/or,” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically,“or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term“one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense.

Similarly, terms, such as“a, an,” or“the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term“based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0100] It is to be understood that terms such as“left,”“right,”“top,”“bottom,”“front, M rear. »» 6« side,” height,”“length,”“width,”“upper,”“lower,”“interior, *» k< exterior,”“inner,”“outer,” and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as“first,” “second,”“third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation, or any requirement that each number must be included.

[0101] A modular robotic system comprises of robotic modules, which can be disconnected and reconnected in various arrangements to form different configurations while enabling new functionalities specific to a particular configuration. As a result, multiple possible robot configurations or structures may be obtained from the same number of robotic modules. For example, a robot structure (e.g., a car, an animal, a mechanical tool or apparatus, etc.) can be built by interconnecting a certain number of modules to form a desired structure (e.g., car with four wheels) and programming desired functionality (e.g., steer, move forwards/backwards, etc.) to activate the desired robotic structure to perform a desired task (e.g., driving from a first location to a second location while steering along a desired path or steering around obstructions).

[0102] The term“robotic system” used herein refers to a system comprising several components (e.g., mechanical, electrical/electronic, software, etc.) related to a robotic module or a set of robotic modules. For example, the robotic system comprises a set of robotic modules, user interfaces used to implement or activate functionalities related to the robotic modules, any programs or configurations build using the robotic modules and the user interface, a web programming interface used to code a particular function to be performed related to a robotic module, a user-defined configuration of the robotic modules, or any other tools, programming interface, etc. relating to the robotic modules of the present disclosure and/or interacting with the robotic modules. An example robotic system architecture is illustrated in Figure 38, which show different elements of the robotic system including communication, robotic module, external devices that interact with the robotic module, etc.

[0103] Furthermore, the robotic structure’s physical actions may be conditioned by the interaction of the robotic structure with its surroundings, and the robotic structure may be programmed to respond to sensor inputs, such as physical contact with an object or to light, sound, color, and to change its behavior on the basis of the sensor inputs.

[0104] In an embodiment, such modular robotic system comprising a plurality of programmable robotic modules may be used to build toys and for education purposes to caters to children of a younger age or adults. In an embodiment, toys, games using toys, etc. can be build using the robotic modules to teach and inculcate basic knowledge of how to design systems for modem world. As mentioned earlier, the robotic system is modular system that enables manipulation of different structures to create different shapes and are programmable in multiple ways (e.g., via computer, phone or an interface). The robotic modules, as described herein, are easy to assemble, enable self-learning, and intuitive in nature to build a desired robotic structure or toy.

[0105] According to the present disclosure, the robotic modules or the robotic structure built therefrom may be configured via different interfaces, as described herein, each interface configured to work independently to control any unique creation, for example, by a child. Thus, the robotic system is designed to enhance the logical abilities, creativity and programming skills of a young child or adults.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, a target age group is mostly young children. So, it is desired to provide them age appropriate curriculum and manipulatives. A child's world and environment, at the ages of 3 to 10 years (or higher) is dominated by blocks (e.g., made of wood or plastic), colorful toys (e.g., made of wood or plastic) and books. As such, the robotic modules and any tangible interface may be made of plastic and/or wood with limited to no apparent electronics on its surface to ensure that the child does not feel intimidated by the interface but feels welcomed to use the interface. The tangible interface refers to a software interface with which a user can interact to program a particular function of a robotic module. The tangible interface also ensures that the child focuses on the task at hand and does not get distracted by other screen based applications such as commonly available on a phone, tablets or computers. Furthermore, consistency is be maintained across the different devices (e.g., tangible screen, phone/tablet and computer) so that when the children move from one to another device they do not get confused.

[0107] Thus, the robotic system described herein provides several advantages including, but not limited to, configuration and reconfiguration of a robotic structure with ease using the robotic modules, model real-world behaviors, and teach basic principles of coding such as logic, troubleshooting and function flows without having a prior understanding of a coding language. In an embodiment, advanced users can learn the basics of programming language and logic, and troubleshooting logic, and further code user-specific functions as they build more complex robotic structures. Hence, as users advance, they can apply these computational thinking skills to traditional programming, for example, in C programming language.

