Abstract: A dummy tool is used to teach a robot the path the robot will follow to perform work on a workpiece to eliminate the possibility of damaging an actual tool during the training. The dummy tool provides the robot programmer an indication of potential collisions between the tool and the workpiece and other objects in the work cell when path is being taught. The dummy tool can have a detachable input/output device with a graphic user interface (GUI) that can communicate wirelessly with the robot controller. The dummy tool can also have a moveable camera attached thereto to track the relationship of the tool to objects in the work area.

Abstract: A teleoperated robotic system that utilizes a graphical user interface (GUI) to perform work on a workpiece(s) using a robot. A coordinate system of the GUI is correlated to the tool center point (TCP) of the robot and the TCP or workspace of a teleoperated member, such as a haptic joystick. Operable manipulation of the teleoperated member is correlated to a movement at a particular location in the robot station, such as movement of the TCP of the robot. The GUI can also provide digital representations of the workpiece, which is based on inputted and/or scanned information relating to a reference workpiece and/or the particular workpiece on which the robot is performing work. The GUI can further provide indications of the various stages of assembly of the workpiece, as well as an indication of work already, or to be, performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a robot automated mining method. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot positioning a charging component for entry into a drill hole. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot moving a charging component within a drill hole. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot filling a drill hole with explosive material. In one embodiment, a method includes operating a robot within a mining environment.

Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.

Abstract: A tether control system for an inspection vehicle operable in a housing having a liquid medium is disclosed in the present application. The tether system includes a tether connected between the inspection vehicle and an electronic controller. A controllable buoyancy system associated with the tether is operable for moving the tether in a desired location. The controllable buoyancy system includes one or more floating bodies having a propulsion system and one or more buoyant elements having variable buoyancy capabilities.

Abstract: Robotic visualization systems and methods include running and analyzing perception algorithms and models for robotic visualization systems on multiple computing platforms to obtain a successful complete an object processing request.

Abstract: A robotic system is provided to analyze sensor output data to generate and update a prediction model associated with a virtual scene in the workspace associated with the object.

Abstract: A robotic system is provided to automatically generate and evaluate visual data used for training neural networks. The robotic system includes a first robotic cell for generating a first visual data set and a second robotic cell for generating a second visual data set for comparison to the first visual data set.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot having an associated workspace; a vision sensor constructed to obtain a 3D image of a robot scene including a workpiece located in the workspace; and a control system communicatively coupled to the vision sensor and to the robot. The control system is configured to execute program instructions to filter the image by segmenting the image into a first image portion containing substantially only a region of interest within the robot scene, and a second image portion containing the balance of the robot scene outside the region of interest; and by storing image data associated with the first image portion. The control system is operative to control movement of the robot to perform work, on the workpiece based on the image data associated with the first image portion.

Abstract: A method for robotic adaptive production includes modifying program instructions online while performing production activities in response to detecting a change in the production environment. A robotic adaptive production method includes modifying program instructions online while performing production activities to minimize a production task cycle time or improve a production task quality. A robotic adaptive production method includes estimating a relationship between a control parameter and a sensor input; and modifying the control parameter online to achieve an updated parameter based on the estimating. A robotic adaptive production method includes receiving sensor input relating to robotic performance during the performance of production tasks and online optimizing a process parameter based on robotic performance during the performance of the production tasks.

Abstract: A conductor arrangement includes a first connector having a first connector body made from an electrically insulated material and including a first electrical conductor. A pin extends from the first connector body and includes a core made from an electrically conductive material. The core is electrically connected with the first electrical conductor. A second connector has a second connector body made from an electrically insulated material and includes a second electrical conductor. A socket extends through the second connector body between two opposed openings. A sleeve made from an electrically conductive material is disposed along the socket and is electrically connected with the second electrical conductor. An electrical connection between the first and second electrical conductors is established when the pin is fully disposed within the socket such that the core is electrically connected with the sleeve.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for charging an electric vehicle are disclosed. The system includes a floor unit and a vehicle unit, each having an electrical connector. The method includes positioning the floor unit electrical connector with reference to the mating vehicle unit electrical connector. The method includes inserting the floor unit electrical connector into the mating vehicle unit electrical connector. The method includes initiating an electric vehicle charging process by selectively enabling a flow of electric current from an electric power supply through the matingly coupled vehicle unit and floor unit electrical connectors.

