Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for establishing and utilizing virtual barriers for remotely operated equipment. Remotely operated equipment may be used to perform operations within a remote operating environment based on control inputs from an operator at a distinct location from the remote operating environment. The virtual barriers are established within a control system of the remotely operated equipment to alert the operator or modify operation based on proximity of the remotely operated equipment to the virtual barriers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a virtual reality interface operable to control a robot system by an operator are disclosed. In some embodiments, the robot system is provided on a boom of an aerial device. The robot system is operable to carry out instructions for performing work-related tasks in a work environment. An operator may interact with a virtual reality system providing the virtual reality interface to operate the robot system. The virtual reality interface may provide various menus and icon features that, when selected, cause display of menus and functions of the virtual reality interface. The virtual reality interface may provide a list of tasks to be performed and instructions to perform those tasks. In some embodiments, the icon features are presented based on the tasks to be performed and selection of the icon features initiates automated actions of the robot system to perform certain tasks.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for establishing and utilizing virtual barriers for remotely operated equipment. Remotely operated equipment may be used to perform operations within a remote operating environment based on control inputs from an operator at a distinct location from the remote operating environment. The virtual barriers are established within a control system of the remotely operated equipment to alert the operator or modify operation based on proximity of the remotely operated equipment to the virtual barriers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an aerial work environment by a robot system are described herein. An aerial robot system may be provided at a boom tip of an aerial device for performing work on aerial power/telecommunication systems. The aerial robot system may comprise manipulators including one or more robot unit manipulators and one or more auxiliary arms provided in a side-by-side configuration. The side-by-side configuration reduces a vertical profile of the aerial robot system over standard systems providing methods for accessing all points on standard aerial work environments. Furthermore, the aerial robot system may be configured to provide all necessary tools and replacements parts as well as storage for removal of parts in the aerial work environment. Aerial tasks may be performed by an operator, autonomously, or a combination of manual and autonomous.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting aerial objects by a remotely operated cutting system disposed on a boom tip of an aerial device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a remotely operated cutting system may be operable to translate and rotate in three dimensions to obtain an optimal cutting position. The cutting device may be configured to cut tree limbs, power lines, metal bars, or the like. A sensor may detect electrical energy in proximity to a cutting location associated with the cutting device. The cutting device may be controlled by an operator at a remote location communicatively connected to control the cutting device and view the cutting device by a camera mounted on the boom tip or the cutting system. The cutting device may further be automatically operated based on stored computer-executable instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a virtual reality interface operable to control a robot system by an operator are disclosed. In some embodiments, the robot system is provided on a boom of an aerial device. The robot system is operable to carry out instructions for performing work-related tasks in a work environment. An operator may interact with a virtual reality system providing the virtual reality interface to operate the robot system. The virtual reality interface may provide various menus and icon features that, when selected, cause display of menus and functions of the virtual reality interface. The virtual reality interface may provide a list of tasks to be performed and instructions to perform those tasks. In some embodiments, the icon features are presented based on the tasks to be performed and selection of the icon features initiates automated actions of the robot system to perform certain tasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an aerial work environment by a robot system are described herein. An aerial robot system may be provided at a boom tip of an aerial device for performing work on aerial power/telecommunication systems. The aerial robot system may comprise manipulators including one or more robot unit manipulators and one or more auxiliary arms provided in a side-by-side configuration. The side-by-side configuration reduces a vertical profile of the aerial robot system over standard systems providing methods for accessing all points on standard aerial work environments. Furthermore, the aerial robot system may be configured to provide all necessary tools and replacements parts as well as storage for removal of parts in the aerial work environment. Aerial tasks may be performed by an operator, autonomously, or a combination of manual and autonomous.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting aerial objects by a remotely operated cutting system disposed on a boom tip of an aerial device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a remotely operated cutting system may be operable to translate and rotate in three dimensions to obtain an optimal cutting position. The cutting device may be configured to cut tree limbs, power lines, metal bars, or the like. A sensor may detect electrical energy in proximity to a cutting location associated with the cutting device. The cutting device may be controlled by an operator at a remote location communicatively connected to control the cutting device and view the cutting device by a camera mounted on the boom tip or the cutting system. The cutting device may further be automatically operated based on stored computer-executable instructions.