[0108] In the present disclosure the terms“robotic module,”“module,”“programmable module,” and “block,” may be used interchangeably to refer to a main component or a secondary component of the robotic system or the robotic toy. The terms“robotic system,”“robotic toy,” and“robotic configuration,” may be used to refer to any device, apparatus or a toy comprising cooperating parts configured using robotic modules according to the present disclosure.

[0109] According to the present disclosure, a robotic structure is built by interconnecting, via a joinery, cooperating robotic modules. The joinery comprises a first connector (also referred as a groove element) with a cavity or groove and a second connector (also referred as a ridge element) having a projecting portion that can be received in the cavity or groove. The joinery (e.g., comprising the first connector and the second connector) allows interconnection between two modules in multiple orientations. In addition, the joinery is configured to easily connect and disconnect cooperating modules, for example, via a snap action. The joinery also includes a locking element, which locks the cooperating modules when connected and easily unlocks upon applying force while disconnecting the modules. The joinery also includes electrical contact points such as pogo pins that establish an electrical connection between cooperating parts thereby enabling communication of signals such as sensor inputs, control commands etc. between the cooperating modules.

[0110] In an embodiment, the joinery comprises an X-shaped portions (e.g., in Figures 2A-2B, 3, and 4A-4B) that allows four different orientations between two modules connected to each other. The two modules may be a first housing (interchangeably referred as a main component for better readability) comprising the first connector (e.g., having an X-shaped groove) and a second housing (interchangeably referred as a secondary component for better readability) comprising the second connector (e.g., having an X-shaped ridge). For example, the four orientations of the second housing or a secondary component (e.g., a function motor 300 in Figures 6A-6G) correspond to connecting the secondary component's bottom side, top side, right side, or left side to a side of the first housing such as a main component 100 (e.g., in Figure 1A). Thus, the joinery provides flexibility in orienting a component relative to another component to give desired shape or structure to the robotic toy. It should be noted that the X-shapes of the joinery are only exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any other geometric shapes (e.g., pentagon, hexagon, etc.) may be configured to form the joinery. As an example, in the present disclosure, the X-shaped joinery is used to explain the concepts and function of the robotic modules and their interactions, how the robotic modules should be attached and detached to build a robotic structure, etc.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the X-shaped design of the joinery also has a metaphorical usage. For example, usage of alphabet X as a variable in algebra or even in common terminology. In a robotic configuration, one can attach any kind of sensor or a motor module at such X location thereby giving an early association to children that X means a position where different options can be placed.

[0112] Now, the disclosure describes in detail an exemplary joinery structure and different robotic modules that can be configured to form a desired robotic configuration that are enabled (e.g., via

programing desired function within a processor of a robotic module) to perform a desired task. For example, a robotic configuration comprises cooperating robotic modules, where a robotic module is the main component 100 (discussed with respect to Figures 1A-1E) and another of the cooperating robotic modules is the secondary component (e.g., 200, 300, 400, and 800 in Figures 5-8, respectively) connected via a joinery 900 (in Figures 4A and 4B). The joinery 900 is configured to connect the secondary component (e.g., a drive motor in Figure 5A-5F) in a desired orientation relative to the main component 100 (in Figure 1 A-1E). Furthermore, a processor 10 (interchangeably referred as a first processor 10) may be housed in the main component 100, the first processor 10 is configured to communicate with a second processor of the secondary component via the joinery 900. The joinery 900 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 954 to establish an electrical connection between the first processor 10 and the second processor (e.g., PCBs in Figures 25-30) of the secondary component of the cooperating parts.

[0113] Refaring to the cross-section of the joinery 900 in Figures 4A-4B, the joinery 900 comprises a first connector 910 (interchangeably referred as a groove element 910) having a portion (e.g., a cavity or an X-shaped cavity) configured to receive a portion (e.g., a projection or a X-shaped projection) of a second connector 950 (interchangeably referred as a ridge element 950). Further, the groove element 910 and the ridge element 950 are electrically connected to each other via a track element 980 and the electrical contacts 954 passing through the ridge element 950.

