Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of walking mechanisms, and provides a smooth obstacle-crossing walking mechanism, which can provide strong smooth obstacle crossing capability, meanwhile, maintains lower friction loss and higher efficiency, and is suitable for most daily use situations. A smooth obstacle-crossing walking mechanism includes a driving wheel and a contact wheel. The driving wheel has a wheel diameter lower than that of the contact wheel. The driving wheel compresses an inner edge of the contact wheel under gravity. The contact wheel is in contact with the ground surface. When the driving wheel rotates actively, it walks along the inner edge of the contact wheel under the frictional force with the contact wheel. The contact wheel rolls forwards under a pressure and the frictional force of the driving wheel, so as to enable the smooth obstacle-crossing walking mechanism to walk.

Abstract: A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor.

Abstract: A system 1 for controlling a powered personal mobility vehicle 8. The system includes an input module 2, a processing unit 4, and a motor controller 7. The input module 2 receives manual triggers 3 regarding the movement of the personal mobility vehicle 8. The processing unit 4 processes a location information 5 or a distance information 6 at a given point in time, and further, either generate an automatic trigger 19, and disable or curtail the functioning of the input module 2, or enable the functioning of the input module 2. The location information 5 is defined as a location of an obstacle co-located in an environment in which the personal mobility vehicle 8 is placed or being driven, and the distance information 6 is defined as the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle 8 at a given point in time. The motor controller 7 receives and processes manual triggers 3 or automatic triggers 19 and controls movement of the personal mobility vehicle 8.

Abstract: Drive disks are configured to rotate a main wheel by applying a frictional force thereto. Each of the drive disks includes a base and a plurality of rollers. The base includes a first sheet metal member and a second sheet metal member. The first sheet metal member includes a first central part and a plurality of first arm parts. The second sheet metal member includes a second central part and a plurality of second arm parts. Each of the rollers has a first end and a second end. Each of the first arm parts includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part. Each of the second arm parts includes a third supporting part and a fourth supporting part. The first supporting part and the second supporting part are inclined to each other. The third supporting part and the fourth supporting part are inclined to each other.

Abstract: A surgical cart for supporting a robotic arm includes a vertically-extending support column, a carriage movably coupled to the support column and configured to carry a robotic arm, and a braking mechanism.

Abstract: Drive disks are configured to rotate a main wheel by applying a frictional force thereto. Each of the drive disks includes a base and a plurality of rollers. The base includes a first sheet metal member and a second sheet metal member. The first sheet metal member includes a first central part and a plurality of first arm parts. The second sheet metal member includes a second central part and a plurality of second arm parts. Each of the rollers has a first end and a second end in an axial direction thereof. Each of the first arm parts and each of the second arm parts support the first end of one of two rollers adjacent to each other and the second end of the other of the two rollers adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle battery charger and a vehicle battery charging system are described and illustrated, and can include a controller enabling a user to enter a time of day at which the vehicle battery charger or system begins and/or ends charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery charger can be separate from the vehicle, can be at least partially integrated into the vehicle, can include a transmitter and/or a receiver capable of communication with a controller that is remote from the vehicle and vehicle charger, and can be controlled by a user or another party (e.g., a power utility) to control battery charging based upon a time of day, cost of power, or other factors.

Abstract: An aircraft includes: an aircraft body including rotating wings and motors that rotates the rotating wings; wheels arranged on both sides of the aircraft body and rotatably supported around an axis that extends in a left and right direction of the aircraft body; rollers that protrude forward and upward with respect to each of the wheels when the aircraft body is in a horizontal state, and are rotatably supported around an axis that extends in a tangential direction of each of the wheels; and a controller that controls a rotation speed of the motors such that, when the aircraft body is moved in the left and right direction along a vertical wall surface, the aircraft body is inclined forward to bring the rollers into contact with the vertical wall surface, and the aircraft body is inclined to a side where the aircraft body moves in the left and right direction.

Abstract: A method of propelling an object through a granular medium including granular material, wherein the object is provided with one or more rotatable portions, includes: providing the object submerged in the granular medium; and rotating at least one of the one or more rotatable portions about an axis of rotation to thereby move granular material adjacent the one or more rotatable portions and propel the object through the granular medium.

Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel and a three-wheeled vehicle using the same are provided. The omnidirectional wheel includes a tire that is formed in the shape of an open torus having an open portion and a main rotation unit that is connected to the tire to rotate the tire about a main rotation axis passing through the center of an inner opening formed in a circular hole shape by the tire. A circumferential rotation unit connects opposite ends of the tire that form the open portion therebetween and rotates the tire about a circumferential axis formed in a circumferential direction of the tire to move the tire in a direction parallel to the main rotation axis.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support frame to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over a floor surface. The auxiliary wheel is movable to a deployed position with the auxiliary wheel engaging the floor surface and a stowed position with the auxiliary wheel spaced a distance from the floor surface. An actuator assembly including a lift actuator a biasing device, and a biasing load adjustment assembly. The lift actuator is operable to move the auxiliary wheel to the deployed position and to the stowed position. The biasing device configured to bias the auxiliary wheel towards the deployed position. The biasing load adjustment assembly configured to adjust a biasing force being applied by the biasing device to the auxiliary wheel.

Abstract: A drive unit of a robotic vehicle including a top surface having a mounting interface to interchangeably couple with multiple different modular payload structures configured to transport items in a facility, workspace or inventory management environment. The mounting interface is configured to securely engage with a mounting portion of the variety of different payload structures to enable a versatile exchange of the payload structure for different conveyance applications. The drive unit includes an electrical interface to communicatively couple with the modular payload structures. The drive unit is configured to use data communicated via the electrical coupling and interface to identify a type of modular payload structure that is mechanically coupled to the mounting interface and implement a motion profile (e.g., speed and acceleration parameters) associated with the identified modular payload structure.

Abstract: A rotational device is provided that enables a user to tangibly experience movement of a three-dimensional object in a four dimensional space. The rotational device includes an inner cubic frame assembly rotatably supported within an outer frame. The outer frame is formed from a series of wires connected at hubs to enable the user to view the movement of the inner cubic frame. A rotation mechanism may be provided to allow a user to rotate the inner cubic frame within the outer frame. A fixed internal cubic frame is mounted within the outer frame to support the inner cubic frame assembly. The inner cubic frame assembly includes an inner cubic frame and a sphere supported within the inner cubic frame. Reference points or nodes are provided on the inner cubic frame to provided visually traceable reference points as the inner cubic frame rotates within the outer frame and fixed internal cubic frame.

Abstract: An auto-balancing transportation device having a wheel structure and foot platforms that pivot between an in-use and a stowed position. The pivot axis for each platform is provided within the wheel structure so that the force exerted by a rider when stepping on a foot platform is applied to the wheel structure at a point within the wheel structure, as opposed to external to it, which is unstable and may cause the device to tip over.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computing platforms, and storage media for transporting a mobile inventory transportation unit (MITU) in a communication network are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include the mobile inventory transportation communication network comprising the MITU, a transportation system, a first and a second central system, in communication with each other, the MITU comprising a housing, an inventory storage device, a power device, a drive device, a navigation device, a sensing device, and a control device. The transportation system may be configured to physically receive and transport the MITU from a first point to a second point, the second central system may be configured to determine an inventory demand at a second or more location and transmit inventory request data to the first central system, and the first central system may be configured to schedule the movement of the MITU and control the delivery of the MITU to a final destination.

Abstract: A balancing vehicle includes a wheel, a bracket, a frame, a shock absorbing member, pedals, a control rod, and a handle. The bracket is fixed to an axle of the wheel. The frame is slidably connected to the bracket through a slider fixedly connected to the bracket, so as to allow the frame to slide relative to the bracket. The shock absorbing member is disposed between the frame and the bracket, and is configured to cushion relative movement between the frame and the bracket. The pedals are fixed to the frame. The control rod is configured to move back and forth in a direction of travel. The balancing vehicle accelerates when the control rod is pushed forward in the traveling direction, and the balancing vehicle decelerates or retreats when the control rod is pulled backward in the traveling direction. The handle is coupled to a top of the control rod.

Abstract: A smart self-driving system includes a body, such as a piece of luggage, supported by a plurality of wheel assemblies. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel rotating motor configured to rotate a wheel of the wheel assembly to move the luggage in a given direction. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel orientation sensor configured to measure the orientation of the wheel. At least one wheel assembly includes a wheel orientation motor configured to orient the wheel in the given direction. The smart self-driving system is configured to move in forward direction that is different than a head direction of the body.

