Abstract: A method is provided for grasping randomly sized and randomly located objects. The method may include assigning a score associated with the likelihood of successfully grasping an object. Other features of the method may include orientation of the end effector, a reachability check, and crash recovery.

Abstract: A method for position correction of a machine relative to a work piece. The machine may be provided with an end effector. The work piece may be engaged with the end effector. A force or a moment resulting from engaging the work piece with the end effector may be measured. A pose error may be determined from the force and/or the moment, wherein the pose error may define a misalignment of the end effector. The end effector may be repositioned an amount equal to the pose error to correct the misalignment. One application may involve torqueing nuts with a nut runner, which may be accomplished through the use of an automated machine such as a robot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system generates a plurality of trajectory candidates for an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) from a starting point to an end point of a particular driving scenario. The system generates a reference trajectory corresponding to the driving scenario based on a current state of the ADV associated with the starting point and an end state of the ADV associated with the end point, where the reference trajectory is associated with an objective. For each of the trajectory candidates, the system compares the trajectory candidate with the reference trajectory to generate an objective cost representing a similarity between the trajectory candidate and the reference trajectory. The system selects one of the trajectory candidates as a target trajectory for driving the ADV based on objective costs of the trajectory candidates.

Abstract: A time-optimal trajectory generation method, for a robotic manipulator having a transport path with at least one path segment, comprising generating a forward time-optimal trajectory of the manipulator along the at least one path segment from a start point of the at least one path segment towards an end point of the at least one path segment, generating a reverse time-optimal trajectory of the manipulator along the at least one path segment from the end point towards the start point of the at least one path segment, and combining the time-optimal forward and reverse trajectories to obtain a complete time-optimal trajectory, where the forward and reverse trajectories of the at least one path segment are blended together with a smoothing bridge joining the time-optimal forward and reverse trajectories in a position-velocity reference frame with substantially no discontinuity between the time-optimal forward and reverse trajectories.

Abstract: A method of operating a movable object using a user terminal includes configuring, through an interface, a plurality of tasks on the user terminal for parallel execution by the movable object, and transmitting the tasks from the user terminal to the movable object for operating the movable object.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for road condition prediction. The method comprises receiving, for at least one source vehicle, sensor data collected by a sensor associated with the source vehicle. The method further comprises identifying, based on the sensor data, at least a location with an abnormal road condition and a responsive action taken by the source vehicle. The method further comprises notifying, the location with the abnormal road condition and the responsive action to at least one target vehicle that is expected to pass the location. This disclosure also provides a computer system and a computer software product for road condition prediction.

Abstract: A controller includes control function circuits that are connected to each other and control a multi-axis control machine. Each of the control function circuits performs a respective control function upon receipt of a control signal from another control function circuit of the control function circuits, and the control signal corresponds to a predetermined interface standard determined from the control function.

Abstract: A controller for a work machine includes a steering control circuit, a memory, and a speed control circuit. The steering control circuit is configured to control a steering of the work machine to change a steering angle based on a travel route. The memory is to store a threshold angle. The speed control circuit is configured to control a speed of the work machine if the steering angle is equal to or larger than the threshold angle and if the steering control circuit does not control the steering.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle driving system includes a control that autonomously controls the vehicle. The control, upon receipt of a destination geographical location, controls the vehicle to travel to the destination geographical location, and wirelessly receives data pertaining to driving conditions relevant to the route being traveled by the vehicle. Responsive to the received driving conditions data, the control determines a geographic location ahead of the vehicle along the route where driving of the vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle is desired. When the vehicle is traveling along the route and toward the determined geographic location and is within a threshold time and/or distance to the determined geographic location, the control informs the occupant of distance to and/or time of travel to the determined geographic location so the occupant is prepared to take over control of the vehicle and drive the vehicle upon the vehicle reaching the determined geographic location.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically inspecting an apparatus is provided. The method includes receiving an initial set of software scripts for executing an autonomous inspection process with respect to an apparatus for inspection. A vehicle is directed to a specified geographical location associated with the apparatus for inspection. Hand gesture commands and voice commands of an individual associated with inspecting the apparatus are detected via audio and video retrieval devices of the vehicle and a specified distance is maintained between the vehicle and the individual. In response to the commands, an autonomous inspection process with respect to the apparatus for inspection is executed and a modified set of software scripts for executing future autonomous inspection processes with respect to additional apparatuses for inspection is generated.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer comprising: a transceiver, a control circuit and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: receive a request from a customer requesting location information for a requested item; identify the requested item is a category of items, and identify category location information; communicate routing instructions to the motorized transport unit based on the category location information causing the motorized transport unit to initiate physical movement; and communicate to the motorized transport unit a species clarification inquiry instruction configured to cause the motorized transport unit, while implementing routing instructions to move toward the category location, to present a clarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowing the identified category to one or more produ

