Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: A method includes receiving topic names from a metrology interface device, where the topic names correspond to data generated by metrology devices associated with a manufacturing operation. The method also includes accessing a data stream from the metrology interface device. The data stream includes converted metrology data (in a common format) from the metrology devices and corresponding topic names. The method further includes extracting first converted metrology data from the data stream based on a first topic name of the topic names. The first converted metrology data is generated by converting first metrology data from a first metrology device of the metrology devices to the first converted metrology data having the common format. The method also includes comparing the first converted metrology data to a specification, detecting a condition based on the comparison, and sending a command to a manufacturing device based on the condition.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: A method includes receiving topic names from a metrology interface device, where the topic names correspond to data generated by metrology devices associated with a manufacturing operation. The method also includes accessing a data stream from the metrology interface device. The data stream includes converted metrology data (in a common format) from the metrology devices and corresponding topic names. The method further includes extracting first converted metrology data from the data stream based on a first topic name of the topic names. The first converted metrology data is generated by converting first metrology data from a first metrology device of the metrology devices to the first converted metrology data having the common format. The method also includes comparing the first converted metrology data to a specification, detecting a condition based on the comparison, and sending a command to a manufacturing device based on the condition.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for remotely controlling of robotic platforms in confined spaces or other like spaces not suitable for direct human operation. The control is achieved using multi-modal sensory data, which includes at least two sensory response types, such as a binocular stereoscopic vision type, a binaural stereophonic audio type, a force-reflecting haptic manipulation type, a tactile type, and the like. The multi-modal sensory data is obtained by a robotic platform positioned in a confined space and transmitted to a remote control station outside of the confined space, where it is used to generate a representation of the confined space. The multi-modal sensory data may be used to provide multi-sensory high-fidelity telepresence for an operator of the remote control station and allow the operator to provide more accurate user input. This input may be transmitted to the robotic platform to perform various operations within the confined space.

Abstract: A component moving system may include a cart, and a component support assembly coupled to the cart. The component support assembly may include a component cradle moveable in first linear translational directions, second linear translational directions that are orthogonal to the first linear translational directions, third linear translation directions that are orthogonal to the first and second linear translational directions, and first rotational directions.

Abstract: A robotic tool is positioned relative to a feature of a component during a manufacturing process. The tool may be used to perform a manufacturing operation on the component. The tool is also be used to dispose a fiducial mark with a known registration to the feature, even if the feature is subsequently obscured. The position of tools for subsequent manufacturing operations are then set relative to the fiducial mark.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: Systems for removing gas from a sealant and transferring gas-less sealant to an applicator are provided. The system may comprise: a rotatable chamber including: a first opening for receiving sealant; a hollow conduit arranged such that when gas accumulates in the center of the rotatable chamber when the rotatable chamber is rotating, the gas is ventable from the rotatable chamber; a second opening for receiving gas-less sealant from the rotatable chamber after the gas is vented from the hollow conduit; and a motor operatively configured to rotate the rotatable chamber; and a gas-less sealant applicator in fluid communication with the second opening of the rotatable chamber such that gas-less sealant released by the second opening is flowable into the applicator. The system may also include a robot arm including an end effector with a sealant dispensing nozzle. A method for applying sealant to an aircraft structure is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating the operations of an end effector that grasps objects such as baggage. One exemplary embodiment is a system that includes a finger of an end effector of a robot. The finger includes a finger base, a body that extends from the finger base, a first continuous friction belt having an exposed portion along a first side of the body, and a second continuous friction belt having an exposed portion along a second side of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating the operations of an end effector that grasps objects such as baggage. One exemplary embodiment is a system that includes a finger of an end effector of a robot. The finger includes a finger base, a body that extends from the finger base, a first continuous friction belt having an exposed portion along a first side of the body, and a second continuous friction belt having an exposed portion along a second side of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: A stereoscopic camera and associated method for capturing a stereoscopic image pair are provided. As an example, a stereoscopic camera includes first and second lenses defining parallel optical axes. The stereoscopic camera also includes first and second image sensors for receiving optical signals from the first and second lenses. The first and second fields of view are defined so as to overlap to define a first area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second lenses are configured to be repositioned to be spaced apart by a second distance with the first and second image sensors being correspondingly repositioned to alter a space therebetween such that the first and second fields of view overlap to define a second area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by the second distance.

Abstract: A stereoscopic camera and associated method for capturing a stereoscopic image pair are provided. As an example, a stereoscopic camera includes first and second lenses defining parallel optical axes. The stereoscopic camera also includes first and second image sensors for receiving optical signals from the first and second lenses. The first and second fields of view are defined so as to overlap to define a first area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second lenses are configured to be repositioned to be spaced apart by a second distance with the first and second image sensors being correspondingly repositioned to alter a space therebetween such that the first and second fields of view overlap to define a second area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by the second distance.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for remotely controlling of robotic platforms in confined spaces or other like spaces not suitable for direct human operation. The control is achieved using multi-modal sensory data, which includes at least two sensory response types, such as a binocular stereoscopic vision type, a binaural stereophonic audio type, a force-reflecting haptic manipulation type, a tactile type, and the like. The multi-modal sensory data is obtained by a robotic platform positioned in a confined space and transmitted to a remote control station outside of the confined space, where it is used to generate a representation of the confined space. The multi-modal sensory data may be used to provide multi-sensory high-fidelity telepresence for an operator of the remote control station and allow the operator to provide more accurate user input. This input may be transmitted to the robotic platform to perform various operations within the confined space.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: Systems for removing gas from a sealant and transferring gas-less sealant to an applicator are provided. The system may comprise: a rotatable chamber including: a first opening for receiving sealant; a hollow conduit arranged such that when gas accumulates in the center of the rotatable chamber when the rotatable chamber is rotating, the gas is ventable from the rotatable chamber; a second opening for receiving gas-less sealant from the rotatable chamber after the gas is vented from the hollow conduit; and a motor operatively configured to rotate the rotatable chamber; and a gas-less sealant applicator in fluid communication with the second opening of the rotatable chamber such that gas-less sealant released by the second opening is flowable into the applicator. The system may also include a robot arm including an end effector with a sealant dispensing nozzle. A method for applying sealant to an aircraft structure is also provided.

Abstract: A robotic tool is positioned relative to a feature of a component during a manufacturing process. The tool may be used to perform a manufacturing operation on the component. The tool is also be used to dispose a fiducial mark with a known registration to the feature, even if the feature is subsequently obscured. The position of tools for subsequent manufacturing operations are then set relative to the fiducial mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a robotic vehicle relative to a structure. A set of tracks associated with a base of the robotic vehicle may be deployed. A number of attachment units associated with the set of tracks may be aligned with a corresponding portion of a number of structural members of the structure in a forward sequence as the set of tracks is deployed. The number of attachment units may be secured to the corresponding portion of the number of structural members in the forward sequence.