Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: A robot system includes a mobile robot having a controller executing a control system for controlling operation of the robot, a cloud computing service in communication with the controller of the robot, and a remote computing device in communication with the cloud computing service. The remote computing device communicates with the robot through the cloud computing service.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device, an autonomous movement system, and an autonomous movement method, each having an obstacle avoidance capability, are provided. The autonomous mobile device includes an avoidance pattern determination unit for determining the travel pattern of the local device according to the state of motion, relative to the autonomous movement device, of a mobile obstacle other than the autonomous movement device; and a travel controller for causing the autonomous movement device to travel according to the travel pattern determined by the avoidance pattern determination unit. One of avoidance patterns is selected in accordance with a relative velocity to a mobile obstacle.

Abstract: A motion control system includes a first capsule robot, which includes a first housing, a first shaft configured to be movable bi-directionally, the first shaft having a first permanent magnet at an outer end, a first leg unit configured to protrude outwards from the first housing, and a first control unit; and a second capsule robot, which includes a second housing, a second shaft configured to be movable bi-directionally, the second shaft having a second permanent magnet at an outer end, a second leg unit, and a second control unit, wherein the first capsule robot is fixed with respect to an the internal organ wall by protruding the first leg unit to the internal organ, and wherein the second capsule robot is connected to the first capsule robot as the first permanent magnet comes into contact with the second permanent magnet by an attractive force.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly.

Abstract: Techniques that optimize performance of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) processes for mobile devices, typically a mobile robot. In one embodiment, erroneous particles are introduced to the particle filtering process of localization. Monitoring the weights of the erroneous particles relative to the particles maintained for SLAM provides a verification that the robot is localized and detection that it is no longer localized. In another embodiment, cell-based grid mapping of a mobile robot's environment also monitors cells for changes in their probability of occupancy. Cells with a changing occupancy probability are marked as dynamic and updating of such cells to the map is suspended or modified until their individual occupancy probabilities have stabilized.

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Preferably, alternating units are of differing widths, and the wheels on the units are sufficiently large that they capable of overlapping, thereby enabling the robot to navigate very sharp edges or corners in the surface of an object being traversed by the robot, with the wheels always maintaining contact with the surface being traversed.

Abstract: An automatic moving device and a control method therefor. The automatic moving device comprises a battery pack providing power. The automatic moving device can work within a working area and automatically return to a charging station for charging. The control method comprises the following steps: monitoring the power level of the battery pack; if the power level of the battery pack is less than or equal to a preset power level, initiating an action of returning the automatic moving device to the charging station; and after a preset time period, stopping the travel. By setting a preset time period simultaneously with initiating a return action, and executing a return action within the preset time period, the control method prevents damage to the battery pack from over-discharging caused by the automatic moving device continually returning, thus achieving the effects of protecting the battery pack and extending the life thereof.

Abstract: A jumping robot is provided. In another aspect, a jumping robot weighs less than 50 grams, jumps at least 20 cm high and has a maximum linear dimension of 10 cm. A further aspect provides a robot that employs an electromagnetic actuator that actuates at least two of: jumping, steering, self-righting, and/or mid-air orientation control.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating tasks to robotic devices are provided. An example method includes receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices and in a computing system configured to access a processor and memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. A health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability to perform a function, which may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. Information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more or the robotic devices may also be determined. According to the method, the computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks such that a high precision task may be allocated to a robotic device having a greater current health level than another robotic device.

Abstract: In a running control method of a running apparatus, person moving direction and speed are estimated based on a person position history for predetermined time. It is decided whether contact with a person is likely to be made based on the estimation and running information about the running apparatus. When it is decided that the contact is likely to be made, a first route where the running apparatus avoids the person is generated for controlling running of the running apparatus therealong. It is decided whether the person has the intention to contact with the running apparatus based on the decision in the contact possibility deciding unit after the running along the first route. When it is decided that the person has the contact intention, a second route where the running apparatus approaches the person is generated for controlling the running of the running apparatus therealong.

