Abstract: An obstacle detection device including: a plurality of ranging sensors configured to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves thereof, and disposed on a vehicle to be spaced in a vehicle width direction; a camera disposed on the vehicle and configured to acquire an image corresponding to detection areas of the plurality of ranging sensors; and a control circuit configured to detect an obstacle around the vehicle, based on the reflected waves received and the image. The control circuit is configured to detect an obstacle, based on the image acquired by the camera during a predetermined period between transmission of an ultrasonic wave by a first ranging sensor and reception of a first reflected wave thereof, the image being acquired for a detection area of a different ranging sensor other than the first ranging sensor.

Abstract: A battery management method according to one aspect includes: detecting information by at least one sensor, the information being related to a state of a battery mounted on a vehicle body; classifying the state of the battery into any one of predetermined state categories based on the information detected by the at least one sensor; and storing in a memory a frequency of occurrence of the state of the battery corresponding to the state category.

Abstract: A fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a propeller gimbal operably coupled to the body of the UAV at the forward end and the propeller gimbal is configured to pivot the propeller about a gimbal pivot axis to change a propeller angle. A controller of the UAV may be configured to control an attitude of flight of the UAV by controlling operation of the motor, the propeller gimbal, and the control surface assembly. The controller may be further configured to determine in-flight trajectory modifications that may require high maneuverability via high angle-of-attack attitudes of flight that are implemented via the propeller gimbal and trajectories determined from a dynamics model of the fixed-wing UAV.

Abstract: Systems and methods designed to facilitate a robust and secure aerial network that supports surveillance and delivery operations of electric battery-powered drones. These operations can be conducted in both autonomous and operator-controlled modes. The integrated system utilizes individual drones and base stations, each functioning as nodes within the aerial network and maintaining continuous internet connectivity. The base stations are equipped to serve as recharge and battery swap points for the drones. Furthermore, the network interfaces with a proprietary, secure internet-based application and servers, which enable the coordination and collaboration of drones, autonomous recharging, and comprehensive data collection. This advanced technology has global operability, extending its reach beyond terrestrial boundaries to other celestial bodies, as long as an internet connection is available.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a difference in height of a dozer blade relative to a vehicle frame between a reference position wherein the dozer blade engages the ground and a calibration position wherein the at least one sensor is at a desired height relative to a laser signal plane using a laser receiver automatic find mode.

Abstract: A controller includes: a time difference acquisition part that acquires a time difference from the current time to a scheduled departure time at which a shared vehicle, which performs automatic traveling on the basis of a predetermined operation plan, departs from a shared vehicle stop, when the shared vehicle is stopped at the shared vehicle stop; a region adjusting part that adjusts a detection region for detecting people around the shared vehicle with a sensor mounted on the shared vehicle depending on the time difference; a people flow determination part that determines a people flow in the adjusted detection region; and an opening and closing control part that controls a closing operation of closing an entry/exit door of the shared vehicle on the basis of the people flow that has been determined.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for autonomous navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV determines a tracked position using at least one positioning sensor of the UAV. The UAV captures an image using a camera of the UAV. The UAV determines a visual position confidence area using the captured image. The UAV checks the tracked position using the visual position confidence area to determine whether the tracked position is accurate. In response to determining that the tracked position is not accurate, the UAV causes a corrective action based on the visual position confidence area to be taken.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically controlling a speed of an agricultural header operably connected to an agricultural machine may include determining whether a current gear setting of a transmission configured to drive the agricultural header is appropriate for an operating condition of the agricultural header; determining a load condition on the agricultural header; determining whether the load condition is an acceptable load condition; and changing a gear setting of the transmission based on the current gear setting being outside of an appropriate operating range and based on the load condition being the acceptable load condition.