Abstract: A connector arrangement for charging an electric vehicle includes a first connector disposed adjacent a slide surface and having a pin extending from the first connector. A second connector has a second connector body and is moveable along the slide surface by a linkage mechanism. A socket extends through the second connector body between two opposed openings, and at least one sensor is associated with the second connector body. The at least one sensor provides information indicative of a location of the second connector body on the slide surface to the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electric vehicle charging system includes a floor unit forming a recess and a linkage disposed in the recess. The linkage is extendable from the recess from a stowed position to an extended position. A cleaning device is disposed to discourage accumulation of debris into the recess and on the linkage when the linkage is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A conductor arrangement includes a first connector having a first connector body made from an electrically insulated material and including a first electrical conductor. A pin extends from the first connector body and includes a core made from an electrically conductive material. The core is electrically connected with the first electrical conductor. A second connector has a second connector body made from an electrically insulated material and includes a second electrical conductor. A socket extends through the second connector body between two opposed openings. A sleeve made from an electrically conductive material is disposed along the socket and is electrically connected with the second electrical conductor. An electrical connection between the first and second electrical conductors is established when the pin is fully disposed within the socket such that the core is electrically connected with the sleeve.

Abstract: A submersible inspection drone used for inspection can include a ballast system used to control depth of the submersible inspection drone. The submersible can be configured to communicate to a base station using a wireless transmitter and receiver. The ballast system can include a pressure vessel for storing fluid and a bag for inflating and deflating as it receives a fluid. Buoyancy of the submersible inspection drone can be provided by change in density of the pressure vessel as a compressible gas is expanded when the ballast bag is caused to inflate or deflate. A pump can be used to draw fluid from the ballast bag and store the fluid in the pressure vessel. In one form the pressure vessel can include a compressible fluid and an incompressible fluid, where the incompressible fluid is used to inflate and deflate the bag.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a robot automated mining method. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot positioning a charging component for entry into a drill hole. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot moving a charging component within a drill hole. In one embodiment, a method includes a robot filling a drill hole with explosive material. In one embodiment, a method includes operating a robot within a mining environment.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a method comprising generating robot control code from one or more files including part geometry parameters, material addition parameters, and robot system parameters. The robot control code includes instructions to control position and material output of an additive manufacturing tool adjustable over six degrees of freedom. The method includes simulating execution of the robot control code to generate a virtual part file including virtual part geometry parameters and material addition parameters, analyzing the virtual part geometry parameters and material addition parameters relative to the one or more files, and executing the robot control code with the controller to produce the part with robot system if the analyzing indicates that the virtual part satisfies one or more conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle-side receptacle unit is described that is positionable on an underside of an electrical vehicle (EV) and a method for operating such unit. The vehicle-side receptacle facilitates hands-free connection of a vehicle-side electrical connector with a floor unit electrical connector of a floor-positioned recharging unit. The vehicle-side receptacle unit includes a unit frame including a ground-facing surface, a sliding cover including a leading edge, and a gap containing an interface of the vehicle-side electrical connector. The sliding cover is arranged to linearly slide on a plane parallel with the ground-facing surface to guide, using the leading edge, a shuttle carrying the floor unit electrical connector toward the gap to facilitate a mating of corresponding electrical contacts of the vehicle-side electrical connector and the floor unit electrical connector.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, manipulating and displaying inspection data obtained by sensors associated with submersible inspection vehicle within a housing having a liquid medium is disclosed in the present application. A control system including an electronic controller is operably coupled with the inspection vehicle and is configured to display data transmitted from the sensor and overlay input data from an operator on the display to facilitate real time analysis during the inspection event.