Patents Assigned to Kindred Systems Inc.
  • Patent number: 11648678
    Abstract: Systems, devices, articles, and methods, described in greater detail herein, including robotic systems which include at least one rangefinder, at least one manipulator, and at least one processor in communication with the at least one rangefinder, and methods of operation of the same. The at least one processor obtains rangefinder pose information which represents, at least, the at least one manipulator in a plurality of poses. The at least one processor obtains manipulator pose information, optimizes a model of mismatch between the rangefinder pose information and the manipulator pose information, wherein the model of mismatch includes a plurality of parameters, and updates at least one processor readable storage device with the plurality of parameters based at least in part on the optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Rostrup, James Sterling Bergstra
  • Patent number: 11625030
    Abstract: A method of deriving autonomous control information involves receiving one or more sets of associated environment sensor information and device control instructions. Each set of associated environment sensor information and device control instructions includes environment sensor information representing an environment associated with an operator controllable device and associated device control instructions configured to cause the operator controllable device to simulate at least one action taken by at least one operator experiencing a representation of the environment generated from the environment sensor information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Suzanne Gildert, George Samuel Rose, Graham William Taylor, James Bergstra
  • Patent number: 11559884
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic grasping systems, and in particular to an active robotic manipulator that includes a passive grasping component so that the robotic manipulator can grasp a wide variety of objects and simultaneously provide soft grasping features which reduce the risk of damage to objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Gabriel Hallock, Jun Jeong, Thomas John Hummel
  • Patent number: 11458621
    Abstract: A system including a controller, and at least two agents that communicatively access the controller. At least one of the agents is a robot. The system includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the agents, and at least one storage device, communicatively coupled to the processor(s), that stores processor-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor(s) to: receive first job set of instructions provided by the controller, for a first agent included in at least two agents; and send, on behalf of the first agent, a sham status message before actual completion of the first job. The processor-executable instructions may, when executed, further cause the at least one processor to: update a data store to reflect the first job set of instructions; and receive for a second one of the at least two agents a second job set of instructions before completion of the first job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Petr Lipay, Jonathan Yep
  • Patent number: 11449694
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying one or more RF transponders from a group of RF transponders in an environment based on motions and associated change in radio signal strength. An example method includes causing a target object to move, in accordance with a target path, relative to remaining objects, and obtaining signal strength information of signals emitted from the transponders for a period of time during which the target object is moved and identifying the transponder associated with the target object based, at least in part, on analyzing the signal strength information in accordance with one or more criteria predetermined for the target path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin George, Adrian Martin
  • Patent number: 11426864
    Abstract: A robotic manipulator system includes a first robotic manipulator and a second robotic manipulator configured to grasp an object. The first robotic manipulator grasps the object a first time and moves the object to the second robotic manipulator. The second robotic manipulator then grasps the object and the first robotic manipulator readjusts its position relative to the object before grasping the object a second time. One or both of the robotic manipulators then move the object a new location before releasing the object at the new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Gabriel Hallock, Jun Jeong
  • Patent number: 11359958
    Abstract: A system for singulating objects includes a bin for receiving a collection of objects, a robotic manipulator for grasping objects from the bin, a scale for measuring a weight of the grasped objects, and a computer system for comparing measured weights to acceptable weight ranges to detect double picks. Methods include determining acceptable weight ranges by weighing a plurality of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James Sterling Bergstra, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 11312014
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a robotic gripping system and method that utilizes vacuum suction and finger grasping, wherein the suction and grasping are actuated based on a dynamic collision model. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to generating collision scenes of a surrounding environment which is used to determine possible collisions in a motion path, and which is used to selectively actuate the vacuum suction and/or finger grasping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Jeong, Bryan Whittington, Petr Lipay, Thomas John Hummel, David Gabriel Hallock, Adrian Martin, Hugo Seize, Kevin George, Sara Wojciechowski, Nicholas Keyes, Adam Rizkalla
  • Patent number: 11279030
    Abstract: Robotic systems, methods of operation of robotic systems, and storage media including processor-executable instructions are disclosed herein. The system may include a robot, at least one processor in communication with the robot, and an operator interface in communication with the robot and the at least one processor. The method may include executing a first set of autonomous robot control instructions which causes a robot to autonomously perform the at least one task in an autonomous mode, and generating a second set of autonomous robot control instructions from the first set of autonomous robot control instructions and a first set of environmental sensor data received from a sensor. Execution of the second set of autonomous robot control instructions causes the robot to autonomously perform the at least one task. The method may include producing at least one signal that represents the second set of autonomous robot control instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Weiguang Ding, Jan Stanislaw Rudy, Olivia S. Norton, George Samuel Rose, James Sterling Bergstra, Oswin Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 11097417
