Abstract: A camera mounted on a seafaring vessel obtains an image showing an object. The distance to the object is computed using, in part, a normal vector of the plane containing the camera and the horizon.

Abstract: A tray includes a first tray configured to be fixedly mounted to a robot; a second tray provided above the first tray and configured to be rotatably coupled to the first tray; and at least one pad assembly positioned between the first tray and the second tray. Each of the at least one pad assembly includes at least one rolling member provided in a direction toward the first tray and an elastic member having at least one end fixedly connected to an interior of the at least one pad assembly. The at least one pad assembly is coupled to the second tray and is mounted to be rotatable relative to the first tray. When the second tray is rotated relative to the first tray, the second tray is configured to be returned to its original position by virtue of a restoring force of an elastic member of the pad assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a mission for a self-driving material-transport vehicle are presented. The system comprises at least one self-driving material-transport vehicle, at least one programmable logic controller, at least one field instrument, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium in communication with at least one processor. An application signal is received from the programmable logic controller based on an activation signal from the field instrument. A mission is generated by the application signal and a mission template, and the mission is transmitted to the self-driving material-transport vehicle. In some cases, the application signal may be based on OPC-UA, and the mission and/or mission template may be based on a REST protocol.

Abstract: A system includes: a robot comprising an arm, the arm comprising a flange, the flange coupled to an end of the arm, the arm configured to move the flange along a degree of freedom; a mask coupled to the flange, the mask configured to deliver gas to a user, wherein the arm further comprises a kinematic mount, the kinematic mount usable to do one or more of orient and locate the mask with respect to the flange; a ventilator coupled to the mask, the ventilator configured to deliver the gas to the mask; a gas tube coupled to both the mask and the ventilator, the gas tube configured to carry gas between the ventilator and the mask; and a tracking system, the tracking system configured to capture image data of one or more of the mask and a face of the user.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a 3D camera includes arranging a 3D object and a background with contrast color on surfaces, and capturing the 3D object to get an image by a 2D camera and capturing a point cloud by the 3D camera in a one-pass operation. The raw colors of the 3D object and the background of the point cloud are separated and recorded. The point cloud of the 3D object and the background are transformed into the position of the corresponding pixel in the image to get transformed colors. The missing score is computed based on color changes of the point cloud. The transform parameter transforming the coordinate systems of the cameras is optimized to reduce the missing score, so as to quickly calibrate the 3D camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods for 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 identifying a subset of payloads to provide one or more actions based on data representing a policy for one or more subsets of agricultural objects, causing one or more cartridges to be charged based on the subset of payloads, and, and implementing one or more cartridges at an agricultural projectile delivery system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system determines a vehicle pose of a vehicle as the vehicle moves along a path. The system identifies a first target agricultural object for treatment. Based on the determined vehicle pose, the system positions a treatment head of a first treatment unit such that a first projectile fluid may be emitted by the first treatment unit at the identified first target agricultural object. The system then causes an emitter to emit a fluid from the treatment head at the first target agricultural object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real time feedback and for updating welding instructions for a welding robot in real time is described herein. The data of a workspace that includes a part to be welded can be received via at least one sensor. This data can be transformed into a point cloud data representing a three-dimensional surface of the part. A desired state indicative of a desired position of at least a portion of the welding robot with respect to the part can be identified. An estimated state indicative of an estimated position of at least the portion of the welding robot with respect to the part can be compared to the desired state. The welding instructions can be updated based on the comparison.

Abstract: A surgical device controllable by a surgical robotic system is provided. The surgical device includes a housing capable of being coupled to the surgical robotic system; a drive system at least partially mounted in the housing; and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive system at a first end of the shaft. The surgical device further includes a tissue-removal assembly coupled to the second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly includes a first cutting member having a plurality of rotatable blades. The first cutting member is coupled to a second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly further includes a second cutting member, one or more support elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member, and one or more extendable elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member.

Abstract: A system includes wearable devices positioned on a subject in different locations. Each wearable device includes motion sensors that measure the subject's movement in three dimensions. The motion sensors generate raw sensory data as the subject performs a physical movement. A data filter is selected based on a condition of the subject and a designated movement corresponding to the physical movement, and used to convert the raw sensory data into formatted data. A level of compliance of the physical movement with a movement model for the designated movement is determined by applying comparative modeling techniques to the formatted data and the movement model. Real-time feedback is delivered dynamically to the subject by the wearable devices during the performance of the physical movement based on the level of compliance. The movement model can be generated, and the comparative modeling techniques can be selected, based on the condition of the subject.