[0114] Figures 2A-2B illustrate the groove element 910 of the joinery 900. The groove element 910 comprises a groove 912 (also referred as a cavity 912). The groove 912 is a cavity or a depressed portion of the groove element 910 that is formed relative to an outer surface 911 (i.e., a surface facing at an outer side as shown in Figure 2A) of the groove element 910. The groove 912 has a plurality of holes (not illustrated) or an opening at a bottom of the cavity allowing access from an outer surface 911 to an inner side of the grove element 910. The groove 912 is configured to receive the ridge 952 and the plurality of electrical contacts 954 in a plurality of orientations. In an embodiment, the groove 912 is configured to receive the plurality of contacts 954 such that the contacts 954 passes through the opening or the plurality of holes of the groove 912 allowing contact with a track element 980 placed at an inner side, for example, as illustrated in cross-section view of joinery 900 in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0115] The shape of the groove 912 is such it can receive the ridge element 950 (or the component connected thereto) in a plurality of orientations relative to the outer surface 911 of the groove element 910 (or the component connected thereto). A total number of the plurality of orientations depends on the shape of groove 912. For example, the groove 912 can be shaped as a“minus” sign,“plus” sign,“X”, etc. Accordingly, the groove 912 may receive the ridge element 950 (or the component connected thereto) in two, three, four, five, six, etc. different orientations depending on the shape of the groove 912.

[0116] In an embodiment, an orientation may be defined as an angular position about the axis of the groove element 910 or with respect to faces of a robotic module comprising the groove element 910 and/or the ridge element 950. For example, when the plurality of orientations are defined as angular positions about the axis (e.g., perpendicular to the outer surface 911) of the groove element 910, the angular positions can be 0°, 90°, 270°, and 360°, or 30°, 120°, 210°, and 300°, or any other desired angular position. When the plurality of orientations are defined with respect to a face of the robotic module, the face may be a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a side face, etc. defined based on viewing direction of a user.

[0117] A body of the groove element 910 may be of any desired shape as well. In an embodiment, the desired body depends on a housing or shape of the robotic module within which the groove element 910 may be incorporated. For example, the groove element 910 can be configured to have a rectangular or square-type body (as shown in Figure 2A and 2B), circular body, ovular body, etc. or a combination thereof (e.g., square body and a circular base such as 910 shown in Figure 5F). The body of the groove element 910 may include fastening aspects or attaching means such as holes, threaded holes, etc. to enable fastening of the groove element 910 within a particular robotic module (e.g., the main component 100 in Figure 1A-1F). For example, in a square body type 920D in Figure 1 , four hole may be formed at four comers of the groove element 910D (in Figure 1A).

[0118] Furthermore, the body of the groove element 910 may be configured to include one or more locking elements that allows to easily attach and remove, for example, via a snap action, a robotic module. For example, the one or more locking elements may be a cantilever type having a profiled shape, where the locking takes place due to a spring action of the cantilever when force is applied at an open end (e.g., at the profile shape) of the cantilever. The profile shape is such that when attaching by pressing a robotic module, the attaching force causes the cantilever to depresses, and the when removing the robotic module, a sliding out or pull out motion also causes the cantilever depress and separate two connected robotic modules.

[0119] In an embodiment, the square body type may include four locking elements 915 as shown in Figure 2A and 2B. However, the position and number of locking elements 915 is not limited to the shown example of the element 910. Based on the body type of the groove element 910 and/or the housing of a robotic element, different locking elements configuration of the groove element 910 is possible.

[0120] In addition, Figures 2A and 2B, also illustrates the track element 980 attached at an inner side or under side of the groove element 910. The inner side refers to a side opposite to the surface 911 or a side towards which the cavity 912 extends. The inner side and the outer sides are also marked in Figures 4A and 4B for clarity. In an embodiment, the track element 980 includes a plurality of tracks 982 made of electrically conducting material such as a metal. The tracks 982 are separated from each other. The

location and a number of the tracks 982 correspond to the plurality of electrical contacts 954. In an embodiment, six tracks are formed on a substrate of the tracking element 980. The tracking element 980 can be further connected to another electronic circuit to send and receive signals via the established electrical connection between the tracks 982 and the electrical contacts 954. For example, the signal can be signals from a sensor (e.g., color, touch, IR, LDR, etc.), the signals can be command signals sent by the processor of the main component 100, or other signals related to actuating, receiving data, communicating data, establishing wireless links, etc. within the desired robotic system configuration.

[0121] Thus, when the groove elements 910 is connected to the ridge element 980 via the track elements 980 and the electrical contacts 954, the joinery 900 enables actuation of the robotic modules in cooperation with each other (e.g., used in a toy) to perform a desired functionality or a task.

