Miscellaneous Patents (Class 901/50)
  • Patent number: 11969888
    Abstract: Cable routing approaches are described that allow cables to pass through a traditional chain joint without reducing the strength capacity or impairing the range of motion of the joint. The cable routing approaches permit the cables to be housed inside the structure of the robotic arm and pass through the chain joint in a manner that does not limit the width of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Veolia Nuclear Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Cole, Paul Damon Linnebur, Dan Alan Preston, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 11951636
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the technology described herein generally relate to robotic systems for interacting with objects in a warehouse environment. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for collecting data related to robotic picking of objects through test interactions. In some embodiments, a robotic device may work in collaboration with a computer vision system for collecting data related to new objects in a warehouse, commercial, industrial, or similar environment. A robotic picking system may operate in a data collection mode during which objects are sent to a robotic picking device for data collection during one or more test interactions or test stimuli. The test interactions and stimuli may be used to produce a whitelist of objects that the robotic picking device may attempt to pick up during regular operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Embodied Intelligence Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Vaziri, Mostafa Rohaninejad
  • Patent number: 11921515
    Abstract: A method for determining at least one action of a robot, including capturing, with an image sensor disposed on the robot, images of objects within an environment of the robot as the robot moves within the environment; identifying, with a processor of the robot, at least a first object based on the captured images; and actuating, with the processor, the robot to execute at least one action based on the first object identified, wherein the at least one action comprises at least generating a virtual boundary and avoiding crossing the virtual boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: AI Incorporated
    Inventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi
  • Patent number: 11884485
    Abstract: An autonomous mobile robotic refuse container device that transports itself from a storage location to a refuse collection location and back to the storage location after collection of the refuse. When it is time for refuse collection, the robotic device autonomously navigates from the refuse container storage location to the refuse collection location. Once the refuse within the container has been collected, the robotic device autonomously navigates back to the refuse container storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AI Incorporated
    Inventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi
  • Patent number: 11865700
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of changing a tool on a programmable motion device. The method includes the steps of moving an attachment portion of an end effector of the programmable motion device in a continuous motion; while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion, engaging one of: the attachment portion of the end effector with the tool, or the tool attached to the attachment portion of the end effector with an exchange system, and continuing to move the attachment portion of the end effector in the continuous motion to change a connection status of the attachment portion of the end effector while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, John Richard Amend, Jr., William Farmer, Andrew Gauthier, Victoria Hinchey, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Richard Musgrave, Samuel Naseef, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 11865697
    Abstract: A robot system includes an operating device that receives an operation instruction from an operator. The system further includes a real robot that is installed in a work space and performs a series of works constituted of a plurality of steps. The system further includes transmission type display device configured to allow the operator to visually recognize a real world and configured to display a virtual. The system further includes a control device configured to operate the virtual robot displayed on the transmission type display device based on instruction information input from the operating device. The control device is further configured to thereafter operate the real robot while maintaining a state that the virtual robot is displayed on the transmission type display device when operation execution information to execute an operation of the real robot is input from the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayuki Watanabe, Takayuki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 11861969
    Abstract: Provided herein are automated time and space efficient item dispensing systems having a plurality of storage compartments and one or more adjustable grippers, for fast and accurate automatic dispensing of items or sets of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: POLYTEX TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Tomer Poliner, Reuven Zander
  • Patent number: 11845192
