Abstract: A delivery robot includes a cargo bin to carry cargo for delivery, and a door coupled to the cargo bin. The door to the cargo bin has an open state to allow access to an interior of the cargo bin, and a closed state to seal the interior of the cargo bin from an exterior environment. The delivery robot also includes a disinfecting light source operable to generate a disinfecting radiation to disinfect the interior of the cargo bin. The disinfecting light source is allowed to be activated when the door is in the closed state, and is prevented from being activated when the door is in the open state.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot having a picking arm to grasp an inventory item and a shuttle. The shuttle includes a platform adapted to receive the inventory item from the picking arm of the robot. The platform is moveable in at least a two-dimensional horizontal plane between a pick-up location located substantially adjacent to the robot and an end location spaced a distance apart from the pick-up location. The system improves efficiency as transportation of the item from the pick-up location to the end location is divided between the robot and the shuttle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing redundant pulse-width modulation (PWM) throttle control. The system includes a manual throttle controller configured to generate a manual PWM throttle control signal, and an automated throttle control system. The automated throttle control system includes a plurality of automated throttle controllers, each of which being configured to independently control a throttle of a vehicle, and each including a processor configured to generate and output an automated PWM throttle control signal, a first double pole double throw (DPDT) relay that, when engaged, is configured to receive and output the manual PWM throttle control signal, and a second DPDT relay, configured to receive and output the automated PWM throttle control signal to an engine, when the second DPDT relay is engaged; and receive and output the manual PWM throttle control signal to the engine, when the DPDT relay is disengaged.

Abstract: System includes an article supply location including a plurality of articles, and an overhead rail network with a plurality of rail sections. A self-guided and self-propelled hanging vehicle travels in both directions along the plurality of rail sections. The hanging vehicle has a first position in which a carrier containing at least one selected article is engaged with the hanging vehicle and a second position in which the carrier is detached from the hanging vehicle. The system further includes a controller. The controller determines a first delivery location among a plurality of delivery locations to deliver, with the hanging vehicle, the selected article based on a destination determined for the selected article. The controller further directs delivery of the carrier at the first delivery location by manipulation of the hanging vehicle from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for robotic learning and execution of skills. A robotic apparatus can include a memory, a processor, sensors, and one or more movable components (e.g., a manipulating element and/or a transport element). The processor can be operatively coupled to the memory, the movable elements, and the sensors, and configured to obtain information of an environment, including one or more objects located within the environment. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn skills through demonstration, exploration, user inputs, etc. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or arbitrate between different behaviors and/or actions. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or behaviors using cached trajectories or plans. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills requiring navigation and manipulation behaviors.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot is provided. The method includes acquiring information on status of communication connections between a plurality of robots located in a serving place, wherein the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots is specified with respect to at least one relay robot among the plurality of robots, and determining a communication scheme to be used between the plurality of robots, with reference to the information on the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots. In the acquiring step, the at least one relay robot is determined with reference to first assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a first robot among the plurality of robots, and second assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a second robot among the plurality of robots.

Abstract: A method for controlling a serving robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a first time to request payment from a customer on the basis of identification information on the customer and information on an order of the customer acquired with respect to the customer; acquiring information on eating status of the customer at a second time associated with the first time; and adjusting at least one of the first time and the second time on the basis of at least one of the information on the eating status of the customer and information on an additional order of the customer additionally acquired with respect to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated makeup application allow a user to select and apply desired makeup styles to the user's face. The systems and methods include a computer application with a graphical user interface which allows selection of a look from a plurality of preconfigured looks. A camera coupled with a robotic arm records a face map and color coding and sends that data to be stored on a virtual server database. The application calculates formula quantity and a pump extracts desired formula amounts from appropriate formula cartridges which it releases into reservoirs on the robotic arm's head. An airbrush compressor mixes the formula and plug triggers release one of several airbrush nozzles to start spraying the user's face with formula. A cleaning mechanism is provided between makeup applications and after the final application.

Abstract: One approach is directed to a robotic package handling system, comprising a robotic arm comprising a distal portion and a proximal base portion; an end effector coupled to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a place structure in geometric proximity to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a pick structure transiently coupled to one or more packages and positioned in geometric proximity to the distal portion of the robotic arm; a first imaging device positioned and oriented to capture image information pertaining to the pick structure and one or more packages; and a first computing system operatively coupled to the robotic arm and the first imaging device, and configured to receive the image information from the first imaging device and command movements of the robotic arm based at least in part upon the image information.

Abstract: An object of the instant application is to provide a vehicle that can minimize parking space and a parking facility that can efficiently park a large number of vehicles in a predetermined parking space. The vehicle 1 includes a bottom flap 7 arranged on a bottom surface of a vehicle body and vertically rotatable around a lower rear end of the vehicle body, a rear flap 8, and geared motors 9, 11 for respectively rotating the bottom flap 7 and the rear flap 8. The parking facility 20 for a vehicle 1? is configured to include an erecting mechanism (a rotating member 22, an electric motor 23, and a link mechanism 24) for erecting the vehicle 1? upright with a rear surface facing down, and a transfer mechanism (belt conveyor) 25 for transferring the vehicle 1? erected by the erecting mechanism to a predetermined position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining safe and unsafe zones in a workspace—where safe actions are calculated in real time based on all relevant objects (e.g., some observed by sensors and others computationally generated based on analysis of the sensed workspace) and on the current state of the machinery (e.g., a robot) in the workspace—may utilize a variety of workspace-monitoring approaches as well as dynamic modeling of the robot geometry. The future trajectory of the robot(s) and/or the human(s) may be forecast using, e.g., a model of human movement and other forms of control. Modeling and forecasting of the robot may, in some embodiments, make use of data provided by the robot controller that may or may not include safety guarantees.

