Abstract: A solar panel mount that retains a solar panel in an installed position. The solar panel mount can include a panel rest having a seating surface for the solar panel. The solar panel mount can further have a first support structure defining a first retaining channel positioned to receive a first edge of the solar panel in an installed position. The solar panel mount can further include second support structure defining a second retaining channel. The first and second retaining channels can be spatially positioned apart from each other at a distance greater than a length of the solar panel such that the first and second retaining channels are positioned to receive respective first and second edges of the solar panel to secure the solar panel in the installed position.

Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a robotic end effector for acquiring and managing an article, such as an item of luggage. The robotic end effector can include an extendable arm comprising a first support member, a capture device comprising a guide member having a plurality of apertures formed therein with a rod slideably supported in each aperture of the guide member. The capture device can further include a biasing member associated with one or more rods and being configured to bias the one or more rods in a first direction relative to the guide member. The article interface system can include an actuatable article engagement device. The actuatable article engagement device can itself include an article interface surface. The actuatable article engagement device can be operated to interface with an article to facilitate movement of the article toward the capture device.

Abstract: A sensor, method and integrated circuit for optically sensing the relative displacement of an object. The sensor may generate optical patterns of light and employ a multielement photodetector to detect the light and output corresponding analog signals proportional to the light detected. The sensor may achieve a sample rate that is orders of magnitude greater than conventional systems. The sensor may also achieve image resolution that is orders of magnitude greater than conventional systems. The sensor is useful for applications including the measurement of linear displacement and rotation, force, torque, or strain with respect to multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector comprises a pair of members being movable with respect to one another and a bladder on at least one of the members. The bladder can comprise a filler within the bladder. The filler can comprise a plurality of jamming particles and a plurality of elongate resilient spacers. The jamming particles are operable to flow within the bladder and to contact and engage with the elongate resilient spacers where flow characteristics vary within the bladder. The bladder with the filler can comprise at least two configurations: a compliant configuration in which a shape of the bladder and filler are changeable, and a stiff configuration in which change in shape of the bladder and filler are resisted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scanning a predetermined area of an aerial landscape with one or more cameras for an airborne target and capturing a plurality of images of the airborne target with the one or more cameras, the one or more cameras in communication with a processor. Microscopic temporal variations between the plurality of images of the airborne target are amplified including a change in the geometry of a two-dimensional image of the airborne target.

Abstract: A robotic system for a robotic limb configured to recover energy for minimizing power consumption of the robotic system, comprising a first support member, a second support member, and a quasi-passive elastic actuator rotatably coupling the first and second support members to define a joint of the robotic system rotatable about an axis of rotation defining a degree of freedom. The quasi-passive elastic actuator can comprise a first vane device and a second vane device, the first vane device and second vane device being rotatable relative to each other within the housing and defining, at least in part, a compression chamber and an expansion chamber. The system can further comprise a valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising a valve device disposed through an opening of the first vane device along the axis of rotation, and a shunt circuit facilitating fluid flow between the compression and expansion chambers through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic joint of a robotic system comprising selectively operating a clutch mechanism of a clutched joint module in an engaged state to cause a quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an elastic state, the clutched joint module operating about and defining a joint of the robotic system. The method comprising effecting a first rotation of the joint to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to store energy during at least a portion of the rotation of the joint. The method comprising effecting a second rotation of the joint and causing the stored energy from the quasi-passive elastic actuator to be released in the form of an augmented torque applied to an output member of the clutched joint module. The method comprising selectively operating the clutch mechanism in a disengaged state to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an inelastic state.

Abstract: A technology is described for redundant network communication in a robot. An example of the technology can include a main robotic controller and a robotic component including a local controller and a controlled component that is operable based on a data signal comprising control instructions executed by the local controller. A command can be sent between the main robotic controller and the local controller. The command can be encoded in a first data signal and a second data signal. The first data signal can be sent over a first network channel, and the second data signal can be sent over a second network channel. The first data signal and the second data signal can be configured to be redundant data signals for the local controller sent respectively over the first network channel and the second network channel.

Abstract: A technology is described for redundant network communication in a robot. An example of the technology can include a main robotic controller, a local controller in network communication with the main robotic controller, and instructions that, when executed by the processor, transfer first and second data signals between the main robotic controller and the local controller via first and second network channels. The first data signal is sent over the first network channel, and the second data signal is sent over the second network channel. The instructions compare the first data signal with the second data signal to determine signal integrity of the data signals; determine degradation of the first data signal if the signal integrity is less than the signal integrity of the second data signal; and select the second data signal for processing if degradation of the first data signal is determined.

Abstract: An exoskeleton operable to prevent unsafe operation can comprise a plurality of joint mechanisms and a plurality of sensors comprising configured to generate sensor output data associated with at least two joint mechanisms. The exoskeleton can comprise a controller configured to receive the sensor output data; combine the sensor output data; and determine whether the combination of the sensor output data from the first and second sensors satisfies an error condition in relation to at least one defined criterion. The existence of an error condition can be indicative of an anomalous operating state of the exoskeleton, such as a malfunction or an (impending) anomalous kinematic movement. The controller can also combine command signals to be transmitted to two or more joint mechanisms to determine another anomalous operating state to prevent unsafe operation. Associated software and methods are provided.