    Abstract: Provided are robots that autonomously detect and correct individualized anomalies resulting from deviations in the sensors and/or actuators of individual robots, and environmental anomalies resulting from deviations in the environment elements that the robots rely on or use in the execution of different tasks. To do so, a robot may receive a task, may determine expected kinematics that include expected activations of a set of sensors and actuators by which the robot executes the task, may activate the set of sensors and actuators according to the expected kinematics, may track the actual kinematics resulting from activating the set of sensors and actuators according to the expected kinematics and continuing the activations until detecting one or more environment elements signaling completion of the task, and may adjust one or more sensors, actuators, or environment elements in response to the actual kinematics deviating from the expected kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: inVia Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph Charles Voorhies, Daniel Frank Parks, II, Lior Elazary
  • Patent number: 11829157
    Abstract: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) management system including a battery recharge management module, a task management module, and an AGV path planning module is provided. The battery recharge management module manages the AGVs to be recharged by at least one wireless charging unit in a parking area. The AGV leaving the parking area has a battery charge higher than a charge threshold. The task management module receives tasks and assigns the tasks to the AGVs. The task includes information including at least one pick-up location, at least one drop-off location, and a due time. The AGV path planning module plans paths for the AGVs, respectively, according to the information of the assigned tasks. The task management module delays assigning the task to the AGV if the AGV is expected to complete the task earlier than the due time of the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS INT'L (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
    Inventors: Simon Ware, Yajuan Sun, Bo Woon Jeffrey Soon, Liyong Lin, Rong Su
  • Patent number: 11820004
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus (30), includes a bracket (31), a telescopic apparatus (32) and a manipulator (33), where the bracket is mounted to a storage shelf (20), the telescopic apparatus is mounted to the bracket, the manipulator is mounted to the telescopic apparatus, and the telescopic apparatus is used for driving the manipulator to move along a horizontal first reference line (S5) or a horizontal second reference line (S6). The manipulator is driven to move on the first reference line and second reference line that are disposed orthogonally, and thereby the manipulator is able to load or unload goods at any position on the first reference line or second reference line, so as to avoid time being wasted on adjusting an angle of a transportation robot (100). The transportation apparatus has a high transportation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: HAI ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhe Kong, Yeguang Chen, Qingxin Zhan
  • Patent number: 11794358
    Abstract: A snag point cover for an industrial manufacturing robot, the snag point cover including: a body adapted to be disposed about a protrusion extending from an external surface of an industrial manufacturing robot, wherein the body is adapted to form an external transition surface between the protrusion and the external surface of the industrial manufacturing robot thereby preventing a dresspack from becoming snagged on the protrusion when the industrial manufacturing robot is articulated. The snag point cover body is adapted to surround and cover one or more protrusions. The snag point cover body may be elongated or arcuate in shape and defines an internal cavity that conforms to the one or more protrusions. This allows external structures such as wiring harnesses and conduits to slide over these protrusions without becoming snagged or pinched during complex motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: David Allen Joiner, Carl Joseph Polivka, Sr., Dennis Legrand Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11772822
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for lifting an object. The system comprises a first floor, a second floor, and an object rack supported on the second floor. The system further comprises an object advance apparatus coupled with the object rack. The object advance apparatus is configured to advance one object from the plurality of objects from an advancing position to a lifting position. The system additionally comprises a lifting cylinder that is configured to extend from a retracted position below the lifting position to an extended position above the first floor, such that the one object in the lifting position is removed from the object rack and lifted adjacent to the assembling body. The system also comprises a floor flap configured to open and close in synchronization with the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Pierig Bonnefoy
  • Patent number: 11678939
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing computer-assisted surgery, including robot-assisted image-guided surgery. Embodiments include marker devices for an image guided surgery system, marker systems and arrays for tracking a robotic arm using a motion tracking system, and image guided surgery methods and systems using optical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Mobius Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Row, Kyle Schwartz, Edward Daley, Scott Coppen, Todd Furlong, Michael Everman
  • Patent number: 11642798
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for charging a robot. A method for charging a robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes monitoring a battery level of a first robot which is providing a service, determining a charging robot for charging the first robot, from a plurality of second robots, when a battery level of the first robot falls below a first threshold level, and transmitting an instruction to move to a target position to the determined charging robot, in which determining the charging robot comprises determining the charging robot based at least partly on distances between the first robot and the second robots and battery levels of the second robots. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by executing an artificial intelligence algorithm and/or a machine learning algorithm in a 5G environment connected for Internet of Things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jae Ho Kwak, Won Hong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11628963
