Abstract: A cell device including a cell module and at least one temperature adjusting module is provided. The temperature adjusting modules are configured on the cell module in a heat conduction manner. Each of the temperature adjusting modules includes a thermoelectric cooling chip. The thermoelectric cooling chip has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The thermoelectric cooling chip is configured to receive a first electric signal to heat the first surface and cool the second surface. The thermoelectric cooling chip is configured to receive a second electric signal to cool the first surface and heat the second surface. A vehicle including the cell device is also provided. The cell device of the disclosure is capable of implementing active temperature control and has good temperature control effect. The vehicle of the disclosure is capable of implementing active temperature control, and has a wider usage environment temperature.

Abstract: A grounds maintenance system comprising: a robot tractor comprising; a robot body; a drive system including one or more motorized drive wheels to propel the robot body; a control system coupled to the drive system, the control system configurable to store a mow plan that specifies a set of paths to be traversed for a grounds maintenance operation and control the drive system to autonomously traverse the set of paths to implement the mow plan; a battery system comprising one or more batteries housed in the robot body; and a low-profile mowing deck coupled to the robot body, the mowing deck adapted to tilt and lift relative to the robot body, wherein the control system is configured to control tilting and lifting of the mowing deck and cutting by the mowing deck.

Abstract: A photographic device is configured to be assembled on a body of an unmanned vehicle. The photographic device includes a tripod head module, a camera module, a shock-absorbing module, and a detachable supporting plate. The tripod head module includes a first motor disposed along a first axis, a second motor disposed along a second axis, a third motor disposed along a third axis, and a connecting arm. The camera module is pivotally connected to the tripod head module via the connecting arm. The shock-absorbing module includes a frame and a plurality of shock-absorbing balls. The third motor and the shock-absorbing balls are assembled on the frame, and the shock-absorbing balls surround the third motor. The detachable supporting plate is disposed between the frame of the shock-absorbing module and the camera module, and there is a buffer distance between the frame and the detachable supporting plate.

Abstract: A wind speed detection system and a wind speed detection method are provided. The wind speed detection system includes a pipe body, a pressure sensing module, a suction pump, and a controller. The pressure sensing module is connected to a first opening through a first pipe and connected to a second opening through a second pipe. The first pipe has a main pipe. Two ends of a first alternative pipe are connected to two ends of the main pipe. When the controller performs a self-checking operation, the main pipe is closed and the first alternative pipe is opened. The controller starts the suction pump to perform forward suction. The controller measures a first air pressure through the first pipe and measures a second air pressure through the second pipe by the pressure sensing module. The controller calculates a reference wind speed value according to the first and second air pressures.

Abstract: Actuating an air conveyor device is disclosed, including: causing an airflow to be generated by an airflow generator of an air conveyor device, wherein the airflow generator is configured to cause the airflow to enter an intake port of the air conveyor device and exit from an outlet port of the air conveyor device in response to receiving air at an air input port of the air conveyor device; causing a target object to be captured by the air conveyor device using the airflow; activating a positioning actuator mechanism to position the air conveyor device; and causing the target object to be ejected from the air conveyor device.