Abstract: A twin laser camera unitary assembly for a robot processing tool is disclosed. The assembly has a housing having a front wall defining an upright U-shaped channel into which a tubular portion of the tool is laterally insertable. A mounting support attaches the housing relative to the tool in operative position. Twin laser range finders are respectively mounted in the housing on opposite sides of the U-shaped channel in a symmetrical in-line arrangement with respect to the tool. A controller mounted in the housing is configured to receive robot control signals, operate laser projectors and process image signals produced by imagers of the laser range finders so that joint and bead position and geometry signals are produced in a robot reference frame. The assembly is designed and protected for use in industrial processes such as robotic laser and arc welding and sealant dispensing.

Abstract: Various embodiments for enforcing safe operation of machinery performing an activity in a three-dimensional (3D) workspace includes computationally generating a 3D spatial representation of the workspace; computationally mapping 3D regions of the workspace corresponding to space occupied by the machinery and a human; and based thereon, restricting operation of the machinery in accordance with a safety protocol during physical performance of the activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-driving collision prevention are presented. The system comprises a self-driving vehicle safety system, having one or more sensors in communication with a control system. The control system is configured determine safety fields and instruct the sensors to scan a region corresponding to the safety fields. The control system determines exclusion regions, and omits the exclusion regions from the safety field. The safety system may also include capability reduction parameters that can be used to constrain the drive system of the vehicle, for example, by restricting turning radius and speed in accordance with the safety fields.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to the use of servo-pneumatic control systems for actuation and de-actuation of soft robotic actuators. Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for using a servo-pneumatic control system in fluid communication with the soft robotic actuator and configured to maintain a closed loop in which at least one of pressure, mass of fluid, or volume of fluid is controlled within the soft robotic actuator. The embodiments may be used to prevent deformation of grasped objects; detect grasping, collision, and releasing objects; and other operations with a rapid servo-pneumatic response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating robotic equipment in a controlled zone are presented. The system comprises one or more self-driving material-transport vehicles having at least one sensor, non-transitory computer-readable media, and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and media. The media stores computer instructions that configure the processor to move the vehicle towards the controlled zone in a normal mode of operation, capture environmental data associated with the controlled zone using the at least one sensor, determine environmental-change data based on comparing the captured environmental data with known-good environmental data, and operating the vehicle in a safe mode of operation based on the environmental-change data.

Abstract: An order fulfillment and delivery system for autonomously fulfilling orders while en route to a delivery location. The system includes a delivery vehicle having a storage area, a robotic system at least partially disposed within the storage area and one or more processors. The one or more processors being configured to receive an order of one or more inventory items, generate container retrieval instructions for the robotic system to perform based on the received order and transmit to the robotic system the container retrieval instructions to perform. The robot system includes a container retrieval device movable in at least two dimensions to engage and move a container, based upon the container retrieval instructions, from a first location within the delivery vehicle to a second location within the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes an inspection robot for performing an inspection on an inspection surface with an inspection robot, the apparatus comprising a position definition circuit structured to determine an inspection robot position on the inspection surface; a data positioning circuit structured to interpret inspection data, and to correlate the inspection data to the inspection robot position on the inspection surface; and wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to determine position informed inspection data in response to the correlating of the inspection data with the inspection robot position, wherein the position informed inspection data comprises absolute position data.

Abstract: This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous earth shaping vehicle that is capable of cooperatively executing an earth shaping routine in a dig site with other earth shaping vehicles. A first earth shaping vehicle configured with a tool for excavating earth navigates to a dig location containing earth to be excavated. The first earth shaping vehicle identifies a loading location where the first vehicle may transfer earth to a second earth shaping vehicle configured with a tool for hauling earth between locations. Upon navigating to the loading location and detecting the second earth shaping vehicle at the loading location, the first earth shaping vehicle transfers earth from its excavation tool to the hauling tool of the second earth shaping vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to robot-aided product inspection. For example, an inspection apparatus may include a processing device to communicatively couple to a robotic apparatus, to a display device, and to a user input device. The processing device may: receive an image of an item, wherein the image was captured by the robotic apparatus; generate a proposed classification for the image, wherein the classification indicates an attribute of the item based on the image; cause the image to be displayed on the display device along with the proposed classification; and receive an indication from the user input device of a final classification of the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an inspection robot having replaceable sensor sled portions are disclosed. An example system may include: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, each sled mounted to one of the plurality of arms. At least one of the plurality of sleds includes an upper portion coupled to a replaceable lower portion, where the replaceable lower portion includes a portion of a delay line for a sensor of the inspection robot.