Abstract: A method and system are herein disclosed wherein a robot handles objects that are large, unwieldy, highly-deformable, or otherwise difficult to contain and carry. The robot is operated to navigate an environment and detect and classify objects using a sensing system. The robot determines the type, size and location of objects and classifies the objects based on detected attributes. Grabber pad arms and grabber pads move other objects out of the way and move the target object onto the shovel to be carried. The robot maneuvers objects into and out of a containment area comprising the shovel and grabber pad arms following a process optimized for the type of object to be transported. Large, unwieldy, highly deformable, or otherwise difficult to maneuver objects may be managed by the method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Engine installation systems and related methods. An engine installation system includes an adapter cradle and a transport dolly. The adapter cradle is configured to support the engine, and the transport dolly is configured to be selectively and operatively coupled to the adapter cradle to support the adapter cradle to facilitate transporting the adapter cradle and the engine across a ground surface. The adapter cradle is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the transport dolly and the vehicle. The adapter cradle is configured to pivot relative to the transport dolly or relative to the vehicle to transition between a transport configuration and an upright configuration. In examples, methods of installing an engine within an engine bay of a vehicle include positioning the engine beneath the engine bay, pivoting the engine relative to the vehicle, and lifting the engine into the engine bay.

Abstract: Engine installation systems and related methods. An engine installation system includes an adapter cradle and a transport dolly. The adapter cradle is configured to support the engine, and the transport dolly is configured to be selectively and operatively coupled to the adapter cradle to support the adapter cradle to facilitate transporting the adapter cradle and the engine across a ground surface. The adapter cradle is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the transport dolly and the vehicle. The adapter cradle is configured to pivot relative to the transport dolly or relative to the vehicle to transition between a transport configuration and an upright configuration. In examples, methods of installing an engine within an engine bay of a vehicle include positioning the engine beneath the engine bay, pivoting the engine relative to the vehicle, and lifting the engine into the engine bay.

Abstract: A robot is operated to navigate an environment using cameras and map the type, size and location of objects. The system determines the type, size and location of objects and classifies the objects for association with specific containers. For each category of object with a corresponding container, the robot chooses a specific object to pick up in that category, performs path planning and navigates to objects of the category, to either organize or pick up the objects. Actuated pusher arms move other objects out of the way and manipulates the target object onto the front bucket to be carried.

Abstract: An automated process for providing sales services includes establishing communications between a customer and a first representative, alerting the first representative to a product for which the customer is eligible, transmitting a lead record for the customer to a second representative upon determining that the customer is interested in a product, establishing communications between the customer and the second representative, completing a sales record for the customer, generating a menu of products from which the customer may select, selecting a product from the menu of products, and completing a sale of the selected product. Typically, products to be offered will be identified, and a customer database will be segmented to match the offered products with eligible customers. The sale of the selected product will typically be completed by establishing communications between the customer and a representative authorized to sell the selected product to the customer.