Abstract: Methods and system to partially support the weight of a human user engaged in task performance at ground level are presented herein. An upper body support system includes multiple degrees of freedom to adapt the physical geometry of the support system to meet the demands of the task at hand. Each degree of freedom of the upper body support system is passively controlled by the human user from a convenient user interface. In some embodiments, each end-effector of the support system is positioned and fixed in three degrees of freedom over a relatively large workspace by manually controlling the brake torque of two rotational joints and the state of a locking mechanism of a linear joint. In another aspect, an end-effector is removeably attached to the support system with a quick-change coupler. In some embodiments, a swivel joint mechanism compensates for misalignment with the work environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a unitary ring gear-flange body (URGFB). In an illustrative example, the flange body may be spin-formed and may, for example, include a riser body extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis and a flange extending substantially radially outward from the riser body. To the riser body may, for example, be welded a ring gear to form a unitary assembly, the ring gear having an axis of revolution aligned with the longitudinal axis. A continuous coating may, for example, be applied to at least a selected portion of a surface of the unitary assembly. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a cost-efficient, weight-efficient, and/or time-efficient unitary body which may, for example, be coupled to machinery to provide a shaftless torque-transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for weed removal includes a chassis and at least two end effectors mechanically coupled to the chassis, each end effectors including a rotary axle, each rotary axle coupled to a drive unit for receiving a mechanical force to cause the rotary axle to rotate. The rotary axles, along with weed abrasion members coupled thereto, are at least partially covered by a deflector. A front end effector is configured to dislodge a crown and/or stem portion of unwanted plant material from the ground, while another end effector is configured to convert the unwanted plant material that has been dislodged from the ground into mulch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a telescoping suction gripper assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a robotic system comprises: a robot comprising a robotic actuator and at least one robotic arm mechanically coupled to the robotic actuator; a telescoping suction gripper assembly comprising a telescoping member and a suction gripper mechanism, wherein a first end of the telescoping member is coupled to a vacuum supply conduit via a first flexible conduit member and a second end of the telescoping member is coupled to the suction gripper mechanism by a second flexible conduit member, and wherein the suction gripper mechanism is pivotally coupled to the at least one robotic; wherein the telescoping member is configured to adjust in length in response to the at least one robotic arm relocating the suction gripper mechanism from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting recyclable items and other materials are provided. In one embodiment, a system for sorting objects comprises: at least one imaging sensor; a controller comprising a processor and memory storage, wherein the controller receives image data captured by the image sensor; and at least one pusher device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one pusher device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the controller. The processor is configured to detect objects travelling on a conveyor device and recognize at least one target item traveling on a conveyor device by processing the image data and to determine an expected time when the at least one target item will be located within a diversion path of the pusher device. The controller selectively generates the actuation signal based on whether a sensed object detected in the image data comprise the at least one target item.

Abstract: A monitoring system and a control method thereof are provided. The monitoring system includes a drone and a base station. The drone includes an IR detector. The base station includes a platform, a moving vehicle, an IR positioner, and a positioning apparatus. The drone is placed on the platform disposed on the moving vehicle. The IR positioner emits an infrared ray. The positioning apparatus includes a movement member and a positioning controller. The movement member is movably disposed on the platform. The positioning controller is coupled to the movement member. The drone moves to the platform according to the infrared ray. When the drone is located on the platform, the positioning controller controls the movement member to push the drone and move the drone to a specific position. Accordingly, the drone can take off or be landed immediately when the base station is moving or remains still.

Abstract: A power supply control method and a monitoring system configured to implement the power supply control method are provided. The monitoring system includes a base station, a drone, and a processor. The base station includes a charging device. The charging device includes a power supply connector and a power source coupled to the power supply connector and outputting electric power through the power supply connector. The drone includes a battery configured to provide electric power to the drone and a charging connector configured to connect the battery and the power supply connector. When the charging connector is connected to the power supply connector, the processor determines an abnormal situation on the power supply connector or the drone according to an electrical characteristic during charging the battery by the power source. The abnormal situation is associated with a foreign object formed on the power supply connector or the drone.

Abstract: An encoder connected to an object is provided. The encoder includes a plate, a sensor, a memory and a processor. The plate has a pattern thereon. The sensor is configured to obtain an image of a portion of the pattern. The memory is configured to store a first set of reference images corresponding to a portion of the pattern and angle and/or position information corresponding to the first set of images. The processor is configured to shift the first set of reference images to obtain a second set of reference images and to compare the obtained image with the first set of reference images and/or the second set of reference images.

Abstract: Mechanisms to realize lightweight rotational joints having independently adjustable compliance in one or more degrees of freedom are presented herein. In addition, robotic systems incorporating one or more compliant rotational joints as described herein are also presented. In some embodiments, a robotic structure includes a member having adjustable rotational compliance. One or more compliance elements are arranged around a rotational joint. The position of the one or more compliance elements relative to the rotational joint is adjusted to change the overall joint compliance. In some embodiments, the change of position of the one or more compliance elements relative to the rotational joint changes both the induced displacement of the compliance element for a given angular displacement of the rotational joint and the length of the moment arm from the rotational joint to the compliance element.

