Abstract: A vehicle frame inspection and cutting system includes: a frame moving device configured to support a vehicle frame and to transport the vehicle frame; an inspection robot including a first camera configured to capture first images of a side of the vehicle frame; a cutting robot configured to cut holes through vehicle frames and including an identifier disposed on an outer surface of the cutting robot; a second camera disposed vertically above the frame moving device, the inspection robot, and the cutting robot and configured to capture second images vertically downwardly; a control module configured to, based on the first images and the second images: move and actuate the cutting robot and position a cutting tool of the cutting robot at a target location on the vehicle frame; and cut a hole through the vehicle frame at the target location.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a front trunk cargo storage system. The system includes a main body that defines a primary storage compartment, and a load floor drawer mounted upon a floor of the primary storage compartment. The primary storage compartment includes a forward opening, and the load floor drawer is configured to be slidable outwardly from the primary storage compartment through the forward opening.

Abstract: A head-up display system for displaying graphics upon a windscreen of a vehicle to provide a driver with a gamified experience includes a driver monitoring system including one or more cameras that determine a location of a head of the driver of the vehicle and an eye location of the driver, a graphic projection module for generating images upon the windscreen of the vehicle, and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system and the graphic projection module. The controller executes instructions to instruct the graphic projection module to generate a vertical alignment graphic upon the windscreen of the vehicle. The vertical alignment graphic indicates when the eye location of the driver is positioned at a nominal height of an eyebox of the head-up display.

Abstract: A head-up display system for displaying graphics upon a windscreen of a vehicle to provide a driver with a gamified experience includes a driver monitoring system including one or more cameras that determine a location of a head of the driver of the vehicle and an eye location of the driver, a graphic projection module for generating images upon the windscreen of the vehicle, and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system and the graphic projection module. The controller executes instructions to instruct the graphic projection module to generate a vertical alignment graphic upon the windscreen of the vehicle. The vertical alignment graphic indicates when the eye location of the driver is positioned at a nominal height of an eyebox of the head-up display.

Abstract: A multi-component reinforced part forming device includes a forming member having a first side including a wear surface defining a part-shaped cavity, an opposing second side including a protrusion corresponding to the part-shaped cavity, and a peripheral edge. A frame extends about the peripheral edge. The frame includes a first edge arranged adjacent the wear surface and a second edge spaced from the opposing second side. The frame and the opposing second side define a void. A plurality of reinforcing members is arranged in the void. A first number of the plurality of reinforcing members supports the opposing second side and a second number of the plurality of reinforcing members supports the protrusion. An amount of reinforcing backing material is disposed in the void.

Abstract: A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle type database includes a plurality of vehicle type profiles. Each of the vehicle type profiles is associated with a vehicle type having a vehicle type specific aerodynamic profile and includes optimal following ranges associated with the vehicle type. Each of the optimal following distance ranges is based on the vehicle type specific aerodynamic profile of the vehicle type and a vehicle speed of the vehicle type wherein a trailing vehicle disposed in the optimal following range is configured to operate at an optimal fuel efficiency. A first optimal following distance range is identified based on a first vehicle type and a first vehicle speed using a first vehicle type profile associated with the first vehicle type. A command is issued to the AR vehicle HUD display system to display a graphical representation of the first optimal following distance to overlay an actual view of the road.

Abstract: A compliant end effector includes a robot mounting bracket and a component support member. The component support member includes a side surface and a top surface. A component clamping system includes a first clamp member operable to move toward the side surface of the component support member and a second clamp member operable to move toward the top surface of the component support member. A controller is operatively connected to the clamping system. The controller is configured to engage the first and second clamp members as the component gripping and manipulating system is in a set position and release the first clamp member and the second clamp member allowing a portion of a component held by the component clamping system to move with one or more degrees of freedom when the component gripping and manipulating system is moving to the set position.

Abstract: An electromechanical system operates in part through physical interaction with an operator, and includes a multi-axis robot, a controller, and a counterbalance mechanism connected to the robot. The counterbalance mechanism includes a base structure connected to a set of linkages, a pneumatic cylinder, a spring-loaded cam assembly, and an optional constant force spring. The linkages form a four-bar parallelogram assembly connectable to a load. The cylinder and cam assembly, and optional constant force spring, each impart respective vertical forces to the parallelogram assembly. The forces combine to provide gravity compensation and self-centering functions or behaviors to the load, enabling the load to move with a vertical degree of freedom when manually acted upon by the operator, and to return the load to a nominal center position.

