Abstract: A machine-learned model is used in the detection of anomalies in operation of the instrument drive chain of a surgical robotic system. For example, normal operation (e.g., cable force) based on operation information (e.g., position and/or load) is predicted by the machine-learned model, which prediction is then compared to actual operation. The comparison results in early detection of anomalies based on machine-learned prediction and the corresponding incorporation of historical operation.

Abstract: A charge head is connected to a charge inlet of an electric vehicle to supply an electric charge to recharge the battery of the vehicle. The charge head is attached to a connecting device that moves the charge head to the charge inlet. Multiple light detectors are provided on the charge head to sense light emitted from the vehicle. The system then uses a difference in the amount of light received by different light detectors to determine a direction to move the charge head toward the charge inlet.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes capturing an image of at least a portion of a pattern positioned in a fixed location in a landing zone of an EV-side electrical connector in a fixed position on or in an underside of the EV. The method includes determining, based on the image, a displacement of a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position to a final position, the final position corresponding to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector. The method includes actuating the charger-side electrical connector from the initial position to the final position according to the displacement.

Abstract: A charge head is connected to a charge inlet of an electric vehicle to supply an electric charge to recharge the battery of the vehicle. The charge head is attached to a connecting device that moves the charge head to the charge inlet. Multiple light detectors are provided on the charge head to sense light emitted from the vehicle. The system then uses a difference in the amount of light received by different light detectors to determine a direction to move the charge head toward the charge inlet.

Abstract: A charging connection is provided for charging a battery of a vehicle using an external power source. The first connector is coupled to the external power source with an electric cable. The second connector is coupled to the vehicle. The first connector is automatically guided for connection to the second connector using radio frequency signals to couple the first and second connectors so that electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle from the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: An automatic charging device and method is described that is positionable to access an underside of an electrical vehicle that facilitates hands-free connection of a vehicle-side electrical connector with a floor unit electrical connector. The automatic charging device includes a floor unit, a first slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a second slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a pivotal link coupled to the floor unit electrical connector, and a lift mechanism connected to the second slidable carriage and the pivotal link. The floor unit electrical connector is arranged to rise away from the floor unit in a direction of the vehicle-side electrical connector to facilitate a mating of the vehicle-side electrical connector and the floor unit electrical connector. The first and the second slidable carriages are configured to move in a linear xy-direction, respectively, and the lift mechanism is configured to move in a linear z-direction.

Abstract: An automatic charging device and method is described that is positionable to access an underside of an electrical vehicle that facilitates hands-free connection of a vehicle-side electrical connector with a floor unit electrical connector. The automatic charging device includes a floor unit, a first slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a second slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a pivotal link coupled to the floor unit electrical connector, and a lift mechanism connected to the second slidable carriage and the pivotal link. The floor unit electrical connector is arranged to rise away from the floor unit in a direction of the vehicle-side electrical connector to facilitate a mating of the vehicle-side electrical connector and the floor unit electrical connector. The first and the second slidable carriages are configured to move in a linear xy-direction, respectively, and the lift mechanism is configured to move in a linear z-direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes capturing an image of at least a portion of a pattern positioned in a fixed location in a landing zone of an EV-side electrical connector in a fixed position on or in an underside of the EV. The method includes determining, based on the image, a displacement of a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position to a final position, the final position corresponding to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector. The method includes actuating the charger-side electrical connector from the initial position to the final position according to the displacement.

Abstract: A charge head is connected to a charge inlet of an electric vehicle to supply an electric charge to recharge the battery of the vehicle. The charge head is attached to a connecting device that moves the charge head to the charge inlet. Multiple light detectors are provided on the charge head to sense light emitted from the vehicle. The system then uses a difference in the amount of light received by different light detectors to determine a direction to move the charge head toward the charge inlet.

Abstract: A charging connection is provided for charging a battery of a vehicle using an external power source. The first connector is coupled to the external power source with an electric cable. The second connector is coupled to the vehicle. The first connector is automatically guided for connection to the second connector using radio frequency signals to couple the first and second connectors so that electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle from the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location and/or orientation of at least a portion of an electric vehicle relative to at least a portion of a charging station. A camera system can include a camera housing having outer, intermediate, and inner layers that are concentric to each other. The outer, protective layer and the intermediate layer can each have wiper assemblies that wipe debris from a surface of the intermediate layer or inner layer, respectively, as the associated outer or intermediate layer is rotated. The intermediate layer also include one or more lenses that are selectively to capture an image(s) of the vehicle by a camera. The camera housing can be lifted from a recessed position in an assembly housing while the outer layer is simultaneously rotatably retracted so that the camera can capture an image through the inner layer and a selected lens of the intermediate layer.