Abstract: A method for controlling a tele-operated robot agile lift system is disclosed. The method comprises manipulating a human-machine interface of a master robot located on a mobile platform. The human machine interface is kinematically equivalent to a user's arm with a plurality of support members. A position value and a torque value is measured for each support member. The position value and torque value are communicated to support members of a kinematically equivalent slave arm to position the support members to correspond with a position of the human-machine interface.

Abstract: A robotic crawler having a non-dedicated smart control system is disclosed. Such a crawler can include a first drive subsystem, a second drive subsystem, a multi-degree of freedom linkage subsystem coupling the first and second drive subsystems, and a non-dedicated, smart control device removably supported about one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem. The smart control device is configured to initiate and control operational functionality within the robotic crawler upon being connected to the robotic crawler. The crawler can also include a communication subsystem functionally coupled between the smart control device and the serpentine robotic crawler, the communication subsystem facilitating control by the smart control device of at least one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem.

Abstract: A probe for underground sensing of materials of interest, for example chemicals such as explosives, includes a probe body that is capable of being inserted into the ground, and one or more sensors that are able to sense one or more materials in the vicinity of at least a portion of the probe body. The sensor(s) may include a light source that directs light to the vicinity of the portion of the probe body, and a light detector, such as a photosensor or spectrometer, that detects reflected light from the material around the probe body. The reflected light may be analyzed to determine the presence of one or more materials of interest, such as chemicals used in explosive devices. The probe may be part of a vehicle used to detect and neutralize buried explosive devices, with the probe for example being on an articulable arm of the vehicle.

Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler having multiple dexterous manipulators supported about multiple frame units. The frame units are connected via an articulating linkage at proximal ends wherein the articulating linkage is capable of positioning the frames into various configurations. Dexterous manipulators are coupled to distal ends of the frame units and are positionable via the articulating linkage and articulating joints therein into various positions about the frame ends. The configurations and positioning of the dexterous manipulators allows the robotic crawler to perform coordinated dexterous operations.

Abstract: A method for compensating for a perturbation external to a platform having a plurality of mechanical arms in accordance with an embodiment of the technology includes detecting a normal positional and/or orientational measurement of the platform using a sensor. A perturbed positional and/or orientational measurement of the platform can also be detected using the sensor. The normal positional and/or orientational measurement and the perturbed positional and/or orientational measurement can be compared to determine a positional and/or orientational difference. A position and/or orientation of a mechanical arm can be adjusted to compensate for the perturbation based on the positional and/or orientational difference.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tele-operated robot agile lift system is disclosed. The method comprises manipulating a human-machine interface of a master robot located on a mobile platform. The human machine interface is kinematically equivalent to a user's arm with a plurality of support members. A position value and a torque value is measured for each support member. The position value and torque value are communicated to support members of a kinematically equivalent slave arm to position the support members to correspond with a position of the human-machine interface.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that 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 positioned proximate the light component and operable to 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 configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light and the second beam of light on the imaging device. In addition, the sensor can include a position module configured to determine a relative position of the imaging device and the light component based on the locations of the first beam of light and the second beam of light on the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering information from and setting up a surveillance network within an earth-surface environment that includes inserting one or more mobile robotic devices having a sensing subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a navigation subsystem into an earth-surface environment. The mobile robotic device may be configured into a traveling pose selected from a plurality of available traveling poses, and directed using the navigation subsystem to a sensing location within the earth-surface environment. The environment may be monitored and sensed information collected may be stored or communicated to a remote location. The mobile robotic device may be configured to operate with a vehicle carrier to facilitate insertion and deployment of the robotic vehicle into the earth-surface environment.

Abstract: A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus is described herein. An imaging device is disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The imaging device has an effective focal plane that is located in front of the imaging device. The catheter also includes a transparent focal instrument that has an outer periphery that is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, to enable objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus.

Abstract: A device and method for adjusting the magnetic strength of a magnetic end effector for lift systems is described. The magnetic end effector is capable of lifting discriminate payloads by selectively varying the strength of the magnetic forces output by the magnetic end effector. An actuator can be operatively coupled to the variable strength magnet end effector, wherein the actuator is selectively actuatable to control the adjustment of the variable strength magnet. The actuator may also be configured to maintain the variable strength magnet at a desired magnetic force output strength once achieved for any given amount of time.

