Abstract: Robotic enabled lift concepts are described. In one embodiment, a vertical lift includes a vertically directed track assembly and linear actuator that extend between first and second levels. The lift further includes a lift platform having a continuous contact roller such as a continuous belt, for example, a platform guide assembly for engagement with the track assembly, and a motion translation mechanism mechanically coupled between the continuous contact roller and the linear actuator. A robotic drive unit can drive upon and dock with the lift platform. In that docked position, the robotic drive unit can rotate its drive wheels to raise or lower itself between the first and second levels based on the translation of the motive forces of the drive wheels through the motion translation mechanism and to the vertically directed linear actuator. Other embodiments include a lift arm, an inclined track assembly, and a lift carriage.

Abstract: Robotic enabled lift concepts are described. In one embodiment, a vertical lift includes a vertically directed track assembly and linear actuator that extend between first and second levels. The lift further includes a lift platform having a continuous contact roller such as a continuous belt, for example, a platform guide assembly for engagement with the track assembly, and a motion translation mechanism mechanically coupled between the continuous contact roller and the linear actuator. A robotic drive unit can drive upon and dock with the lift platform. In that docked position, the robotic drive unit can rotate its drive wheels to raise or lower itself between the first and second levels based on the translation of the motive forces of the drive wheels through the motion translation mechanism and to the vertically directed linear actuator. Other embodiments include a lift arm, an inclined track assembly, and a lift carriage.

Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.

Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.

Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.

Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.

Abstract: A system for tele-operating a robot in an environment includes a user interface for controlling the tele-operation of the robot, an imaging device associated with the robot for providing image information representative of the environment around the robot, means for transmitting the image information to the user interface, means for converting the image information to a user-perceptible image at the user interface, means for designating one or more waypoints located anywhere in the user-perceptible image towards which the robot will move, the waypoint in the user-perceptible image towards which the robot will first move being designated as the active waypoint using an icon, means for automatically converting the location of the active waypoint in the user-perceptible image into a target location having x, y, and z coordinates in the environment of the robot, means for providing real-time instructions to the robot from the user interface to move the robot from the robot's current location in the environment to

Abstract: A system for tele-operating a robot in an environment includes a user interface for controlling the tele-operation of the robot, an imaging device associated with the robot for providing image information representative of the environment around the robot, means for transmitting the image information to the user interface, means for converting the image information to a user-perceptible image at the user interface, means for designating one or more waypoints located anywhere in the user-perceptible image towards which the robot will move, the waypoint in the user-perceptible image towards which the robot will first move being designated as the active waypoint using an icon, means for automatically converting the location of the active waypoint in the user-perceptible image into a target location having x, y, and z coordinates in the environment of the robot, means for providing real-time instructions to the robot from the user interface to move the robot from the robot's current location in the environment to

Abstract: Methods of remote control of a mobile robot and an intuitive user interface for remotely controlling a mobile robot are provided. Using a point-and-click device (405), the user is able to choose a target location (430) within a heads-up display (400) toward which to move a mobile robot. Additional graphical overlays (410 & 412) are provided to aid the user in navigating even in systems with asynchronous communication.

Abstract: Methods of remote control of a mobile robot and an intuitive user interface for remotely controlling a mobile robot are provided. Using a point-and-click device (405), the user is able to choose a target location (430) within a heads-up display (400) toward which to move a mobile robot. Additional graphical overlays (410 & 412) are provided to aid the user in navigating even in systems with asynchronous communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a problem-state monitoring system which includes an automated reasoning technique for providing moment-by-moment advice concerning the operation of a process. The reasoning technique involves the representation of states a problem can attain during the problem solving process which provides greater flexibility for the monitoring and advisory functions.

Abstract: A knowledge acquisition tool for direct use by an expert in the automatic creation of a knowledge base derived from the knowledge of the expert, the knowledge acquisition tool including an input device usable by the expert for providing knowledge to the tool in response to questions, statements and/or prompts from the tool, a display for displaying the knowledge, questions, statements and prompts so that the expert can interact with the tool in creating the knowledge base, and a processor connected to the input device and the display for supplying the questions, statements and prompts to the display in order to extract the knowledge from the expert in the creation of the knowledge base incorporating the knowledge provided by the expert through use of the input device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a problem-state monitoring system which includes an automated reasoning technique for providing moment-by-moment advice concerning the operation of a process. The reasoning technique involves the representation of states a problem can attain during the problem solving process which provides greater flexibility for the monitoring and advisory functions.