Abstract: An exoskeleton comprising a plurality of support structures, and a plurality of joint mechanisms each joint mechanism rotatably coupling at least two of the plurality of support structures. A sensor suite discrepancy detection system can be operable to interrogate the suite of sensors within the exoskeleton, and can comprise a plurality of sensor groups, each associated with a respective joint mechanism, and each comprising a plurality of sensors from a suite of sensors. A controller can be configured to recruit at least one substitute sensor from a first sensor group of based on an identified discrepancy between the sensor output data of at least two sensors within the first sensor group and a target sensor within the first sensor group, and to execute a remedial measure associated with a safety mode of the exoskeleton for safe operation of the exoskeleton.

Abstract: An exoskeleton operable in a safety mode comprises a plurality of support structures, and at least one joint mechanism rotatably coupling two of the plurality of support structures, and a plurality of sensors associated with the at least one joint mechanism.

Abstract: An exoskeleton operable to prevent unsafe operation can comprise a plurality of joint mechanisms and a plurality of sensors comprising configured to generate sensor output data associated with at least two joint mechanisms. The exoskeleton can comprise a controller configured to receive the sensor output data; combine the sensor output data; and determine whether the combination of the sensor output data from the first and second sensors satisfies an error condition in relation to at least one defined criterion. The existence of an error condition can be indicative of an anomalous operating state of the exoskeleton, such as a malfunction or an (impending) anomalous kinematic movement. The controller can also combine command signals to be transmitted to two or more joint mechanisms to determine another anomalous operating state to prevent unsafe operation. Associated software and methods are provided.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprising a plurality of support structures, and a plurality of joint mechanisms each joint mechanism rotatably coupling at least two of the plurality of support structures. A sensor suite discrepancy detection system can be operable to interrogate the suite of sensors within the exoskeleton, and can comprise a plurality of sensor groups, each associated with a respective joint mechanism, and each comprising a plurality of sensors from a suite of sensors. A controller can be configured to recruit at least one substitute sensor from a first sensor group of based on an identified discrepancy between the sensor output data of at least two sensors within the first sensor group and a target sensor within the first sensor group, and to execute a remedial measure associated with a safety mode of the exoskeleton for safe operation of the exoskeleton.

Abstract: An exoskeleton operable in a safety mode comprises a plurality of support structures, and at least one joint mechanism rotatably coupling two of the plurality of support structures and a plurality of sensors associated with the at least one joint mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector to provide conformal object interaction. The end-effector has at least one finger with an inner portion or engaging side and one or more degrees of freedom. A jamming conformal pad is on the inner portion of the at least one finger. The jamming conformal pad has a compliant configuration in which the jamming conformal pad is compliant and configured to distribute across a surface of an object and, if contoured, infiltrate into any variations (e.g., indentations) in the surface, defining a conformal engaging surface configured to match and mate with the surface. The jamming conformal pad has a stiff configuration in which the jamming conformal pad is stiff or relatively stiff as compared to the jamming conformal pad in the compliant configuration, and which substantially maintains a shape of the conformal engaging surface.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector to provide an anthropomorphic hand with a dorsal actuation system. The hand has a substantially planar palm and fingers extending from the palm and capable of flexion and extension relative to the palm. The dorsal actuation system is supported on the palm and fingers, with actuators positioned at a dorsal side of the palm and links positioned at a dorsal side of the fingers.

Abstract: A stiffening element to provide variable resistance to movement between a pair of members at a joint. The stiffening element comprises a filler with particles flowable in a bladder. A pressure source is coupled to the bladder to vary a pressure within the bladder and collapse the bladder. Collapsing the bladder varies a flow characteristic of the filler within the bladder, Varying the flow characteristics of the filler varies resistance of the bladder to movement of the bladder, and thus a pair of movable members and the joint.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector to provide an anthropomorphic hand with a dorsal actuation system. The hand has a substantially planar palm and fingers extending from the palm and capable of flexion and extension relative to the palm. The dorsal actuation system is supported on the palm and fingers, with actuators positioned at a dorsal side of the palm and links positioned at a dorsal side of the fingers.