[0122] As mentioned earlier, the ridge element 950 cooperates with the groove element 910 to form the joinery 900. Exemplary structure of the ridge element 950 is shown in Figure 3. The ridge element 950 comprises the ridge 952 (also referred as a projecting portion 952). The ridge 952 is a projecting portion or a protruding portion projecting outward, for example, towards the outer surface 951 (i.e., a surface facing at an outer side as shown in Figure 3 A) of the ridge element 950. In an embodiment, the ridge 952 is formed in a pocket 953 formed on the outer surface 951 extending inward to a certain depth, as shown in Figure 3A. In an embodiment, the ridge 952 is formed inside the pocket 953 such that a height (e.g., tr in Figure 4A) of the ridge 952 is less than or equal to the depth (e.g., trc in Figure 4A) of the pocket 953. However, the ridge 952 location, dimensions, or shape is not limited to that shown in Figure 3 A. In an example, the ridge 952 may extend outward from the outer surface 951. In another example, the ridge 952 may be formed on the outer surface 951 with no pocket 953.

[0123] Furthermore, the ridge 952 has a plurality of holes (see Figure 3B) for accommodating the plurality of electrical contacts 954 (e.g., pogo pins). In an embodiment, the holes (in Figure 3B) are arranged linearly on the surface of the ridge 952. In an embodiment, the holes may be equidistant from each adjacent hole. In the example shown in Figure 3B, the ridge 952 includes six holes corresponding to six pogo pins 954 in Figure 3 A. When assembled with the groove element 910, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the groove 912 receives the plurality of contacts 954 and makes contact with the track element 980 placed at the inner side of the groove element 910.

[0124] The ridge 952 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 912 so that the ridge 952 fit in the groove 912 in a desired orientation of the plurality of orientations. Similar to the groove element 910, the plurality of orientation of the ridge 950 is dependent on the shape of the ridge 952. For example, the ridge 952 can be a“minus” sign,“plus” sign,“X,” etc. Accordingly, the ridge element 950 (or the component connected thereto) can be oriented in two, three, four, five, six, etc. different orientations within the groove 912. In the present disclosure, as an example in Figure 3A-3C, the ridge 950 is an X- shaped protruding portion that projects outward relative to the outer surface 951 or a face of the secondary component (e.g., 200 in Figure 5A).

[0125] The orientation of the ridge 950 may be defined as an angular position about the axis (e.g., perpendicular to the outer surface 951) of the ridge element 950 (or the groove element 910) or with respect to faces of a robotic module comprising the ridge element 910 and/or the ridge element 950. For example, when the plurality of orientations are defined as angular positions about the axis of the ridge element 950, the angular positions can be 0°, 90°, 270°, and 360°, or 30°, 120°, 210°, and 300 °, or any other desired angular position. When the plurality of orientations are defined with respect to a face of the robotic module, the face may be a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a side face, etc. defined based on viewing direction of a user.

[0126] A body of the ridge element 950 may be of any desired shape as well. In an embodiment, the desired body depends on a housing or shape of the robotic module within which the ridge element 950 may be incorporated. For example, the ridge element 950 can be configured to have a rectangular or square-type body (as shown in Figures 3A and 3B), circular body, ovular body, etc. or a combination thereof. The body of the ridge element 950 may include fastening means or attaching means such as holes, threaded holes, etc. to enable fastening of the ridge element 950 within a particular robotic module (e.g., the drive motor 200 in Figures 5A-5F). For example, in a square body type 950 in Figure 5D, four hole may be formed at four comers at an under side of the ridge element 950.

[0127] Furthermore, the body of the ridge element 950 may be configured to include one or more locking means such as slots corresponding to the locking element 915 (in Figure 2A) that allows to easily attach and remove, for example, via a snap action, a robotic module. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, one or more locking slots may be along a edge of the pocket 953, where the slots are located at locations corresponding to the locking elements 915 of the groove element 910. When attaching, the locking element 915 of the groove element 910 snaps into the locking slots of the ridge element 950, thereby locking the elements 910 and 950 in place due to the spring action of the locking element 915 as discussed earlier.

[0128] In an embodiment, the square body type of the ridge element 950 includes four locking slots (see Figure 3B and 3C) corresponding to the locking elements 915 of the groove element 910. As mentioned earlier, based on the body type, different locking elements and slot configurations are possible.

