Abstract: Provided is a process executed by a robot, including: traversing, to a first position, a first distance in a backward direction; after traversing the first distance, rotating 180 degrees in a first rotation; after the first rotation, traversing, to a second position, a second distance in the second direction; and after traversing the second distance, rotating 180 degrees in a second rotation such that the field of view of the sensor points in the first direction.

Abstract: Provided are operations including: receiving, with one or more processors of a robot, an image of an environment from an imaging device separate from the robot; obtaining, with the one or more processors, raw pixel intensity values of the image; extracting, with the one or more processors, objects and features in the image by grouping pixels with similar raw pixel intensity values, and by identifying areas in the image with greatest change in raw pixel intensity values; determining, with the one or more processors, an area within a map of the environment corresponding with the image by comparing the objects and features of the image with objects and features of the map; and, inferring, with the one or more processors, one or more locations captured in the image based on the location of the area of the map corresponding with the image.

Abstract: Provided is a robot, including: a first actuator; a first sensor; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the first actuator and to the first sensor; and memory storing instructions that when executed by at least some of the one or more processors effectuate operations comprising: determining a first location of the robot in a working environment; obtaining, with the first sensor, first data indicative of an environmental characteristic of the first location; and adjusting a first operational parameter of the first actuator based on the sensed first data, wherein the adjusting is configured to cause the first operational parameter to be in a first adjusted state while the robot is at the first location.

Abstract: Provided is a method including capturing, by an image sensor disposed on a robot, images of a workspace; obtaining, by a processor of the robot or via the cloud, the captured images; comparing, by the processor of the robot or via the cloud, at least one object from the captured images to objects in an object dictionary; identifying, by the processor of the robot or via the cloud, a class to which the at least one object belongs using an object classification unit; and instructing, by the processor of the robot, the robot to execute at least one action based on the object class identified.

Abstract: Provided is a robotic device including: a body; an electronic computing device housed within the body; and at least two wheel suspension systems coupled with the body 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, wherein the extension spring is extended when the wheel is retracted; and a second suspension system including: a base slidingly coupled with the frame; a plurality of vertically positioned extension springs coupled with the frame on a fifth end and the base on a sixth end; at least one set of paired magnets, with at least one magnet affixed to the frame and paired to at least one magnet affixed to the base.

Abstract: A vibrating air filter of a robotic vacuum comprising an electromagnet, a permanent magnet and an air filter. The electromagnet may comprise a metal wire and a power source connected to a first end of the wire. The power source may deliver electric pulses in alternating directions through the wire creating an electromagnet. The metal wire may be coiled around or placed adjacent to the permanent magnet and a second end of the wire may be connected to an air filter. Interaction between the magnetic fields of the electromagnet and permanent magnet may cause vibration of the wire and hence connected filter. Vibration of the filter may loosen any dust and debris latched onto the filter that may be shed into a dust bin of the vacuum.

Abstract: Provided is a method for establishing and maintaining a user loyalty metric to accesses a plurality of robotic device functions including: receiving biometric data associated with a user; authenticating the user; providing a time access memory, wherein the time access memory comprises a plurality of memory cells; assigning a predetermined time slot to each of the plurality of memory cells, wherein each of the plurality of memory cells is available for writing only during the predetermined time slot, after which each memory cell is made read-only; storing the biometric data of the user if the user is authenticated within a currently available memory cell of the time access memory; increasing the user loyalty metric if the user is authenticated; and, providing access to the plurality of robotic device functions in accordance with the user loyalty metric.

Abstract: A method including: positioning sensors on a robotic device; positioning a camera on the robotic device; capturing an image of the environment; measuring color depth of each pixel in the image; classifying each pixel into a color depth range; determining for at least one set of two points captured in the image, if the color depth of pixels measured in a region between the two points is within a predetermined range of color; generating at least one line between the two points when the color depth of pixels measured in the region between the two points is within the predetermined range of color; identifying on a map of the environment a wall surface on which the line is generated as a flat wall surface; and adjusting a heading of the robotic device relative to an angle of the wall surface.

