Abstract: A mobile manipulator robot for retrieving inventory items from a storage system. The robot includes a body, a wheel assembly, a sensor to locate a position of the robot within the storage system, an interface configured to send processor readable data to a remote processor and to an operator interface, and receive processor executable instructions from the remote processor and from the operator interface, an imaging device to capture images of the inventory items, a picking manipulator, first and second pneumatic gripping elements for grasping the inventory items, and a coupler configured to mate with a valve to access a pneumatic supply for operating at least one of the first or second pneumatic gripping elements. The robot is configured to transition the valve from a closed condition to an open condition and selectively place one of the first or the second pneumatic gripping elements in communication with the pneumatic supply.

Abstract: A spearing end effector for a robotic spearing device capturing and sorting a selected item from a mass of items and having a robotic manipulator with the spearing end effector mounted at an end thereof. The robotic spearing device comprises: a spearing end effector body; a spike; a linear actuator having the spike mounted thereon; and a propeller. The spike is configurable between a retracted configuration where it is entirely located inside the spearing end effector body and an extended configuration where it extends outwardly from therefrom. The spike is engageable to the selected item when configured in the extended configuration. The linear actuator is movable to configure the spike between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The propeller is selectively activatable to propel the selected item in a propelling direction during an ejection of the selected item from the spearing end effector.

Abstract: A delivery robot includes a cargo bin to carry cargo for delivery, and a door coupled to the cargo bin. The door to the cargo bin has an open state to allow access to an interior of the cargo bin, and a closed state to seal the interior of the cargo bin from an exterior environment. The delivery robot also includes a disinfecting light source operable to generate a disinfecting radiation to disinfect the interior of the cargo bin. The disinfecting light source is allowed to be activated when the door is in the closed state, and is prevented from being activated when the door is in the open state.

Abstract: A system includes wearable devices positioned on a subject in different locations. Each wearable device includes motion sensors that measure the subject's movement in three dimensions. The motion sensors generate raw sensory data as the subject performs a physical movement. A data filter is selected based on a condition of the subject and a designated movement corresponding to the physical movement, and used to convert the raw sensory data into formatted data. A level of compliance of the physical movement with a movement model for the designated movement is determined by applying comparative modeling techniques to the formatted data and the movement model. Real-time feedback is delivered dynamically to the subject by the wearable devices during the performance of the physical movement based on the level of compliance. The movement model can be generated, and the comparative modeling techniques can be selected, based on the condition of the subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for verifiable inspection operations are described. An example apparatus may have an inspection description circuit to interpret an inspection definition value and a payload status circuit to provide a payload identification value in response to at least one of a payload specific configuration or signals from a payload. The example apparatus may also have an inspection integrity circuit to determine an inspection description value in response to the inspection definition value and the payload identification value and an inspection reporting circuit to communicate the inspection description value to an external device.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot having a picking arm to grasp an inventory item and a shuttle. The shuttle includes a platform adapted to receive the inventory item from the picking arm of the robot. The platform is moveable in at least a two-dimensional horizontal plane between a pick-up location located substantially adjacent to the robot and an end location spaced a distance apart from the pick-up location. The system improves efficiency as transportation of the item from the pick-up location to the end location is divided between the robot and the shuttle.

Abstract: The machining method uses a tool to machine a workpiece set in a jig, the workpiece has a plate-like web part arc-shaped in plan view and a flange part bent and arranged vertically from an edge along the arc shape, the tool has an end cutting edge and a peripheral cutting edge, and the jig has a surface where the web part is placed and a contacting surface where the flange part comes into surface contact. The machining method includes: pressing the flange part against the contacting surface; cutting the flange part by the peripheral cutting edge by feeding the tool in an arc direction of the arc shape; and cutting the web part by the end cutting edge by feeding the tool in the arc direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing redundant pulse-width modulation (PWM) throttle control. The system includes a manual throttle controller configured to generate a manual PWM throttle control signal, and an automated throttle control system. The automated throttle control system includes a plurality of automated throttle controllers, each of which being configured to independently control a throttle of a vehicle, and each including a processor configured to generate and output an automated PWM throttle control signal, a first double pole double throw (DPDT) relay that, when engaged, is configured to receive and output the manual PWM throttle control signal, and a second DPDT relay, configured to receive and output the automated PWM throttle control signal to an engine, when the second DPDT relay is engaged; and receive and output the manual PWM throttle control signal to the engine, when the DPDT relay is disengaged.

Abstract: System includes an article supply location including a plurality of articles, and an overhead rail network with a plurality of rail sections. A self-guided and self-propelled hanging vehicle travels in both directions along the plurality of rail sections. The hanging vehicle has a first position in which a carrier containing at least one selected article is engaged with the hanging vehicle and a second position in which the carrier is detached from the hanging vehicle. The system further includes a controller. The controller determines a first delivery location among a plurality of delivery locations to deliver, with the hanging vehicle, the selected article based on a destination determined for the selected article. The controller further directs delivery of the carrier at the first delivery location by manipulation of the hanging vehicle from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot is provided. The method includes acquiring information on status of communication connections between a plurality of robots located in a serving place, wherein the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots is specified with respect to at least one relay robot among the plurality of robots, and determining a communication scheme to be used between the plurality of robots, with reference to the information on the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots. In the acquiring step, the at least one relay robot is determined with reference to first assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a first robot among the plurality of robots, and second assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a second robot among the plurality of robots.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for robotic learning and execution of skills. A robotic apparatus can include a memory, a processor, sensors, and one or more movable components (e.g., a manipulating element and/or a transport element). The processor can be operatively coupled to the memory, the movable elements, and the sensors, and configured to obtain information of an environment, including one or more objects located within the environment. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn skills through demonstration, exploration, user inputs, etc. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or arbitrate between different behaviors and/or actions. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or behaviors using cached trajectories or plans. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills requiring navigation and manipulation behaviors.