[0129] The joinery discussed above may be included in one or more robotic modules such as the main component 100 and the secondary component. In examples of the present disclosure, the groove element 910 is included in the main component 100 and the function motor 300, while the ridge element is included in the secondary component (e.g., the drive motor 200, the function motor 300, sensors 400-700, or the display 800). Thus, one or more secondary components can be connected to the main component

100 by inserting the ridge 952 of the secondary component in to the groove 910 of the main component

100.

[0130] Figures 1A-1F illustrate different views of the main component 100. The main component includes a plurality of groove elements 900A-900N arranged along the faces of the main component. For example, three groove elements are arranged on different face of the main element, where one groove element (e.g., 910B) is at a center of the main component and two groove elements (e.g., 910A and 910C) adjacent to the center groove in a linear manner. Accordingly, the groove 912A, 912B, and 912C is also arranged linearly. Further, one groove element 9910J and 910K (see Figure IB) can be placed on two side faces (e.g., left and right) respectively. As such, in the present example, total of 14 groove elements are included in the main component 100. Thus, a total of 14 or less number of secondary components may be connected to the main component 100.

[0131] In an embodiment, the main component 100 has a first housing having an elongated cubical shape. The first housing comprises face plates 102 assembled with other components including the groove elements 910A-910N (generally referred as groove element 910) and corresponding track elements 980, a battery 150, a chassis 120, etc. as illustrated in Figures 1A-1F. The chassis 120 is used to support and attach different elements (e.g., 910A-910N, 980, 150, circuitry 10) of the main component 100.

[0132] In an embodiment, the main component 100 includes the first processor 10 configured to control one or more attached secondary components. For example, the first processor 10 is connected via the track elements 980 to a second processor of the secondary components such as sensors. Hence, the first processor 10 can receive signals (e.g., from sensors 400-700) and based on the sensor signals and the functionality programmed in the first processor 10, the first processor can control/configure/communicate with the second processor of the secondary components.

[0133] In an embodiment, the first processor 10 can automatically identify the type of the secondary component such as the drive motor 200, the function motor 300, etc. when the secondary component is connected to the main component 100. Such automatic identification may be achieved by an identifier (e.g., assigned according to an addressing mechanism in Figures 31-33) and module configuration (e.g., Figures 34 and 35) discussed later in the disclosure. Furthermore, the first processor 10 may be configured to determine an orientation and/or a location of the secondary component with respect to the main component 100. According to an embodiment, it may be desirable to identify the correct orientation and location of the secondary component, since the joinery 900 allows the secondary component to be connected in a plurality of orientations with respect to the main component, however only a certain orientation may be desired within a robotic structure.

[0134] As shown in Figure 1A, example grooves 912A-912N (generally referred as groove 912) of the main component are an X-shaped depressed portion depressed inward relative to the surface of the face (e.g., 102) of the main component 100. Thus, the main component 100 can connect with any robotic module having the ridge 950 as an X-shaped protruding portion protruding outward relative to a surface of the face of the secondary component, where the X-shape of the ridge 950 corresponds to the X-shape of the groove 912.

[0135] In the present disclosure example secondary components include, but not limited to, one or more of, the drive motor 200 (Figures 5A-5F), a function motor 300 (Figures 6A-6G), the display 800 (Figures 7A-7C), and sensors 400, 500, 600, 700 (Figures 8A-8C).

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A robotic system comprising:

a first housing comprising a first processor and a first connector,

a second housing comprising a second processor and a second connector,

the first connector of the first housing being connectable to the second connector of the second housing in a plurality of orientations relative to one another, wherein the first processor and the second processor are configured to communicate with one other when connected in any of the plurality of orientations.

2. The robotic system of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a groove; and the second connector comprises a ridge corresponding to the groove, the ridge comprising the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the groove is configured to receive the ridge and the plurality of electrical contacts in the plurality of orientations.

3. The robotic system of claim 2, wherein the first connector further comprises a track element having a plurality of tracks corresponding to the plurality of contacts of the second connector, wherein the track element is located at a first side of the first connector and receives the plurality of the contacts of the second connector from a second side of the first connector, the second side being opposite to the first side.

4. The robotic system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first connector comprising the track element is included in the first housing and the second connector is included in the second housing.

