Abstract: Systems and methods for global rerouting of a path of a robot are disclosed herein. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a robot may reroute a path based on one or more rerouting zones, wherein the rerouting zone comprises an area undesirable for the robot to navigate. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for a robot to reroute a path based on the rerouting zones.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting blind spots using a robotic apparatus are disclosed herein. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a robot may utilize a plurality of virtual robots or representations to determine intersection points between extended measurements from the robot and virtual measurements from a respective one of the virtual robot or representation to determine blind spots. The robot may additionally consider locations of the blind spots while navigating a route to enhance safety, wherein the robot may perform an action to alert nearby humans upon navigating near a blind spot along the route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing robotic route planning are disclosed in relation to autonomous navigation of sharp turns, narrow passageways, and/or a sharp turn into a narrow passageway. Robots navigating a route comprising any of the above run the risk of colliding with environment obstacles when executing these maneuvers. Accordingly, systems and methods for improving robotic route planning are necessary within the art and are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic path planning are disclosed. In some implementations of the present disclosure, a robot can generate a cost map associated with an environment of the robot. The cost map can comprise a plurality of pixels each corresponding to a location in the environment, where each pixel can have an associated cost. The robot can further generate a plurality of masks having projected path portions for the travel of the robot within the environment, where each mask comprises a plurality of mask pixels that correspond to locations in the environment. The robot can then determine a mask cost associated with each mask based at least in part on the cost map and select a mask based at least in part on the mask cost. Based on the projected path portions within the selected mask, the robot can navigate a space.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic mapping are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can travel in an environment. From travelling in the environment, the robot can create a graph comprising a plurality of nodes, wherein each node corresponds to a scan taken by a sensor of the robot at a location in the environment. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can generate a map of the environment from the graph. In some cases, to facilitate map generation, the robot can constrain the graph to start and end at a substantially similar location. The robot can also perform scan matching on extended scan groups, determined from identifying overlap between scans, to further determine the location of features in a map.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic devices. Robotic controller may comprise a predictor apparatus configured to generate motor control output. The predictor may be operable in accordance with a learning process based on a teaching signal comprising the control output. An adaptive controller block may provide control output that may be combined with the predicted control output. The predictor learning process may be configured to learn the combined control signal. Predictor training may comprise a plurality of trials. During initial trial, the control output may be capable of causing a robot to perform a task. During intermediate trials, individual contributions from the controller block and the predictor may be inadequate for the task. Upon learning, the control knowledge may be transferred to the predictor so as to enable task execution in absence of subsequent inputs from the controller. Control output and/or predictor output may comprise multi-channel signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic devices. Robotic controller may comprise a predictor apparatus configured to generate motor control output. The predictor may be operable in accordance with a learning process based on a teaching signal comprising the control output. An adaptive controller block may provide control output that may be combined with the predicted control output. The predictor learning process may be configured to learn the combined control signal. Predictor training may comprise a plurality of trials. During initial trial, the control output may be capable of causing a robot to perform a task. During intermediate trials, individual contributions from the controller block and the predictor may be inadequate for the task. Upon learning, the control knowledge may be transferred to the predictor so as to enable task execution in absence of subsequent inputs from the controller. Control output and/or predictor output may comprise multi-channel signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and controlling of, for instance, robotic devices. In one implementation, a robot may be trained by a user using supervised learning. The user may be unable to control all degrees of freedom of the robot simultaneously. The user may interface to the robot via a control apparatus configured to select and operate a subset of the robot's complement of actuators. The robot may comprise an adaptive controller comprising a neuron network. The adaptive controller may be configured to generate actuator control commands based on the user input and output of the learning process. Training of the adaptive controller may comprise partial set training. The user may train the adaptive controller to operate first actuator subset. Subsequent to learning to operate the first subset, the adaptive controller may be trained to operate another subset of degrees of freedom based on user input via the control apparatus.