Abstract: A vision system for use in dark environments is disclosed. The vision system comprises photoreceptor circuits for generating photoreceptor signals, pooling mechanisms for generating pool signals, and an image processing means. The structure of the vision system is inspired from that of nocturnal flying insects. Applications are disclosed including use of the vision system on a mobile platform such as an air vehicle to enable perception and flight stability in dark environments.

Abstract: A trajectory generation device includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of trajectories; a trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a trajectory, corresponding to an environment similar to a current environment, from the plurality of trajectories stored in the storage unit; and a trajectory generation unit that calculates a longest trajectory part, which is present in a moving object moving area in the trajectory acquired by the trajectory acquisition unit, and generates a trajectory by connecting both ends of the calculated longest trajectory part to a predetermined start point and a predetermined end point respectively.

Abstract: A workflow system for streamlining a sequence of connected steps between a plurality of parties in an organization, such as a restaurant. The parties have different, but interconnected roles. The communication system enables communication between the parties with wireless technology, such as radio frequency identification. Each party has a role in an organization. Each party comprises an attribute for defining the role. The attribute include a function, a position, and a location of each party. Each party has a tag, such as a radio frequency identification tag, for identification and accessing the attribute. The tag enables a transfer of data between the parties and a data storage portion. The data storage portion stores the attribute. The attribute is accessible by the parties. The attribute is viewed by predetermined parties through a communication device. A scanning device scans the tag to enable access and viewing of the attribute.

Abstract: Mobile robotic system allows multiple users to visit authentic places without physically being there. Users with variable requirements are able to take part in controlling a single controllable device simultaneously; users take part in controlling robot's movement according to their interest. A system administrator selects and defines criteria for robot's movement; the mobile robot with video and audio devices on it is remotely controlled by a server which selects the robot's movement according to the users and system administrator criteria. The server provides information to users; the robot's location influences the content of the information. Such robotic system may be used for shopping, visiting museums and other public touristic attractions over the Internet.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot, which generates a stable walking pattern similar to that of a human, and a method of controlling walking thereof. The method includes generating a walking pattern of a leg connected to a torso of the robot; detecting whether or not a singularity pose of the leg walking according to the walking pattern is generated; and changing the walking pattern by adjusting a yaw direction angle of the torso when the singularity pose is generated.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot and method for operating the same are provided. The self-propelled robot includes a base, a drive motor, a communication transceiver, at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors and a processor. The base defines a bottom of a payload receiving space. The drive motor is operable to propel the base across a surface. The communication transceiver is configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot. The range finding sensors are configured to provide range information indicative of a distance between the remote device and the range finding sensors. The processor is configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor.

Abstract: A system including a mobile telepresence robot, a to telepresence computing device in wireless communication with the robot, and a host computing device in wireless communication with the robot and the telepresence computing device. The host computing device relays User Datagram Protocol traffic between the robot and the telepresence computing device through a firewall.

Abstract: A robot control system detects a position and a direction of each user by a plurality of range image sensors provided in an exhibition hall. A central controller records an inspection action after a user attends the exhibition hall until the user leaves to generate an inspection action table. When the user attends again, the central controller reads a history of inspection action from the inspection action table. Then, the central controller chooses from an utterance content table an utterance content containing a phrase that mentions the inspection action included in the history at a time of last time attendance, determines the utterance content, and makes a robot output the determined utterance content to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method generating a grid map are provided. The grid map generating apparatus generates a grid map while turning 360 degrees at a dynamically adjustable rotational velocity. The dynamically adjustable rotational velocity allows grid points to have equal intervals on the grid map. The grid map generating apparatus generates a grid map while making a complete turn, and generates a grid map corresponding to a non-linear section while making another turn.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether a robot is walking and a direction in which the robot is walking; measuring an amount of time taken for a sole of a foot of the robot to step on the ground; calculating an imaginary reaction force applied to the sole using a trigonometric function having, as a period, the measured amount of time taken for the sole to step on the ground; and applying the calculated imaginary reaction force to a Jacobian transposed matrix and converting the imaginary reaction force into a drive torque for a lower extremity joint of the robot.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a user interface embedded into a robot facilitates robot training via direct and intuitive physical interactions. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a wrist cuff that, when grasped by the user, switches the robot into zero-force gravity-compensated mode.

Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.

Abstract: A mobile robot having a returning mechanism includes one or more moving members mounted on a body of the mobile robot; and a cable member connected to one side of the mobile robot so as to supply the mobile robot with electrical power. Further, the mobile robot includes a returning member having a rigidity stronger than the cable member and disposed to wrap the cable member so that the cable member is placed within the returning member; and a take-up unit configured to pull the returning member to keep it taut.

Abstract: A mechanism includes at least one module (M1) having a tubular structure with at least three faces, each of said faces comprising: two parallel longitudinal fibers (1, 4), rigid and inextensible, whose ends are connected through respective ball or elastic joints (0-1; 4-0) to the ends of the fibers of contiguous modules, or to a base (0); a transverse link (2) connecting said two longitudinal fibers, having a first end rigidly connected to said first fiber and a second end slidably connected to said second fiber, said transverse link being inextensible and having two rotational degrees of freedom; a longitudinal link (32) connecting said transverse link to a homologous transverse link of an adjacent module or to a base via a ball or elastic joint (32-0) and an universal joint (3-32); and an actuator (A) for changing the length of said longitudinal link.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of calculating a reference value Itag_b; a step of performing a first Pchg calculating process when a SOC at present is not in a predetermined range or speed V of a vehicle is smaller than a threshold value, or when a target value Itag is not less than the reference value Itag_b; and a step of performing a second Pchg calculating process when the SOC at present is in the predetermined range between SOC(1) and SOC(2) and the speed V of the vehicle is not less than the threshold value V(0), and when the target value Itag is smaller than the reference value Itag_b.

Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler having multiple dexterous manipulators supported about multiple frame units. The frame units are connected via an articulating linkage at proximal ends wherein the articulating linkage is capable of positioning the frames into various configurations. Dexterous manipulators are coupled to distal ends of the frame units and are positionable via the articulating linkage and articulating joints therein into various positions about the frame ends. The configurations and positioning of the dexterous manipulators allows the robotic crawler to perform coordinated dexterous operations.

Abstract: A robotic mechanical fin, having a motor housing containing a plurality of rib rotation motors, rib spars, and a plurality of ribs, mechanically movable and communicatively coupled to the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts, where the plurality of ribs are rotationally coupled to and actuated by the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts. The mechanical fin further includes a flexible fin casing, within which the ribs reside, forming the complete actively controlled curvature robotic propulsion and steering apparatus. The mechanical fin, is connected to a plurality of control electronics circuits and a computer processor programmed with actuation code that when executed by the computer processor causes automated actuation of simultaneous propulsion and steering maneuverability of the actively controlled curvature, robotic, mechanical fin.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner, a controlling method of the same, and a robot cleaning system. The robot cleaner can perform a cleaning operation with respect to only a user's desired region, in a repeated and concentrated manner. Further, as the robot cleaner runs on a user's desired region in a manual manner, a designated region can be precisely set. Further, as the robot cleaner performs a cleaning operation by setting a user's desired region, only a simple configuration is added to a terminal device such as a remote control unit. Accordingly, additional costs can be reduced, and a malfunction can be prevented.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for traversing a selected area autonomously that senses orientation relative to “environmental” signals. The robotic apparatus is provided in two models, a master that can record directive and “environmental signal” readings, or that can record received location information, to provide at least one command recorded on a machine-readable medium representing an instruction for traversing an area of interest, and a slave that lacks the recording capability. Both master and slave models can replay recorded commands, and compare the expected orientation from the command with an actual orientation sensed during autonomous operation. If an error exceeding a predetermined value is observed, a corrective action is taken. The robotic apparatus is able to utilize a tool to perform a task.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical diagnostic device with an automatic moving mechanism. The device comprises an input interface for receiving instructions from an operator or from a remote device. A motion controller is coupled to the input interface for controlling movements of the diagnostic device based on the instructions received through the input interface. A moving assembly is coupled to the motion controller for moving the diagnostic device under control of the motion controller. In an embodiment, a method of guiding a portable imaging system through various locations in a hospital is disclosed. Also the invention discloses a self-guided portable imaging system.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a mobile robot and a remote input device. The input device may be a joystick that is used to move a camera and a mobile platform of the robot. The system may operate in a mode where the mobile platform moves in a camera reference coordinate system. The camera reference coordinate system is fixed to a viewing image provided by the camera so that movement of the robot corresponds to a direction viewed on a screen. This prevents disorientation during movement of the robot if the camera is panned across a viewing area.