5. The robotic system of any of claims 1-4, wherein the groove of the first housing is an X-shaped depressed portion depressed inward relative to a face of the first housing, and the ridge is an X-shaped protruding portion protruding outward relative to a face of the second housing, the X-shape of the ridge corresponds to the X-shape of the groove.

6. The robotic system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the ridge receives the plurality of electrical contacts in a form of pins projecting outward from the X-shaped protruding portion.

7. The robotic system of claim 6, wherein a number of pins is six arranged linearly with an equidistance between adjacent pins.
8. The robotic system of any of claims 1 -7, wherein the groove includes a cut out portion at a bottom or a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of electrical contacts of the ridge.

9. The robotic system of any of claims 1-8, wherein the groove is formed within a step portion relative to the face of the first housing.

10. The robotic system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the ridge is formed within a pocket relative the face of the second housing.

11. The robotic system of claim 10, wherein the pocket is a depressed portion relative the face of the second housing.

12. The robotic system of any of claims 1-11, wherein a height of the ridge is less than a depth of the pocket so defined that the ridge does not project relative to Ihe face of the second housing.

13. The robotic system of any of claims 1-12, wherein a depth of the groove of the first housing is approximately the same as the height of the ridge of the second housing, so defined that when the groove receives the ridge of the second housing, the face of the first housing and the face of the second housing touch each other.

14. The robotic system of any of claims 10-13, wherein a height of the step portion of the first housing is less than the depth of the pocket of the second housing.

15. The robotic system of any of claims 1-14, wherein Ihe second housing is at least one of:

a drive motor comprising a first motor configured to receive, via the second connector, a control signal from the first processor of the first housing;

a function motor comprising a second motor configured to receive, via the second connector, another control signal from the first processor of the first housing;

a display comprising a screen configured to receive, via the second connector, information from the first processor of the first housing; and

a sensor configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic to be measured and send, via the second connector, the output signal to the first processor of the first housing.

16. The robotic system of any of claims 1-15, wherein the sensor is at least one of: a color sensor, a touch sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, or a Light Dependent Resistor (LCR) sensor.

17. The robotic system of claim 15, wherein the drive motor comprises at least one face including the ridge configured to connect with the groove of the first housing.

18. The robotic system of claim 15, wherein the function motor comprises at least one face including the ridge and at least one another face including the groove.

19. The robotic system of claim 15, wherein the function motor is cube shaped having six faces, wherein each of five faces out of the six faces includes the ridge and one face includes the groove.

20. The robotic system of claim 19, wherein the face of the function motor including the groove is connected to a shaft of the second motor.

21. The robotic system of any of claims 1 -20, wherein the second housing includes an unique electrical characteristic.

22. The robotic system of claim 21, wherein the unique electrical characteristic is a resistor having a particular resistance value.

23. The robotic system of claim 21 , wherein the first processor is further configured to identify the second housing based on the electrical characteristic of the second housing when connected to the first housing.

24. The robotic system of any of claims 21, wherein the first processor is further configured to: identify the second housing and an orientation of the plurality of the orientations of the second housing relative to the first housing based on an address of the second housing and the orientation; and articulate the second housing, wherein the identified second housing is the drive motor or the function motor.

25. A method for configuring a robotic module comprising a processor, the method comprising: connecting the robotic module to a first housing; and

assigning, via the processor, an identifier to the robotic module, wherein the identifier is configured to identify a type of the robotic module, a number of the robotic module, and/or a location of the robotic module with respect to the first housing.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the assigning of the identifier comprises:

assigning a first set of bits of a plurality of bits to identify the type of the robotic module, and a second set of bits of the plurality of bits to indicate the number the particular component.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the assigning of the identifier comprises:

daisy chaining of the plurality of bits corresponding to a plurality of robotic modules connected to the first housing and/or a robotic module of the plurality of robotic modules.

28. A method of programming related to a robotic module, the method comprising:

selecting, via an interface, i) a predefined function to be performed by the robotic module, or ii) an option to create a user defined function to be performed by the robotic module;

defining, via the interface, logic and parameters related to the user defined function of the robotic module; and

storing, via a processor, the user defined function in a processor of a first housing,

wherein the processor is configured to control the robotic module based on the user-defined function when the robotic module is connected, via a joinery, to the processor, and

wherein the joinery establishes an electrical connection between the first housing and the robotic module.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the defining the logic involves dragging and dropping of a plurality of pre-defined coding blocks within a programming screen on the interface, and defining the parameters includes assigning values to variables related to the robotic module.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the robotic module is a drive motor or a function motor, and the parameters comprise a speed, an amount of rotation, and/or a direction of rotation of the drive motor or the function motor.

