Abstract: A facade gantry allows for close inspection of a facade using remotely operated cameras, probes, and/or sampling devices. These devices are located in a housing that is positioned in front of a facade by a system of cables, from which it is suspended, that allow for movement in any direction in a plane. Two cables are attached to the housing containing the sensors and tools and are wound onto two separate spools located on the roof at the vertical boundaries of the inspection area. By winding and unwinding these spools, the housing can be raised, lowered, and moved from side to side. The invention further has an optional “shed” located on the ground that protects pedestrians in the case of a suspension system failure. The shed moves to maintain a position directly under the housing. The gantry optionally allows for repair of the facade by using remotely operated repair tools.

Abstract: A concrete patching robot has a multi-axis robotic manipulator mounted on a powered, movable, platform that can be raised and lowered to access the underside of structures that may be substantial distances above the ground, for example, the underside of an elevated highway. The entire assembly is maneuverable under the work area and the platform may be raised to access the concrete. Once the work area is in reach of the arm, the device is able to use numerous tools to complete essential steps to repair the concrete.

Abstract: A concrete patching robot has a multi-axis robotic manipulator mounted on a powered, movable, platform that can be raised and lowered to access the underside of structures that may be substantial distances above the ground, for example, the underside of an elevated highway. The entire assembly is maneuverable under the work area and the platform may be raised to access the concrete. Once the work area is in reach of the arm, the device is able to use numerous tools to complete essential steps to repair the concrete.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, an on-site drywall fabrication system is configured to perform on-site construction of drywall (e.g., plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum panel, sheet rock, gypsum board, etc.) over at least a portion of a framed (e.g., studded) wall (e.g., comprising one or more substantially vertical studs). In particular embodiments, the on-site drywall fabrication system is configured to utilize one or more drywall installation robots to fabricate drywall substantially directly on a framed wall. Generally speaking, the on-site drywall fabrication system may be configured to generate a substantially continuous, seamless drywall panel that extends along a particular portion of a wall. The system may, for example, utilize one or more sprayers that are configured to spray a suitable fill material between a first wall material (e.g., a first wall material applied via the first wall material spool) and a second wall material.

Abstract: An automated mobile paint robot, according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) a wheeled base; (2) at least one paint sprayer; (3) at least one pump; (4) a vision system; (5) a GPS navigation system; and (5) a computer controller configured to: (A) generate a room painting plan using one or more inputs from the GPS navigation system, vision system, etc.; (B) control movement of the automated mobile paint robot across a support surface: (C) use the vision system to position the wheeled base in a suitable position from which to paint a desired area using the at least one paint sprayer; and (D) use the at least one pump to activate the at least one paint sprayer to paint a swath (e.g., swatch) of paint from the suitable position.

Abstract: An automated mobile paint robot, according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) a wheeled base; (2) at least one paint sprayer; (3) at least one pump; (4) a vision system; (5) a GPS navigation system; and (5) a computer controller configured to: (A) generate a room painting plan using one or more inputs from the GPS navigation system, vision system, etc.; (B) control movement of the automated mobile paint robot across a support surface: (C) use the vision system to position the wheeled base in a suitable position from which to paint a desired area using the at least one paint sprayer; and (D) use the at least one pump to activate the at least one paint sprayer to paint a swath (e.g., swatch) of paint from the suitable position.

Abstract: A construction board installation robot comprises a frame with attached devices to securely hold and subsequently affix to a substructure a construction board, a robotic system consisting multiple joints and links to position the frame, and a cart containing ancillary equipment needed for the completion of the desired task and the ability to move and position the entire assembly under its own power. Positioning is determined dynamically utilizing a series of laser scanners and optical sensors. To assist a laborer with the mounting of boards, the arm and cart are capable of being easily maneuvered either through the use of integrated sensors that direct the actuation of the arm and/or cart wheels as determined by the push or pull of the operator on the device, a method of remote control, and/or independently with control software.

Abstract: An automated mobile paint robot, according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) a wheeled base; (2) at least one paint sprayer; (3) at least one pump; (4) a vision system; (5) a GPS navigation system; and (5) a computer controller configured to: (A) generate a room painting plan using one or more inputs from the GPS navigation system, vision system, etc.; (B) control movement of the automated mobile paint robot across a support surface: (C) use the vision system to position the wheeled base in a suitable position from which to paint a desired area using the at least one paint sprayer; and (D) use the at least one pump to activate the at least one paint sprayer to paint a swath (e.g., swatch) of paint from the suitable position.

Abstract: A shroud device (e.g., a paint sprayer shroud), according to particular embodiments, is configured to capture overspray (e.g., paint or other material that is applied to an unintended location) and/or increase an amount of paint that is delivered to a desired location (e.g., on a wall being painted, etc.). In various embodiments, the shroud device is configured for use in conjunction with a sprayer (e.g., such as any suitable paint spryer or other sprayer). In particular embodiments, the shroud device may comprise a blower portion and a suction portion that work in conjunction to recirculate overspray into a sprayer flow and onto a medium, for example, via a recirculation shroud.