    Abstract: This box assembling and packing system is provided: a first jig which is fixed at a predetermined position and against which a side part of a body of a packing box is thrust; a second jig which is fixed at a predetermined position and against which a flap part and a tuck part of the packing box are thrust; and a robot having two articulated arms. A first articulated arm of the two articulated arms holds and moves the packing box in a flatly collapsed form by a packing box holding mechanism, folds and raises the body of the flatly collapsed packing box into a rectangular tubular shape in cooperation with the first jig, and maintains the folded and raised body of the packing box in the rectangular tubular shape by a packing box rectangular tubular shape maintaining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: SHISEIDO COMPANY, LTD., KAWADA ROBOTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Nishio, Yuta Horibata, Tadahiro Fujiwara, Kiyoshi Terasaki
  • Patent number: 11619920
    Abstract: A method of customized setting at least one measurement device, comprises the steps of setting an intended measurement setup on the at least one measurement device manually via a user interface, recording, via a command recorder, at least one remote control command assigned to the manual setting of the intended measurement setup, converting the at least one remote control command recorded into specific instructions, and generating a standalone executable code at least based on the specific instructions obtained from the remote control command recorded. Further, a measurement system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Florian Ramian, Florian Lang
  • Patent number: 11544594
    Abstract: An electronic device for providing a user-participating-type artificial intelligence (AI) training service is provided. The electronic device may include a user input receiving unit configured to receive, from a user of the service, initial setting user inputs about an initial setting for AI training and to receive an AI training user input for requesting for the AI training. The device may further include a processor configured to provide, through a screen of the electronic device, an initial setting UI (User Interface) receiving the initial setting user inputs and an AI training UI receiving the AI training user input, and a communication unit configured to transmit, to a service providing server, data corresponding to the initial setting user inputs and the AI training user input and to receive, from the service providing server, initial setting data and/or AI training data generated based on the transmitted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Sunghee Woo
  • Patent number: 11498173
    Abstract: A wood-processing system having a buffer, which receives and buffers planar workpieces of wood materials or wood substitute materials, and a deposit device, onto which workpieces removed from the buffer can be deposited. At least one robot is included to remove the workpieces from the buffer and to deposit said workpieces on a deposit element of the deposit device and/or at another deposit location in the buffer. The system can be operated continuously, with workpieces being loaded sequentially into the buffer, removed from the buffer by the robot, and sorted onto the deposit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: IMA Schelling Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Niebur
  • Patent number: 11351680
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, employed within a robotics system. In one aspect, a robotics system includes an interface; an output; a processor; and a computer-readable storage device coupled to the processor and having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause processor to perform operations comprising: providing, through the interface, a simulation of the robotics system described by a Ubiquitous Simulation Model (USM) and depicted within a simulated environment; receiving a command through the interface; determining an applicable module configured to operate skills and knowledge for the command based on the USM and the simulated environment; processing the command with the module and the USM to determine an appropriate action, wherein the action is determined based on a coherent mode of conduct and self-presentation modeled for the robotics system; and performing the action with the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVES LLC
    Inventor: Barr Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 11167425
    Abstract: An end of arm tool subassembly includes three identical linear drive mechanisms connected directly together to provide three directions of movement. Each linear drive mechanism includes a base defined by a longitudinal axis and a slide movably coupled to the base. The base has at least one mounting surface disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and an end mounting surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slide traverses in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a slide mounting surface thereon. One of the identical linear drive mechanisms is directly attached to the end mounting surface of the base of another linear drive mechanism to provide two of the three directions of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FESTO SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Boaz Eidelberg, Matthew Quigley, Ralph Weinmuller, Patrick Haran, Mustansir Faizullabhoy, Thomas Pilock, Jack Zhu, Stephen Vidler, Anwar Chitayat