Abstract: A cooperative-control robot includes a base component, a mobile platform arranged proximate the base component, a translation assembly operatively connected to the base component and the mobile platform and configured to move the mobile platform with translational degrees of freedom substantially without rotation with respect to said the component, a tool assembly connected to the mobile platform, and a control system configured to communicate with the translation assembly to control motion of the mobile platform in response to forces by a user applied to at least a portion of the cooperative-control robot. The translation assembly includes at least three independently operable actuator arms, each connected to a separate position of the mobile platform. A robotic system includes two or more the cooperative-control robots.

Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a drive system, a controller in communication with the drive system, and a volumetric point cloud imaging device supported above the drive system at a height of greater than about one feet above the ground and directed to be capable of obtaining a point cloud from a volume of space that includes a floor plane in a direction of movement of the mobile robot. The controller receives point cloud signals from the imaging device and issues drive commands to the drive system based at least in part on the received point cloud signals.

Abstract: A setting unit 33 configured to set a first landing permissible region in order to ground a free leg side foot 16 within an upper tread surface or a lower tread surface of a step existing ahead of a legged mobile robot 1 in a traveling direction, and a setting unit 34 configured to set a second landing permissible region in order to ground the free leg side foot 16 on an edge of the upper tread surface or the lower tread surface are provided to switch landing permissible regions for movement control of the robot 1 according to a step height.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot including a drive system having at least one drive wheel driven by a corresponding drive motor, a localization system in communication with the drive system, and a power source in communication with the drive system and the localization system. The robot further including a touch response input supported above the drive system. Activation of the touch response input modifies delivery of power to the drive system to reduce a drive load of the corresponding drive motor of the at least one drive wheel white allowing continued delivery of power to the localization system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly-available and fault-tolerant solar tracking system and the process required to manage such a system. A fleet of multiple, redundant mobile robots managed by a task coordinator is deployed to track solar panels in a solar farm in alignment with the sun. Each robot has a control unit for engaging with a coupler connected to one or multiple solar panels and adjusting their orientation, as well as communicating with the task coordinator to receive tasks. The task coordinator senses various events such as robot failure/deterioration, as well as various environmental conditions, and sends tasks reconciled with event types. The system is highly-available and fault-tolerant as it remains operational as long as there is one operational robot. The task coordinator assigns tasks to the mobile robots so as to optimize battery life or other factors, such as, e.g., overall maintenance costs across the fleet.

Abstract: A robot-enabled method of picking cases in a warehouse is provided. A robotic vehicle includes a processor configured to access a memory, a user input device, an output device, and a load platform, and has access to an electronically stored representation of a warehouse. The representation includes a map that defines aisles for storing items arranged as pick faces within the warehouse. A pick list is generated from an order; the pick list provides identifications of items to be picked to fulfill the order. Determined from the pick list is a plurality of stops at pick faces associated with the items. A route within the map is generated that includes the plurality of stops. The robotic vehicle iteratively guides itself along the route and automatically stops at each of the plurality of stops to enable loading of the items from the pick list onto the load platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a robotic assistant comprising a projector for projecting media on a surface, a sensor for sensing the media, and a motion control module for moving the robotic assistant.