Abstract: The multiple maneuvering systems for various applications includes several embodiments of wheeled, multiple maneuvering systems including multiple parallel maneuvering systems (MPMS). Each MPMS includes two or more parallel maneuvering units (PMUs) attached to one another by a connecting structure. Each PMU includes two or more powered or non-powered wheels, with the wheels being maintained parallel to one another by a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism may include gears, belt and pulley, chain and sprocket, or a rigid linkage. The connecting structure may be rigid, linearly adjustable, rotatable adjustable or both linearly and rotatable adjustable. The adjustable connecting structures allow for relative movement between the PMUs, while maintaining a load support surface(s) of the MPMSs.

Abstract: A single-wheeled balance vehicle comprises a motor, pedals, a wheel, a power module and a control module. The motor comprises a motor housing and a spindle. The power module and the control module are fixed to the spindle. The power module comprises at least one power unit. The control module comprises a first control unit electrically connected to the power unit and the motor. The two ends of the spindle are fixedly connected to the pedals respectively. The wheel is of a hollow structure having two ends formed with openings, is arranged on the motor housing in a sleeving manner and is fixedly connected to the motor housing. The power module and the control module are located in the wheel. Miniaturization of the single-wheeled balance vehicle is facilitated, and the service life of the single-wheeled balance vehicle is prolonged.

Abstract: A system for use in a park attraction to provide collaborative driving experiences. The system includes a vehicle including a body with passenger seats, including a user input assembly proximate to each of the passenger seats, and further including a holonomic drive system adapted to move the body in any direction while riding on a driving surface of the park attraction. The system also includes a system controller (running an attraction/game control module) that operates to: (a) receive user input from each of the user input assemblies; (b) process the user input from each of the user input assemblies to generate a control vector associated with each of the user input assemblies; (c) combine the control vectors from all of the user input assemblies to generate a resultant vector; (d) generate a drive control signal from the resultant vector; and (e) transmit the drive control signal to the vehicle.

Abstract: An interconnection device, a communication method, and a system including a robot are disclosed. In an embodiment, the interconnection device includes a first OPC UA interface, configured to establish connection between the interconnection device and an OPC UA device; and an ROS interface, in communication with the first OPC UA interface. The ROS interface includes: at least one ROS node module, configured to perform communication between the OPC UA device and an ROS device; an ROS client library module, configured to provide a function library to be called when the ROS node module performs the communication; and an ROS core module, configured to manage the ROS node module in the ROS interface unit and a node module in the ROS device. Communication between the OPC UA device and the ROS device is achieved via the interconnection device and the communication method.

Abstract: Smart car operations are detailed. The system uses neural network and population statistics to determine whether a vehicle operation is reasonably safe operation of the autonomous vehicle to guide the operation of cars as a group.

Abstract: A flying machine includes a plurality of rotary blades arranged in the front and rear and on the left and right, a plurality of motors configured to respectively rotate the plurality of rotary blades, contact portions located in front of the plurality of rotary blades and configured to contact a wall surface, vertical blades arranged below the plurality of rotary blades and configured so as to be capable of inclining toward a rear side or toward a front side, and so as to be capable of sliding within a range in a direction toward the front side or the rear side in a rotation area of the plurality of rotary blades and driving units configured to incline the vertical blades toward the rear side or front side, and to slide the vertical blade in a direction toward the front side or rear side.

Abstract: The parallel maneuvering system is a steering system for portable devices, portable platforms and the like, allowing individual wheels to be steered in a parallel and simultaneous manner. The parallel maneuvering system includes a first coupler and a second coupler, which are slidably mounted with respect to one another, and which each include a pair of arms for eccentric pivotal attachment to a corresponding pair of wheel assemblies. The first and second couplers are mounted within a hollow chassis, and the wheel assemblies are mounted to the hollow chassis such that respective wheels thereof are mounted external to the hollow chassis, and respective eccentric crank arms thereof are mounted within the hollow chassis. At least one linear actuator may be provided for selectively driving sliding movement of the first coupler with respect to the second coupler.

Abstract: Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner equipped with a holonomic drive that can drive in a given direction, e.g., north (with its assigned orientation being north) and move in a different direction, e.g., east, north-east, or any direction) while maintaining its assigned orientation or that of any desired portion of the robot such as an intake, bank of sensors, or any other portion of the robot that is needed for a particular maneuver.