Abstract: A direct teaching method of a robot includes specifying one of a plurality of robot arms as a master arm and specifying as a slave arm at least one of the robot arms which is other than the master arm; causing the slave arm to operate cooperatively with the master arm so that relative positions and postures of a wrist part of the master arm and a wrist part of the slave arm become a predetermined relation, while a teaching person is directly applying a force to an arbitrary location of the master arm including a tool, to move the master arm to a desired teaching position; and storing position information of at least one of the master arm and the slave arm at a time point when the master arm has reached the desired teaching position.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for systems and methods for detecting and intercepting drones and drone operators. An example system for disrupting drone attacks comprises a drone detection system configured to detect a hostile drone, a defensive drone control system coupled to the drone detection system and configured to communicate with a first defensive drone, and a first defensive drone configured to receive first data from the defensive drone control system and to use the data to intercept the hostile drone. The system for disrupting drone attacks may further comprise a system configured to identify a control source of the hostile drone, and a second defensive drone configured to receive second data from the defensive drone control system and to use the second data to fly to a location associated with the control source of the hostile drone.

Abstract: Systems and/or devices for implementing a tracking device for tracking a position/location and orientation of an object are provided herein. The device comprises one or more sides that define a predetermined shape, and a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMU) mounted to the one or more sides of the predetermined shape. Each IMU is configured to detect movement of the object and generate inertial output data representing a position and/or orientation of the object. Each IMU includes a first sub-sensor and a second sub-sensor. Each IMU is positioned at a predetermined distance and orientation relative to a center point of the tracking device.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, and a drone. The drone is configured to be secured, in a secured state, to the motor vehicle and released from the motor vehicle. The drone is a flying drone that is driven using propellers. The drone, in the secured state, serves to air-condition the motor vehicle using the propellers by pushing air into the passenger vehicle through a roof of the vehicle. The roof defines openings that correspond to a propeller circumference that allow air, generated by the propellers, to flow into the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A home robot device includes a memory, a movement module, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute a motion based on specified motion execution information stored in the memory, obtain feedback information of a user, generate modified motion execution information by modifying at least a portion of the specified motion execution information based on the feedback information of the user, where the modified motion execution information includes a movement value of at least one joint unit of the home robot device or at least one support linked to the at least one joint unit selected from a probability model of the specified motion execution information, and execute a motion of the home robot device based on the modified motion execution information.

Abstract: A machine learning device for learning operations of a robot and a laser scanner, includes a state observation unit observing a state of a tip end of the robot where the laser scanner is mounted and a state of an optical component in the laser scanner as a state data; a determination data obtaining unit receiving at least one of a machining time of the robot where the laser scanner is mounted, a drive current driving the robot, a command path of the laser scanner, a passing time in a processable area where the laser scanner performs processing, and a distance between the robot and a part where the laser scanner performs processing as a determination data; and a learning unit learning operations of the robot and the laser scanner based on an output of the state observation unit and an output of the determination data obtaining unit.

Abstract: A docking system and method for charging a mobile robot at a docking station. The system includes a first module for the robot, including a first communication unit and a first control unit, and a second module for the station, including a second communication unit, one or more docking sensors, and a second control unit. When the robot enters a docking region around the station, the first communication unit sends to the second communication unit a status message indicating that the robot needs charging; upon reception of the status message, the second control unit uses the sensors to derive a traction command to drive the robot towards the station; and the second communication unit sends to the first communication unit a command message containing the traction command. The first control unit processes the traction command and uses it to operate traction motors of the robot.

Abstract: A teach pendant for teaching a robot includes an operation unit disposed on a first surface of the teach pendant, to perform an input operation; a display unit disposed on the first surface; and a camera disposed on a second surface opposite the first surface of the teach pendant. An image captured by the camera is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle includes a processor programmed to apply, on the vehicle, upon detecting an occupant alertness level below a first threshold, a first periodic component to a first torque applied to one or more first-end wheels and a second periodic component to a second torque applied to one or more second-end wheels.