Abstract: An exemplary system and method are disclosed for a standalone vision-based system for autonomous online navigation, e.g., around an unknown target small body. The exemplary system (also referred to as AstroSLAM) is predicated on the formulation of the SLAM problem as an incrementally growing factor graph. Using the GTSAM library and the iSAM2 engine, the exemplary system and method combine sensor fusion with the prior orbital motion to provide navigation and parameter estimation that improves the performance over a baseline SLAM implementation. The exemplary system and method can incorporate orbital motion constraints into the factor graph by devising a relative dynamics factor that can link the relative pose of the spacecraft to the problem of predicting trajectories stemming from the motion of the spacecraft in the vicinity of the small body.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle research system includes a vehicle having an attached frame and an engine. A sensing, control and data logging unit, mounted on the frame and in control communication with the engine senses vehicle operational parameters, controls the engine and to steering, and transmits operational data and log operational data. An operator control unit in communication with the sensing, control and data logging unit receives operational data from the sensing, control and data logging unit and presents visual real time display of the operational data. The operator control unit includes a manual cut-off switch that causes the engine to cease moving the vehicle. A remote control unit is manually switchable between a remote control mode and an autonomous control mode. In the remote control mode, the user controls the vehicle remotely. In the autonomous mode, the sensing, control and data logging unit controls the vehicle autonomously.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle research system includes a vehicle having an attached frame and an engine. A sensing, control and data logging unit, mounted on the frame and in control communication with the engine senses vehicle operational parameters, controls the engine and to steering, and transmits operational data and log operational data. An operator control unit in communication with the sensing, control and data logging unit receives operational data from the sensing, control and data logging unit and presents visual real time display of the operational data. The operator control unit includes a manual cut-off switch that causes the engine to cease moving the vehicle. A remote control unit is manually switchable between a remote control mode and an autonomous control mode. In the remote control mode, the user controls the vehicle remotely. In the autonomous mode, the sensing, control and data logging unit controls the vehicle autonomously.

Abstract: A control system and method to mitigate intersection crashes is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic control module equipped with memory and in communication with at least one radar sensor system, at lest one environmental sensor system, at least one vehicle stability system, an operator advisory system, a brake control system, a controllable steering system, and a powertrain control system. In one embodiment, the method may include determining whether a vehicle is entering an intersection, determining whether the operator is responding correctly to the sensed conditions in the intersection, activating the controlled brakes, determining any intersection threat, determining whether any sensed threat is imminent, activating the accident mitigation adviser, reducing engine torque while in the intersection, and actuating steering and brake control systems while in the intersection.

Abstract: A control system and method to mitigate intersection crashes is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic control module equipped with memory and in communication with at least one radar sensor system, at lest one environmental sensor system, at least one vehicle stability system, an operator advisory system, a brake control system, a controllable steering system, and a powertrain control system. In one embodiment, the method may include determining whether a vehicle is entering an intersection, determining whether the operator is responding correctly to the sensed conditions in the intersection, activating the controlled brakes, determining any intersection threat, determining whether any sensed threat is imminent, activating the accident mitigation adviser, reducing engine torque while in the intersection, and actuating steering and brake control systems while in the intersection.

Abstract: Rotor systems are provided comprising rotor, magnetic bearings and a magnetic bearing controller. The controller is one which varies in accordance with linear parameters and is preferably responsive to linear matrix inequalities. High speed, low loss flywheel systems, especially electromagnetic flywheel batteries are facilitated through such rotor systems.

Abstract: Rotor systems are provided comprising rotor, magnetic bearings and a magnetic bearing controller. The controller is one which varies in accordance with linear parameters and is preferably responsive to linear matrix inequalities. High speed, low loss flywheel systems, especially electromagnetic flywheel batteries are facilitated through such rotor systems.