Abstract: The present invention describes a system comprising an autonomous vehicle equipped with a mechanism with lifting and depositing a container, a sensing mechanism on the autonomous vehicle that allows it to sense the pose of the container, a sensing mechanism in the autonomous vehicle that allows it to measure the support surface of the ground surrounding the container to be lifted or the area where the container is deposited and a planning algorithm that creates a trajectory that moves the autonomous vehicle from the current pose to a pose where the lifting/depositing mechanism can operate on the container to be lifted/dropped. An algorithm has been developed to automatically position the PLS to align with the trailer in autonomous vehicles for the loading maneuver. A set of “mud proof” fiducials has been developed that allow accurate alignment between the PLS and the trailer. This mechanism is leveraged for this behavior.

Abstract: A system has been developed for sharing driving relative information among autonomous vehicles in the convoy comprising two or more autonomous vehicles in the convoy, sensors on each autonomous vehicle that can perceive road or traffic related features, a method for individually labelling features, a method for encoding characteristics of that feature to distinguish them from the other features so that another autonomous vehicle can re-locate and re-classify the same feature and a communication mechanism that allows the different autonomous vehicles to share features, labels, and feature characteristics. Obstacles that are detected are classified and they are tracked if the same obstacles continually appear. Some classification labels include vegetation, poles, vehicles, jersey barriers, etc. The same obstacles are collected with multiple autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: A system has been developed for arranging a number of autonomous vehicles at a staging area which comprises two or more autonomous vehicles, a localization mechanism that provides the relative or absolute position of the autonomous vehicle to be arranged, a pattern for aligning the autonomous vehicles at the staging area and a planning algorithm that takes as input the current state of the autonomous vehicles and creates obstacle free trajectories that optimize the motion from the current state to a formation that matches the desired pattern. A set of operator aids have been created for automated convoy assembly in tactical assembly area. These aids can be remote and do not need to be in the same cab of the vehicle. The operator aids are used in conjunction with full automation. The operator is allowed to decide where to form the convoy and where to align.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system that is developed for autonomically backing up a tractor-trailer that consists of a tractor, a trailer, a sensor suite that measures the angle between the tractor and the trailer as well as the area suitable for backing up and a planning algorithm test generating a trajectory to back up or turn around the tractor-trailer without the use of pins or with automatic pinning. A genetic algorithm has been developed to determine the best trajectory for the convoy of autonomous vehicles to take from the starting position to the final position in the road network. In addition, other methods such as dynamic programming and other graph optimization methods can also be used to determine the best trajectory for the convoy of autonomous vehicles to take to reach the final destination point.

Abstract: Military convoys sometimes need to push vehicles or obstacles out of the way in order to proceed with their mission. Selecting if pushing is necessary, what can be pushed, and what cannot be pushed as well as the specific maneuver necessary for pushing or creating a controlled crash are important to minimize the damage to the autonomous vehicles as well as to create pathways that are traversable by other autonomous vehicles in the convoy. These tasks are accomplished by evaluating the costs involved in each trajectory that can be navigated by the autonomous convoy and deciding if pushing the obstacle is the preferred path or navigating around the obstacle is the preferred path for the autonomous vehicles. Also, in some cases, several autonomous vehicles simultaneously push the obstacle at the same time.

Abstract: The use of sensors such as a LADAR, a ranging sensor, or an acoustic sensor in the front of the autonomous vehicles having to remember that there is one or more places to turn around (U-turn, k-turn, and other turning maneuvers) when there are obstacles in the path of the convoy and that the first autonomous vehicle mapping areas where k-turns, U-turns, and other turning maneuvers are possible for the entire convoy if necessary. These sensors detect features in a road network. There is also a control mechanism in which the first autonomous vehicle turns around in an orderly manner. Some examples include first autonomous vehicle backing out all the way and second one turning around or all of them back out and one turns around. In addition, the turning areas are paired with a specific turning maneuver and turning areas are marked for future traversals by the convoy.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the development of a unique and small transformable robot that will fit into very small pipes, openings, or packing tubes, thereby enabling complex missions and also which can fly and drive. Other advantages of the system include portability, weight, perch, and stare capabilities. The present invention comprises a compact transformable robot capable of flying and driving designed to furl or fit into small openings, containers, packing tubes, or pipes containing a thrust, a main body, controls, and rotating propellers. The compact transformable robot capable of flying and driving that is designed to furl or fit into small openings, containers, or pipes comprises a ground locomotion, an aerial locomotion, controls, sensors, and a radio.

Abstract: The invention simplifies the process of utilizing mmmg or construction trucks to automatically carry ore, dirt, or other matter from one location to another. Transportation of the dirt, ore, or matter is usually performed using trucks with loaders or excavators. The trucks then take the loads and deposit them in piles, which are then used for the next step of the mining or construction process. The invention uses a teach-and-follow process to establish the trajectories that these paths must follow. The present invention describes a system to record and execute trajectories for autonomous mining and construction trucks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism that not only creates the quickest route for a group of people to a common location, but also selects the location for which the individual's longest driving time (between all parties) will be the shortest overall. This system is designed to automatically optimize meeting locations for a group of geographically separated members comprising a communication mechanism for transmitting the location of each member to a processor, a processor including a database containing the members of the meeting, a road network, and a list of possible locations to meet, as well as an optimization algorithm that computes the location of the meeting to accommodate one or more variety of utility functions (minimum overall time, least fuel, least wear and tear, minimum tolls/fares as well as minimum time including waiting time at the meeting location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism that not only creates the quickest route for a group of people to a common location, but also selects the location for which the individual's longest driving time (between all parties) will be the shortest overall. This system is designed to automatically optimize meeting locations for a group of geographically separated members comprising a communication mechanism for transmitting the location of each member to a processor, a processor including a database containing the members of the meeting, a road network, and a list of possible locations to meet, as well as an optimization algorithm that computes the location of the meeting to accommodate one or more variety of utility functions (minimum overall time, least fuel, least wear and tear, minimum tolls/fares as well as minimum time including waiting time at the meeting location.

