Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is embodied as a mower having a downwardly extending sidewall and a cutting blade assembly. The cutting blade assembly is adapted to cut grass along a path defining a proximal cut edge located at a first distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a first operating mode, and at a second distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a second operating mode. The mower is adapted to automatically switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when an electronic controller associated with the mower determines a local area of operation of the mower is free of unknown objects.

Abstract: A maintenance system operates to coordinate site maintenance activities among a human maintenance crew and a fleet of autonomous vehicles. A maintenance plan is developed for a region of the site, which includes a sequence of at least some of the tasks. Maintenance tasks are then assigned to the maintenance crew and autonomous vehicles. The system monitors the performance of the tasks, and upon completion of the tasks, assigns other incomplete tasks until all tasks have been completed.

Abstract: Training an autonomous machine in a work region for navigation in various lighting conditions includes determining a feature detection range based on an environmental lighting parameter, determining a feature detection score for each of one or more positions in the containment zone based on the feature detection range, determining one or more localizable positions in the containment zone based on the corresponding feature detection scores, and updating the navigation map to include a localization region within the containment zone based on the one or more localizable positions. Navigation may use one or more of an uncertainty area, the localization region, and one or more buffer zones to navigate based on lighting conditions.

Abstract: A supplemental monitoring and security function and system for use with an autonomous working machine such as a robotic lawn mower. The system may use cameras associated with the machine to capture image data and transmit the data to a remote computer. The system may be utilized as a theft deterrent for the mower itself, as well as provide a mobile sentry mode for surveilling and observing a property.

Abstract: A power equipment system with a plurality of power equipment units each including a working tool. Each of the power equipment units may include provisions permitting independent connection with both a battery and an electric motor, wherein the battery and electric motor may be moved between different power equipment units as needed. In some embodiments, a first power equipment unit may provide an identity information signal of the associated working tool to a controller of either or both of the motor and the battery. The identity information may limit or control one or more operating parameters of the motor when the motor is installed on the first power equipment unit.