Abstract:
A system and method for operating at least one stowable automated robotic pod (100) in a workspace (402) having a workpiece (406) is disclosed. The pod (100) includes a robot (104) on a base (106) that can also include one or both of a tool nest (300) and process equipment (302). A door (118) to subfloor storage (112) allows the pod (100) to raise its base (106) vertically, placing the robot (104) into the desired vertical position in the workspace (402). Once operations on the workpiece (406) are complete, the pod (100) withdraws back to the subfloor storage (112) and the doors (118) to the storage volume (112) close.