Abstract: A method of performing a finishing operation on a surface of a component includes: acquiring, by a sensing system, an image of the surface of the component; retrieving a CAD model of the surface of the component; comparing the image of the surface of the component with the CAD model of the surface of the component; determining at least one target area on the surface of the component where a difference in a geometry between the image and the CAD model of the surface of the component exceeds a threshold; and displaying at least one visual overlay corresponding to the at least one target area on a real-world content or a virtual content.

Abstract: A method of performing a finishing operation on a surface of a component includes: (a) generating an image of the surface of the component; (b) comparing the image of the surface of the component with a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of the surface of the component to identify a target area to be finished; (c) selecting, by a controller, one of a plurality of finishing tools to perform the finishing operation on the target area; (d) operating, by a robot, a selected one of the plurality of finishing tools to perform the finishing operation; (e) measuring a surface roughness of the target area; and (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) until the surface roughness of the target area satisfies a predetermined value.

Abstract: Autonomous modular robots and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first assembly includes a first controller having a first processor that causes a first assembly support to translate along a first axis and align with a container placed on the first assembly support which is connected to a third assembly. The third assembly is configured to release a lid when the container has been engaged with the lid. The lid and container form a second assembly that includes a second processor and a second sensor assembly located in the lid. A transfer assembly can transfer an object into and out of the container. The first processor can determine a position and orientation of a delivery platform, planned movement and position of the second assembly, and planned operations of the transfer assembly in order to deliver a package to the delivery platform.

Abstract: A method for automating a die fabrication process includes obtaining, by one or more controllers, die sensor data from one or more die sensors and image data from one or more image sensors, generating, by the one or more controllers, a command to perform one or more machining tool operations based on the die sensor data and the image data, and controlling, by the one or more controllers, a machining tool to perform the one or more machining tool operations. The method includes selectively adjusting, by the one or more controllers, a position of a robotic arm based on the one or more machining tool operations and training an artificial intelligence system to autonomously perform the die fabrication process based on the one or more machining tool operations, the position of the robotic arm, the image data, the die sensor data, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for determining preferred battery capacities. In an example method, a first set of data associated with scooter usage in a geographic area may be received. A first number of battery packs and a second number of battery packs for servicing the geographic area may be determined based at least on the first set of data, where the first number of battery packs has a first power capacity and the second number of battery packs has a second power capacity. A first cost associated with the first number of battery packs and a second cost associated with the second number of battery packs may be determined via a simulation model. The first cost may be determined to be lower than the second cost, and the first number of battery packs having the first power capacity may be selected to service the geographic area.

Abstract: An identification apparatus for an equipped vehicle includes a camera configured to capture image data in a field of view directed to an exterior region proximate to the equipped vehicle and a controller in communication with the camera. The controller identifies an object in the image data and identifies a proportion of the object in response to pixels representing the object in the image data. The controller then communicates a notification indicating a trailing vehicle in response to the object approaching the camera in excess of a threshold.

Abstract: A die apparatus including a first die element, a plurality of second die elements, a plurality of actuators, and a controller is provided. Each of the plurality of actuators is mounted to one of the plurality of second die elements. The controller is programmed to activate the actuators to contact and compress portions of a blank disposed between the die elements at separate pressures to influence microstructure forming for one of a geometry transition region, a deformation region, and a joining region. One of the separate pressures applied to one of the portions of the blank may be approximately 5 N/mm2 or less to form a soft strength zone. The pressure of approximately 5 N/mm2 or less may be applied to the one of the portions of the blank for approximately one to two seconds.

Abstract: A system for charging electric vehicles that includes a rail structure, a mobile base unit, a battery charge station and a battery. The mobile base unit is supported by the rail structure. The mobile base unit includes a movable base connected to the rail structure and a drive motor configured to move the movable base along the rail structure. The movable base defines a first battery compartment. The battery charge station defines a second battery compartment. The battery is movable by the movable base between a first position in which the battery is received in the first battery compartment and electrically coupled to the mobile base unit to provide power to the drive motor, and a second position in which the battery is received in the second battery compartment and electrically coupled to the battery charge station to charge the battery.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an authentic image of an assembly and a boundary label provided with the authentic image. The boundary label is associated with a selected region of the authentic image depicting a selected object. The method includes generating an augmented image based on the authentic image and an augmentation model employing one or more augmentation parameters, defining a model boundary label on a blank image at a region that correlates with the selected region of the authentic image, generating an augmented blank image based on the one or more augmentation parameters employed for the augmented image, identifying, as an augmented boundary label associated with augmented image, the model boundary label in the augmented blank image, and outputting an augmented image data, wherein the augmented image data incudes data indicative of the augmented image and of the augmented boundary label.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining vehicle data associated with the plurality of vehicles, obtaining charging station data associated with the plurality of charging stations, and obtaining robot data associated with the one or more robots. The method includes determining, based on the vehicle data, whether a given vehicle has a given amount of electrical energy that is less than a threshold amount of electrical energy. The method includes, in response to determining that the given amount of electrical energy is less than the threshold amount of electrical energy: selecting a given charging station based on the charging station data and a given robot based on the robot data, instructing the given vehicle and the given robot to navigate to the given charging station, and instructing the given robot to initiate a charging routine when the given vehicle and the given robot are proximate to the given charging station.