Abstract: The present invention encodes this knowledge into a database of preferred loading conditions and creates a set of automated maneuvers that accomplish the loading actions. The invention assumes that the truck has a drive-by-wire kit and that it is capable of moving under computer control. This invention provides a set of tools that allows for the automation of the loading process. The invention is relevant to situations where the truck is autonomous and the excavator is not, or when both are automated.

Abstract: The system in this invention is autonomous control for these trucks covering a variety of behaviors specific to mining applications. The invention uses these behaviors to increase the efficiency and safety of running a mining operation, while also reducing cost. This invention involves the development of a system that is designed to increase the safely of mining and construction autonomous trucks. This system is comprised of one or more sensors that can detect road features, a drive-by-wire kit installed on a truck, an autonomous driver that creates the trajectories which take the vehicle from a starting location to an ending location (final destination), while at the same time implementing one or more of the behaviors mentioned below. One behavior implemented by the system is varying the trajectory within the traversable road to minimize the ruts. Another behavior is purposely driving over the “high” points of the support surface to flatten the ruts.

Abstract: The autonomous dust mitigation m mmmg and construction applications system disclosed herein may comprise a system that automatically detects dust at mmmg and construction sites and dispatches dust mitigation equipment in response to such detections. The dust areas detected may be assigned priorities within the system, and may be addressed or ignored based on various parameters dictating the behavior of the system. If, for example, an area of dust is not currently in use by local equipment, the system may not dispatch equipment to address that area. If, on the other hand, an area of dust is affecting a high priority or high risk area of the site, the system may prioritize the dispatching of dust mitigation equipment to that area over other areas.

Abstract: Trucks in a mine or construction site move dirt, ore, or other matter from one location to another. The ore is usually loaded using an excavator or loader. Once at the unloading destination, the truck needs to determine where to unload the ore, dirt, or matter. Different applications require the load to be dumped in different manners. The present invention encodes this knowledge into a database of preferred behaviors and creates a set of automated maneuvers that accomplish these actions. The invention assumes that the truck has a drive-by-wire kit, and that its capable of moving under computer control.

Abstract: The invention being presented uses the motors already included in an electric vehicle to charge its batteries while in tow. The charging process provided by the invention is compatible with the charging speed of current battery technology. It will provide an effective way of charging vehicles in theater, when other sources of electrical energy may not be available. Moreover, the proposed system can actually extend the brake life of the towing vehicle and improve performance boundaries of the overall system.

Abstract: A system allowing a wheelchair bound user to embark and disembark a vehicle without assistance. The user requests entry into the vehicle. The vehicle is manually or autonomously driven into a safe position for ingress. The vehicle checks if the area is clear to open the door. The vehicle autonomously opens the door. The vehicle verifies the person is wheelchair bound. If the passenger is wheelchair bound, then: the vehicle verifies if the area is clear to deploy an inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle deploys the inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle waits until the user is on top of the lift and starts lifting the wheelchair bound person. The vehicle waits until the user at the correct height and transitions from the lift/ramp into the securement station inside of the vehicle. The vehicle verifies that the wheelchair is properly positioned for securement. The vehicle secures the wheel chair.

Abstract: The proposed method outlines a new control mechanism well-suited for small, unmanned aerial vehicles traversing in a GPS-denied areas. It has the strong advantage of simplifying the interface, so that even an untrained operator can handle the difficult, dynamic problems encountered in closed quarters. The proposed system seamlessly integrates point-and-click control with way-point navigation, in an intuitive interface. An additional advantage of the proposed system is that it adds minimal hardware to the payload of the UAV, and can possibly, strongly diminish the bandwidth and delay effects of the communication channel.

Abstract: A device is described where an operator uses a handheld nozzle that deposits new material onto a part. The process can be used to create new parts from a substrate, or to repair parts. The device automatically maps the physical part and matches the physical part against a model of the desired part. As the operator moves the nozzle over the part, the device automatically computes the amount of material necessary to modify the current part to match the model of the desired part. This method can be used for spraying or spray-casting metal, ceramics, and other materials. The described process and device automates this process, and simplifies the operator's involvement. Moreover, because the device can measure the part as the material is being deposited, the resulting part is more likely to more closely resemble the original part both in aesthetics and physical properties.

Abstract: The light detection and ranging (LADAR) for military and harsh environment use disclosed herein presents a solution to the shortcomings inherent in modern systems. The system manipulates emitted beams to reduce or reallocate the energy required for detection, and may selectively deactivate beams to minimize that chances of detection by wasted or unrequired beam emissions. The system may also alter the divergence and amplitude of emitted beams so as to more accurately detect higher priority objects within the environment. The system may also manipulate the frequency and waveform of emitted beams to reduce the chances of a bystander detecting the emissions.

Abstract: A punch item management tool may be provided that coordinates and guides the process of taking a punch item from creation to completion. As one possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between a creator of a punch item, a punch item manager for the punch item, and one or more assignees of the punch item. As another possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between an individual serving the dual role of creator and punch item manager for a punch item and one or more assignees for the punch item. In either case, the punch item management tool may provide a user interface comprises of various views through which these individuals may interact in connection with one or more punch items.