Abstract: An automated avocado processing system for cutting an avocado in half, removing the pit, and extracting the flesh from the peel includes a plurality of functional assemblies arranged on a frame. Exemplary stations include a loading assembly, cutting assembly, peeling station, and food collection assembly. Computer and electronics are programmed and operable to control the automated stations. Related methods are described.

Abstract: An autonomous electric mower for mowing a lawn comprises a frame, drive wheels, cutting deck, computer, a Lidar sensor, at least one color and depth sensing camera. The computer is programmed and operable to: determine the location of the mower; detect obstacles; and to instruct the mower to avoid the obstacles. Advantageously, the system is operable to analyze the data from the multiple sensors and to instruct the mower to continue to safely operate and cut the lawn despite one or more of the sensors being obstructed. Novel route planning methods are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, a user interface for entering service area dimension information to establish a service area proximate the robotic device, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to receive service area dimension information for the service area through the user interface, wherein the service area is determined by the service area dimension information entered into the user interface, and utilize the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device through the service area and to perform a service task in the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for the service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment step, alter the service plan sequence based on detecting an object that is a treatment obstacle in the service area as detected by the sensor, the treatment obstacle preventing execution of the service treatment step at a service treatment location within the service area, wherein the altered service plan sequence comprises moving around the treatment obstacle and skipping the service treatment step, store the service treatment location for later treatment, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility storing a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to scan a service area with the sensor, communicate the scanned data to a remote server-based mapping application, receive a service plan from the remote server-based mapping application, execute the stored service plan, sense an unplanned obstacle in the planned path during the execution of the service plan, enter a local navigation mode and process a development of an alternate path to navigate around the unplanned obstacle, navigate around the unplanned obstacle along the processed alternate path, and return to the planned path after the robotic device navigates around the unplanned obstacle to complete the service plan.

Abstract: A robotic device includes a sensor and a processing facility including a processor and a memory, the processing facility operating in a first mode of operation and storing a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to utilize data from the sensor to determine an occurrence of an event and transition the operation of the processing facility to a second mode of operation based, at least in part, on the occurrence.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to perform a wide variety of tasks utilizing the plurality of interchangeable service modules, and navigating through the service area utilizing a plurality of sensors and guided through a stored service plan for the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, an orientation sensor, a stored digital map of a service area, a sensor for sensing objects, a navigation and orientation system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility causing the robotic device to determine and store a pose position of the robotic device at a plurality of sequential locations as the robotic device is guided by a user along a path from a start location to an end location through the service area, and as commanded by the user and utilizing the navigation and orientation system, re-trace the path from the start location to the end location replicating the stored pose position of the robotic device at the plurality of sequential locations.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, a user interface for entering service area dimension information to establish a service area proximate the robotic device, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to receive service area dimension information for the service area through the user interface, wherein the service area is determined by the service area dimension information entered into the user interface, and utilize the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device through the service area and to perform a service task in the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a localization and navigation system utilizing at least one sensor for navigation of the robotic device in a service area, a removable service module to perform a first cleaning service task with a first tool and a second cleaning service task with a second tool, where the second cleaning service task performs a complimentary function to the first cleaning service task.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility storing a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to utilize data from the sensor to distinguish a user of the robotic device, identify movements of the user along a path traveled by the user, and cause the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device along the path.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, a sensor for sensing objects, a localization and mapping system, a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to upon selection by a user, place the robotic device in a mapping mode, wherein the mapping mode causes the robotic device to move through the service area and create a digital map, and upon selection by the user, place the robotic device in a service task mode, wherein while in service task mode the robotic device performs a service task in the service area based on sensing the service area with the sensor and utilizing the created digital map.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor for sensing objects, a position sensor, a localization and mapping system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to cause the robotic device to execute a first service task within the service area utilizing the digital map, wherein the digital map identifies an object at a first location within the service area and the robotic device senses the object with the at least one sensor at the first location, execute a second service task within the service area, wherein the robotic device senses the object with the at least one sensor at a second location, and update the digital map to identify the object at the second location.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, an orientation sensor, a stored digital map of a service area, a sensor for sensing objects, a navigation and orientation system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility causing the robotic device to determine and store a pose position of the robotic device at a plurality of sequential locations as the robotic device is guided by a user along a path from a start location to an end location through the service area, and as commanded by the user and utilizing the navigation and orientation system, re-trace the path from the start location to the end location replicating the stored pose position of the robotic device at the plurality of sequential locations.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to sense objects in the service area utilizing the at least one sensor, derive a service plan for the service area comprising at least one service task based, at least in part, on real-time sensing of the service area and a stored digital map of the service area, wherein the navigation system utilizes the digital map and the real-time sensing to navigate within the service area during execution of the service plan, and operate the robotic device to provide a service task to a generally planar surface proximate the robotic device in accordance with the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for a service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment to a surface of the service area, identify a special treatment area utilizing the surface sensor, alter the service plan sequence based on identifying the special treatment area in the service area, wherein the altering of the service plan sequence includes providing an additional service to the special treatment area, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for the service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment step, alter the service plan sequence based on detecting an object that is a treatment obstacle in the service area as detected by the sensor, the treatment obstacle preventing execution of the service treatment step at a service treatment location within the service area, wherein the altered service plan sequence comprises moving around the treatment obstacle and skipping the service treatment step, store the service treatment location for later treatment, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to perform a wide variety of tasks utilizing the plurality of interchangeable service modules, and navigating through the service area utilizing a plurality of sensors and guided through a stored service plan for the service area.