Abstract: A computer-implemented method when executed by data processing hardware of a legged robot causes the data processing hardware to perform operations including receiving sensor data corresponding to an area including at least a portion of a docking station. The operations include determining an estimated pose for the docking station based on an initial pose of the legged robot relative to the docking station. The operations include identifying one or more docking station features from the received sensor data. The operations include matching the one or more identified docking station features to one or more known docking station features. The operations include adjusting the estimated pose for the docking station to a corrected pose for the docking station based on an orientation of the one or more identified docking station features that match the one or more known docking station features.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a joint-torque-limit model for the articulated arm based on allowable joint torque sets corresponding to a base pose of the base. The method also include receiving a first requested joint torque set for a first arm pose of the articulated arm and determining, using the joint-torque-limit model, an optimized joint torque set corresponding to the first requested joint torque set. The method also includes receiving a second requested joint torque set for a second arm pose of the articulated arm and generating an adjusted joint torque set by adjusting the second requested joint torque set based on the optimized joint torque set. The method also includes sending the adjusted joint torque set to the articulated arm.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executed by data processing hardware of a robot, includes receiving sensor data for a space within an environment about the robot. The method includes receiving, from a user interface (UI) in communication with the data processing hardware, a user input indicating a user-selection of a location within a two-dimensional (2D) representation of the space. The location corresponds to a position of a target object within the space. The method includes receiving, from the UI, a plurality of grasping inputs designating an orientation and a translation for an end-effector of a robotic manipulator to grasp the target object. The method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) location of the target object based on the received sensor data and the location corresponding to the user input. The method includes instructing the end-effector to grasp the target object using the generated 3D location and the plurality of grasping inputs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware of a robot causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The robot includes an articulated arm having an end effector engaged with a constrained object. The operations include receiving a measured task parameter set for the end effector. The measured task parameter set includes position parameters defining a position of the end effector. The operations further include determining, using the measured task parameter set, at least one axis of freedom and at least one constrained axis for the end effector within a workspace. The operations also include assigning a first impedance value to the end effector along the at least one axis of freedom and assigning a second impedance value to the end effector along the at least one constrained axis. The operations include instructing the articulated arm to move the end effector along the at least one axis of freedom.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware of a robot having an articulated arm and a base, causes data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include determining a first location of a workspace of the articulated arm associated with a current base configuration of the base of the robot. The operations also include receiving a task request defining a task for the robot to perform outside of the workspace of the articulated arm at the first location. The operations also include generating base parameters associated with the task request. The operations further include instructing, using the generated base parameters, the base of the robot to move from the current base configuration to an anticipatory base configuration.

Abstract: Data processing hardware of a robot performs operations to identify a door within an environment. A robotic manipulator of the robot grasps a feature of the door on a first side facing the robot. When the door opens in a first direction toward the robot, the robotic manipulator exerts a pull force to swing the door in the first direction, a leg of the robot moves to a position that blocks the door from swinging in the second direction, the robotic manipulator contacts the door on a second side opposite the first side, and the robotic manipulator exerts a door opening force on the second side as the robot traverses a doorway corresponding to the door. When the door opens in a second direction away from the robot, the robotic manipulator exerts the door opening force on the first side as the robot traverses the doorway.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executed by data processing hardware of a robot, includes receiving a three-dimensional point cloud of sensor data for a space within an environment about the robot. The method includes receiving a selection input indicating a user-selection of a target object represented in an image corresponding to the space. The target object is for grasping by an end-effector of a robotic manipulator of the robot. The method includes generating a grasp region for the end-effector of the robotic manipulator by projecting a plurality of rays from the selected target object of the image onto the three-dimensional point cloud of sensor data. The method includes determining a grasp geometry for the robotic manipulator to grasp the target object within the grasp region. The method includes instructing the end-effector of the robotic manipulator to grasp the target object within the grasp region based on the grasp geometry.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining, from an operator of a robot, a return execution lease associated with one or more commands for controlling the robot that is scheduled within a sequence of execution leases. The robot is configured to execute commands associated with a current execution lease that is an earliest execution lease in the sequence of execution leases that is not expired. The method includes obtaining an execution lease expiration trigger triggering expiration of the current execution lease. After obtaining the trigger, the method includes determining that the return execution lease is a next current execution lease in the sequence. While the return execution lease is the current execution lease, the method includes executing the one or more commands for controlling the robot associated with the return execution lease which cause the robot to navigate to a return location remote from a current location of the robot.

Abstract: A method for terrain and constraint planning a step plan includes receiving, at data processing hardware of a robot, image data of an environment about the robot from at least one image sensor. The robot includes a body and legs. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a body-obstacle map, a ground height map, and a step-obstacle map based on the image data and generating, by the data processing hardware, a body path for movement of the body of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body-obstacle map. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a step path for the legs of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body path, the body-obstacle map, the ground height map, and the step-obstacle map.