Abstract: A charging station, a charging system and a charging method for a drone are provided. The charging station adapted to park a drone for charging includes a parking ramp, a pair of charging plates, a pair of protecting covers, and at least one actuating device. The parking ramp has a parking surface and a bottom surface. The drone is parked on the parking surface having at least two openings. The charging plates are fixed to the bottom surface. The protecting covers are disposed between the bottom surface of the parking ramp and the charging plates. The protecting covers cover the charging plates at the openings. The actuating device is fixed to the bottom surface and connected to the protecting covers. When the drone stands still on the parking surface, the actuating device drives the protective covers to move relative to the charging plates to expose the charging plates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for seamlessly transitioning a load between two different actuators each having a different transmission ratio are described herein. A multiple drive, variable transmission ratio (MD-VTR) system includes two drive actuators, each having different reduction ratios, a locking mechanism, and a differential transmission subsystem. In one aspect, a MD-VTR system includes a locking mechanism disposed between a drive actuator and an input port of the differential. The locking mechanism couples the input port of the differential to a stationary reference frame element in a locked state. In an unlocked state, the locking mechanism couples the drive actuator to the input port of the differential. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an actuator to actively transition between the locked and unlocked states. In some other embodiments, the locking mechanism transitions between the locked and unlocked states based on torque applied by the drive actuator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a material sorting system comprises: a suction gripper assembly, the suction gripper comprising: a body assembly that includes: an internal airflow passage configured to communicate an airflow between an airflow application port positioned at a first end of the body assembly and a gripping port positioned at the opposing second end of the body assembly; a cup fitting attached to the gripping port; a suction cup secured to the cup fitting; an attachable filter inserted into the suction cup and fastened to the cup fitting; and a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly includes one or more mounting points for pivotally attaching the suction gripper assembly to a sorting robot of the material sorting system.

Abstract: A photographic device is configured to be assembled on a body of an unmanned vehicle. The photographic device includes a tripod head module, a camera module, a shock-absorbing module, and a detachable supporting plate. The tripod head module includes a first motor disposed along a first axis, a second motor disposed along a second axis, a third motor disposed along a third axis, and a connecting arm. The camera module is pivotally connected to the tripod head module via the connecting arm. The shock-absorbing module includes a frame and a plurality of shock-absorbing balls. The third motor and the shock-absorbing balls are assembled on the frame, and the shock-absorbing balls surround the third motor. The detachable supporting plate is disposed between the frame of the shock-absorbing module and the camera module, and there is a buffer distance between the frame and the detachable supporting plate.

Abstract: A drone includes a drone main body and a parachute module. The parachute module includes a base, a housing, an inflatable material, a parachute, and an inflating device. The base is disposed on the drone main body. The housing covers the base to form a containing space therebetween. The inflatable material is disposed on the base and furled in the containing space. The parachute is connected to the inflatable material and the housing and is furled in the containing space. The inflating device is disposed on the base and connected to the inflatable material. When the inflating device inflates the inflatable material, the inflatable material expands and strikes the housing, so that the housing is separated from the drone main body, so as to increase a distance between the parachute and the drone main body and deploy the parachute. In addition, a control method of the drone is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a battery replacement mechanism configured to pick and place a battery from and in a first accommodation bay. The first accommodation bay is provided with a first latch to hold the battery therein. The battery replacement mechanism includes a multi-axial slide table assembly, a carrier, and a pick-and-place device. The carrier is movably disposed on the multi-axial slide table assembly, and the pick-and-place device is movably disposed on the carrier. The carrier includes a second latch, and the pick-and-place device includes a catching hook. The second latch is configured to release the first latch of the first accommodation bay, so that the battery may enter and exit the first accommodation bay, and the catching hook is connected to the battery and is configured to drag the battery toward and away from the carrier. The disclosure further provides a battery replacement system and a battery replacement method for a UAV.