  • Publication number: 20150149398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decision migration within a multi-component robot are disclosed. The method of supporting decision migration between components for a multi-component robot may include: recognizing at least one subcomponent; generating at least one rule corresponding to a respective action of the at least one recognized subcomponent and embedding the at least one rule in at least one other component; and transmitting a decision or action migration request for a specific task to the other component if a failure occurs or synchronization with the other component is needed while the at least one subcomponent is performing the specific task by using the generated rule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry Cooperation
    Inventors: JiMan Hong, Laxmisha Rai
  • Patent number: 9043031
    Abstract: Provided is a device for wirelessly controlling robots suitable for competition or educational purposes, the device including: an input module configured to receive commands from a human user interface, the human user interface sending signals indicative of inputs by a user to control a robot; a protocol translator configured to translate the received commands into a protocol to which the robot is responsive; a wireless output module configured to wirelessly transmit the translated commands to the robot such that the robot executes the commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Westlake & Eanes Science & Technology Association
    Inventors: Rachel Gardner, Akshay Prakash, Benjamin Jared Gorr, Eric J. Rothfus
  • Patent number: 9031692
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cloud robot system, including: a cloud computing platform and at least one robot; wherein the cloud computing platform is used for receiving perform information sent by the at least one robot in the system; the perform information includes data, status and requests of the at least one robot; the cloud computing platform is used for processing the data and status, sending process results back to the at least one robot, and sending control instructions to corresponding robot according to the requests; the at least one robot is used for sending the perform information to the cloud computing platform, receiving process results from the cloud computing platform, and performing according to the control instructions sent from the cloud computing platform. By using the present disclosure, computing ability and storage capacity of the robots can be expanded unlimited, while the thinking ability and memory of the robots are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Science
    Inventor: Dingju Zhu
  • Publication number: 20150120046
    Abstract: A system and a method for providing a robot interaction service utilizing a location-based service of a mobile communication terminal. The system for providing a robot interaction service utilizing location information of a mobile communication terminal, includes: a mobile communication terminal for performing a mobile communication service through a wireless communication network, measuring a current location thereof and transmitting the measured location information to a predetermined robot terminal through a communication network; and a robot terminal for receiving the location information from the mobile communication terminal, determining a robot behavior based on the received location information, and controlling the operation thereof according to the determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KT Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun-ho KIM, Jong-Cheol KIM
  • Publication number: 20150112482
    Abstract: A teaching system includes an image generating unit, a projecting unit, a work line generating unit, an arithmetic unit, and a job generating unit. The image generating unit generates a virtual image including a robot and a workpiece having a processed surface to be processed by the robot. The projecting unit generates a projection plane orthogonal to a normal direction of a desired point on the processed surface selected on the virtual image and projects the processed surface onto the projection plane. The work line generating unit generates a work line for the robot based on setting contents received via the projection plane. The arithmetic unit calculates a teaching value including the position and the posture of the robot at each point of the target points. The job generating unit generates a job program for operating the robot in an actual configuration based on the teaching value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Koichi KUWAHARA
  • Patent number: 8992113
    Abstract: An assembly for releasably connecting an end effector in the form of a robotic tool or component to a robotic arm is disclosed. The connection is manually operated and formed of a first and second joint member including a cylindrical body, a locking collar, and a locking wall extending from the cylindrical body. The locking collar is coaxially aligned with and rotatably connected to the first joint member. The second joint member has a cylindrical mating body and a coupler, and engages the first joint member. The coupler also includes key pins, the pins being engageable in keyed relationship with the locking wall, the coupler and locking collar further includes intervening circumferentially spaced teeth, wherein the collar is rotatable to releasably engage the first joint member with the second joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: RE2, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Campagna, Nabil Michael Rizk, Keith M. Gunnett
  • Patent number: 8989897