31. An communication protocol circuitry, comprising:

a printed circuit board including a two-wired interface to communicate information from a first processor to a second processor when connected to the first processor via a connector,

wherein the connector establishes an electrical connection between the first processor and the second processor.

32. A robotic system comprises:

a first component comprising a first processor and a first connector,

a second component comprising a second processor and a second connector,

an rotatory connector configured to couple the first component and the second component in a desired orientation;

the first component being connectable, via the rotatory connector, to the second component in the desired orientation relative to one another, wherein the first processor and the second processor ate configured to communicate with one other when connected in the desired orientation.

33. The robotic system according to claim 31 , wherein the rotatory connector comprises:

a first rotatable element is configured to removably coupled to the first component of the robotic system; and

a second rotatable element configured to rotate in a desired orientation relative to the first rotatable element and lock to the first rotatable element in the desired orientation,

wherein the second rotatable element removably couples to the second component of the robotic system thereby allowing the second component be connected to the first component in the desired orientation.

34. The robotic system according to claim 33, wherein the second rotatable element includes a flange portion.

35. The robotic system according to claim 34, wherein the flange portion is segmented to include a comer flange portion.

36. The robotic system according to claim 34, wherein the first rotatable element has a hollow portion configured to receive the flange portion of the second rotatable element.

37. The robotic system according to claim 36, wherein the flange portion has a substantially circular shape and the hollow portion comprises a circular portion configured to receive the flange portion allowing rotational motion therebetween.

38. The robotic system according to claim 33, wherein the first rotatable element includes projections configured to prevent the second rotatable element from separating while relatively rotating the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element.

39. The robotic system according to claim 33, wherein

the first rotatable element includes a first marie, and

the second rotatable element includes a second mark, the first mark and the second mark when aligned allows the second rotatable element to be locked in the desired orientation with respect to the first rotatable element.

40. The robotic system according to claim 39, wherein the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element cannot be locked in the desired orientation if the first mark and the second mark are misaligned.

41. The robotic system according to claim 33, wherein:

the first rotatable element has a groove configured to receive a ridge element of the first component of the robotic system; and

the second rotatable element has the groove configured to receive the ridge element of the second component of the robotic system.

42. The robotic system according to claim 41, wherein:

the groove is an X- shaped depressed portion depressed inward relative to a face of the respective rotatable elements, and

the ridge is an X-shaped protruding portion protruding outward relative to a face of the respective components, the X-shape of the ridge corresponds to the X-shape of the groove.

43. The robotic system according to claim 42, further comprising:

an electrical connector housed between the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element, wherein the electrical connector establishes an electrical connection between the first component and the second component of the robotic system when the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element are in a locked state.

44. The robotic system according to claim 43, wherein the electrical connector comprises:

a pin element including a plurality of pins; and

a track element having a plurality of tracks corresponding to the plurality of pins of the pin element, the plurality of pins and the plurality of tracks establishing an electrical connection when the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element are in the locked state.

45. A robotic system comprises:

a first component comprising a first processor and a first connector,

a second component comprising a second processor and a second connector,

a slidable connector configured to couple the first component and the second component in a desired position;

the first component being connectable, via the sidable connector, to the second component in the desired position relative to one another, wherein the first processor and the second processor are configured to communicate with one other when connected in the desired position.

46. The robotic system according to claim 45, wherein the slidable connector comprising:

a first slidable element removably couples to the first component of the robotic system; and a second slidable element disposed perpendicular to the first slidable element, the second slidable element configured to slide to a desired position relative to the first slidable element and lock to the second slidable element in the desired position,

wherein the second slidable element removably couples to the second component of the robotic system thereby allowing the second component be connected to the first component of the robotic system in the desired position.

47. The robotic system according to claim 46, wherein the second slidable element includes a flexible locking member, the flexible locking member configured to:

unlock the second slidable element and allow sliding with respect to the first slidable element when the flexible locking member are compressed, and

lock the second slidable element in the desired position relative to the first slidable element when the flexible locking member are released.

