Abstract: A method of controlling the robotic floor cleaning machine is disclosed that includes sensing, by a sensor on the robotic cleaning machine, an object within a sensed field. The method further includes determining, by a safety controller on the robotic cleaning machine, whether the object is an immovable object (such as a wall), and deploying an extendable cleaning element to clean the floor surface up next to the wall. The method can further include deploying the extendable cleaning element such that the extendable cleaning element is in contact with and cleans the floor up to an edge of the immovable object. Additionally, the method can include determining that the object is a movable object (such as a living thing) and preventing the extendable cleaning element from extending such that the robotic cleaning machines does not contact the movable object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-checkout using an RFID tag. The methods include: detecting motion of the RFID tag using a motion sensor local to the RFID tag; enabling at least one communication operation of the RFID tag in response to the detection of the RFID tag's motion; performing operations by the RFID tag to communicate first information to an enterprise system; using the first information by the enterprise system to associate the RFID tag with an individual of a plurality of individuals present in a given facility; and dynamically changing displayed content of a display device to include information about an object to which the RFID tag is coupled, the display device being in proximity to the individual, in the possession of the individual or being worn by the individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods for machine learning inventory management. The methods comprise: capturing images by a plurality of image capture devices of different types (e.g., visual camera, 3D camera and/or thermal camera); reading item identification codes for items represented in the images; and using at least a first portion of the images and known physical appearances of a plurality of items by a machine learning algorithm to learn relationships between the items represented in the images and the item identification codes. At least a second portion of the images are used to learn various types of information that is useful for inventory management (e.g., changes in inventory amounts for display equipment, changes in equipment cleanliness, changes in inventory packaging, item misplacements, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-checkout using an RFID tag. The methods comprise: detecting motion of the RFID tag using a motion sensor local to the RFID tag; enabling at least one communication operation of the RFID tag in response to the detection of the RFID tag's motion; performing operations by the RFID tag to communicate first information to an enterprise system; using the first information by the enterprise system to associate the RFID tag with an individual of a plurality of individuals present in a given facility; and dynamically changing displayed content of a display device to include information about an object to which the RFID tag is coupled, the display device being in proximity to the individual, in the possession of the individual or being worn by the individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods for machine learning inventory management. The methods comprise: capturing images by a plurality of image capture devices of different types (e.g., visual camera, 3D camera and/or thermal camera); reading item identification codes for items represented in the images; and using at least a first portion of the images and known physical appearances of a plurality of items by a machine learning algorithm to learn relationships between the items represented in the images and the item identification codes. At least a second portion of the images are used to learn various types of information that is useful for inventory management (e.g., changes in inventory amounts for display equipment, changes in equipment cleanliness, changes in inventory packaging, item misplacements, etc.).

Abstract: An air heater for heating air entering a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The air heater includes a heating element having a substantially planar portion and a flange portion. The flange portion is positioned at an angle to the planar portion. The planar portion is positioned within an air flow at an upstream location relative to the flange portion. A structure is operable to position the heating element in communication with the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. In addition, a thermal expansion joint for interconnecting a heating element and a frame is disclosed.