Abstract: A skid-steer delivery autonomous ground vehicle has a drive train and suspension that aids in maneuverability. The AGV has six wheels, each of which is powered by its own motor. The AGV has features that diminish the dragging effect on the wheels, either by choice of wheel features or by taking weight off the front wheels during turning.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pick or stow system that uses a mechanical system to stow an item into a container, retrieve an item from the container, or both. In one embodiment, the mechanical system includes a gantry or a robotic arm that permits various sensors, tools, or end effectors to interact with a plurality of containers. For example, the plurality of containers may be supported by a rack where each container may have any number of types of items. The gantry or robotic arm can move the sensors, tools, or end effectors to a particular container to either stow an item into the container or pick an item from the container.

Abstract: An example apparatus of the present disclosure may include an end effector. The end effector may include a pair of actuator-driven fingers that each include a compliant tip. The compliant tips may be used to scoop underneath items as part of item manipulation.

Abstract: A chassis and skin of a delivery Autonomous Ground Vehicle include discrete upper and lower thermal management systems. The lower thermal management system is indirect, as is moves air through a closed duct that is in contact with high-heat dissipating components via heat sinks. The upper thermal management system is direct, as it moves air into the interior cavity of the AGV to cool sensors and other electronic equipment.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: A skid-steer delivery autonomous ground vehicle has a drive train and suspension that aids in maneuverability. The AGV has six wheels, each of which is powered by its own motor. The AGV has features that diminish the dragging effect on the wheels, either by choice of wheel features or by taking weight off the front wheels during turning.

Abstract: A delivery AGV has a hybrid braking system. An emergency electrical brake shorts between motor contacts to stop the AGV quickly, but it doesn't work well to keep the AGV stopped, such as when on a hill. A mechanical parking brake is electrically actuated to lock the wheels. Both systems can be used at once for stopping the AGV.

Abstract: A chassis and skin of a delivery Autonomous Ground Vehicle include an aluminum structure and polymer panels affixed to the AGV by fasteners. The panels are mutually overlapping. A method of assembly includes hooks and clips to put and hold the panels in place during assembly.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate. A method includes contacting a portion of a finger body against a datum.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes a four bar linkage and one or a pair of carriages the move longitudinally on rails. The linkage includes a means for maintaining the paddles in a mutually parallel orientation, which can be a link or a timing belt.

Abstract: Apparatuses including compliant tips and methods of manipulating items using the compliant tips are described herein. An example apparatus may include a robotic manipulator and a pair of end effectors. One end effector may include a pair of actuator-driven fingers that each include a compliant tip. The compliant tips may be used to scoop underneath items as part of item manipulation.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for optimizing gross cubic utilization of inventory space by compressing items into closer proximity. In some embodiments, the inventory system selects an initial force limit to which an item to be stored may be subjected. The inventory system may cause a robotic arm to grasp the item and to push that item into a determined storage location. The inventory system then pushes the item into the storage location while applying a force up to the initial force limit to the item. While monitoring the position of the item, the inventory system may detect that the changes in position of the item are decreasing or stopping and determine that the item is approaching its force limit. The inventory system then updates database records with the force limit associated with the item.

Abstract: An example system includes a moveable arm, a pick tool connected to the arm, and a controller. The pick tool includes a first finger, a second finger disposed opposite the first finger, a first handler disposed at a first end of the first finger, and a second handler disposed at a first end of the second finger. Rotation of the first and second handlers while first and second forces are applied to an item by the first and second handlers, respectively, causes movement of the item.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is configured to retrieve items and particularly items that are stored in high-density storage solutions. The system can include one or two-piece manipulators with retractable grippers. The manipulators can be relatively low profile and/or low friction to facilitate their placement between a target item and adjacent items on densely packed shelves or trays. In a retracted position, the grippers can be stowed beneath the surface of the manipulators to further facilitate the placement of the manipulators. In a deployed position, the grippers can extend above the surface of the manipulators to increase the contact area, coefficient of friction, and/or surface pressure of the manipulators on the target item. The grippers can enable the manipulators to be thinner than would otherwise be possible to enable retrieval of items from tightly packed storage solutions—e.g., warehouses with higher gross cubic utilization (GCU).