Abstract: Automatic bond on techniques for remote operations on energized power lines are disclosed. A remote assembly may comprise a robot unit and a jib. The jib may have an end effector at a distal end, a proximal end coupled to the robot unit, and an insulating section between the distal end and the proximal end. The end effector may couple to the energized power line, and the insulating section may electrically isolate the robot unit from the energized power line. An actuator at the proximal end may be selectively actuatable to electrically connect to the end effector, thereby electrically bonding the robot unit to the energized power lines to enable operations on energized power line components. The jib may toggle the robot unit between the electrically bonded and grounded or floating states to allow the robot unit to operate on both grounded and energized components.

Abstract: A modular subbase may comprise an upper surface, a longitudinal supporting structure coupled to the upper surface, one or more outrigger boxes coupled to the longitudinal supporting structure and the upper surface. The longitudinal supporting structure may comprise a wide sheet of metal comprising two upwardly-facing arms and a medial section adapted to be lightweight and to provide structural support to the upper surface. The longitudinal supporting structure and upper surface may comprise struts configured to prevent buckling of the medial section and the upper surface The modular subbase may be configured to couple to one or more modular bodies. The modular bodies may couple directly to the upper surface. A boom-arm pedestal for operating a boom-arm may be integrated into the upper surface and may be structurally supported by the modular subbase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an aerial work environment by a robot system are described herein. An aerial robot system may be provided at a boom tip of an aerial device for performing work on aerial power/telecommunication systems. The aerial robot system may comprise manipulators including one or more robot unit manipulators and one or more auxiliary arms provided in a side-by-side configuration. The side-by-side configuration reduces a vertical profile of the aerial robot system over standard systems providing methods for accessing all points on standard aerial work environments. Furthermore, the aerial robot system may be configured to provide all necessary tools and replacements parts as well as storage for removal of parts in the aerial work environment. Aerial tasks may be performed by an operator, autonomously, or a combination of manual and autonomous.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, assemblies, and devices for monitoring and controlling a battery notification system for an electric utility vehicle. A battery level and vehicle range may be determined and monitored over time. A notification may be generated including information indicative of the battery level and vehicle range to thereby prevent electrical operations from draining the battery level below a predetermined threshold while the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a task in an operation environment of an aerial device with an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot are described. In some embodiments, a robot is disposed at an end of a boom of an aerial device. The robot may comprise cameras, actuators, sensors, processors, and manipulators that work together to perform tasks fully autonomously or semi-autonomously. Furthermore, the robot may comprise tools for performing the tasks and computer-executable instructions for performing the tasks may be based on the various sensory inputs, the tools, and the tasks to be performed.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting aerial objects by a remotely operated cutting system disposed on a boom tip of an aerial device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a remotely operated cutting system may be operable to translate and rotate in three dimensions to obtain an optimal cutting position. The cutting device may be configured to cut tree limbs, power lines, metal bars, or the like. A sensor may detect electrical energy in proximity to a cutting location associated with the cutting device. The cutting device may be controlled by an operator at a remote location communicatively connected to control the cutting device and view the cutting device by a camera mounted on the boom tip or the cutting system. The cutting device may further be automatically operated based on stored computer-executable instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis. In particular, provided herein are nucleic acid synthesis reaction buffer compositions and associated methods for performing enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis comprising use of components and approaches that improve nucleotide synthesis.

Abstract: Rotary tools for operating on energized power lines are described herein. The rotary tool may be used to manipulate wire ties wrapped around the conductors and to clean the conductors. The rotary tool may comprise a planetary gear set. A ring gear may comprise a receiving portion through which an end of the wire tie is received and, as the ring gear rotates, the wire tie is fed through the receiving portion and unwound about the conductor. A spring-loaded rod assembly may also be used, having a rod that is kept proximal to the conductor by the spring. The rod may be inserted between the conductor and the wire tie and rotated along with the ring gear to unwind the wire tie. The rod may comprise wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor. The rotary tool may be remotely operated by a robotic unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, assemblies, and devices for monitoring and controlling a battery notification system for an electric utility vehicle. A battery level and vehicle range may be determined and monitored over time. A notification may be generated including information indicative of the battery level and vehicle range to thereby prevent electrical operations from draining the battery level below a predetermined threshold while the vehicle is parked.