    Abstract: A calibration system for a robot and its peripheral includes an emitter attached to the robot or its peripheral and emits a laser beam and a receiver also mounted to the robot or its peripheral at a point to permit calibration and for receiving the laser beam and to permit calculations to determine the dimension between the emitter and the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dynalog, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre de Smet
  • Patent number: 8978196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Selma Svendsen, Daniel N. Ozick, Christopher M. Casey, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Tony L. Campbell, Chikyung Won, Christopher John Morse, Scott Thomas Burnett
  • Patent number: 8950038
    Abstract: A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Chikyung Won, Paul E. Sandin, Scott Thomas Burnett, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Stephen A. Hickey, Robert Rizzari, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Selma Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8950065
    Abstract: A combination component handling and connecting device connectable to a multi-axis robot for use in moving and connecting components and subassemblies includes a housing and an actuator fixedly connected to the housing. The actuator includes an actuating link movable from a first position to a second position. Connected to the actuating link is an end effector for concurrent movement with the actuating link. The component handling and connecting device includes a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is connected to the actuating link for selectively moving the second jaw toward the first jaw operative to engage a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 8954192
    Abstract: A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot between bounded areas includes positioning a navigation beacon in a gateway between adjoining first and second bounded areas. The beacon configured to transmit a gateway marking emission across the gateway. The method also includes placing the coverage robot within the first bounded area. The robot autonomously traverses the first bounded area in a cleaning mode and upon encountering the gateway marking emission in the gateway, the robot remains in the first bounded area, thereby avoiding the robot migration into the second area. Upon termination of the cleaning mode in the first area, the robot autonomously initiates a migration mode to move through the gateway, past the beacon, into the second bounded area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel N. Ozick, Andrea M. Okerholm, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran, Paul E. Sandin, Chikyung Won
  • Publication number: 20150032256
    Abstract: To enable simple loading of an appropriate operation control program into a robot controller, provided is a robot system, including: a robot management computer; and robot controllers for controlling robots, respectively, in which the robot management computer includes: a robot information receiving unit for receiving set-up location information about a set-up location of each of the robots; a storage for storing an operation control program of the each of the robots in association with the set-up location information; and an operation control program transmitting unit for transmitting, to each of the robot controllers, the operation control program that is associated with the set-up location information received from the robot information receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Yukio HASHIGUCHI, Shinji MURAI, Tomoyuki SHIRAKI
  • Publication number: 20150025681
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a robotic patient system including a computer system including a processor and a coupled sensor, and a control system configured to receive control data. The robotic patient system also includes a synthetic patient robot including a feature detector and action selector configured to actuate the robot based at least in part on the control data. Some further embodiments of the invention include a computer-implemented method of providing a robotic synthetic patient by providing a synthetic patient robot, configuring a control system to receive control data, extracting and converting a feature from the control data, and converting to an actuator command to move the robotic patient system. Some embodiments include a robot including a computer system including a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a control system configured to be coupled to a source of control data to control the robot substantially autonomously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Laurel Dawn Riek
  • Patent number: 8924012
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic circuit enabling two mechanical devices to shadow each other's movements without any direct mechanically-operative linkage between the devices. The two devices incorporate matching sets of hydraulic actuators for inducing movements of movable components of the devices. For each actuator in a given one of the devices, a system of electronic sensors and hydraulic valves, in conjunction with a central processing and control system, keeps track of the physical positions and configurations of the actuator and the corresponding actuator in the other device, and what the status of the actuators should be in relation to each other. If an actuator associated with one device is moved by an external force, a corresponding actuator in the other device moves in response to that external force, with proportionate direction, speed, and force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Marvel Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Darin J. Chaika
  • Publication number: 20140360092
