Abstract: A system includes a remotely-operated ground vehicle having first and second lift members, a first lift mechanism coupled to the first lift member, and a second lift mechanism coupled to the second lift member, where the first and second lift mechanisms are positioned at different angles with respect to a ground surface. The first and second lift members may be positioned at opposite sides of a front end of the vehicle and may be controlled by a single motor. The lift mechanisms may have a body portion including first and second prongs separated by an opening, with a plurality of magnets embedded within the body portion near the intersection of the first and second prongs. A communication relay may be secured to each lift mechanism via the opening and a magnetic coupling between the magnets embedded within the body portion and magnets embedded within the communication relay.

Abstract: A system includes a first drive module connected to a first end of a linkage arm and a second drive module connected to a second end of the linkage arm. Two magnetic wheels are connected to each of the first and second drive modules. The first and second drive modules may be independently controlled or controlled using a coordinated controller. The linkage arm may include a first linkage arm portion having at least one degree of freedom with respect to a connected second linkage arm portion, which may be connected via a hinged or ball-joint connection. One or both ends of the linkage arm may have at least one degree of freedom with respect to its respectively connected drive module. Additional linkage arms and drive modules may be connected to form a multi-segment system.

Abstract: A method involves using a first lift mechanism coupled to a remotely-operated ground vehicle to engage a first communication relay and position it at a first angle above a ground surface. A second lift mechanism coupled to the remotely-operated ground vehicle is then used to engage a second communication relay. With a single motion by the remotely-operated ground vehicle, the second communication relay is positioned at a second angle above the ground surface and the first communication relay at a third angle above the ground surface. The third angle is greater than both the first angle and the second angle. The second angle is greater than or equal to the first angle. The first communication relay may then be deployed by the remotely-operated ground vehicle at a first location and the second communication relay may be deployed at a second location.

Abstract: A relay device deployment system comprising: a deployer configured to be mounted on a mobile platform; a node radio mounted to the deployer; a self-righting, self-contained, wireless relay device releasably stowed in the deployer, a deployment mechanism mounted to the deployer; and a processor mounted inside the deployer. The processor is operatively coupled to the node radio and the deployment mechanism. The node radio is configured to operate as a node in the network. The deployment mechanism is configured to deploy the relay device. The processor is configured to monitor the network's strength and to send a signal to the deployment mechanism to deploy the relay device when the network strength drops below a threshold value. The relay device comprises an extendable antenna. The relay device is configured to be deployed from the deployer to a support surface and to operate as a node in an ad hoc telecommunications network.

Abstract: A single-scanning system for a robot can include a base and a nodding mechanism that pivotably attached to the base. A single-scan sensor such as a lidar or laser sensor can be fixed to the nodding mechanism, and a controller can be connected to the single-scan sensor and motor via a gear arrangement. The controller can manipulate nodding characteristics such as nodding range and nodding angular velocity dynamically, during operation of the robot, either in response to a command from a remote user, robot autonomy system, or according to written instructions included in the controller. An encoder disk can interconnect the nodding mechanism to the controller. With this configuration, the encoder disk can receive sensor data from the single-scan sensor, for further transmission to said controller. A transceiver can route sensor data to the remote user, and can also receive commands from the remote user.

Abstract: A relay apparatus comprising a housing having a bottom surface, a radio, and a processor, both mounted within the housing. A self-righting mechanism is mounted to the housing such that the self-righting mechanism is configured to reposition the housing from any initial position to an upright position so that the housing rests on the bottom surface. The radio is configured to relay RF signals and to operate as a node in an ad hoc telecommunications network. The processor is operatively coupled to the radio and the self-righting mechanism.

Abstract: A single-scanning system for a robot can include a base and a nodding mechanism that pivotably attached to the base. A single-scan sensor such as a lidar or laser sensor can be fixed to the nodding mechanism, and a controller can be connected to the single-scan sensor and motor via a gear arrangement. The controller can manipulate nodding characteristics such as nodding range and nodding angular velocity dynamically, during operation of the robot, either in response to a command from a remote user, robot autonomy system, or according to written instructions included in the controller. An encoder disk can interconnect the nodding mechanism to the controller. With this configuration, the encoder disk can receive sensor data from the single-scan sensor, for further transmission to said controller. A transceiver can route sensor data to the remote user, and can also receive commands from the remote user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring an object's center of gravity. The system includes a bed for supporting the object in an immovable position. The bed is tiltably attached to a frame that is supported near at least a first and a second edge by at least one force measuring device per edge. The bed is tiltable about one of the edges. A processor is connected to each force measuring devices and is configured to process force measurement data collected therefrom. The processor is configured to calculate the object's center of gravity along a z-axis based on a ratio of a cosine of the bed's angle of tilt multiplied by the center of gravity of the object along a y-axis in a flat configuration minus the center of gravity of the object along the y-axis in a tilted configuration to the sine of the angle of tilt.

Abstract: A system includes a substrate having a first side and a second side, more than one optical sources, wherein at least one optical source is coupled to the first side and at least one optical source is coupled to the second side, a power source operatively connected to the optical sources, a switch connected to the power source, and an RF receiver connected to the switch. The optical sources may be LEDs and may operate within the visible or infrared spectrum. The system may include an enclosure that is configured to be attached to antenna masts of a radio relay device. The enclosure may have windows to allow light from the optical sources to pass unobstructed through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the system is contained within the radio relay device. The system may be remotely controlled to illuminate a distant object or structure.