Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, sensory information associated with a remote location using a remote capture device and a head-mounted display. In some embodiments, the system comprises a fiber-optic cable to transmit a signal comprising sensory information collected by the remote capture device to the head-mounted display. Further, the remote capture device may be secured onto a boom of an aerial device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motion of remotely operated equipment such that a motion path is automatically determined for a plurality of joints of the remotely operated equipment based on an updated target position input received from an operator, a current position of the remotely operated equipment, and predetermined parameters indicative of the geometry of the plurality of joints. An optimized motion path may be provided that avoids detected obstacles and joint singularities of the remotely operated equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooperative aerial robotics for working in an aerial work environment. In some embodiments, a robot system may comprise a robot unit comprising high-dexterity manipulators for performing high-dexterity work. The robot system may further comprise a high-capacity manipulator for performing high-capacity work. The robot system may comprise a plurality of sensors for detecting the work environment and providing a representative work environment to an operator and/or a controller for operation of the robot system to complete the aerial work. The robot system may be remotely operated by an operator, automatically, and/or autonomously. The robot system may be disposed at the top of a boom of an aerial device for performing work in high-voltage areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining an electrical bonding connection between remotely operated equipment and an energized power line using one or more robotic arms disposed on the remotely operated equipment. Sensory information is communicated to an operator at a remote location across a dielectric gap to maintain electrical isolation of the remotely operated equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a cross-arm phase-lifter for lifting and maneuvering a utility pole cross-arm without the need to remove the energized power lines from the cross-arm. A first embodiment of the cross-arm phase-lifter may comprise a set of clamps, clamping members, and actuators. When the actuators are driven, the clamping members may secure the clamps onto the cross-arm. Once the clamps are secured, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air. A second embodiment may comprise a lifting plate comprising a plurality of pegs configured to interface with brackets on the cross-arm. When the pegs are engaged with the brackets, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air.

Abstract: Media, systems, and methods for reducing latency in a head-mounted display for the remote operation of machinery. A remote camera sends raw video to a graphics processing unit which processes the video and transmits the updated video to a head-mounted display with limited latency such that the control of remote devices may be improved. The image may be spherically rendered and projected onto the head-mounted display with a rectangular view. The graphics processing unit may determine a rotation matrix based on a pose of the remote camera and a pose of the head-mounted display, and the image may be projected based on the rotation matrix.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a cross-arm phase-lifter for lifting and maneuvering a utility pole cross-arm without the need to remove the energized power lines from the cross-arm. A first embodiment of the cross-arm phase-lifter may comprise a set of clamps, clamping members, and actuators. When the actuators are driven, the clamping members may secure the clamps onto the cross-arm. Once the clamps are secured, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air. A second embodiment may comprise a lifting plate comprising a plurality of pegs configured to interface with brackets on the cross-arm. When the pegs are engaged with the brackets, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining an electrical bonding connection between remotely operated equipment and an energized power line using one or more robotic arms disposed on the remotely operated equipment. Sensory information is communicated to an operator at a remote location across a dielectric gap to maintain electrical isolation of the remotely operated equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooperative aerial robotics for working in an aerial work environment. In some embodiments, a robot system may comprise a robot unit comprising high-dexterity manipulators for performing high-dexterity work. The robot system may further comprise a high-capacity manipulator for performing high-capacity work. The robot system may comprise a plurality of sensors for detecting the work environment and providing a representative work environment to an operator and/or a controller for operation of the robot system to complete the aerial work. The robot system may be remotely operated by an operator, automatically, and/or autonomously. The robot system may be disposed at the top of a boom of an aerial device for performing work in high-voltage areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motion of remotely operated equipment such that a motion path is automatically determined for a plurality of joints of the remotely operated equipment based on an updated target position input received from an operator, a current position of the remotely operated equipment, and predetermined parameters indicative of the geometry of the plurality of joints. An optimized motion path may be provided that avoids detected obstacles and joint singularities of the remotely operated equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically digging a hole using a digger assembly on the end of a boom. A controller is configured to receive signals from a plurality of sensors distributed throughout the digging system, along the boom and the digger assembly. Based on the information from the sensors, the controller automatically adjusts one or more parameters of the digging system while digging the hole. The system and method prevent corkscrewing of the digging member, while also allowing for a specific hole depth and hole angle to be dug. Specifically, the system allows for easily and accurately digging a plumb hole.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, sensory information associated with a remote location using a remote capture device and a head-mounted display. In some embodiments, the system comprises a fiber-optic cable to transmit a signal comprising sensory information collected by the remote capture device to the head-mounted display. Further, the remote capture device may be secured onto a boom of an aerial device.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for providing electrical power to an electrically isolated region utilizing an electrically insulating drive shaft to transmit rotational energy over an electrically isolated gap to an electrical generator disposed in the electrically isolated region. Electrical power generated by the generator is used to power at least one electronic device in the electrically isolated region or to charge a battery, while maintaining electrical isolation.

Abstract: A dual boom monitoring system includes a first sensor that monitors a position of a first boom and a second sensor that monitors a position of a second boom. A third sensor monitors a hydraulic fluid pressure of a first boom hydraulic cylinder configured to pivotally raise and lower the first boom with respect to a base. A fourth sensor monitors a hydraulic fluid pressure of an second boom hydraulic cylinder configured to pivotally raise and lower the second boom with respect to the first boom. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensors and configured to perform the steps of a dual boom monitoring method. The method is used to determine positions and loads on the first boom and the second boom based on data received from the sensors. The method reduces cones of uncertainty for various boom positions to improve accuracy and reliability of load monitoring.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a pressure within a variable volume of a hydraulic feed tube while the variable volume of the hydraulic feed tube is changing. Inputs are used to determine the appropriate pressure adjustments for the hydraulic feed tube, which is adjusted by a pressure reducing valve, wherein control of the pressure reducing valve is updated continuously by a control module.

Abstract: A rotation measurement system is shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the rotation measurement system comprises a pinion gear comprising an elastic material allowing the pinion gear to deform. The elastic deformation of the pinion gear provides a complete mesh such that there is no backlash between the pinion gear and a main gear when the pinion gear is pressed into the main gear. The pinion gear may be held in place with at least one spring pressing the pinion gear into the main gear. A sensor for measuring the rotation of the pinion gear may be decoupled from the pinion gear assembly by utilizing a Hall effect sensor to detect a magnetic field of a magnet disposed on a shaft coupled to the pinion gear.