Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and methods for leaf detection and extraction. The extracted leaf may be used for leaf water potential analysis. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying the leaf from a point cloud based on an image, determining a pose of the leaf based on the point cloud, and cutting and storing the leaf based on the pose of the leaf.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining soil moisture. An apparatus includes a mobile platform to traverse an agricultural field, a sensor physically coupled to the mobile platform, the sensor to make one or more soil apparent electrical conductivity measurements, and a control system mounted on the chassis and communicatively coupled to the sensor. A method includes navigating an agricultural field with a mobile platform, generating a real-time position and orientation for the mobile platform, performing one or more soil apparent electrical conductivity measurements from a sensor physically coupled to the mobile platform, synchronizing the one or more soil apparent electrical conductivity measurements with the real-time position, geospatial mapping and autonomously logging the one or more soil apparent electrical conductivity measurements, and processing each of the one or more soil apparent electrical conductivity measurements to generate a soil moisture value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a collision of an aerial vehicle and recovery from the collision is disclosed. An apparatus for use in an aerial vehicle includes an arm, a flexible member and a sensing system. A processor is configured to receive a collision signal after deformation of the collision-resilient robot from a collision, recover control of the collision-resilient robot after the collision, and plan a post-collision trajectory for the collision-resilient robot using a global search-based planner.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus a multi-legged robot including at least one pair of actuators. Each actuator includes a pliable body. The pliable body includes a first portion having a first chamber, a second portion having a second chamber, where the second portion coupled to a distal end of the first portion. The pliable body includes a first inlet coupled to the first chamber, where the first portion is configured to bend upon receiving a first fluid via the first inlet and a second inlet coupled to the second chamber, where the second portion is configured to extend upon receiving a second fluid via the second inlet. The multi-legged robot includes a frame coupled to a proximate end of the first portion of each actuator.