Abstract: A system for neutralization of a target aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect the target aerial vehicle in flight. The system also comprises an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure in the form of a net tethering the plurality of counter-attack UAVs to one another. The counter-attack UAV(s) are operable to capture and neutralize the target aerial vehicle with the net. The system can comprise at least one net storage device associated with a structure and configured to store at least a portion of the net when in a stowed position, and to facilitate deployment of the net when moved to a deployed position via coordinated flight of the plurality of counter-attack UAVs based on the detected target aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic joint system is provided that facilitates efficient movement of a ground-contacting robotic system, such as during a gait cycle. The robotic joint system can comprise a first support member, a second support member, and a joint assembly rotatably coupling the first support member to the second support member about an axis of rotation. The joint assembly can comprise a passive actuation system coupled between the first and second support members. The passive actuation system can comprise a passive actuator operable to store energy and to release energy to apply a torque to the joint assembly and the first and second support members, and a length adapter coupled to the passive actuator operable to selectively direct the output of the stored energy of the passive actuator.

Abstract: A robotic system comprising a master robotic system, and a first robotic system comprising a first mobile platform operable to move about a surface, and comprising a first manipulator. The robotic system can comprise a second robotic system comprising a second mobile platform operable to move about the surface, and comprising a second manipulator. A control module can be associated with the master robotic system and the first and second robotic systems, and can be operable in a paired control mode to facilitate paired control of the first and second robotic systems to move about the ground surface, and operable in an unpaired control mode to facilitate non-paired control of a selected one of the first or second robotic systems.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic joint of a robotic system comprising selectively operating a clutch mechanism of a clutched joint module in an engaged state to cause a quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an elastic state, the clutched joint module operating about and defining a joint of the robotic system. The method comprising effecting a first rotation of the joint to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to store energy during at least a portion of the rotation of the joint. The method comprising effecting a second rotation of the joint and causing the stored energy from the quasi-passive elastic actuator to be released in the form of an augmented torque applied to an output member of the clutched joint module. The method comprising selectively operating the clutch mechanism in a disengaged state to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an inelastic state.

Abstract: A method of facilitating switching of a quasi-passive elastic actuator of a tunable actuator joint module of a robotic system between an inelastic state and an elastic state comprising configuring a quasi-passive elastic actuator to be operable with a primary actuator of the tunable actuator joint module to selectively apply an augmented torque to assist the primary actuator in rotation of a joint of the tunable actuator joint module. The method further comprises configuring an elastic component of the quasi-passive actuator to comprise a first vane device and second vane device rotatable relative to each other within a housing, supporting a valve assembly about the axis of rotation of the joint through the first vane device, and configuring a shunt circuit to facilitate fluid flow between compression and expansion chambers through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A robot system, comprising a robot capable of gait or gait-like operations, stance or stance-like operations, or a combination of these. The robot can comprise at least one ground-contacting appendage configured to facilitate locomotion of the robot. The system can further comprise a sole supported on the ground-contacting appendage that is operable to interface with a ground surface. The sole can comprise a robot interface facilitating attachment of the sole to the robot, a first sole component having a ground-contacting surface, the first sole component defining a first compliant zone, and a second sole component having a ground-contacting surface, the second sole component defining a second compliant zone. The first sole component can comprise a compliance the same or different than the second sole component.

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 joint system with integrated safety can include a first support member, a second support member, and a tunable actuator joint assembly including a joint having an axis of rotation about which the first support member and the second support member rotate. The tunable actuator joint assembly can include a primary actuator and a quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator coupled between the first and second support members. The quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator can comprise an active state in which the quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator stores energy upon a first rotation of the first and second support members and releases energy upon a second rotation of the first and second support members opposite the first rotation, and an inactive state that facilitates return of the first and second support members to a default position.

Abstract: A system for aerial neutralization of a detected target aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure coupling together the plurality of counter-attack UAVs, to intercept and capture a detected target aerial vehicle in a coordinated manner. The system comprises an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect the target aerial vehicle, and operable to provide command data to at least one counter-attack UAV for tracking and neutralizing the target aerial vehicle. The counter-attack UAVs and a net can be deployed from a movable base station, and the net can be carried in a low-drag configuration until the counter-attack UAVs operate to deploy or open the net. The counter-attack UAVs and systems may be autonomously operated. Associated systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A robotic end-effector to provide an anthropomorphic hand with a dorsal actuation system. The hand has a substantially planar palm and fingers extending from the palm and capable of flexion and extension relative to the palm. The dorsal actuation system is supported on the palm and fingers, with actuators positioned at a dorsal side of the palm and links positioned at a dorsal side of the fingers.