Abstract: Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Abstract: Designing intrinsically safe robotic inspection systems used for unmanned navigation and inspection of large tanks with hazardous and explosive atmosphere is challenging. The disclosed methods and devices provide solutions to overcome such challenge. Intrinsically safe devices and methods using a combination of a lighter-than-air blimp with various intrinsically safe subsystems attached to the blimp are presented.

Abstract: A system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned surface vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle has a memory storing a plurality of collection points and at least one sensor for collecting sensor data from each of the collection points. The unmanned surface vehicle is capable of moving to a plurality of locations. The unmanned aerial vehicle travels through the air between at least two collection points stored in the memory and the unmanned aerial vehicle is carried between at least two collection points stored in the memory by the unmanned surface vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned surface vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle has a memory storing a plurality of collection points and at least one sensor for collecting sensor data from each of the collection points. The unmanned surface vehicle is capable of moving to a plurality of locations. The unmanned aerial vehicle travels through the air between at least two collection points stored in the memory and the unmanned aerial vehicle is carried between at least two collection points stored in the memory by the unmanned surface vehicle.