Abstract: A method for generating a navigation map of an environment in which a plurality of robots will navigate, includes obtaining an image of the environment defined by a plurality of pixels, each having a cost value. The environment includes an image of a fixed object having a set of pixels corresponding to its location and having a first defined cost value. The method includes obtaining a planned path image for the robots, which include a first set of pixels corresponding to the location of each robot in the environment and a second set of pixels adjacent to the first set of pixels and extending along a planned path of travel toward a destination. The first set of pixels of each robot having the first defined cost value and the second set of pixels having a second defined cost value. The second defined cost value is less than the first defined cost value.

Abstract: A method for queuing robots destined for a target location in an environment, includes determining if a first robot occupies the target location and if it is determined that the first robot occupies the target location, determining if a second robot destined for the target location has entered a predefined target zone proximate the target location. If the second robot has entered the predefined target zone, the method further includes navigating the second robot to a first queue location and causing the second robot to wait at the first queue location until the first robot no longer occupies the target location. The method also includes navigating the second robot to the target location after the first robot leaves the target location.

Abstract: A method for queuing robots destined for a target location in an environment, includes determining if a first robot occupies the target location and if it is determined that the first robot occupies the target location, determining if a second robot destined for the target location has entered a predefined target zone proximate the target location. If the second robot has entered the predefined target zone, the method further includes navigating the second robot to a first queue location and causing the second robot to wait at the first queue location until the first robot no longer occupies the target location. The method also includes navigating the second robot to the target location after the first robot leaves the target location.

Abstract: A method for performing tasks on items located in a space using a robot, the items being located proximate fiducial markers, each fiducial marker having a fiducial identification. The method includes receiving an order to perform a task on at least one item and determining the fiducial identification associated with the at least one item. The method also includes obtaining, using the fiducial identification of the at least one item, a set of coordinates representing a position of the fiducial marker with the determined fiducial identification, in a coordinate system defined by the space. The method further includes navigating the robot to the coordinates of the fiducial marker associated with said determined fiducial identification.

Abstract: A method for performing tasks on items located in a space using a robot, the items being located proximate fiducial markers, each fiducial marker having a fiducial identification. The method includes receiving an order to perform a task on at least one item and determining the fiducial identification associated with the at least one item. The method also includes obtaining, using the fiducial identification of the at least one item, a set of coordinates representing a position of the fiducial marker with the determined fiducial identification, in a coordinate system defined by the space. The method further includes navigating the robot to the coordinates of the fiducial marker associated with said determined fiducial identification.

Abstract: A system for identifying and tracking performance of operators in a warehouse. The system comprises at least one robot configured to interact with the operators in the warehouse. The at least one robot includes a first transceiver, a proximity detector, and a memory. The first transceiver defines a zone surrounding the robot and the proximity detector is coupled to the first transceiver. The proximity detector is configured to detect entry, into the zone, of an operator and to detect exit of the operator from the zone. The memory contains information identifying said operators who have entered and exited the zone.

Abstract: A method for performing tasks on items located in a space using a robot, the items being located proximate fiducial markers, each fiducial marker having a fiducial identification. The method includes receiving an order to perform a task on at least one item and determining the fiducial identification associated with the at least one item. The method also includes obtaining, using the fiducial identification of the at least one item, a set of coordinates representing a position of the fiducial marker with the determined fiducial identification, in a coordinate system defined by the space. The method further includes navigating the robot to the coordinates of the fiducial marker associated with said determined fiducial identification.

Abstract: A robot system includes at least one robot configured to interact with a plurality of operators in a warehouse. The robot has a proximity detector configured to detect the presence of an operator of the plurality of operators when they are within a predetermined distance of the at least one robot. There is a processor configured to retrieve from a memory a set of operator interaction preferences for the operator detected. And, there is a display device configured to allow the at least one robot to interact with the detected operator based on the set of operator interaction preferences of the detected operator.

Abstract: The invention features alginate and alginate lyase compositions and methods that are useful for the treatment of various conditions and diseases. The invention also provides kits and instructions for use.

Abstract: The invention features catheters, hydrogel compositions, and methods that useful for the treatment of various conditions and diseases. The invention also provides kits and instructions for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in general, compositions comprising a hydrogel and an agent, for example a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent, for locoregional delivery. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel compositions are detectable by Magnetic Responance and CT Scan and are used for locoregional delivery of therapeutic agents, for example chemotherapeutic agents. The invention also features polymer matrix compositions comprising nanoparticles that can be loaded after polymerization with bioactive agents, for example a diagnostic agent or therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for the in vivo imaging of cells using one or more imaging modalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microcapsule for implantation into a mammalian body, comprising: a) at least one cell and/or bioactive agent; and b) a biocompatible semi-permeable membrane encapsulating the at least one cell, wherein the biocompatible semi-permeable membrane comprises: at least one polycationic polymer region, at least one alginate polymer region, and a paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal that does not participate in the crosslinking of the alginate polymer. The present invention further provides methods of making the microcapsules of this invention and use of the microcapsules of this invention in methods of delivering cells and/or therapeutic agents to a subject and in methods of embolization.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the identification of differential protein expression patterns and concomitantly the active genetic regions that are directly or indirectly involved in different tissue types, disease states, or other cellular differences desirable for diagnosis or for targets for drug therapy.