Abstract: A system for charging electric vehicles includes a robot, an electric charger, a vehicle localization structure, and a control system. The vehicle localization structure defines a charge zone located at a fixed position. The control system is configured to determine that a corresponding electric vehicle of the electric vehicles is in the charge zone, determine a position of a charge port of the corresponding electric vehicle based on the fixed position of the vehicle localization structure and vehicle parameters of the corresponding electric vehicle, and instruct the robot to move a charger of the electric charger from the electric charger to the charge port of the corresponding electric vehicle such that the charger is electrically coupled to the corresponding electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles includes a rail structure, a mobile base unit, at least one battery and a controller. The mobile base unit is supported by the rail structure and is configured to move along the rail structure between respective vehicle charging stations. The battery is configured to provide power to the mobile base unit to move along the rail structure. The controller is configured to obtain a charge request from one or more electric vehicles, determine a charging sequence of the electric vehicles based on vehicle parameters and charge parameters of the battery, and move the mobile base unit along the rail structure based on the charging sequence.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining parking lot data associated with the parking lot, where the parking lot data indicates an availability of a plurality of parking spaces of the parking lot and obtaining vehicle data associated with the plurality of vehicles, where the vehicle data includes one or more physical characteristics of each of the plurality of vehicles, one or more electrical charging characteristics of each of the plurality of vehicles, or a combination thereof. The method includes dynamically defining one or more parking characteristics of the parking lot based on the vehicle data and the parking lot data and controlling a movement of the plurality of vehicles via the exit lane, the entry lane, and the one or more charging lanes based on the vehicle data and the one or more parking characteristics of the parking lot.

Abstract: A tool for a robotic arm is configured to move an electric charger to an electric vehicle. The tool includes a base configured to be secured to the robotic arm, a vision sensor disposed on the base, a hook including a proximal end fixed to the base, a distal end having an arcuate shape, and a void defined between the proximal end and the distal end, and a gripper extending below the base. The gripper includes a track, two opposing fingers configured to move along the track, and an actuator configured to retract the two opposing fingers along the track.

Abstract: A method of inspecting stamped blanks on a stamping line includes identifying at least one target defect location for a given stamped blank configuration where a unique defect type is associated with each of the at least one target defect locations. One or more images of each of the least one identified target defect locations on blanks stamped per the given stamped blank configuration are acquired with one or more cameras assigned to each of the identified target defect locations. The method includes analyzing the one or more images of each of the least one identified target defect locations and detecting if the unique defect type associated with each of the at least one target defect locations is present. Also, each unique defect type is identified with a corresponding unique defect identification algorithm.

Abstract: Stackable battery assemblies and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example battery assembly includes an energy storage device, a housing having a locking unit, a receiver unit, and a sidewall that are interconnected to form an enclosure that retains the energy storage device. The locking unit can include a plate that is spaced apart from the sidewall of the housing by a second sidewall, the plate supporting a first electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device via a locking member. The receiver unit can include a third sidewall that defines a cavity that is shaped to correspond with the locking unit, the third sidewall having a lock notch and a second electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device.

Abstract: A method includes defining, in an image, bounding boxes about an electrical connector assembly, identifying an edge of each of the bounding boxes, and determining one or more metrics based on the edge of each the bounding boxes, where the one or more metrics indicate a positional relationship between the edges of the bounding boxes. The method includes determining a state of the electrical connector assembly based on the one or more metrics and transmitting a notification based on the state.

Abstract: Self-alignment systems for stackable batteries are disclosed herein. An example apparatus can include a lid and a container that is configured to receive and retain a battery, the lid and container being configured to enclose the battery, a first alignment mechanism positioned on a surface of the lid or the container, the first alignment mechanism having a first locking member that engages with an alignment receiver of another stackable battery assembly that is stacked with the stackable battery assembly, and an electrical interface in electrical communication with the battery, the electrical interface allowing the battery to be charged or discharged by an associated device.

Abstract: A locking system for retractable and removable bins, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The locking system includes a retractable latch disposed within a carrier sized and shaped to receive one or more delivery bins. The locking system further includes a first retention feature disposed on the bin and configured to receive the latch in a first locked configuration where horizontal and vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is prohibited. Additionally, the locking system includes a second retention feature disposed on the bin distal to the first retention feature and configured to receive the latch in a second locked configuration. The second retention feature has an opening such that, in the second locked configuration, vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is permitted to thereby remove the bin from the latch through the opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting privacy for safety, comfort, and infotainment of one or more occupants of an autonomous vehicle are disclosed. For example, the system may capture image data indicative of an interior of the autonomous vehicle via one or more cameras integrated with the autonomous vehicle. The captured image data is then transformed to remove personal identification information of the one or more occupants, and the transformed image data may be analyzed to identify a concern, e.g., an occupant safety concern or a vehicle safety concern. The level of concern may be determined, and a mitigation strategy may be deployed based on the safety concern identified.