Abstract: Provided is a robotic cooking device including: a chassis; a set of wheels; a processor; an actuator; one or more sensors; one or more motors; and one or more cooking devices. An application of a communication device wirelessly connected to the robotic cooking device is used for one or more of: choosing settings of the robotic cooking device, choosing a location of the robotic cooking device, adjusting or generating a map of the environment, adjusting or generating a navigation path of the robotic cooking device, adjusting or generating boundaries of the robotic cooking device, and monitoring a food item within the one or more cooking devices.

Abstract: Provided is a method including capturing a plurality of images by at least one sensor of a robot; aligning, with a processor of the robot, data of respective images based on an area of overlap between the fields of view of the plurality of images; and determining, with the processor of the robot, based on alignment of the data, a spatial model of the environment.

Abstract: Provided is a method including capturing, by an image sensor disposed on a robot, images of a workspace; obtaining, by a processor of the robot or via the cloud, the captured images; comparing, by the processor of the robot or via the cloud, at least one object from the captured images to objects in an object dictionary; identifying, by the processor of the robot or via the cloud, a class to which the at least one object belongs using an object classification unit; and instructing, by the processor of the robot, the robot to execute at least one action based on the object class identified.

Abstract: A recharge station for a mobile robot and method for navigating to a recharge station. Two signal emitters on the recharge station emit uniquely identifiable signals in two separate ranges. A mobile robot is configured to look for the signals with two signal receivers, a left receiver looking for the signals of the left emitter and a right receiver looking for the signals of the right receiver. Upon sensing the left emitter signals with the left receiver and the right emitter signals with the right receiver, the mobile robot is aligned with the recharge station. The mobile robot is configured to then drive forward until charging contacts on the mobile robot make contact with charging contacts on the recharge station.

Abstract: A device for nullifying images captured by drones utilizing a high power light to overexpose said images. One or more cameras installed in the device capture images of the area surrounding the device. Computer vision and deep learning are utilized to identify drones in the captured images. If a drone is identified, the location thereof is estimated. A high power light installed in the device is directed at the estimated location of the drone to overexpose any images that are being taken of the area around the device by the drone.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving range finding system such as LIDAR, sonar, depth camera, and the like distance readings during instances when the range finding system is tilted. A range finding system continuously takes distance measurements to surfaces opposite the range finding system. As the range finding system is moved toward (or away from) stationary surfaces, a processor examines the successive measurements taken by the range finding system. If the measurements reflect a steady decline (or increase) in distances, readings will be accepted as normal and the system will continue to operate normally. If the measurements reflect a steady decline (or increase) in distances interrupted by measurements at least a predetermined amount or percentage greater than the measurements immediately before and after the interruption, the interrupting measurements are flagged and discarded.

Abstract: Provided is a process that includes: obtaining a first version of a map of a workspace; selecting a first undiscovered area of the workspace; in response to selecting the first undiscovered area, causing the robot to move to a position and orientation to sense data in at least part of the first undiscovered area; and obtaining an updated version of the map mapping a larger area of the workspace than the first version.

Abstract: A system and method for devising a surface coverage scheme within a workspace. Space within a two-dimensional map of the workspace is identified as free, occupied, or unknown. The map is divided into a grid of cells. A loop-free spanning tree is constructed within all free cells within the grid. The robotic device is programmed to drive along the outside edge of the spanning tree to cover all portions of each free cell at least once upon completing the path. The system monitors several performance parameters during each work session and assigns negative rewards based on these parameters. A large positive reward is assigned upon completion of the surface coverage. Spanning trees with at least slight differences are used to determine which spanning tree produces the highest reward. The system is programmed to attempt maximize rewards at all times, causing the system to learn the best eventual method or policy for servicing the workspace.

Abstract: A rotatable brush with a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a projecting blade connected to a tactile sensor by a flexible member. The projecting blade extends along the length of the shaft and is housed among the plurality of bristles protruding radially from the shaft. The projecting blade compresses the flexible member when pressure around the brush reaches a predetermined threshold. Upon compression of the flexible member, the tactile sensor, electronically coupled with a processor or controller, is activated thereby triggering a variety of possible preprogrammed responses.