Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a light component in support of a light source operable to direct a beam of light onto an imaging device having an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS or Live MOS) sensor. The sensor can also comprise an imaging device positioned proximate to the light component and operable to receive the beam of light, and to convert this into an electric signal, wherein the light component and the imaging device are movable relative to one another, and wherein relative movement of the light component and the imaging device is determinable in multiple degrees of freedom. The sensor can also comprise a light deflecting module designed to deflect light from a light component onto the imaging device. The light sources and the resulting beams of light therefrom can comprise a number of different types, orientations, configurations to facilitate different measurable and determinable degrees of freedom by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for neutralization of a target aerial vehicle comprises one or more counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure tethering the counter-attack UAV(s) to a structure or ground. The counter-attack UAV(s) are operable to capture and neutralize the target aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle capture countermeasure (e.g., a net). The system can comprise an on-board aerial vehicle detection system, and/or an external aerial vehicle detection system each having at least one sensor configured to detect the target aerial vehicle while in flight. The counter-attack UAV(s) and the associated detection systems may be autonomously operated for detecting and neutralizing a target aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle capture countermeasure can be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in response to coordinated flight of the counter-attack UAV(s). Associated methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: A system for detecting and neutralizing a target aerial vehicle comprises a counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a flight body and a flight control system supported about the flight body operable to facilitate flight of the UAV, and an aerial vehicle countermeasure supported by the flight body. The system can comprise an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect a target aerial vehicle while in-flight, and operable to provide command data to the counter-attack UAV to facilitate interception of the target aerial vehicle by the counter-attack UAV. Upon interception of the target aerial vehicle, the counter-attack UAV is operable to disrupt operation of the detected target aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle capture countermeasure, thereby neutralizing the target aerial vehicle. The counter-attack UAV and systems may be autonomously operated. Associated systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A system for aerial neutralization of a detected target aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure coupling together the plurality of counter-attack UAVs, to intercept and capture a detected target aerial vehicle in a coordinated manner. The system comprises an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect the target aerial vehicle, and operable to provide command data to at least one counter-attack UAV for tracking and neutralizing the target aerial vehicle. The counter-attack UAVs and a net can be deployed from a movable base station, and the net can be carried in a low-drag configuration until the counter-attack UAVs operate to deploy or open the net. The counter-attack UAVs and systems may be autonomously operated. Associated systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), for aerial neutralization of a detected target aerial vehicle, comprises a flight body and a flight control system to intercept the detected target aerial vehicle, and comprises an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure (e.g., a net) operable to capture the detected target aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle capture countermeasure can comprise a net deployable from the counter-attack UAV, and a captured target aerial vehicle can be delivered to a particular location. A system for aerial neutralization of a detected target aerial vehicle comprises an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect the target aerial vehicle, and operable to provide command data (including location data) to at least one counter-attack UAV for neutralization of the target aerial vehicle. The counter-attack UAV and systems may be autonomously operated. Associated systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing target aerial vehicles comprises a projectile launching mechanism that launches a projectile that supports a counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having an aerial vehicle countermeasure. The counter-attack UAV can be folded in the projectile, and operable to unfold when separated from the projectile. The system comprises an aerial vehicle detection system comprising a detection sensor that detects a target aerial vehicle. Upon detection, the projectile launching mechanisms launches the projectile, and the counter-attack UAV is thereafter separated from the projectile to operate in flight to neutralize the detected target aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle countermeasure. The projectile launching mechanism can comprise a movable platform comprising a plurality of projectiles and counter-attack UAVs, and can comprise a detection sensor to detect target aerial vehicles.

Abstract: A camera coupled to a processor is disclosed. The camera is configured to capture images of the subject. The processor is configured to amplify microscopic temporal variations between the images of the subject and generate a profile of at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the subject. The processor is further configured to compare the profile of the subject to a pre-existing first aggregate profile of a plurality of third-party subjects, said aggregate profile corresponding to the at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the third-party subjects, the aggregate third-party profile corresponding to a known state of the third-party subjects.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

Abstract: A rapidly modulated hydraulic supply is disclosed. The rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can include a chamber for receiving fluid. The rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can also include a displacement member operable to displace the fluid from the chamber. In addition, the rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can include a flow modulation system operable to vary the flow rate of the fluid output from the chamber. A first flow rate corresponds to a first output pressure, and is different from a second flow rate corresponding to a second output pressure for a like movement of the displacement member.