Abstract: A linear/rotary motion transforming device is disclosed. The device includes a first member, a second member, and a third member disposed along an axis such that the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member. The second member is linearly movable along the axis and rotatable about the axis. The third member is rotatable about the axis. Connecting elements pivotally couple the first member and the second member, and the second member and the third member, offset from the axis. The first member and the second member are linearly and rotatably movable relative to one another, and the second member and the third member are linearly and rotatably movable relative to one another. A load input mechanism is operably coupled to the second member or the third member. Load output is transferred via the other of the second member or the third member.

Abstract: A rotary actuation mechanism is disclosed. The rotary actuation mechanism can include an actuator having a body, and a slider movable on a linear path relative to the body. A first linkage can be pivotally coupled to the body at a first pivot having a first axis. A second linkage can be pivotally coupled to the slider at a second pivot having a second axis, and pivotally coupled to the first linkage at a third pivot. A length of the first linkage between the first pivot and the third pivot can be equal to a length of the second linkage between the second pivot and the third pivot. The slider can be movable to position the second axis in a collinear relationship with the first axis. The rotary actuation mechanism can include an anti-singularity device to constrain movement of the body when the first axis and the second axis are in the collinear relationship.

Abstract: A micro-camera guided suturing device is disclosed comprising an elongate suture body having at least one lumen disposed therein and an imaging structure disposed within the at least one lumen of the suture. The imaging structure comprises a SSID optically coupled to a lens system. In one aspect, the suturing device further comprises a conductive element detachably coupled to the suture. In yet another aspect, the suture body comprises a shape memory material.

Abstract: A robotic mobile low-profile transport vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can comprise a first transport module having a frame assembly, a mobility system, and a propulsion system and a second transport module having a frame assembly and a mobility system. A multi-degree of freedom coupling assemblage can join the first and second transport modules together. The vehicle can include a first platform supported about the frame assembly of the first transport module, and a second platform supported about the frame assembly of the second transport module. Each of the platforms can be configured to receive a load for transport. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control system that can operate to facilitate intra-module communication and coordination to provide a coordinated operating mode of the first and second transport modules and the coupling assemblage about a given terrain.

Abstract: A liquid missile for being projected from a launching device which includes a liquid charge combined with a non-rigid flight integrity component. The flight integrity component allows the liquid charge to be launched at increased speeds and distances by inhibiting substantial break-up of the liquid charge during flight.

Abstract: A robotic crawler having a non-dedicated smart control system is disclosed. Such a crawler can include a first drive subsystem, a second drive subsystem, a multi-degree of freedom linkage subsystem coupling the first and second drive subsystems, and a non-dedicated, smart control device removably supported about one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem. The smart control device is configured to initiate and control operational functionality within the robotic crawler upon being connected to the robotic crawler. The crawler can also include a communication subsystem functionally coupled between the smart control device and the serpentine robotic crawler, the communication subsystem facilitating control by the smart control device of at least one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem.

Abstract: A hand control device for controlling a peripheral system is disclosed. The hand control device can include a handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle can comprise a body portion to be supported against a palm of the user. The hand control device can also include a finger control supported about the handle and comprising a rotatable joint to facilitate control based on flexion/extension of an index finger of the user. In addition, the hand control device can include a thumb control supported about the handle and comprising first and second rotatable joints to facilitate control based on flexion/extension and abduction/adduction of a thumb of the user.

Abstract: Technology is described for modifying a task frequency. The method may include setting a task price for a task based on task details and statistical price data. The task frequency of the task can be modified. Another operation can be computing a pro-rata value created due to modifying the task frequency. The pro-rata value can be divided between a service provider and a customer to provide a monetary benefit to either the service provider or to the customer using the processor.

Abstract: A method for providing insurance for tasks comprises identifying a task definition for a task to be performed for a customer. The task has task details associated therewith. A task value is set for the task based on the task details, using a processor. A service provider is assigned to perform the task at the task value, using the processor. A determination is made as to whether the service provider has adequate insurance to cover one or more insurable risks associated with performance of the task. A task insurance rider is requested to be applied to the task in the event the service provider does not have adequate insurance to cover the one or more insurable risks associated with performance of the task.

Abstract: A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus is described herein. An imaging device is disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The imaging device has an effective focal plane that is located in front of the imaging device. The catheter also includes a transparent focal instrument that has an outer periphery that is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, to enable objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus.