Mobile robots having mechanical and data coupling mechanisms

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) 100 have couplings 121,123 which allow multiple AGVs to be coupled to each other so that the AGV assembly may move in coordination. A convex coupling 121 and concave coupling 123 are typically provided on more than one side of the AGV. The AGVs move next to each other so the concave couplings 123 are aligned with the convex couplings 121 and the AGVs move towards each other. Once a T-bar (145 fig 3) of each concave coupling 123 is inserted through a horizontal slot in the corresponding convex coupling 121, the T-bars (145) are rotated to lock the couplings. A data coupling 139 is typically provided between the mechanical connectors 121,123. The invention is particularly useful for transporting items which are too large for a single AGV.