48. The robotic system according to claim 46, wherein the first slidable element includes a channel to guide a sliding motion of the second slidable element, the channel being formed on a side opposite to where the first component is coupled.

49. The robotic system according to claim 48, wherein an edge of the channel has teeth to enable locking of the second slidable element.

50. The robotic system according to claim 49, wherein the flexible locking member includes a flange portion to allow sliding in the channel without separating the second slidable element from the first slidable element.

51. The robotic system according to claim 50, wherein the flexible locking member includes a ridge at the flange portion configured to:

engage with the teeth of the first slidable element to lock the second slidable element to the first slidable element when the flexible locking member is released; and

disengage from the teeth of the first slidable element to unlock the second slidable element and allow sliding with respect to the first slidable element when the flexible locking member is compressed.

52. The robotic system according to claim 47, wherein the second slidable element comprises: a locking member having the flexible locking member at a circumference and a groove at a first side where the ridge element of the second component is received; and

a cover member coupled to a second side of the locking member, the second side being opposite to the first side.

53. The robotic system according to claim 52, wherein the cover member further comprises a groove at a first side where the ridge element of the second component is received.

54. The robotic system according to claim 46, wherein the first slidable element includes position markings at a circumference parallel to the channel, a position marking being indicative of the desired positions.

55. The robotic system according to claim 46, wherein:

the first slidable element has a ridge configured to be inserted in a groove of the first component of the robotic system; and

the second slidable element has at least one groove configured to receive a ridge element of the second component of the robotic system.

56. The robotic system according to claim 54, wherein:

the groove is an X-shaped depressed portion depressed inward relative to a face of the respective slidable elements, and

the ridge is an X-shaped protruding portion protruding outward relative to a face of the respective components, the X-shape of the ridge corresponds to the X-shape of the groove.

57. A robotic system comprises:

a first component comprising a first processor and a first connector,

a second component comprising a second processor and a second connector, and

a skin connector configured to couple the first component and/or the second component to attach a shaped cover;

the first connector of the first component being connectable to the second connector of the second component in the desired orientation relative to one another, wherein the first processor and the second processor are configured to communicate with one other when connected in the desired orientation.

58. The robotic system according to claim 57, wherein the skin connector comprises:

a ridge configured to insert in a groove element of the robotic toy; and

one or more snap elements formed at edges of the skin connector, the one or more snap elements configured to be snap fit in a cavity of a shaped cover thereby giving the robotic toy a desired toy form.

59. The robotic system according to claim 58, wherein the one or more snap elements project perpendicular to a first face of the skin connector in a first direction, the first direction being opposite to the ridge’s projecting direction.

60. The robotic system according to claim 59, wherein the one or more snap elements are a cantilever type of elements.

61. The robotic system according to claim 59, wherein a body of the skin connector has a substantially rectangular or square shaped.

62. The robotic system according to claim 61, wherein the body includes a raised portion, the raised portion being raised with respect to the first face, and wherein the raised portion includes a hollow portion in which the ridge is formed.

63. A robotic system comprises:

a first interlocking toy system comprising:

a plurality of pieces configured to interlock with each other via a first interlocking mechanism;

a second interlocking toy system having a second interlocking mechanism comprising:

a first component comprising a first processor, and

a second component comprising a second processor, the second component interoperably connected to the first component, and wherein the first processor communicates with the second processor to send receive control signals or sensor signal therebetween; and

an interface configured to couple, via the second interlocking mechanism at one face, the first component and/or the second component , and couple, via the first interlocking mechanism at another face, at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of the first interlocking toy system at another face to allow interoperability between the first interlocking system and the second interlocking system.

64. The robotic system according to claim 63, wherein the interface comprises:

a plurality of connecting elements, formed on a first face, having a first geometric configuration compatible with one or more pieces of a first interlocking toy system; and

a joinery, formed on a second face, having a second geometric configuration compatible with a second interlocking toy system, the interface enabling an interoperable connection between the first interlocking toy system and the second interlocking system.

65. The robotic system according to claim 64, wherein the connecting elements are studs and/or stud receptacles arranged in the first geometric configuration.

66. The robotic system according to claim 64, wherein the connecting elements have geometric configuration compatible with the studs and/or stud receptacles of the one or more pieces of the first interlocking toy system.

67. The robotic system according to claim 64, wherein the joinery includes an X-shaped ridge or an X-shaped groove arranged in the second geometric configuration.