Abstract: In one aspect, a wearable device includes a first temperature sensor configured to be positioned to detect an external ear temperature at an ear, and a second temperature sensor configured to dangle below the ear to detect an ambient temperature. The wearable device may include a controller coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The wearable device may also include an antenna coupled to the controller, where the antenna and the controller are configured to communicate data indicative of the external ear temperature and the ambient temperature. The communicated data can then be analyzed using a computing system to determine and/or detect an event based on the data indicative of external ear temperature and the data indicative of ambient temperature.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to improving security of radio frequency (RF) backscattered communication. In one example, a RF device includes a primary RF signal receiver, a secondary signal receiver, a signal mixer, and a transmitter. The primary RF signal receiver is configured to receive a RF carrier signal sent from a base station. The secondary signal receiver is configured to receive a masking signal from the base station. The signal mixer is configured to generate a response signal based at least on the RF carrier signal and generate a mixed signal by mixing the response signal and the masking signal. The transmitter is configured to broadcast the mixed signal, via backscattering, as a masked backscattered signal.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to improving security of radio frequency (RF) backscattered communication. In one example, a RF device includes a primary RF signal receiver, a secondary signal receiver, a signal mixer, and a transmitter. The primary RF signal receiver is configured to receive a RF carrier signal sent from a base station. The secondary signal receiver is configured to receive a masking signal from the base station. The signal mixer is configured to generate a response signal based at least on the RF carrier signal and generate a mixed signal by mixing the response signal and the masking signal. The transmitter is configured to broadcast the mixed signal, via backscattering, as a masked backscattered signal.

Abstract: An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting power across a room or space are disclosed herein. One such system is comprised of a power receiving element positioned to receive wireless power transfer, comprised of a power receiving cell and a retroreflector positioned proximate the power receiving cell, and a power transmission element configured to wirelessly transmit power towards the power receiving element. The power transmission element includes an optical power transmitter configured to emit a first laser beam with a first power density towards the receiving cell, a guard beam emitter positioned proximate the optical power transmitter and configured to emit a second laser beam with a second power density towards the retroreflectors, a light detector positioned proximate the guard beam emitter and configured to detect light reflected by the retroreflectors, and an interlock system configured to interrupt power transmission when a decrease in light incident from the retroreflectors is detected.

Abstract: An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting power across a room or space are disclosed herein. One such system is comprised of a power receiving element positioned to receive wireless power transfer, comprised of a power receiving cell and a retroreflector positioned proximate the power receiving cell, and a power transmission element configured to wirelessly transmit power towards the power receiving element. The power transmission element includes an optical power transmitter configured to emit a first laser beam with a first power density towards the receiving cell, a guard beam emitter positioned proximate the optical power transmitter and configured to emit a second laser beam with a second power density towards the retroreflectors, a light detector positioned proximate the guard beam emitter and configured to detect light reflected by the retroreflectors, and an interlock system configured to interrupt power transmission when a decrease in light incident from the retroreflectors is detected.