Abstract: A compact displacement sensor comprises a light intensity pattern object, a micro-lens array and an imaging device including a light-intensity measuring surface. The micro-lens array is disposed between the light intensity pattern object and the imaging device such that each micro-lens focuses a corresponding sub-image making up a portion of the light-intensity pattern on the light-intensity measuring surface to create thereupon an image of the object comprising an array of focused sub-images. The displacement sensor can provide high resolution measurements of displacement of the light intensity pattern object from a reference position by registering subsequent images captured after a change in relative position between light intensity pattern object and the imaging device to a reference image based on pattern portions in the focused sub-images.

Abstract: A robotic article management system for acquiring and managing an article, the robotic article management system comprising a platform, a robot positioning member supported by the platform and having a robotic end effector interface, and a robotic end effector supported by the robot positioning member via the robotic end effector interface. The robotic end effector can include an extendable arm comprising a first support member, a capture device, and an article interface system having an actuatable article engagement device operable to interface with the article and to facilitate movement of the article toward the capture device. A computer-implemented method for acquiring and managing an article. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions embodied thereon for controlling one or more components of a robotic article management system to acquire and manage an article.

Abstract: A solar panel installation system comprising a solar panel presentation system comprising a solar panel dispensing hopper having a hopper enclosure; and a solar panel installation vehicle operable with the solar panel presentation system, and operable to support the solar panel dispensing hopper, and to maneuver about a solar panel support assembly comprising one or more solar panel retention systems which can be oriented transverse to a torque tube of the solar panel support assembly, wherein the installation vehicle is operable to position the solar panel dispensing hopper in an overhead position relative to the one or more solar panel retention systems, and to facilitate installation of a lead solar panel in an installed position in one of the one or more panel retention systems from the overhead position.

Abstract: A solar panel dispensing device comprising a hopper, a guide arm, and an actuator. The hopper includes a frame defining an interior volume and an exit and is configured to contain a plurality of solar panels therein. The guide arm includes a support surface coupled to the hopper at a position adjacent to the exit of the hopper. The guide arm can extend away from the exit at a position to guide the plurality of solar panels from the hopper to an installation position. The actuator can include a contact interface operable to interface with and displace a lead solar panel of the plurality of contained solar panels through the exit, and to present the lead solar panel to the guide arm.