Abstract: A drone includes a drone center housing, a drone top, and a drone bottom. The drone also includes a plurality of arms, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The plurality of arms each extend from the drone center housing. Each arm of the plurality of arms has a motor/propeller set disposed at an arm distal end located opposite the drone center housing. The first antenna may be mounted to a first arm distal end of a first arm of the plurality of arms opposite a first motor/propeller set mounted at the first arm distal end of the first arm, and the second antenna may be mounted to a second arm distal end of a second arm of the plurality of arms opposite a second motor/propeller set mounted at the second arm distal end.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus includes a load weight information obtainer, a load information obtainer, an aerodynamic analyzer, a driving stability determiner, a control processor, and a proposer. The load weight information obtainer acquires a load weight of a load placed on a roof rail or a roof carrier of a vehicle. The load information obtainer acquires load information including a size and a shape of the load from image data on the load. The aerodynamic analyzer executes an aerodynamic analysis based on the load information. The driving stability determiner determines driving stability in travel of the vehicle based on the load weight and a result of the aerodynamic analysis. The control processor prohibits the vehicle from traveling when the driving stability is determined not to be sufficiently secured in the travel of the vehicle. The proposer proposes an appropriate loading way to place the load on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial drone has a communication component configured and programmed to receive a first signal from a remote controller. The first signal may be configured and programmed to control a movement of the aerial drone and/or a sending of a second signal. The communication component may further be configured and programmed to send the second signal to a snowmaking device. The second signal may be configured and programmed to be received by the snowmaking device to direct a motor of the snowmaking device.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for unmanned aerial vehicles and operations. An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a wireless communication system configured to establish a wireless link for at least flight control information for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The wireless communication system is configured to monitor the flight control information using a first wireless channel having a first bandwidth and periodically tune away to a second wireless channel having a second bandwidth wider than the first bandwidth for transmission of a beacon frame that includes remote identification information corresponding to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A helmet is provided with a shell and an opening wherein a first controller is supported by the shell. A pod is operatively coupled to the first controller and the pod comprises an input device. The input device provides an input to the first controller and the pod is receivable within the opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for increasing the safety of unmanned vehicles. Failure rates of components can be combined and adjusted if necessary given sensor data or statistical or historical data that impacts failure rates. The failure rates of components can be combined to give an overall failure or success rate for a vehicle and can be compared to an accepted failure or success rate in connection with a hazard. Hazards with heightened safety requirements can be avoided by a contingency maneuver if the unmanned vehicle's failure or success rate is not acceptable.

Abstract: A system for performing autonomous operations in an operating environment comprising a plurality of objects includes a server computer. The server computer comprises a nontransitory computer readable medium storing detailed representations of the objects in the operating environment. Each detailed representation of an object comprises one or more markers providing knowledge information related to the object. The autonomous device comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a world model that comprises sparse representations of the objects in the operating environment, a processor configured to use the world model to execute tasks requiring use of at least one of the objects, and a networking card for connecting to the server computer. When execution of a new task requires use of a particular object in the operating environment, the autonomous device updates the world model to include the detailed representation of the particular object.

Abstract: A harvesting machine is configured to gather harvested material into the harvesting machine during a harvesting operation. A conveyance subsystem configured to convey the harvested material from the harvesting machine to a receiving vehicle during the harvesting operation. An image capture system generates an image of the receiving vehicle and an image processor uses a machine learning system to recognize a boundary of the receiving vehicle. A control system determines a position of the receiving vehicle boundary relative to the harvesting machine, and generates a control signal based on the identified receiving vehicle boundary.

Abstract: A method includes determining, by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a position of an autoloader device for the UAV; based on the determined position of the autoloader device, causing the UAV to follow a descent trajectory in which the UAV moves from a starting position to a first nudged position in order to deploy a tethered pickup component of the UAV to a payout position on an approach side of the autoloader device; deploying the tethered pickup component of the UAV to the payout position; causing the UAV to follow a side-step trajectory in which the UAV moves laterally to a second nudged position in order to cause the tethered pickup component of the UAV to engage the autoloader device; and retracting the tethered pickup component of the UAV to pick up a payload from the autoloader device.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for providing multimedia information to an occupant in a vehicle transmits, to a server device, an operation log of the vehicle-mounted device for a predetermined period of time including a time point of acquisition of a voice uttered by the occupant during operation of the vehicle-mounted device by the occupant, in a case where a first voice expressing discomfort of the occupant is included in the voice.

Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to the use of a multi-zone geofence for key-free vehicle operations management. The multi-zone geofence may include a first zone where vehicles can be operated without the use of keys or key fobs, and a second zone surrounding the first zone where a first set of functional restrictions are imposed upon the vehicles. The first set of functional restrictions can include an upper speed limit that is automatically imposed upon a vehicle. The multi-zone geofence can include additional zones having functional restrictions, such as a third zone surrounding the second zone wherein key-free vehicle operations are permitted with a second set of restrictions. The second set of restrictions may include a directional speed feature involving an automatic speed reduction upon a vehicle travelling towards a periphery of the third zone and lifting the speed reduction if the vehicle turns back.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provide an incentive for a driver to improve power systems, safety systems, and autonomous driving systems of a vehicle. A method includes determining a learning goal for the vehicle. The method includes generating a request based on the learning goal. The method includes calculating a reward value. The method includes displaying a task on a user interface of the vehicle. The task may be based on the request, the reward value, or both. The method includes obtaining sensor data. The sensor data may be obtained based on an initiation of the task. The method includes determining progress of the task. The method includes transmitting a notification based on a determination that the task is completed.