Abstract: An unmanned surveillance device includes a robot control terminal configured to be loaded within a remote control robot under a surveillance environment, collect state information and surrounding circumstance information, operate the remote control robot in driving mode or surveillance mode according to a remote control command corresponding to the state information and surrounding circumstance information. Further, the unmanned surveillance device includes a remote control system configured to receive the state information and the surrounding circumstance information of the remote control robot from the robot control terminal, output the received state information and surrounding circumstance information of the remote control robot, and provide the remote control command to the robot control terminal.

Abstract: A method includes: forming an imaginary wall at a position spaced apart and outward from feet of the robot when the robot is in a double-leg-support state; kinetically calculating a variation in a distance between a body of the robot and the imaginary wall and a variation in a speed of the body of the robot relative to the imaginary wall using an angle of a joint and lengths of links of the robot; applying the variation in the distance and the variation in the speed to an imaginary spring-damper model formed between the body of the robot and the imaginary wall, and calculating an imaginary reaction force required by the body of the robot; and converting the calculated reaction force into a drive torque required by the body of the robot using a Jacobian transposed matrix.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an indoor firefighting robot which has the capability to climb stairs and negotiate several types of floor materials inside buildings. it can withstand very high temperature up to 700 Celsius for as long as 60 minutes using multiple thermal insulation technique. It can communicate with trapped and injured persons inside the fire scene and can send back video and audio information describing the fire environment inside the building to the controller. It has also an insulated container at the rear with oxygen masks to help victims to breathe safely in the smoke environment in the early stage of the firefighting process. Several of these compact firefighting robots can be launched and can work together inside the room or multiple rooms under fire with assistance of remote control unit. The fire robot can avoid obstacles while trying to rescue injured victims.

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a mobile body, a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body and comprising an end effector configured to unload a row of cartons in a side-by-side orientation from the carton pile, and a conveyor system mounted on the mobile body and configured to receive the row of cartons from the end effector in the side-by-side orientation. In various embodiments the conveyor system may comprise a front-end descrambler and a central descrambler coupled to the front-end descrambler. In various embodiments, the robotic arm may be configured to straddle at least a portion of the mobile body and at least a portion of the conveyor system such that the conveyor system conveys cartons from the carton pile through the robotic arm.

Abstract: A roller assembly provides collision protection and stability to a mobile robot. The roller assembly includes a shaft forming an axis about which the roller assembly can rotate. The shaft has opposite ends configured to be supported by bearings in the robot. The roller assembly also includes an impact absorbing layer coaxially covering the shaft. It further includes a shell coaxially covering the impact absorbing layer having a lower coefficient of friction than the impact absorbing layer for providing low sliding friction.

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a mobile body, a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body and comprising an end effector configured to unload a row of cartons in a side-by-side orientation from the carton pile, and a conveyor system mounted on the mobile body and configured to receive the row of cartons from the end effector in the side-by-side orientation. In various embodiments the conveyor system may comprise a front-end descrambler and a central descrambler coupled to the front-end descrambler. In various embodiments, the robotic arm may be configured to straddle at least a portion of the mobile body and at least a portion of the conveyor system such that the conveyor system conveys cartons from the carton pile through the robotic arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetically coupleable robotic surgical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to robotic surgical devices that can be inserted into a patient's body and can be positioned within the patient's body using an external magnet.

Abstract: A method of automatic path planning for at least one robot within a confined configuration space, the robot including an arm having a plurality of joints and an end effector coupled to the arm. The method includes entering a plurality of process points into a computer, each process point being a location wherein the arm is to be positioned to perform a task, calculating one or more inverse kinematic solutions for each process point, clustering the inverse kinematic solutions into a set of clusters, and generating collision free paths between the clusters in the confined configuration space.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a control method of a cleaning robot with a non-omnidirectional light detector. The method includes the steps of: detecting a light beam via the non-omnidirectional light detector; stopping the cleaning robot and spinning the non-omnidirectional light detector when the non-omnidirectional light detector detects the light beam; stopping the spinning of the non-omnidirectional light detector and estimating a first spin angle when the non-omnidirectional light detector does not detect the light beam; and adjusting a moving direction of the cleaning robot according to the first spin angle.