Abstract: The disclosed robotic monitoring system may include (1) a mobility subsystem for moving the robotic monitoring system through a datacenter, (2) at least one sensor for sensing information about the datacenter as the robotic monitoring system moves through the datacenter, (3) a payload subsystem for mounting the at least one sensor to the robotic monitoring system, and/or (4) a computation and navigation subsystem for recording the information about the datacenter and controlling the mobility subsystem. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote PHY comprises circuitry operable to communicate with a converged cable access platform and a plurality of cable modems in accordance with Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS®). The remote PHY comprises buffer circuitry operable to buffer signals to be transmitted to one or more of the plurality of cable modems. The remote PHY may comprise subcarrier insertion circuitry operable to manipulate the contents of the buffer circuitry such that the remote PHY is scheduled to transmit, during a determined time interval, subcarriers having determined characteristics. The subcarriers having determined characteristics may be zero-bit-loaded subcarriers.

Abstract: A sensing system for bins includes a bin with at least one light emitting diode operatively mounted to the bin. At least one receiver for detecting IR light from the at least one light emitting diode is also operatively mounted to the bin. A microcontroller is operatively connected to the at least one light emitting diode and the at least one receiver. A wireless transmitter is operatively connected to the microcontroller for relaying information regarding the content status of the bin to an indicator. The at least one light emitting diode, the at least one receiver, the wireless transmitter, and the microcontroller are operatively connected to a power source.

Abstract: A nesting tilt-truck includes a metal frame and a container body. A pair of large wheels are rotatably mounted on a common axle that is in turn mounted on the metal frame near the junction of the container body front wall and base. A second caster wheel or wheels, which house a self-contained axle that allows the wheel(s) to rotate, is mounted on the metal frame near the junction of the container body rear wall and base. The caster wheel(s) are configured to pivot about a vertical axis in order to easily steer the tilt-truck during use of the tilt-truck. The container body is formed with a kick-out wall that inclines rearwardly to form a pocket for seating the wheels of a second tilt-truck when one tilt-truck is nested inside a second tilt-truck.

Abstract: A data center includes a wind collecting structure that directs prevailing winds external to the data center into an interior of the wind collecting structure. The wind collecting structure includes vents around its perimeter configured to selectively open on a side of the wind collecting structure receiving prevailing wind, pressurizing the intake air. The pressurized air flows from the wind collecting structure through a compartment of the data center including computing assets. The air is directed across the computing assets to extract heat from the computing assets during operation.

Abstract: A data center includes a hot stack for exhausting heated air from the data center and a cold stack that cools intake air relative to the environment surrounding the data center. The temperature difference between air in the cold stack and the environment creates an airflow through the cold stack and into a cold aisle. This pressurizes the cold aisle, causing air to flow from the cold aisle across computing assets to a lower-pressure hot aisle. While flowing across the computing assets, the air absorbs heat generated by the computing assets. The temperature difference between the heated air and air outside the data center causes the heated air to flow through the hot stack and outside of the data center.

Abstract: A data center includes a hot stack for exhausting heated air from the data center. As air flows across computing assets operating in the data center, the air absorbs heat generated by the computing assets. The temperature difference between the heated air and air outside the data center, the height of the hot stack, and the area of the hot stack causes the heated air to flow through the hot stack and outside of the data center. This air flow may be used to decrease the pressure of a portion of the data center, causing air to flow from a higher pressure portion of the data center to the depressurized portion of the data center.

Abstract: Mobile self-balancing robots for telepresence are provided. The robots comprise a base, a head, and a shaft therebetween. The shaft can be telescoping to allow the head to be extended above the base to about the height of a normal sized person, or can be retracted to make the robot more compact for easier storage and transportation. The head includes components for telepresence such as cameras, a speaker, a microphone, a laser pointer, and a display screen, as well as protection from impacts and falls. The base provides locomotion and balance, and a narrow shaft between the head and base minimizes the robot's weight and reduces the likelihood of collisions with protrusions like table edges.