Abstract: A method for estimating a ground plane includes receiving a pose of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame, receiving one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface, and determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and the ground surface. The ground plane estimation includes a ground surface contour approximation. The method further includes determining a distance between a body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation and causing adjustment of the pose of the robotic device with respect to the ground surface based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a position measurement system includes receiving measurement data from the position measurement system and determining that the measurement data includes periodic distortion data. The position measurement system includes a nonius track and a master track. The method also includes modifying the measurement data by decomposing the periodic distortion data into periodic components and removing the periodic components from the measurement data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot includes receiving image data from at least one image sensor. The image data corresponds to an environment about the robot. The method also includes executing a graphical user interface configured to display a scene of the environment based on the image data and receive an input indication indicating selection of a pixel location within the scene. The method also includes determining a pointing vector based on the selection of the pixel location. The pointing vector represents a direction of travel for navigating the robot in the environment. The method also includes transmitting a waypoint command to the robot. The waypoint command when received by the robot causes the robot to navigate to a target location. The target location is based on an intersection between the pointing vector and a terrain estimate of the robot.

Abstract: A method for generating intermediate waypoints for a navigation system of a robot includes receiving a navigation route. The navigation route includes a series of high-level waypoints that begin at a starting location and end at a destination location and is based on high-level navigation data. The high-level navigation data is representative of locations of static obstacles in an area the robot is to navigate. The method also includes receiving image data of an environment about the robot from an image sensor and generating at least one intermediate waypoint based on the image data. The method also includes adding the at least one intermediate waypoint to the series of high-level waypoints of the navigation route and navigating the robot from the starting location along the series of high-level waypoints and the at least one intermediate waypoint toward the destination location.

Abstract: An example method may include i) determining a first distance between a pair of feet of a robot at a first time, where the pair of feet is in contact with a ground surface; ii) determining a second distance between the pair of feet of the robot at a second time, where the pair of feet remains in contact with the ground surface from the first time to the second time; iii) comparing a difference between the determined first and second distances to a threshold difference; iv) determining that the difference between determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference; and v) based on the determination that the difference between the determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference, causing the robot to react.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods for mitigating slip of a robot appendage. In one aspect, a method for mitigating slip of a robot appendage includes (i) receiving an input from one or more sensors, (ii) determining, based on the received input, an appendage position of the robot appendage, (iii) determining a filter position for the robot appendage, (iv) determining a distance between the appendage position and the filter position, (v) determining, based on the distance, a force to apply to the robot appendage, (vi) causing one or more actuators to apply the force to the robot appendage, (vii) determining whether the distance is greater than a threshold distance, and (viii) responsive to determining that the distance is greater than the threshold distance, the control system adjusting the filter position to a position, which is the threshold distance from the appendage position, for use in a next iteration.

Abstract: A legged robot may seek to operate according to a target gait. The legged robot may include leg members and leg joints. Possibly based on the target gait and state of the legged robot, an ordered list of gait controllers may be obtained. The gait controllers in the ordered list may define respective gaits of the legged robot, and may include respective validity checks and output parameters for the respective gaits. The ordered list may begin with a target gait controller that defines the target gait. The ordered list may be traversed in order from the target gait controller until a validity check associated with a particular gait controller passes. The legged robot may be instructed to actuate the leg members and/or leg joints according to output parameters of the particular gait controller.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a body including at least one attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a modular component to the body. The modular component includes at least one movable part operable to move relative to the body when the modular component is attached to the body. The system includes a communication interface coupled to the body and configured to be communicatively coupled to the modular component to receive information relating to the modular component and operation of the at least one movable part. The system includes a control system coupled to the body and the communication interface. The control system is configured to: in response to the modular component being attached to the body, receive the information from the modular component by way of the communication interface, and operate the at least one movable part of the modular component according to the information.

Abstract: A method for terrain and constraint planning a step plan includes receiving, at data processing hardware of a robot, image data of an environment about the robot from at least one image sensor. The robot includes a body and legs. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a body-obstacle map, a ground height map, and a step-obstacle map based on the image data and generating, by the data processing hardware, a body path for movement of the body of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body-obstacle map. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a step path for the legs of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body path, the body-obstacle map, the ground height map, and the step-obstacle map.

Abstract: A method for estimating a ground plane includes receiving a pose of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame, receiving one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface, and determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and the ground surface. The ground plane estimation includes a ground surface contour approximation. The method further includes determining a distance between a body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation and causing adjustment of the pose of the robotic device with respect to the ground surface based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism includes a pair of gripper jaws, a linear actuator, and a rocker bogey. The linear actuator drives a first gripper jaw to move relative to a second gripper jaw. Here, the linear actuator includes a screw shaft and a drive nut where the drive nut includes a protrusion having protrusion axis expending along a length of the protrusion. The protrusion axis is perpendicular to an actuation axis of the linear actuator along a length of the screw shaft. The rocker bogey is coupled to the drive nut at the protrusion to form a pivot point for the rocker bogey and to enable the rocker bogey to pivot about the protrusion axis when the linear actuator drives the first gripper jaw to move relative to the second gripper jaw.