Abstract: A mobile inventory transportation unit (MITU) in a communication network is disclosed. The communication network may comprise the MITU, a transportation system, a first and a second central system, in communication with each other, the MITU comprising a housing, an inventory storage device, a power device, a drive device, a navigation device, a sensing device, and a control device. The MITU may be configured to receive inventory demands and handle them based on analyzing its own inventory, the transportation system may be configured to physically receive and transport the MITU, the second central system may be configured to determine an inventory demand at a second or more location and transmit the same to the first central system or the MITU, and the first central system or the MITU may be configured to schedule the movement of the MITU and control the delivery of the MITU to a final destination.

Abstract: A method of operating an exoskeleton system that includes obtaining a first set of sensor data from one or more sensors associated with one or more leg actuator units of an exoskeleton system during a user activity, the first set of sensor data indicating a first configuration state of the one or more actuator units; determining, based at least in part on the first set of obtained sensor data, to change configuration of the one or more leg actuator units to a second configuration state to support a user during the user activity; and introducing fluid to one or more fluidic actuators of the one or more leg actuator units to generate the second configuration state by causing the one or more fluidic actuators to apply force at the one or more actuator units.

Abstract: Provided is a robotic retrieval system that adapts robot operations to different densities with which containers are stored. The system determines a position of a particular container in a slot. The system selects a first side of the slot from which to gain access to the particular container based on the particular container being blocked from the first side by a first number of containers and from an opposite second side by a larger second number of containers. The system uses robots to advance the particular container to the frontmost position at the first side of the particular slot by removing the first number of containers from the first side, and by inserting the first number of containers into the second side, and to transfer the particular container to a target destination after advancing the particular container to the frontmost position at the first side.

Abstract: The system, devices and methods disclosed herein enable autonomous operation of robots around known and unknown obstacles on a property. A robot includes an optical marker disposed to be visible in a top-view image of the robot, a receiver configured to receive a top-down image of an area of interest surrounding the robot within a property, and a processor configured to distinguish the robot from structural features on the property based on an image of the optical marker. A position and an orientation of the robot and the structural features relative to the property is determined based on the top-down image. Among the structural features, a subset of features classified as obstacles inhibiting an operation of the robot as the robot moves within the area of interest is determined. An operating path for the robot within the area of interest so as to avoid the obstacles is then determined.

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: Systems for reprogrammable inspection robots are described. An example system may include an inspection robot having a housing, a payload interface, a drive module interface, and a tether interface. The system may further include a first electronic board having a primary functionality circuit communicatively coupled to a base station and a second electronic board operationally coupled to the payload interface, the second electronic board having a payload functionality circuit coupled to a selected payload through the payload interface. The example system may further include a third electronic board operationally coupled to the drive module interface, the third electronic board having a drive module functionality circuit communicatively coupled to a selected drive module through the drive module interface.

Abstract: The present specification provides a device and method for controlling a winch parcel delivery system through an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone. The example apparatus contemplates the use of a winch that will attach to a hook with active and passive release mechanisms through a winch line. The apparatus is enabled to attach to a parachute recovery system. The apparatus can detect when the ground has been reached to enable safe delivery of parcels. The apparatus can removably attach to various types of drones.

Abstract: People and packages are delivered to and picked up from delivery locations by autonomous vehicles that also carry autonomous robots. When a package needs to be picked up or delivered at a particular location, an autonomous robot is deployed from the delivery vehicle and takes the package to the doorstep or other predetermined location or picks up the package from that location and brings it back to the delivery vehicle. After this pickup or delivery, the autonomous robot stows itself back in the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within a video stream and linking those objects with known objects. An image processing system may receive an image and image metadata and detect an object and a location of the object within the image. The estimated location of each object is then determined within the three-dimensional space. In addition, the image processing system may retrieve, for a plurality of known objects, a plurality of known locations within the three-dimensional space and determine, based on estimated location and the known location data, which of the known objects matches the detected object in the image. An indicator for the object is then generated at the location of the object within the image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wirelessly controlled vehicle that is configured to travel in air, on liquid and under liquid with an ability to communicate with a remote operator through wireless communication.