Abstract: A method for controlling a serving robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a first time to request payment from a customer on the basis of identification information on the customer and information on an order of the customer acquired with respect to the customer; acquiring information on eating status of the customer at a second time associated with the first time; and adjusting at least one of the first time and the second time on the basis of at least one of the information on the eating status of the customer and information on an additional order of the customer additionally acquired with respect to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated makeup application allow a user to select and apply desired makeup styles to the user's face. The systems and methods include a computer application with a graphical user interface which allows selection of a look from a plurality of preconfigured looks. A camera coupled with a robotic arm records a face map and color coding and sends that data to be stored on a virtual server database. The application calculates formula quantity and a pump extracts desired formula amounts from appropriate formula cartridges which it releases into reservoirs on the robotic arm's head. An airbrush compressor mixes the formula and plug triggers release one of several airbrush nozzles to start spraying the user's face with formula. A cleaning mechanism is provided between makeup applications and after the final application.

Abstract: One approach is directed to a robotic package handling system, comprising a robotic arm comprising a distal portion and a proximal base portion; an end effector coupled to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a place structure in geometric proximity to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a pick structure transiently coupled to one or more packages and positioned in geometric proximity to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a first imaging device positioned and oriented to capture image information pertaining to the pick structure and one or more packages; and a first computing system operatively coupled to the robotic arm and the first imaging device, and configured to receive the image information from the first imaging device and command movements of the robotic arm based at least in part upon the image information.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally relate to an autonomous material transport vehicle, and systems and methods for operating an autonomous material transport vehicle. The autonomous material transport vehicle comprises: a sensing system operable to monitor an environment of the vehicle; a drive system for operating the vehicle; a processor operable to: receive a location of a load; initiate the drive system to navigate the vehicle to the location; following initiation of the drive system, operate the sensing system to monitor for one or more objects within a detection range; and in response to the sensing system detecting the one or more objects within the detection range, determine whether the load is within the detection range; and when the load is within the detection range, operate the drive system to position the vehicle for transporting the load, otherwise, determine a collision avoidance operation to avoid the one or more objects.

Abstract: A method includes: accessing a virtual model defining a geometry of a workpiece; navigating an optical sensor about the workpiece; accessing an image of the workpiece; detecting a marker, on the workpiece, depicted in the image; defining a first workpiece region of the workpiece bounded by the marker; defining a toolpath within the first workpiece region based on a geometry of the first workpiece region represented in the virtual model; assigning a first target force to the first toolpath; and during a processing cycle accessing a first sequence of force values output by a force sensor coupled to the sanding head, navigating the sanding head across the first workpiece region according to the first toolpath, and based on the first sequence of force values, deviating the sanding head from the first toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the first target force.

Abstract: Systems for ultrasonic measurements of an inspection surface is described. An inspection robot with a payload moves in a direction of travel across an inspection surface. The payload has two sensor holders, the first sensor holder to hold a first UT array at a first orientation and the second to hold a second UT array at a second orientation A sensor holder linking component holds the two UT phased arrays in a parallel configuration along their long edges. An arm of the payload may be pivotably connected to both the sensor linking component at one end and a lift connection element on the other end. The lift component has a lift motor to raise the lift connection element. A rastering device moves the payload in a direction of inspection which is distinct from both the direction of travel and the parallel configuration of the two phased UT arrays.

Abstract: An object of the instant application is to provide a vehicle that can minimize parking space and a parking facility that can efficiently park a large number of vehicles in a predetermined parking space. The vehicle 1 includes a bottom flap 7 arranged on a bottom surface of a vehicle body and vertically rotatable around a lower rear end of the vehicle body, a rear flap 8, and geared motors 9, 11 for respectively rotating the bottom flap 7 and the rear flap 8. The parking facility 20 for a vehicle 1? is configured to include an erecting mechanism (a rotating member 22, an electric motor 23, and a link mechanism 24) for erecting the vehicle 1? upright with a rear surface facing down, and a transfer mechanism (belt conveyor) 25 for transferring the vehicle 1? erected by the erecting mechanism to a predetermined position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining safe and unsafe zones in a workspace—where safe actions are calculated in real time based on all relevant objects (e.g., some observed by sensors and others computationally generated based on analysis of the sensed workspace) and on the current state of the machinery (e.g., a robot) in the workspace—may utilize a variety of workspace-monitoring approaches as well as dynamic modeling of the robot geometry. The future trajectory of the robot(s) and/or the human(s) may be forecast using, e.g., a model of human movement and other forms of control. Modeling and forecasting of the robot may, in some embodiments, make use of data provided by the robot controller that may or may not include safety guarantees.