Abstract: A method includes: accessing a virtual model defining a geometry of a workpiece; navigating an optical sensor about the workpiece; accessing an image of the workpiece; detecting a marker, on the workpiece, depicted in the image; defining a first workpiece region of the workpiece bounded by the marker; defining a toolpath within the first workpiece region based on a geometry of the first workpiece region represented in the virtual model; assigning a first target force to the first toolpath; and during a processing cycle accessing a first sequence of force values output by a force sensor coupled to the sanding head, navigating the sanding head across the first workpiece region according to the first toolpath, and based on the first sequence of force values, deviating the sanding head from the first toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the first target force.

Abstract: Systems for ultrasonic measurements of an inspection surface is described. An inspection robot with a payload moves in a direction of travel across an inspection surface. The payload has two sensor holders, the first sensor holder to hold a first UT array at a first orientation and the second to hold a second UT array at a second orientation A sensor holder linking component holds the two UT phased arrays in a parallel configuration along their long edges. An arm of the payload may be pivotably connected to both the sensor linking component at one end and a lift connection element on the other end. The lift component has a lift motor to raise the lift connection element. A rastering device moves the payload in a direction of inspection which is distinct from both the direction of travel and the parallel configuration of the two phased UT arrays.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to perceiving scene features using event sensors and image sensors. Paths may be scanned across objects in a scene with one or more beams. Images of the scene may be captured with frame cameras. Events may be generated based on detection of beam reflections that correspond to the objects. Trajectories may be based on the paths and the events. A distribution of intensity associated with the trajectories may be determined based on the energy associated with the traces in the images. Centroids for the trajectories may be determined based on the distribution of the intensity of energy, a resolution of the frame cameras, or timestamps associated with the events. Enhanced trajectories may be generated based on the centroids such that the enhanced trajectories may be provided to a modeling engine that executes actions based on the enhanced trajectories and the objects.

Abstract: Inspection robots with independent drive module suspension are described. An example inspection robot may have a housing with a first connector on a first side of the housing, and a second connector on a second side of the housing. A first drive module, having at least one wheel and a first motor, may be operatively coupled to the first connector, and a second drive module, having at least one wheel and a first motor, may be operatively coupled to the second connector. The first and second drive modules may be coupled by a drive connector.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for ultra-sonic inspection of a surface are described. An example system may include an inspection robot structured to move in a direction of travel on an inspection surface. The inspection robot may include a payload including a first ultrasonic (UT) phased array and a second UT phased array, the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array being arranged in a parallel configuration. The inspection robot may include a rastering device structured to move the payload in a direction of inspection, the direction of inspection being distinct from the direction of travel and the direction of inspection being distinct from the parallel configuration of the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transport robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: acquiring, when a user makes a request for transport of a target object, information on the user and information on the transport of the target object including a delivery place of the target object; identifying the user on the basis of the information on the user, and determining a place associated with the user as a destination where a transport robot is to transport the target object from the delivery place, with reference to a result of the identification; and causing the target object to be transported to the destination by the transport robot.

Abstract: A method for controlling a serving robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: acquiring first sensor data on at least one object placed on a support coupled to a serving robot, using at least one first sensor coupled to the serving robot; deciding whether the at least one object is a serving object on the basis of the first sensor data, and when the at least one object is decided to be a serving object, determining properties of illumination of the serving robot to be applied to the serving object on the basis of the first sensor data; and dynamically changing the properties of the illumination of the serving robot on the basis of information on surroundings acquired during travel of the serving robot.

Abstract: Inspection robots with swappable drive modules are described. An example inspect robot may include a first removeable interface plate on the side of a robot chassis. The first removable interface plate may couple a first drive module to an electronic board, within the chassis, where the electronic board includes a drive module interface circuit communicatively coupled to the first drive module. The example inspect robot may also include a second removeable interface plate on a side of a robot chassis. The second removable interface plate may couple a second drive module to an electronic board, within the chassis, where the electronic board includes a drive module interface circuit communicatively coupled to the second drive module.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to computer vision and automation to autonomously identify and deliver for application a treatment to an object among other objects, data science and data analysis, including machine learning, deep learning, and other disciplines of computer-based artificial intelligence to facilitate identification and treatment of objects, and robotics and mobility technologies to navigate a delivery system, more specifically, to an agricultural delivery system configured to identify and apply, for example, an agricultural treatment to an identified agricultural object. In some examples, a method may include, receiving data representing a policy specifying a type of action for an agricultural object, selecting an emitter with which to perform a type of action for the agricultural object as one of one or more classified subsets, and configuring the agricultural projectile delivery system to activate an emitter to propel an agricultural projectile to intercept the agricultural object.