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a device comprises at least one processor configured to receive a first input from a sensor upon detection of an obstacle in a first region of the device and a different second input from the sensor upon detection of the object in a different second region of the device and further configured to transmit a first signal to at least one actuator upon receiving the first input from the sensor, the first signal including a strength of first value and transmit a second signal upon receiving the second input from the sensor, the second value being greater than the first value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic route planning in autonomous navigation are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can have one or more sensors configured to collect data about an environment including detected points on one or more objects in the environment. The robot can then plan a route in the environment, where the route can comprise one or more route poses. The route poses can include a footprint indicative at least in part of a pose, size, and shape of the robot along the route. Each route pose can have a plurality of points therein. Based on forces exerted on the points of each route pose by other route poses, objects in the environment, and others, each route poses can reposition. Based at least in part on interpolation performed on the route poses (some of which may be repositioned), the robot can dynamically route.

Abstract: Systems and methods assisting a robotic apparatus are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can encounter situations where the robot cannot proceed and/or does not know with a high degree of certainty it can proceed. Accordingly, the robot can determine that it has encountered an error and/or assist event. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can receive assistance from an operator and/or attempt to resolve the issue itself. In some cases, the robot can be configured to delay actions in order to allow resolution of the error and/or assist event.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and controlling of, for instance, robotic devices. In one implementation, a robot may be trained by a user using supervised learning. The user may be unable to control all degrees of freedom of the robot simultaneously. The user may interface to the robot via a control apparatus configured to select and operate a subset of the robot's complement of actuators. The robot may comprise an adaptive controller comprising a neuron network. The adaptive controller may be configured to generate actuator control commands based on the user input and output of the learning process. Training of the adaptive controller may comprise partial set training. The user may train the adaptive controller to operate first actuator subset. Subsequent to learning to operate the first subset, the adaptive controller may be trained to operate another subset of degrees of freedom based on user input via the control apparatus.

Abstract: Robotic devices may be trained by a user guiding the robot along target action trajectory using an input signal. A robotic device may comprise an adaptive controller configured to generate control signal based on one or more of the user guidance, sensory input, performance measure, and/or other information. Training may comprise a plurality of trials, wherein for a given context the user and the robot's controller may collaborate to develop an association between the context and the target action. Upon developing the association, the adaptive controller may be capable of generating the control signal and/or an action indication prior and/or in lieu of user input. The predictive control functionality attained by the controller may enable autonomous operation of robotic devices obviating a need for continuing user guidance.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic path planning are disclosed. In some implementations of the present disclosure, a robot can generate a cost map associated with an environment of the robot. The cost map can comprise a plurality of pixels each corresponding to a location in the environment, where each pixel can have an associated cost. The robot can further generate a plurality of masks having projected path portions for the travel of the robot within the environment, where each mask comprises a plurality of mask pixels that correspond to locations in the environment. The robot can then determine a mask cost associated with each mask based at least in part on the cost map and select a mask based at least in part on the mask cost. Based on the projected path portions within the selected mask, the robot can navigate a space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic devices. Robotic controller may comprise a predictor apparatus configured to generate motor control output. The predictor may be operable in accordance with a learning process based on a teaching signal comprising the control output. An adaptive controller block may provide control output that may be combined with the predicted control output. The predictor learning process may be configured to learn the combined control signal. Predictor training may comprise a plurality of trials. During initial trial, the control output may be capable of causing a robot to perform a task. During intermediate trials, individual contributions from the controller block and the predictor may be inadequate for the task. Upon learning, the control knowledge may be transferred to the predictor so as to enable task execution in absence of subsequent inputs from the controller. Control output and/or predictor output may comprise multi-channel signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic mapping are disclosed In some exemplary implementations, a robot can travel in an environment. From travelling in the environment, the robot can create a graph comprising a plurality of nodes, wherein each node corresponds to a scan taken by a sensor of the robot at a location in the environment. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can generate a map of the environment from the graph. In some cases, to facilitate map generation, the robot can constrain the graph to start and end at a substantially similar location. The robot can also perform scan matching on extended scan groups, determined from identifying overlap between scans, to further determine the location of features in a map.

Abstract: Systems and methods assisting a robotic apparatus are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can encounter situations where the robot cannot proceed and/or does not know with a high degree of certainty it can proceed. Accordingly, the robot can determine that it has encountered an error and/or assist event. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can receive assistance from an operator and/or attempt to resolve the issue itself. In some cases, the robot can be configured to delay actions in order to allow resolution of the error and/or assist event.