Abstract: Spatial regions potentially occupied by a robot (or other machinery) or portion thereof and a human operator during performance of all or a defined portion of a task or an application are computationally estimated. These “potential occupancy envelopes” (POEs) may be based on the states (e.g., the current and expected positions, velocities, accelerations, geometry and/or kinematics) of the robot and the human operator. Once the POEs of human operators in the workspace are established, they can be used to guide or revise motion planning for task execution.

Abstract: A system generates, by a first source microcontroller, a first data packet comprising a payload and a first error code, the payload indicating a safety state of a robot. The first source microcontroller transmits the data packet from the first source microcontroller to a second source microcontroller. The second source microcontroller generates a second data packet that includes the payload, the first error code and a second error code. The second source microcontroller transmits the second data packet to a sink microcontroller, wherein the sink microcontroller recovers the payload based on at least one of the first error code and the second error code.

Abstract: A method for controlling a serving robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: acquiring at least one of weight information on a support coupled to the serving robot and image information on the support; recognizing at least one serving object placed on or removed from the support on the basis of at least one of the weight information and the image information; and determining at least one destination of the serving robot on the basis of a result of the recognition and order information of at least one customer in a serving place.

Abstract: A joint unit that is reduced in size including a plurality of angle detection mechanisms. A joint unit including an input-side support member for a rotationally driven input shaft, a decelerator that decelerates the input shaft to provide a deceleration output shaft, an output rotating body coupled to the deceleration output shaft including a strain generating portion that generates strain due to rotation transmitted by the deceleration output shaft, and an associated rotating body that is coupled to a output-side portion of the strain generating portion of the output rotating body to rotate together with the output rotating body disposed in a space between the input-side support member and an input-side portion of the strain generating portion of the output rotating body.

Abstract: An actuator system includes an actuator with a deformable shell defining a pouch, a fluid dielectric contained within the pouch, and first and second electrodes disposed over opposing sides of the pouch, each electrode having two long edges and two short edges. The system also includes a power source for providing a voltage between the electrodes. The electrodes cover 50 to 90% of the first and second sides, respectively, of the pouch, and a gap is defined between long edges of the pouch and the electrodes such that, upon application of the voltage at one of the short edges of the electrodes, respectively, the electrodes selectively zip together from the one of the short edges toward an opposing one of the short edges. The system may also include a support structure for enabling the actuator to maintain its shape regardless of the voltage provided by the power source.

Abstract: A mobility platform is configured to execute one or more tasks in a worksite including a first passive landmark and a second passive landmark. The mobility platform may include a chassis, a drive system supporting the chassis, a first laser rangefinder disposed on the chassis at a first location, a second laser rangefinder disposed on the chassis at a second location, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a position and orientation of the chassis based on a first distance measured by the first laser rangefinder between the first location and a first known landmark position, a second distance measured by the second laser rangefinder between the second location and a second known landmark position, and yaw angle information from at least one of the first and second laser rangefinders.

Abstract: Robot includes a propulsion system configured to transport the robot and a controller in communication with the propulsion system. A material handler is carried by the robot and configured for depositing articles into one or more destination containers. The material handler has a tilt tray having sections that are configured for tilting in any number of directions relative to a vertical of the robot. Each section of the tilt tray may include a respective conveyor that moves articles at variable speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a patrolling robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: acquiring, as first situation information on the patrolling robot, at least one of weight information on a support coupled to the patrolling robot and image information on the support and information on a location of the patrolling robot in a patrolling place; and determining a task and a travel route of the patrolling robot on the basis of the first situation information.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: 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.

Abstract: Bridge construction method for a bridge formed by a series of beams placed between slabs, supported by angular profiles affixed to the beams. The method includes the steps of: fixing clips to edges of the upper surface of the beams, placing the beams on their supports, calculating the correct position of the angular profiles according to the shape or position of the beams; joining fasteners on the angular profiles, at an individual height determined according to the calculated positions; affixing the fasteners to the clips, so the angular profiles hang at the edges of the beams placing the slab on the angular profiles and casting concrete on the structure. The slabs are supported by angular profiles joined to the upper surface of the beams through a series of threaded protrusion carrying clips in said upper surface. Fasteners are joined to the clips and affixed to the angular profiles.