Abstract: A single-scanning system for a robot can include a base and a nodding mechanism that pivotably attached to the base. A single-scan sensor such as a lidar or laser sensor can be fixed to the nodding mechanism, and a controller can be connected to the single-scan sensor and motor via a gear arrangement. The controller can manipulate nodding characteristics such as nodding range and nodding angular velocity dynamically, during operation of the robot, either in response to a command from a remote user, robot autonomy system, or according to written instructions included in the controller. An encoder disk can interconnect the nodding mechanism to the controller. With this configuration, the encoder disk can receive sensor data from the single-scan sensor, for further transmission to said controller. A transceiver can route sensor data to the remote user, and can also receive commands from the remote user.

Abstract: A single-scanning system for a robot can include a base and a nodding mechanism that pivotably attached to the base. A single-scan sensor such as a lidar or laser sensor can be fixed to the nodding mechanism, and a controller can be connected to the single-scan sensor and motor via a gear arrangement. The controller can manipulate nodding characteristics such as nodding range and nodding angular velocity dynamically, during operation of the robot, either in response to a command from a remote user, robot autonomy system, or according to written instructions included in the controller. An encoder disk can interconnect the nodding mechanism to the controller. With this configuration, the encoder disk can receive sensor data from the single-scan sensor, for further transmission to said controller. A transceiver can route sensor data to the remote user, and can also receive commands from the remote user.

Abstract: A processor, portable power source and Braille character touchpad with a first column area is described, containing three substantially linearly arranged finger responsive areas corresponding to column representations of a Braille character and an adjacent-offset second column area containing one finger responsive area to indicate a null column. Braille character is input by engaging at least one area of the three substantially linearly arranged finger responsive areas and the one finger responsive area. Alternatively, a Braille touchpad containing six finger responsive areas arranged in two columns corresponding to first and second column representations of a Braille character and an adjacent touch gesture pad is described, containing a plurality of finger and gesture responsive areas. A Braille character is input by engaging at least one of the six finger responsive areas and the plurality of finger and gesture responsive areas. Word processing and command action may be initiated by the gesture pad.

Abstract: A haptic language communication glove is disclosed containing, a wearable glove with accommodations for fingers therein, a plurality of motion sensors positioned near tips of fingers of the glove, a plurality of vibrators positioned near the tips of the fingers of the glove, a controller having communication channels to the plurality of motion sensors and plurality of vibrators, a wireless transceiver coupled to the controller, and a power supply, wherein tapping motion by the fingers of a user of the glove is interpreted as language characters of a first type, the language characters of the first type being converted into language characters of a second type for at least one of transmission and storage.