    Abstract: An artificial predator is a robotic system that does two tasks at the same time by eating An artificial predator will harvest chemical energy from the environment in which it lives by (eating) a target species. The target species is programmed into the robot. The robot uses neural nets (or similar system) for discerning what to target and what to ignore. Then the robot can convert this food into energy. After this process is completed, the robot will continue to hunt and consume its target species. The robot would move through the ecosystem, whether it is natural or manmade. It can be trained to attack a specific target. One potential target would be a plant like a weed on a large agricultural farm. Another potential target could be a pest such as an invasive species of plant or animal. This robot can detect and destroy pests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: DEAN E. COOK, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140364989
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a machine tool and a robot includes a storage unit, configured to store an input machining program including a statement for machine tool and a statement for robot, and a machining program distribution unit configured to transfer the statement for machine tool, out of the statements for machine tool and statements for robot that are included in the stored machining program, to the machine tool control unit and to transfer the statement for robot to the robot control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Takashi HOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20140350727
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing functionality of an interface to control orientations of a camera on a device are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving an input on an interface indicating a command for an orientation of a camera on a robotic device, and the interface may be provided on a device remote from the robotic device. An indicator may be provided on the interface representing a location of the input, and the indicator may be representative of the command for the orientation of the camera on the robotic device. The method may also include determining that the location of the input on the interface is within a distance threshold to a pre-set location on the interface, and repositioning the indicator on the interface to be at the pre-set location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Munjal Desai, Ryan Hickman, Thor Lewis, Damon Kohler
  • Publication number: 20140350725
    Abstract: An intelligent mobile robot having a robot base controller and an onboard navigation system that, in response to receiving a job assignment specifying a job location that is associated with one or more job operations, activates the onboard navigation system to automatically determine a path the mobile robot should use to drive to the job location, automatically determines that using an initially-selected path could cause the mobile robot to run into stationary or non-stationary obstacles, such as people or other mobile robots, in the physical environment, automatically determines a new path to avoid the stationary and non-stationary obstacles, and automatically drives the mobile robot to the job location using the new path, thereby avoiding contact or collisions with those obstacles. After the mobile robot arrives at the job location, it automatically performs said one or more job operations associated with that job location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: ADEPT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew LaFary, Matthew Vestal, George V. Paul
  • Patent number: 8896242
    Abstract: A robotic mount is configured to move an entertainment element such as a video display, a video projector or a staircase. The robotic mount is movable in three-dimensions, whereby the associated entertainment element is moveable in three-dimensional space. In one embodiment, a unitary display comprises a plurality of closely spaced individual displays which are mounted to robotic mounts, whereby the configuration of the unitary display may be altered by changing the position of one or more of the displays relative to the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Flessas
  • Publication number: 20140336820
    Abstract: There is provided a display information acquiring unit for acquiring display information on a screen of a touch panel display, a touch pattern estimating unit for estimating a region on the screen likely to be touched by a person and a motion direction of the touch based on the display information, a load estimating unit for estimating a load or a torque to the display based on the estimated region and the motion direction, a stiffness parameter information generating unit for generating information for controlling the arm so that the position and the orientation of the display do not change along the touching direction at the time of touch panel input based on the estimated load or torque, and an arm control unit for controlling a stiffness parameter of the arm based on the generated information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yudai FUDABA, Yuko TSUSAKA, Jun OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20140330432
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling movement of a continuum robot that includes a plurality of independently controlled segments along the length of the continuum robot. The continuum robot is inserted into a cavity of unknown dimensions or shape. A plurality of forces acting upon the continuum robot by the surrounding cavity are estimated. A positioning command indicating a desired movement of the distal end of the continuum robot is received from a manipulator control. The desired movement is augmented based, at least in part, on the estimated plurality of forces acting on the continuum robot such that movement is restricted to within safe boundaries of the surrounding cavity. The positioning of the continuum robot is then adjusted based on the augmented desired movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Nabil Simaan, Andrea Bajo, James L. Netterville, C. Gaelyn Garrett
  • Patent number: 8874265