Abstract: A legged robotic device is disclosed. The legged robotic device can include a plurality of support members coupled together for relative movement defining a plurality of degrees of freedom, which can correspond to degrees of freedom of a human leg. The legged robotic device can also include actuators to apply forces or torques to the support members in the degrees of freedom. In addition, the legged robotic device can include potential energy storage mechanisms associated with the degrees of freedom operable to store potential energy as a result of relative movement of the support members in the degrees of freedom and to provide at least a portion of the stored potential energy to the support members as compensating forces or torques to assist the actuators. In one aspect, elastic potential energy can be stored. A spring rate and/or a zero position of the potential energy storage mechanisms can be dynamically variable.

Abstract: An exoskeleton is disclosed. The exoskeleton can include support members rotatably coupled together about a joint. The joint can define a degree of freedom, which can correspond to a degree of freedom of a human extremity, such as hip medial/lateral rotation, ankle medial/lateral rotation, shoulder medial/lateral rotation, or wrist pronation/supination rotation. One or more parasagittal planes through the human extremity can intersect the joint to minimize a gravity-induced moment on the first joint during operation of the exoskeleton.

Abstract: A camera coupled to a processor is disclosed. The camera is configured to capture images of the subject. The processor is configured to amplify microscopic temporal variations between the images of the subject and generate a profile of at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the subject. The processor is further configured to compare the profile of the subject to a pre-existing first aggregate profile of a plurality of third-party subjects, said aggregate profile corresponding to the at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the third-party subjects, the aggregate third-party profile corresponding to a known state of the third-party subjects.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

Abstract: A legged robotic device is disclosed. The legged robotic device can include a plurality of support members coupled together for relative movement defining a plurality of degrees of freedom, which can correspond to degrees of freedom of a human leg. The legged robotic device can also include actuators to apply forces or torques to the support members in the degrees of freedom. In addition, the legged robotic device can include potential energy storage mechanisms associated with the degrees of freedom operable to store potential energy as a result of relative movement of the support members in the degrees of freedom and to provide at least a portion of the stored potential energy to the support members as compensating forces or torques to assist the actuators. In one aspect, elastic potential energy can be stored. A spring rate and/or a zero position of the potential energy storage mechanisms can be dynamically variable.

Abstract: A system and method comprises marking or identifying an object to be perceptible to robot, while being invisible or substantially invisible to humans. Such marking can facilitate interaction and navigation by the robot, and can create a machine or robot navigable environment for the robot. The machine readable indicia can comprise symbols that can be perceived and interpreted by the robot. The robot can utilize a camera with an image sensor to see the indicia. In addition, the indicia can be invisible or substantially invisible to the unaided human eye so that such indicia does not create an unpleasant environment for humans, and remains aesthetically pleasing to humans. For example, the indicia can reflect UV light, while the image sensor of the robot can be capable of detecting such UV light. Thus, the indicia can be perceived by the robot, while not interfering with the aesthetics of the environment.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a light component in support of a light source operable to direct a beam of light onto an imaging device having an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS or Live MOS) sensor. The sensor can also comprise an imaging device positioned proximate to the light component and operable to receive the beam of light, and to convert this into an electric signal, wherein the light component and the imaging device are movable relative to one another, and wherein relative movement of the light component and the imaging device is determinable in multiple degrees of freedom. The sensor can also comprise a light deflecting module designed to deflect light from a light component onto the imaging device. The light sources and the resulting beams of light therefrom can comprise a number of different types, orientations, configurations to facilitate different measurable and determinable degrees of freedom by the sensor.

Abstract: A stiffening element to provide variable resistance to movement between a pair of members at a joint, The stiffening element comprises a filler with particles flowable in a bladder. A pressure source is coupled to the bladder to vary a pressure within the bladder and collapse the bladder. Collapsing the bladder varies a flow characteristic of the filler within the bladder, Varying the flow characteristics of the filler varies resistance of the bladder to movement of the bladder, and thus a pair of movable members and the joint.

Abstract: A master robotic system for translating a force at a slave robotic system to the master robotic system comprises a plurality of master brake joints rotatably coupling a plurality of robotic links. Each master brake joint corresponds to a respective slave joint of a slave robotic system. Each master brake joint comprises a first braking component (e.g., sheet disk(s)) coupled to a first robotic link and a second braking component (e.g., sheet disk(s)) coupled to a second robotic link, and an actuator operable to act upon the first braking component and the second braking component, to generate a braking force between the first braking component and the second braking component, in response to a control signal corresponding to a sensed force sensed by the slave robotic system. The actuator can comprise a bi-directional actuator, or a cam, piezoelectric, dielectric, or hydraulic actuator, each having minimal power requirements to maximize the braking force of the master brake joint.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.