Abstract: Method includes executing a dynamic decision-making process that includes (a) receiving environmental data and (b) determining a fused ensemble based on the environmental data and a state parameters of a current state of a machine assembly. The fused ensemble includes communications from a system interface to the operator for the state parameters. The communications inform an operator about the state parameters and includes at least one of a visual signal, an audible signal, or a tactile signal from the system interface. The decision-making process also includes (c) communicating the fused ensemble to the operator through the system interface and (d) repeating (a)-(c) while the machine assembly is in the current state. The fused ensemble is configured to change based on changes in the environmental data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an automation system. The systems and methods calculate a motion trajectory of a manipulator and an end-effector. The end-effector is configured to grasp a target object. The motion trajectory defines successive positions of the manipulator and the end-effector along a plurality of via-points toward the target object. The systems and methods further acquire force/torque (F/T) data from an F/T sensor associated with the end-effector, and adjusts the motion trajectory based on the F/T data.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a machine assembly, a first imaging sensor, an encoder, and one or more processors. The machine assembly is movable to actuate a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system. The first imaging sensor is positioned to acquire two-dimensional perception information of a working environment that includes the brake lever during movement of the machine assembly towards the brake lever. The encoder detects a displacement of the machine assembly relative to a reference position of the machine assembly. The one or more processors estimate a target position of the brake lever relative to the machine assembly during movement of the machine assembly based on the two-dimensional perception information and the displacement. The one or more processors drive the movement of the machine assembly towards the target position of the brake lever.

Abstract: Method includes executing a dynamic decision-making process that includes (a) receiving environmental data and (b) determining a fused ensemble based on the environmental data and a state parameters of a current state of a machine assembly. The fused ensemble includes communications from a system interface to the operator for the state parameters. The communications inform an operator about the state parameters and includes at least one of a visual signal, an audible signal, or a tactile signal from the system interface. The decision-making process also includes (c) communicating the fused ensemble to the operator through the system interface and (d) repeating (a)-(c) while the machine assembly is in the current state. The fused ensemble is configured to change based on changes in the environmental data.

Abstract: A robotic system validates brake bleeding by detecting one or more forces generated by a machine assembly acting to move a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system of the vehicle. The system also detects displacement of the machine assembly as the machine assembly acts to move the brake lever, monitors one or more sounds generated one or more of during or after the machine assembly acts to move the brake lever, and determines that the brake lever has been moved to a position to open the valve of the air brake system to release the air brake system based on the one or more forces that are detected, the displacement that is detected, and/or the one or more sounds that are monitored.

Abstract: A system includes a machine assembly, an imaging sensor, an encoder, and one or more processors. The machine assembly is movable to actuate a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system of the vehicle. The imaging sensor acquires perception information of a working environment that includes the brake lever. The encoder detects a displaced position of the machine assembly relative to a reference position of the machine assembly. The one or more processors detect a position of the brake lever relative to the machine assembly based on the acquired perception information and the detected displacement of the arm. The one or more processors generate a motion trajectory for the machine assembly that provides a path to the brake lever. The one or more processors drive movement of the machine assembly along the motion trajectory towards the brake lever.

Abstract: A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.

Abstract: A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.

Abstract: A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a sensor assembly may measure in a mechanical device and communicate an indication of the measured to a remote device via a wireless link.

Abstract: A method and system for discrete location triggering for enhanced asset management and tracking. The system includes an electronic discrete location tracking device affixed to the discrete location and configured to transmit a signal from the discrete location. The system also includes an electronic location trigger processing module to receive and process the signal transmitted by the discrete location tracking device into a location communication signal, wherein the electronic location trigger processing module is affixed to an asset whose discrete location and information are to be managed. The system also includes a remote client computer system operatively connected to the electronic location trigger processing module for exchanging information over a computer network.

Abstract: A tool usage monitoring system and method is provided. The system comprises a sensing element for detecting when a tool is in use and producing a signal representative of tool usage. A processor-based device that is communicatively coupled to the sensing element is also provided. The processor-based device is programmed to maintain a running total of tool usage based on the signal representative of tool usage. The processor-based device also is operable to store a defined tool usage total corresponding to the tool. The system further comprises a user interface coupled to the processor-based device. The processor-based device is programmed to send a signal to the user interface when the running total of tool usage either equals or exceeds the defined tool usage total. The system is also capable of monitoring usage of a plurality of tools.