Abstract: One variation of a method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece in an inductor volume; accessing an image of the inductor volume; based on a set of features detected in the image, detecting a first reflective elliptical object embedded in a surface of the recycled wood workpiece and deriving a first location of the first reflective elliptical object. This variation of the method further includes: identifying the first reflective elliptical object as a first metal fastener occupying the first location; triggering the stage to drive an inductor, arranged within the inductor volume, within a target coupling distance of the first location of the first metal fastener; and triggering a driver to supply a target alternating current to the inductor to heat the first metal fastener via induction heating and to reduce retention of the first metal fastener by the recycled wood workpiece.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: Methods, computing devices, and computer-program products are provided for implementing a virtual personal assistant. In various implementations, a virtual personal assistant can be configured to receive sensory input, including at least two different types of information. The virtual personal assistant can further be configured to determine semantic information from the sensory input, and to identify a context-specific framework. The virtual personal assistant can further be configured to determine a current intent. Determining the current intent can include using the semantic information and the context-specific framework. The virtual personal assistant can further be configured to determine a current input state. Determining the current input state can include using the semantic information and one or more behavioral models. The behavioral models can include one or more interpretations of previously-provided semantic information.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels, an assembly rail system mounted to the cart, and a screw assembly mounted to the assembly rail system. The screw assembly can include a screw feeding device, a screw guide tube, and a screwing device such as a drill that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw received from the screw guide tube. The screw feeding device can include a screw rack that holds screws, and a magnetic grip that moves a screw from the screw rack to a screw feeding tube that is connected to the screw guide tube. The screw guide tube can include bristles for centering a screw received from the screw feeding tube. The apparatus can include a computer control system that operates the screwing device and the screw feeding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an efficient platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels and a screw assembly mounted to the cart. The screw assembly can include a screwing device that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feeding tube connected to the screw guide tube. In another embodiment, an assembly is provided. The assembly may include a bracket for coupling to a moveable platform, a screwing device coupled to the bracket and that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feed tube connected to the screw guide tube.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece in an inductor volume; accessing an image of the inductor volume; based on a set of features detected in the image, detecting a first reflective elliptical object embedded in a surface of the recycled wood workpiece and deriving a first location of the first reflective elliptical object. This variation of the method further includes: identifying the first reflective elliptical object as a first metal fastener occupying the first location; triggering the stage to drive an inductor, arranged within the inductor volume, within a target coupling distance of the first location of the first metal fastener; and triggering a driver to supply a target alternating current to the inductor to heat the first metal fastener via induction heating and to reduce retention of the first metal fastener by the recycled wood workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an efficient platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels and a screw assembly mounted to the cart. The screw assembly can include a screwing device that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feeding tube connected to the screw guide tube. In another embodiment, an assembly is provided. The assembly may include a bracket for coupling to a moveable platform, a screwing device coupled to the bracket and that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feed tube connected to the screw guide tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an efficient platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels and a screw assembly mounted to the cart. The screw assembly can include a screwing device that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feeding tube connected to the screw guide tube. In another embodiment, an assembly is provided. The assembly may include a bracket for coupling to a moveable platform, a screwing device coupled to the bracket and that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw, a screw guide tube and a screw feed tube connected to the screw guide tube.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels, an assembly rail system mounted to the cart, and a screw assembly mounted to the assembly rail system. The screw assembly can include a screw feeding device, a screw guide tube, and a screwing device such as a drill that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw received from the screw guide tube. The screw feeding device can include a screw rack that holds screws, and a magnetic grip that moves a screw from the screw rack to a screw feeding tube that is connected to the screw guide tube. The screw guide tube can include bristles for centering a screw received from the screw feeding tube. The apparatus can include a computer control system that operates the screwing device and the screw feeding device.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels, an assembly rail system mounted to the cart, and a screw assembly mounted to the assembly rail system. The screw assembly can include a screw feeding device, a screw guide tube, and a screwing device such as a drill that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw received from the screw guide tube. The screw feeding device can include a screw rack that holds screws, and a magnetic grip that moves a screw from the screw rack to a screw feeding tube that is connected to the screw guide tube. The screw guide tube can include bristles for centering a screw received from the screw feeding tube. The apparatus can include a computer control system that operates the screwing device and the screw feeding device.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing natural killer (NK) cells and/or ILC3 cells using a three-stage expansion and differentiation method with media comprising stem cell mobilizing factors. Also provided herein are methods of suppressing tumor cell proliferation using the NK cells and/or ILC3 cells and the NK cell and/or ILC3 cell populations produced by the three-stage methods described herein, as well as methods of treating individuals having cancer or a viral infection, comprising administering the NK cells and/or ILC3 cells and the NK cell and/or ILC3 cell populations produced by the three-stage methods described herein to an individual having the cancer or viral infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing natural killer cells using a two-step expansion and differentiation method. Also provided herein are methods of suppressing tumor cell proliferation, of treating individuals having cancer or a viral infection, comprising administering the NK cells produced by the method to an individual having the cancer or viral infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions of placenta-derived adherent cell exosomes and methods of making and using the same. In one aspect, provided herein are compositions comprising exosomes produced by and/or derived from placental cells, e.g., placenta-derived adherent cells. In certain embodiments, the exosomes provided herein are produced by placenta-derived adherent cells that have been cultured in vitro for, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more passages.