Abstract: A legged robotic device is disclosed. The legged robotic device can include a plurality of support members coupled together for relative movement defining a plurality of degrees of freedom, which can correspond to degrees of freedom of a human leg. The legged robotic device can also include actuators to apply forces or torques to the support members in the degrees of freedom. In addition, the legged robotic device can include potential energy storage mechanisms associated with the degrees of freedom operable to store potential energy as a result of relative movement of the support members in the degrees of freedom and to provide at least a portion of the stored potential energy to the support members as compensating forces or torques to assist the actuators. In one aspect, elastic potential energy can be stored. A spring rate and/or a zero position of the potential energy storage mechanisms can be dynamically variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a decontamination event to decontaminate a portion of at least one of skin or a covering of the skin of an individual. A water dispenser housing a light source and an agent dispensing system. The light source to emit light in accordance with a predetermined field of view, and to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause a fluorescent agent dispensed by the agent dispensing system to fluoresce. The field of view defines an inspection space in which the portion of the individual can be positioned to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of the fluorescent agent during the decontamination event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a decontamination event to decontaminate a portion of at least one of skin or a covering of the skin of an individual. A composition dispenser housing a power source and configured to dispense a composition with a fluorescent agent. A light module remote from the composition dispenser with a light source powered by the power source of the composition dispenser. The light source to emit light in accordance with a predetermined field of view, and to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause a fluorescent agent dispensed by the agent dispensing system to fluoresce. The field of view defines an inspection space in which the portion of the individual can be positioned to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of the fluorescent agent during the decontamination event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a decontamination event to decontaminate a portion of at least one of skin or a covering of the skin of an individual. A dispensing apparatus is attachable to a water dispenser via a water dispenser interface. The dispensing apparatus to house an agent dispensing system and a light source. The light source to emit light in accordance with a predetermined field of view, and to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause a fluorescent agent dispensed by the agent dispensing system to fluoresce. The field of view defines an inspection space in which the portion of the individual can be positioned to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of the fluorescent agent during the decontamination event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a decontamination event to decontaminate a portion of at least one of skin or a covering of the skin of an individual. A water dispenser, a light source, and a timer supported in the housing so as to emit light in accordance with a predetermined field of view, and to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause a fluorescent agent to fluoresce. The field of view defines an inspection space in which the portion of the individual can be positioned to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of the fluorescent agent during the decontamination event. The light is emitted and the water is dispensed according to a timer program associated with the timer.

Abstract: A technology is described for providing a determination regarding a person's health while maintaining privacy. In one example, health metrics for a person can be securely collected from sensor devices in communication with a mobile computing device during a baseline time period and baseline health metrics and a baseline health status can be defined using the one or more health metrics. Thereafter, a request for a current health status for the person can be received and current health metrics can be obtained for the person from sensor devices in communication with the mobile computing device. The current health metrics can be compared to the baseline health metrics to define the current health status for the person, and a certification message can be generated to be provided to a third-party certifying the current health status for the person.

Abstract: A robotic system comprising a robot, and human-imperceptible indicia associated with an object within an environment in which the robot operates, the human-imperceptible indicia comprising or linking to interaction information pertaining to a predetermined intended interaction of the robot with the object, the interaction information being operable to facilitate interaction with the object by the robot in accordance with the predetermined intended interaction. The system can further comprise at least one sensor operable to sense the human-imperceptible indicia and the interaction information, and an augmented reality system comprising a computer for conveying human-understandable information to a human operator, which is associated with at least one of the interaction or linking information. The machine readable indicia can comprise symbols that can be sensed by a sensor of the robot or the augmented reality system and interpreted by the robot or the augmented reality system.

Abstract: A system for neutralization of a target aerial vehicle comprises one or more counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure tethering the counter-attack UAV(s) to a structure or ground. The counter-attack UAV(s) are operable to capture and neutralize the target aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle capture countermeasure (e.g., a net). The system can comprise an on-board aerial vehicle detection system, and/or an external aerial vehicle detection system each having at least one sensor configured to detect the target aerial vehicle while in flight. The counter-attack UAV(s) and the associated detection systems may be autonomously operated for detecting and neutralizing a target aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle capture countermeasure can be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in response to coordinated flight of the counter-attack UAV(s). Associated methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scanning a predetermined area of an aerial landscape with one or more cameras for an airborne target and capturing a plurality of images of the airborne target with the one or more cameras, the one or more cameras in communication with a processor. Microscopic temporal variations between the plurality of images of the airborne target are amplified including a change in the geometry of a two-dimensional image of the airborne target.

Abstract: A technology is described for managing and securing a software version history for a device using a blockchain. An example method can include receiving device information for a device configured to receive software updates, where a device history for the device can be contained in a blockchain distributed among multiple network nodes. The device information can be validated against the device history contained in the blockchain to confirm an identity of the device, and a software update can be initiated for the device. An indication that the software update was installed on the device can be received and a block can be generated to include information for the software update installed on the device. The block can be sent to the network nodes configured to determine acceptance of the block and append the block to the blockchain when the block is accepted.

Abstract: A system for neutralization of a target aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor opeagble to detect a target aerial vehicle in flight. The system also comprises a net tethering the plurality of counter-attack UAVs to one another. The counter-attack UAV(s) are operable to capture and neutralize the target aerial vehicle with an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure in the form of a net. The system can comprise at least one net storage device associated with a structure and configured to store at least a portion of the net when in a stowed position, and to facilitate deployment of the net when moved to a deployed position in response to coordinated flight of the plurality of counter-attack UAVs based on the detected target aerial vehicle.