Abstract: A localization system comprises: a device; a master unit which wirelessly transmits a first localization signal; a plurality of lateration units distributed about the area within which the device is being localized, wherein each lateration unit of the plurality independently starts its own timer upon its receipt of the first localization signal; and a localization unit. The device receives the first localization signal and responsively wirelessly transmits a second localization signal. Each of the lateration units: independently receives the second localization signal; stops its respective timer responsive to receipt of the second localization signal; and wirelessly transmits a timer count signal to a localization unit. The timer count signal identifies the transmitting lateration unit and a count of its respective timer.

Abstract: A piled granular material management robot comprises an auger-based drive system, a memory, and a processor. The auger-based drive system is configured to move the piled granular material management robot about atop a surface of a piled granular material in a bulk store. The processor is coupled with the memory and the auger-based drive system and is configured to direct a traversal, by the piled granular material management robot, about a portion of the surface abutting an edge of a base of a sheer face of the piled granular material which projects vertically upward from the surface, such that the traversal of the portion erodes a segment of the base, by agitation with an auger of the auger-based drive system during the traversal of the portion, and incites a gravity induced collapse of a section of the sheer face.

Abstract: A localization system comprises: a device; a master unit which wirelessly transmits a first localization signal; a plurality of lateration units distributed about the area within which the device is being localized, wherein each lateration unit of the plurality independently starts its own timer upon its receipt of the first localization signal; and a localization unit. The device receives the first localization signal and responsively wirelessly transmits a second localization signal. Each of the lateration units: independently receives the second localization signal; stops its respective timer responsive to receipt of the second localization signal; and wirelessly transmits a timer count signal to a localization unit. The timer count signal identifies the transmitting lateration unit and a count of its respective timer.

Abstract: A robot comprises a body, a drive system coupled with the body, and a memory. A processor coupled with the memory is configured to control movement of the robot, via the drive system, to traverse about a surface of a piled granular material in a first direction and in relative to the body and in a second direction relative to the body. The second direction is substantially opposite the first direction. An articulable flap is rotatably coupled with the body by a hinge which comprises lower stop. The articulable flap is configured to rotatably articulate away from the lower stop to a non-pushing orientation in response to a first interaction with piled granular material traversed during the first direction of travel, and rotatably articulate to a pushing orientation engaged with the lower stop in response to a second interaction with the piled granular material during the second direction of travel.

Abstract: A localization system comprises: a device; a master unit which wirelessly transmits a first localization signal; a plurality of lateration units distributed about the area within which the device is being localized, wherein each lateration unit of the plurality independently starts its own timer upon its receipt of the first localization signal; and a localization unit. The device receives the first localization signal and responsively wirelessly transmits a second localization signal. Each of the lateration units: independently receives the second localization signal; stops its respective timer responsive to receipt of the second localization signal; and wirelessly transmits a timer count signal to a localization unit. The timer count signal identifies the transmitting lateration unit and a count of its respective timer.

Abstract: A robot comprises a memory, a processor, a body and a drive system which are coupled. The drive system comprises one of auger-based surface interface portions and continuous tread surface interface portions. The auger-based surface interface portions and the continuous tread surface interface portions are interchangeable to adapt the robot to one of different operating conditions and different uses. The processor is configured to: control movement of the robot, via the drive system, to traverse across a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises piled granular material, in response to the drive system being configured with the auger-based surface interface portions; and control movement of the robot via the drive system to traverse across a second surface, which is a solid or semi-solid surface other than the piled granular material, in response to the drive system being configured with the continuous tread surface interface portions.