Abstract: A system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology includes a robot and a dock. The robot includes a body and a plurality of legs connected to the body through which the robot is configured to ambulate. The robot further includes a hanger carried by the body and a charge-receiving electrode at the hanger. The dock includes a hook, a charge-dispensing electrode at the hook, and a guide that urges the hanger into alignment with the hook. The system is transitionable between an undocked state and a docked state. In the undocked state, the robot and the dock are spaced apart from one another. In the docked state, the hanger is received at the hook, the dock supports at least a portion of a weight of the robot via the hook, and the charge-receiving electrode is electrically connected to the charge-dispensing electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel bicycle frame arrangement that overcomes the limitations of traditional frame construction methods. The invention comprises a single machined frame part that contains at least two complete interfaces configured to accept further bike components, namely a fork assembly, a seatpost assembly, and a crankset assembly, thereby enabling the creation of a frame with improved strength, stiffness, and weight ratios. The remaining frame parts are connected to the first machined component to form one or more substantially hollow portions of the frame, allowing for a robust and efficient structure that can be manufactured from high-strength alloys.

Abstract: A robot in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology includes a neck region through which the robot is configured to transmit and receive light. The robot defines a robot height and includes a body, a head carried by the body, and a neck extending between the head and the body along the robot height. The robot further includes a structural neck frame at a periphery of the neck in a plane perpendicular to the robot height. The structural neck frame defines windows distributed around the periphery of the neck. The robot further includes a sensor disposed at least partially within the structural neck frame. The sensor includes a laser configured to transmit light via the windows and a detector configured to receive light via the windows. A field of view of the sensor extends at least 320 degrees around the neck.

Abstract: A system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology includes a robot and a dock. The robot includes a body and a plurality of legs connected to the body through which the robot is configured to ambulate. The robot further includes a hanger carried by the body and a charge-receiving electrode at the hanger. The dock includes a hook, a charge-dispensing electrode at the hook, and a guide that urges the hanger into alignment with the hook. The system is transitionable between an undocked state and a docked state. In the undocked state, the robot and the dock are spaced apart from one another. In the docked state, the hanger is received at the hook, the dock supports at least a portion of a weight of the robot via the hook, and the charge-receiving electrode is electrically connected to the charge-dispensing electrode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing impact forces to legged robots as a result of traversing a terrain. The method includes employing actuators and compliant elements to use the contact of a first portion of a foot assembly with a terrain during a step to reduce the vertical velocity of a subsequent portion of the foot assembly so that the vertical velocity of the subsequent portion as it touches the terrain is substantially zero relative to the terrain. Foot assemblies that employ these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A deployment assembly is mounted in a delivery vehicle and holds an autonomous robot that can be deployed to deliver or pick up packages. The assembly has a base and extendable members that move the robot from a retracted position inside the vehicle and an extended position outside the vehicle. The assembly also has securement features that hold the robot in during transport and can also recharge the robot if necessary.

Abstract: A legged robot has legs that have multiple links, one of which is a distal link. A foot assembly for interacting with the terrain is disposed on a distal end of the distal link. As a robot takes a step, a portion of the foot assembly that has lower effective inertia than the rest of the foot assembly touches down first and acts to reduce the vertical velocity of the rest of the foot assembly before it reaches the terrain through the use of an actuator located on the distal or intermediate link.

Abstract: A deployment assembly is mounted in a delivery vehicle and holds an autonomous robot that can be deployed to deliver or pick up packages. The assembly has a base and extendable members that move the robot from a retracted position inside the vehicle and an extended position outside the vehicle. The assembly also has securement features that hold the robot in during transport and can also recharge the robot if necessary.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing impact forces to legged robots as a result of traversing a terrain. The method includes employing actuators and compliant elements to use the contact of a first portion of a foot assembly with a terrain during a step to reduce the vertical velocity of a subsequent portion of the foot assembly so that the vertical velocity of the subsequent portion as it touches the terrain is substantially zero relative to the terrain. Foot assemblies that employ these methods are also provided.