Abstract: A partially assembled vehicle that autonomously completes its own assembly, including a chassis, wheels that are rotationally coupled to the chassis, a drive system mounted on the chassis and in operational communication with the wheels, a navigation system, a central platform controller, and a position determining system. Added thereto is a safety sensor guidance system and a controller circuit programmed to begin a temporary takeover of the central platform controller, responsive to an external fleet control. The temporary takeover including the steps of identifying a plurality of assembly stations that the partially assembled vehicle must visit to complete its own assembly; constructing a sequence in which to visit each of the plurality of assembly stations; and commanding the drive system to propel and steer the partially assembled vehicle through the sequence of the plurality of assembly stations, responsive to sensor input from the safety sensor guidance system.

Abstract: A robotic system for presenting a payload within a workspace includes a pair of serial robots configured to connect to the payload, a parallel robot coupled to a distal end of one of the serial robots such that the parallel robot is disposed between the distal end and the payload, a sensor situated within a kinematic chain extending between the distal end and the payload, and a robot control system (RCS). The sensor outputs a sensor signal indicative of a measured property of the payload. The RCS includes a coordinated motion controller configured to control the serial robots, and a corrective motion controller configured to control the parallel robot. Parallel robot control occurs in response to the sensor signal concurrently with control of the serial robots in order to thereby modify the property of the payload in real-time.

Abstract: A wiper system for use with a windshield includes a track guide, a wiper assembly, a drive mechanism and a wipe mechanism. The wiper assembly has a wiper arm attached at a first end thereof to a rotor rotatably disposed on a wiper carrier, wherein the wiper carrier is engaged with the track guide and is configured for translation therealong. The drive mechanism is connected with the wiper carrier and is configured for positioning the wiper carrier along the track guide. The wipe mechanism is connected with at least one of the rotor and the wiper carrier and is configured to cause the rotor to rotate, thereby causing the wiper arm to produce a wiping motion.

Abstract: An underactuated joining system for a moving assembly line includes a robot with actuated joints, an articulated compliance mechanism, and a controller. An end-effector of the mechanism is connected to linkages and to a joining tool, unactuated joints interconnect the linkages, and position sensors measure joint positions of the unactuated joints. In response to the joint positions, a controller regulates a position of the actuated joints to cause the compliance mechanism to compliantly follow the assembly line. This occurs while the tool remains engaged with a workpiece being transported along the assembly line. A method includes engaging the tool with the workpiece as the workpiece is transported by the assembly line, measuring joint positions of the unactuated joints using position sensors, and controlling a position of the active joints to cause the compliance mechanism to compliantly follow the workpiece along the assembly line.

Abstract: A robotic system for presenting a payload within a workspace includes a pair of serial robots configured to connect to the payload, a parallel robot coupled to a distal end of one of the serial robots such that the parallel robot is disposed between the distal end and the payload, a sensor situated within a kinematic chain extending between the distal end and the payload, and a robot control system (RCS). The sensor outputs a sensor signal indicative of a measured property of the payload. The RCS includes a coordinated motion controller configured to control the serial robots, and a corrective motion controller configured to control the parallel robot. Parallel robot control occurs in response to the sensor signal concurrently with control of the serial robots in order to thereby modify the property of the payload in real-time.

Abstract: An overhead system assists an operator in moving an object when the operator imparts a manual force to the object in a shared workspace characterized by overlapping ranges of motion of the robot and operator. The system includes an articulated serial robot, a cable, sensors, and a control system. One end of the cable connects to a distal end link of the robot. Another end of the cable connects to the object to suspend the object. The sensors measure a cable force and/or angle. The control system regulates operation of the robot by translating vertically and horizontally in response to the cable force and/or angle. The control system limits the position and/or velocity of the end link according to corresponding work space rules, including respective position and velocity limits, such that the system is immune to a single-point failure.

Abstract: Provided is a front trunk cargo storage system. The system includes a main body that defines a primary storage compartment, and a load floor drawer mounted upon a floor of the primary storage compartment. The primary storage compartment includes a forward opening, and the load floor drawer is configured to be slidable outwardly from the primary storage compartment through the forward opening.

Abstract: A HUD calibration system is provided and includes a HUD, a reticle reference object, a target, and a control module. The HUD displays a virtual image including a first center feature and first features. The reticle reference object is physically fixed to a windshield of a vehicle. The target is physically disposed forward of the vehicle and includes a second center feature and second features. The control module: controls the HUD to display the virtual image superimposed over the target; perform a boresighting process to align a center of a cross-hair of the reticle reference object with the first and second center features and generate first reference values; perform an undistortion calibration process to rotate and undistort the virtual image relative to the target and generate second reference values; and adjust operation of the HUD based on the first and second reference values.