Abstract: Provided is a robot-implemented, real-time, process to plan a coverage path, the process including: obtaining environment-sensor data indicating distances from the robot to surfaces in a portion of a working environment; obtaining odometry-sensor data; based on the environment-sensor data and the odometry-sensor data, determining at least a part of a coverage path of the robot through the working environment; and commanding an electric-motor driver to move the robot along the at least part of the path.

Abstract: A distance estimation system comprised of a laser light emitter, two image sensors, and an image processor are positioned on a baseplate such that the fields of view of the image sensors overlap and contain the projections of an emitted collimated laser beam within a predetermined range of distances. The image sensors simultaneously capture images of the laser beam projections. The images are superimposed and displacement of the laser beam projection from a first image taken by a first image sensor to a second image taken by a second image sensor is extracted by the image processor. The displacement is compared to a preconfigured table relating displacement distances with distances from the baseplate to projection surfaces to find an estimated distance of the baseplate from the projection surface at the time that the images were captured.

Abstract: Provided is a method for a robotic device to autonomously overcome obstructions hindering the operational capacity of the robotic device. When a robotic device encounters an obstruction, the robotic device may enact one of a number of predetermined responses to overcome the obstruction without requiring the intervention of an outside entity to assist the robotic device with overcoming the obstruction.

Abstract: A method for automated mobile devices to identify and avoid dangerous edges or drop-offs. Rangefinder sensors are installed on the underside of devices to calculate distances to the work surfaces. Distances are monitored for changes greater than a predetermined threshold. Distance changes greater than the threshold cause the device to execute methods or algorithms for avoiding the identified area.

Abstract: Robotic devices are presented including: a body; an electronic computing device housed within the body; and at least two wheeled suspension systems coupled with the body, each wheeled suspension system including, a first suspension system including: a frame, a rotating arm pivotally coupled to the frame on a first end and coupled to a wheel on a second end, and an extension spring coupled with the rotating arm on a third end and the frame on a fourth end, where the extension spring is extended when the wheel is retracted, a second suspension system including: a base slidingly coupled with the frame, and a number of vertically positioned extension springs coupled with the frame on a fifth end and the base on a sixth end.

Abstract: A robotic floor cleaning device that contains a cleaning fluid reservoir to store cleaning fluid and uses ultrasonic oscillators to vaporize the cleaning fluid. Vapor is delivered via nozzles to a work surface to remove debris therefrom.

Abstract: A method for adding a robotic device to a first Wi-Fi network using a communication device, is disclosed, including generating an instruction to add the robotic device to the first Wi-Fi network using an application of the communication device connected to a first Wi-Fi network; extracting Wi-Fi access point's SSID and Wi-Fi password for the first Wi-Fi network by the application of the communication device; instructing the robotic device to enter into pairing mode; disconnecting the communication device from the first Wi-Fi network and connecting the communication device to a second Wi-Fi network of the robotic device using the application of the communication device; transferring the Wi-Fi access point's SSID and the Wi-Fi password for the first Wi-Fi network to the robotic device using the application of the communication device; and connecting the communication device to the first Wi-Fi network.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the rate of collision of a mobile robotic device. A mobile robotic device selects controls comprised of sets of actions to navigate through a workspace. Controls resulting in non-collisions cause the system to earn a positive reward. Controls resulting in collisions cause the system to earn a negative reward. Cumulative rewards over the course of a work session are compared to the cumulative rewards of other work sessions. A policy is defined based on outcomes of prior work sessions to minimize the expected number of collisions.

Abstract: Integrated bumpers are presented including: a suspension assembly including, a suspension plate coupled with a robotic device chassis along a top surface of the robotic device chassis, a number of radially disposed springs positioned along a portion of a perimeter of the suspension plate and coupled with the suspension plate, and a number of cutouts positioned along the perimeter of the suspension plate; and a cover coupled with the suspension assembly, the cover including, a number of spring anchors coupled with the number of springs, which in some embodiments may be radially disposed, and a number of tabs aligned with the number of cutouts to limit movement of the suspension plate. In some embodiments, integrated bumpers further include: two impact sensors positioned along a second portion of the perimeter, the two impact sensors detecting movement between the suspension assembly and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for robotic devices to accurately identify authorized users. Biometric data of users is supplied to the system through biometric scanners. Biometric profiles of authorized users are identified to the system during an initial set-up phase. Subsequently, users provide biometric data to the system through the scanners in order to be authenticated. Received data is compared to the original stored profiles, and when a match is found, that user is authenticated. In another aspect of the invention, a time-activated memory storage process is utilized to prevent malicious attempts to overcome the authentication process. Memory cells become writable in successive time slots, after which point the memory cells are converted to read-only. If a user is authenticated during a particular time slot, their biometric data is written in the available memory cell. If no user is authenticated, the available memory cell is written with junk data.

Abstract: A method for mobile robotic floor cleaning devices to have a side brush cover. The cover for the side brush is designed in order to avoid the common issue of entanglement. Entanglement often occurs with the robot's side brush as the robot cleans a given area and the side brush encounters a cord or cable laying on the floor. As the side brush spins the cable or cord becomes wrapped around the side brush disabling the unit entirely until the user physically detangles the cord and unit. This invention seeks to remedy this issue by adding a barrier between the side brush and any objects.