Abstract: A system and method for incident notification for an autonomous or a semi-autonomous cleaning device. The incident notification can be provided with or without videos using hyperlinks. Videos can be accessed directly on the cleaning device graphical user interface (GUI) on the incident notification dashboard. Based on the detected failure types, direct links to specific contextual help videos next to each incident notification can be provided to further troubleshoot the incident. The system simplifies the complexity of incident notification and improves the user experience by merging all monitoring on a single dashboard which can manage all simultaneous faults in a coherent manner.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid mapping and localization system using continuous localization algorithms is disclosed. When a localization quality is sufficiently high, based on a validated points localization monitor metric, then the map updates are allowed to be made on the localization map. This helps localizing in dynamic environments because these environment changes are actually integrated into the underlying map, so that the particle filter does not snap to incorrect object locations.

Abstract: A virtual teaching system includes a semi-autonomous device to perform a task such as cleaning a target environment. The semi-autonomous device includes one or more sensors configured to record environmental data from the target environment that can be used to construct a virtual environment. The semi-autonomous device is operably coupled to an analysis system. The analysis system includes a processor to perform multiple functions, such as constructing the virtual environment from the recorded environmental data and supporting operation of a user interface. The user interface can be operably coupled to the processor, allowing a human operator to teach a virtual device in the virtual environment to perform an action sequence. Once the virtual device has been taught an action sequence in the virtual environment, the analysis system can transfer the recorded action sequence to the semi-autonomous device for use in the target environment.

Abstract: A system for a self-cleaning squeegee that is integrated with a semi-autonomous cleaning device includes a frame coupled to the cleaning device. A squeegee is coupled to the frame and oriented such that an edge of the squeegee is in close proximity to a surface, e.g., a floor, for cleaning. A manifold configured to receive a cleaning fluid is coupled to the frame and oriented such that the cleaning fluid can be dispersed onto at least a portion of the squeegee. A connecting member is used to couple the manifold to an external fluid distribution system that provides the cleaning fluid. The self-cleaning squeegee system can thus disperse pressurized cleaning fluid, e.g., water or a mixture of water and soap, via the manifold to clean the surface of a squeegee. In this manner, the self-cleaning squeegee system can clean squeegees on the cleaning device without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: A system and method of software control and autonomy of a disinfection module for an autonomous or semi-autonomous cleaning device. The disinfection module control software resides on a computer with processor and memory. The disinfection module is connected to peripherals for sensing and localizing in the environment and controlling the actuators for the motion of the cleaning device. The disinfection module control software processes the sprayer's status, follows and plans paths to move the cleaning device to the spray targets, generates appropriate motion commands, and controls the disinfection module's pump, fan, LED, and electrostatic generator states.

Abstract: A system and method can be provided for detecting the status of one or more components and/or systems of, for example, a manual, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous cleaning device or the like. Embodiments described herein relate to a system that provides semi-autonomous cleaning of surfaces by a semi-autonomous cleaning device. The system provides for improved reliable obstacle detection and avoidance, improved sensing, improved design, improved failure detection, advanced diagnostics and expandability capabilities.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring, analyzing, and/or validating the lifecycle and maintenance schedule of consumable wear components used in or by a semi-autonomous cleaning device can include scanning a unique identifier associated with a consumable component and receiving, at the cleaning device, data associated with the unique identifier. A signal associated with the data is sent from the cleaning device to a host device. After scanning the unique identifier, the consumable component is installed in or on the cleaning device. During use of the cleaning device, a status of the consumable component is monitored and a signal is sent to the host device in response to one or more characteristics associated with the consumable component meeting a criterion.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring the position of semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous devices for safe navigation in a dynamic, unstructured environment can include processes to detect localization errors via an odometry check, a laser map alignment check, or a bimodal distribution check; detect tracking errors to monitor and/or control device trajectory and/or to avoid device rollover; regulate velocity control based on static or dynamic safety zones for collision avoidance; perform system integrity checks to maintain desired performance over time; and/or the like. These processes may interface with and/or utilize sensors on the device and may provide inputs for a safety monitor system that oversees device safety. In addition, an onboard computer system with a real time operating system may be used to enable real time monitoring and response during device navigation and to execute relevant processes associated with this system independent of other processes performed.

Abstract: A virtual teaching system includes a semi-autonomous device to perform a task such as cleaning a target environment. The semi-autonomous device includes one or more sensors configured to record environmental data from the target environment that can be used to construct a virtual environment. The semi-autonomous device is operably coupled to an analysis system. The analysis system includes a processor to perform multiple functions, such as constructing the virtual environment from the recorded environmental data and supporting operation of a user interface. The user interface can be operably coupled to the processor, allowing a human operator to teach a virtual device in the virtual environment to perform an action sequence. Once the virtual device has been taught an action sequence in the virtual environment, the analysis system can transfer the recorded action sequence to the semi-autonomous device for use in the target environment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring, analyzing, and/or validating the lifecycle and maintenance schedule of consumable wear components used in or by a semi-autonomous cleaning device can include scanning a unique identifier associated with a consumable component and receiving, at the cleaning device, data associated with the unique identifier. A signal associated with the data is sent from the cleaning device to a host device. After scanning the unique identifier, the consumable component is installed in or on the cleaning device. During use of the cleaning device, a status of the consumable component is monitored and a signal is sent to the host device in response to one or more characteristics associated with the consumable component meeting a criterion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring, analyzing, and/or validating the lifecycle and maintenance schedule of consumable wear components used in or by a semi-autonomous cleaning device can include scanning a unique identifier associated with a consumable component and receiving, at the cleaning device, data associated with the unique identifier. A signal associated with the data is sent from the cleaning device to a host device. After scanning the unique identifier, the consumable component is installed in or on the cleaning device. During use of the cleaning device, a status of the consumable component is monitored and a signal is sent to the host device in response to one or more characteristics associated with the consumable component meeting a criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: A system for a self-cleaning squeegee that is integrated with a semi-autonomous cleaning device includes a frame coupled to the cleaning device. A squeegee is coupled to the frame and oriented such that an edge of the squeegee is in close proximity to a surface, e.g., a floor, for cleaning. A manifold configured to receive a cleaning fluid is coupled to the frame and oriented such that the cleaning fluid can be dispersed onto at least a portion of the squeegee. A connecting member is used to couple the manifold to an external fluid distribution system that provides the cleaning fluid. The self-cleaning squeegee system can thus disperse pressurized cleaning fluid, e.g., water or a mixture of water and soap, via the manifold to clean the surface of a squeegee. In this manner, the self-cleaning squeegee system can clean squeegees on the cleaning device without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: It relates to compositions produced by microorganism cell cultures, including microorganism-free compositions as well as compositions comprising inactivated microorganisms. It also relates to methods for obtaining the compositions produced by microorganism cell cultures and to agricultural compositions comprising them. It also relates to the use of the compositions of the invention as plant growth promoting agents and to methods for promoting stimulatory activity on plants comprising administering to the plant with these compositions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring, analyzing, and/or validating the lifecycle and maintenance schedule of consumable wear components used in or by a semi-autonomous cleaning device can include scanning a unique identifier associated with a consumable component and receiving, at the cleaning device, data associated with the unique identifier. A signal associated with the data is sent from the cleaning device to a host device. After scanning the unique identifier, the consumable component is installed in or on the cleaning device. During use of the cleaning device, a status of the consumable component is monitored and a signal is sent to the host device in response to one or more characteristics associated with the consumable component meeting a criterion.