    Abstract: Method and System of removing material from a debris pile which includes blocks of material. The debris pile is characterized to create a static equilibrium diagram illustrating one or more forces acting on each of the plurality of blocks of material. The blocks are ranked according to a number of touch points that each block of material touches another block of material. A block having a least number of touch points is identified. The block is removed from the static equilibrium diagram. It is determined if the block is removable by a robot. It is determined if the pile of debris would be in static equilibrium after removal of the block. The robot is directed to remove the block. Also included is a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 8839834
    Abstract: A masking device capable of effectively carrying out a masking operation using a masking jig by means of a robot. A step S5, wherein the masking jig is taken out by a second robot, must be completed prior to step S6, and may be carried out until step S2 has been completed, otherwise, may be carried out concurrently with step S4. Since the taking out operation of the masking jig by the second robot may be concurrently with the detecting/taking-out operation of the workpiece or the applying operation of adhesive by the first robot, cycle time may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Okuda
  • Publication number: 20140258192
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for training a recognition capability by using a robot and to a method for same. Disclosed is the apparatus for training the recognition capability, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising: an instruction generation portion for transmitting to the robot a series of robot instructions for controlling the behavior of the robot; a sensor portion for collecting sensor information including a 3D position information and color information of a trainee; a trainee behavioral information generation portion for generating behavioral information of the trainee, based on the sensor information that is collected; and a recognition capability determination portion for outputting the recognition capability of the trainee, based on the robot instructions and the behavioral information of the trainee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mun Sang Kim, Mun Taek Choi, Sang Seok Yun, Kyoung Keun Baek, Seong Whan Lee
  • Patent number: 8831780
    Abstract: A Global Virtual Presence (SGVP) platform integrates communications, robotics and Men Machine Interface (MMI) technologies and provides a unique way of delivering virtual presence experience to a user. The user can control a Robotic Virtual Explorer Devices (RVEDs) and receive a real-time media stream at his virtual terminal. In addition to real-time interactive video feeds, the system provides a pre-recorded video feed gallery of various most unreachable areas of the world, thereby providing a feeling of virtual-like presence to people, who may never see these places due to physical and financial constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Stanislav Zelivinski, Arkady Linshitz
  • Publication number: 20140249671
    Abstract: A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial commands transmitted from the network data bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Halloran, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Tony L. Campbell, Jason S. Walker, Paul E. Sandin, John N. Billington, JR., Daniel N. Ozick
  • Publication number: 20140244038
    Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: L. Niklas Karlsson, Paolo Pirjanian, Luis Filipe Domingues Goncalves, Enrico Di Bernardo
  • Patent number: 8818554
    Abstract: An event execution method and system for a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal is provided for enabling a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal or a character displayed in the mobile terminal to execute an event on behalf of the mobile terminal and share experience points of the character displayed in the mobile terminal. The event execution system includes a mobile terminal and a robot synchronized with the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Jai Lee, Suk Ryun Son
  • Patent number: 8793018
    Abstract: In a method and a computer system for controlling an industrial robot, multiple data packets are received by the computer system, each of the data packets having a destination address with different priority classes being associated therewith in advance by the computer system. A chronological association of tasks with the resources of the computer system is made for processing the individual received data packets, based on the relevant priority class of the destination address of a received data packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kuka Laboratories GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Müller
  • Publication number: 20140200712
    Abstract: Techniques that palletize bundles at high-speed. A robotic controller includes a vision system that determines a location and orientation of incoming bundles, a tracking system that communicates between the controller and a conveyor, and a robot that coordinates its movement with the bundles. The tracking system identifies the location and orientation of each bundle, informs the controller, and causes the robot to track its location and orientation with incoming bundles. The controller receives information on the location and orientation of each bundle. The controller instructs the robot to move in coordination with each incoming bundle, instructs the robot where and at what orientation to pick up the bundle, and instructs the robot how to move the bundle to a tier-and-stacking position. The controller can instruct the robot how to pick up each bundle on the fly as the bundle moves into range on the incoming conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Marius D. Batrin, Curtis A. Roth