Abstract: A dishwasher comprises an image sensor, first and second drawers, first and second actuators configured to respectively extend or retract the first and second drawers, and a computer system. The computer system is configured to receive images from the image sensor, determine whether an object is within a threshold distance, and in response to determining that an object is moved to within the threshold distance, use a washwear recognition system to determine whether the object comprises an washwear item. A determined washwear type and a washwear dimension are used to identify an unoccupied location in of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item. In response to identifying an unoccupied location of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item, an actuator among the first actuator and the second actuator is caused to extend a corresponding drawer to thereby receive the item of dishware.

Abstract: A verification system configured to determine when customers respond to a real-world ad unit is disclosed. The system comprises: a first camera, a second camera, and a processor. The first camera is mounted at a billboard promoting an associated merchant. The second camera is installed at the merchant where it is configured to capture images of people present at the merchant. The processor is configured to: receive images of a first set of people from the first camera at the billboard; receive images of a second set of people from the second camera at the merchant; and identify a subset of people that appear in the first set and then in the second set. The processor can then generate a conversion rate based on the first set of people and the third set of people. The advertising system is therefore a close-loop system for measuring the effectiveness of advertising.

Abstract: An automated food preparation and delivery robot is disclosed. The automated food preparation and delivery robot comprises a communications system configured to receive a food order and address from a customer, a navigation system configured to automatically drive the vehicle to the address, and an automated food preparation system configured to prepare food in accordance with the food order while en route to the customer address. The automated food preparation system is configured to determine a drive time to travel to the customer address, and determine a preparation time to prepare the food in accordance with the food order. If the drive time is greater than the preparation time, the robot waits and then begins preparing the food after a delay substantially equal to the drive time minus the preparation time. In this manner, preparation of the food coincides with arrival at the customer address.