    Abstract: Systems, devices, articles, and methods for the partition of a plurality of items. A system including at least one processor, a frame, an end-effector coupled to the frame, and a plurality of reception spaces proximate to the end-effector. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, and a storage device storing processor-executable instructions which cause the at least one processor to direct the end-effector partition a plurality of items into two or more defined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. The end-effector places the plurality of items in the plurality of reception spaces. Item(s) for a respective part of the two or more defined parts are placed in a respective reception space, and may be transferred to a respective container. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jinendra Raja Jain, Douglas Ian Fulop, George V. Babu, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 10994417
    Abstract: A dynamic representation of a robot in an environment is produced, one or more observer agent collects data, and respective values of one or more metrics for the robot are computed based at least in part on the collected data. Tasks for the robot to perform are generated. Ratings and challenge questions are generated. A server may produce a user interface and a value of a metric based on collected observer data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James Sterling Bergstra, Suzanne Gildert, George Samuel Rose
  • Patent number: 10933533
    Abstract: An end-effector may be summarized substantially as described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Isaac, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 10909336
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an object being extracted from or moved among a plurality of objects in a designated area, the plurality of objects equipped with transponders that emit a reply signal encoding an identifier. A set of antennas proximately located to the designated area are controlled to emit interrogation signals that cause the transponders to emit the reply signal in response. Sets of information are obtained regarding the reply signals received by the set of antennas, the reply signals including an indication of a signal characteristic and an identifier particular to the type of the object. The sets of information are analyzed to identify an identifier of the object being extracted based on fluctuations in the signal characteristic relative to the plurality of objects. One or more operations may be performed involving the object based on identification of the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Gabriel Hallock, Adrian Martin, Bryan Whittington, Kevin George
  • Patent number: 10906178
    Abstract: A distribution system (e.g., distributed robotic system) and method, may employ a plurality of agents, each agent associated with a respective set of processor-executable instructions, and a specification that defines routes amongst the agents. A first agent (e.g., a host agent) may be instantiated, associated with a first processor-based device in the distributed system. An attempt is made to locate an instance of a second agent. In response to locating the instance of the second agent, the instance of the second agent is registered with the instance of the first agent. A third agent may be instantiated, and the instance of the third agent registered with the instance of the first agent. A first route between the instance of the second agent and the instance of the third agent may be created, and a message sent between the instances of the second and the third agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Martin
  • Patent number: 10836034
    Abstract: A system and method of determining a grasp type of an end-effector of a robot when interacting with an item wherein a plurality of velocity values of the end-effector at various positions of its movement are collected and used to determine the grasp type when a given velocity value is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Petr Lipay, Richard Chad Cogar
  • Patent number: 10812198
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic gripping systems, and in particular to electromagnetic shielding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices in order to prevent unwanted wireless exchange of data between RFID tags and remote transceivers, such as a RFID readers. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shielding is utilized within a sort station or pick-and-place environment where a robotic gripper is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Gabriel Hallock, Bryan Whittington
  • Patent number: 10518372
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a robot may couple to or form part of an appendage, for example a wrist. The apparatus can include a base, a first platform, a second platform, a first set of linear actuators that moveably couple the first platform to the base and a second set of linear actuators that moveably couple the second platform to the first platform. The apparatus can take the form of dual prismatic platforms. A controller can provide control signals to operate the linear actuators to cause the first platform to translate and rotate with respect to the base and to cause the second platform to translate and rotate with respect to the first platform. Connectors can couple the base to an appendage and couple an end effector to the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Normand Bergeron, Thomas John Hummel, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 10500730
    Abstract: Robotic apparatus employ a large variety of resources to operate. A robotic apparatus seeks out sources of energy, computational capacity, shelter, communications, and/or other resources to preserve or renew its energy stores, computational resources, or physical integrity and/or to receive further guidance or direction or to report collected or sensed data or information. A robotic apparatus can determine the existence of a resource deficiency or projected resource deficiency, assess a ranking of such, identify one or more remedial actions, and execute the remedial action(s). A robotic apparatus can assess a ranking of a resource deficiency or projected resource deficiency based on a value of the resource, a severity of need or urgency for the resource, and ability to obtain or replenish the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Suzanne Gildert
  • Patent number: 10471594
    Abstract: A dynamic representation of a robot in an environment is produced, one or more observer agent collects data, and respective values of one or more metrics for the robot are computed based at least in part on the collected data. Tasks for the robot to perform are generated. Ratings and challenge questions are generated. A server may produce a user interface and a value of a metric based on collected observer data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James Sterling Bergstra, Suzanne Gildert, George Samuel Rose
  • Patent number: 10452141
    Abstract: A method of conditioning one or more actions related to an operator controllable device is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more action-based instructions representing one or more operator controllable device actions associated with the operator controllable device, and receiving one or more action-oriented time representations representing one or more times associated with the action-based instructions. The method also includes deriving at least one conditioned action-based instruction for a time subsequent to the times represented by the received action-oriented time representations from: the received action-based instructions, and the received action-oriented time representations. The conditioned action-based instruction, when executed, causes the operator controllable device to take one or more conditioned actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventor: James Sterling Bergstra