Abstract: A data center includes a wind collecting structure that directs prevailing winds external to the data center into an interior of the wind collecting structure. The wind collecting structure includes vents around its perimeter configured to selectively open on a side of the wind collecting structure receiving prevailing wind, pressurizing the intake air. The pressurized air flows from the wind collecting structure through a compartment of the data center including computing assets. The air is directed across the computing assets to extract heat from the computing assets during operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods as described for providing visual telepresence to an operator of a remotely controlled robot. The robot includes both video cameras and pose sensors. The system can also comprise a head-tracking sensor to monitor the orientation of the operator's head. These signals can be used to aim the video cameras. The controller receives both the video signals and the pose sensor signals from the robot, and optionally receives head-tracking signals from the head-tracking sensor. The controller stitches together the various video signals to form a composite video signal that maps to a robot view. The controller renders an image to a display from that portion of the composite video signal that maps to an operator view. The relationship of the operator view to the robot view is varied according to the signals from the pose sensors and the head-tracking sensor.

Abstract: A data center includes a hot stack for exhausting heated air from the data center and a cold stack that cools intake air relative to the environment surrounding the data center. The temperature difference between air in the cold stack and the environment creates an airflow through the cold stack and into a cold aisle. This pressurizes the cold aisle, causing air to flow from the cold aisle across computing assets to a lower-pressure hot aisle. While flowing across the computing assets, the air absorbs heat generated by the computing assets. The temperature difference between the heated air and air outside the data center causes the heated air to flow through the hot stack and outside of the data center.

Abstract: A data center includes a hot stack for exhausting heated air from the data center. As air flows across computing assets operating in the data center, the air absorbs heat generated by the computing assets. The temperature difference between the heated air and air outside the data center, the height of the hot stack, and the area of the hot stack causes the heated air to flow through the hot stack and outside of the data center. This air flow may be used to decrease the pressure of a portion of the data center, causing air to flow from a higher pressure portion of the data center to the depressurized portion of the data center.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for projecting a stabilized laser beam from a robot being controlled through a human interface. The laser beam can be stabilized through the use of optics that continuously adjust the aim of the laser beam in response to measurements of the orientation of the robot. The human interface allows the operator to both observe the visual environment of the robot and also to aim the laser beam. The projected laser beam allows the operator to communicate from the perspective of the robot by pointing to objects or locations within the robot's visual environment, creating symbols with the laser beam, and make gestures with the laser beam.

Abstract: Mobile self-balancing robots for telepresence are provided. The robots comprise a base, a head, and a shaft therebetween. The shaft can be telescoping to allow the head to be extended above the base to about the height of a normal sized person, or can be retracted to make the robot more compact for easier storage and transportation. The head includes components for telepresence such as cameras, a speaker, a microphone, a laser pointer, and a display screen, as well as protection from impacts and falls. The base provides locomotion and balance, and a narrow shaft between the head and base minimizes the robot's weight and reduces the likelihood of collisions with protrusions like table edges.

Abstract: Systems and methods as described for providing visual telepresence to an operator of a remotely controlled robot. The robot includes both video cameras and pose sensors. The system can also comprise a head-tracking sensor to monitor the orientation of the operator's head. These signals can be used to aim the video cameras. The controller receives both the video signals and the pose sensor signals from the robot, and optionally receives head-tracking signals from the head-tracking sensor. The controller stitches together the various video signals to form a composite video signal that maps to a robot view. The controller renders an image to a display from that portion of the composite video signal that maps to an operator view. The relationship of the operator view to the robot view is varied according to the signals from the pose sensors and the head-tracking sensor.

Abstract: Robots comprising two links joined by a pivot joint are provided. In some cases, the pivot joint allows the robot to lean to either side. One link of the robot includes an electrically activated actuator such as an electric motor configured to rotate a pulley. A belt is engaged with the actuator, and the ends of the belt are coupled to the other link on either side of the pivot joint. Tensioners, such as springs, provide tension on either side of the belt. Actuating the actuator changes the position of the belt to respond to sloping surfaces and turns, for example.

Abstract: A power system is provided for robotic systems such as dynamically balancing robots, including inverted pendulum robots, robots that balance on two legs, and dynamically balancing robotic personal vehicles. Under normal operation, the power system provides operating power from a power source such as an internal battery system or an external AC power supply. The power system includes an energy storage device, such as an ultracapacitor assembly, that can provide emergency power sufficient to power components of the robotic system to a stable shutdown configuration in the event of a deleterious power event.

Abstract: A robotic hand and arm where the fingers are driven by rotational motors with drums, and pulled with cables using rolling friction. The hand extends into a robotic arm through a wrist wherein the wrist is controlled by pneumatic cylinders. Each finger preferably is provided with four manufactured parts and a single pulley. The thumb is provided with three pulleys for independent distal movement. Cables wraps around or over pulleys, eliminating tight bends. A glove is provided about the robotic hand which provides a compressive, liquid resistant membrane.