Abstract: A socio-emotive-cognitive architecture for a social robot that includes at least two of an attention system that determines at least one of the subject on which and the direction to which the robot focuses at least one of its resources in real-time; an embodied speech system that facilitates intent-based variation of utterances combined with multi-segment body movement; a motivation system that adjusts at least one of the degree of interaction and a mode of interaction for engaging a human user; and an emotion system that partially determines how the attention system, the embodied speech system, and the motivation system perform for any given interaction with a human.

Abstract: Various uses of visible light interference patterns are provided. Suitable interference patterns are those formed by diffraction from patterns of apertures. Typical uses disclosed herein relate to spatial metrology, such as a translational and/or angular position determination system. Further uses include the analysis of properties of the light itself (such as the determination of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation). Still further uses include the analysis of one or more properties (e.g. refractive index) of the matter through which the light passes. Part of the interference pattern is captured at a pixellated detector, such as a CCD chip, and the captured pattern compared with a calculated pattern. Very precise measurements of the spacing between maxima is possible, thus allowing very precise measurements of position of the detector in the interference pattern.

Abstract: Various uses of visible light interference patterns are provided. Suitable interference patterns are those formed by diffraction from patterns of apertures. Typical uses disclosed herein relate to spatial metrology, such as a translational and/or angular position determination system. Further uses include the analysis of properties of the light itself (such as the determination of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation). Still further uses include the analysis of one or more properties (e.g. refractive index) of the matter through which the light passes. Part of the interference pattern is captured at a pixellated detector, such as a CCD chip, and the captured pattern compared with a calculated pattern. Very precise measurements of the spacing between maxima is possible, thus allowing very precise measurements of position of the detector in the interference pattern.

Abstract: Laser welding apparatus, in which a laser beam is impinged upon a component to be welded at a laser beam impingement point, wherein a plasma suppressor is arranged to impinge a jet of gas on the component at an angle to its surface, flowing towards the laser beam impingement point.

Abstract: Laser welding apparatus (12), in which a laser beam (14) is impinged upon a component (2) to be welded at a laser beam impingement point (18), wherein plasma suppression means (30) is arranged to impinge a jet of gas on the component (2) at an angle to its surface, flowing towards the laser beam impingement point (18).