Abstract: A smart wheel is provided, including a main body, at least one wheel body and a GPS module. The main body includes a pin and a wheel seat, and the wheel seat is connected with the pin. The at least one wheel body is pivoted to the wheel seat along an axial direction. The GPS module is arranged on the main body and includes a GPS chip.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, thereby diminishing the total height of the unit.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in a cavity wall configured to connect to a veneer tie that joins an inner wythe, and an outer wythe of the cavity wall is disclosed. The wall anchor includes an elongated shaft having a first longitudinal axis, a fastening end section, a receiving end section, and a middle section. The wall anchor system further includes a panel including an interior positioned between at least two end surfaces, and a first insulating member spanning at least a portion of the interior of the panel. The receiving end section of the wall anchor system includes apertures defining an aperture wall for accepting sections of the veneer tie. The wall anchor system further includes a plurality of insulating members covering the aperture wall configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy by the veneer tie between the inner wythe and the outer wythe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an unmanned flying robotic object that contains a wheeled mechanism that encircles its spherical exoskeleton. This feature allows the flying spherical vehicle to readily transform into a ground maneuverable vehicle. A robotic motor with differential speed capability is used to operate each wheel to provide effective ground maneuverability. There are examples provided herein of wheel configurations suitable for use with an embodiment. One is the straight-(or parallel) wheel design, and another is tilted-wheel design as are illustrated and discussed hereinafter. One embodiment of an unmanned flying robotic object taught herein is foldable.

Abstract: An autonomous robot with on demand human intervention is disclosed. In various embodiments, a robot operates in an autonomous mode of operation in which the robot performs one or more tasks autonomously without human intervention. The robot determines that a strategy is not available to perform a next task autonomously. In response to the determination, the robot enters a human intervention mode of operation.

Abstract: An electric wheelchair operation apparatus includes a sliding part disposed in an armrest part, a dial part disposed on a tip side of the armrest part, the dial part configured to be moved together with the sliding part in the vehicle forward/backward direction, and an electric wheelchair drive control unit configured to control a traveling motion of an electric wheelchair by associating the amount of movement of the sliding part and/or the moved position thereof with respect to the reference point in the vehicle forward/backward direction detected by a first sensor with a traveling motion of the electric wheelchair in a forward/backward direction and associating the amount of rotation, the rotational position, and/or the rotational torque of the dial part detected by a second sensor with a turning motion of the electric wheelchair in a left/right direction.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a fixed frame assembly, a removable frame assembly and a bracket. The fixed frame assembly can include a rear frame member extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The removable frame assembly can be selectively removed and attached to the fixed frame assembly. The removable frame assembly can include a tubular frame member extending along the rear end of the fixed frame assembly, and can be configured to deform in a predictable and predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the tubular frame member is greater than a first predetermined threshold. The bracket can be connected to the tubular member and the rear frame member, and the bracket can be configured to deform in a predictable and predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the bracket is greater than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a system for stabilizing a wheelchair. The system includes at least one caster arm configured to maintain contact with a surface underlying the wheelchair. The at least one caster arm includes a force sensing system configured to measure a force exerted on the underlying surface by the at least one caster arm; and an actuator to configured adjust a position of the at least one caster arm based at least in part on the measured force.

Abstract: A flying machine includes: a flying machine body that includes a rotor blade; a protective member that forms a frame shape inside which the rotor blade is disposed, that is rotatably fixed to both end portions of the flying machine body, and that is pipe shaped; and a connecting wire that passes through an inner portion of the protective member to connect the flying machine body and an external device together.

Abstract: Described is a system for discriminant localization of objects. During operation, the system causes one or more processors to perform an operation of identifying an object in an image using a multi-layer network. Features of the object are derived from the activations of two or more layers of the multi-layer network. The image is then classified to contain one or more object classes, and the desired object class is localized. A device can then be controlled based on localization of the object in the image. For example, a robotic arm can be controlled to reach for the object.

Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second roof rails spaced from each other, and a forward member and rearward member connected to each other and each extending from the first roof rail to the second roof rail. The forward member includes a beam and a finger. The finger is on the first roof rail and extends from the beam away from the rearward member.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an implement to a work vehicle has a movable arm and an operator control area. The connection system includes a lock assembly and a control switch. The lock assembly is able to be coupled to the movable arm. The lock assembly includes a pin and an electrically operated actuator. The pin is able to engage a portion of the implement. The actuator is coupled to the pin for translating the pin. The control switch is positioned for engagement from within the operator control area. The control switch is able to be in selective electrical communication with the actuator.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to an arm cart operable to transport a robotic arm to and/or from a surgical table. The robotic arm can be coupled to the arm cart via a connector. The connector can be slideably mounted to the arm cart such that the connector and the robotic arm, collectively, can move relative to the arm cart. For example, when the arm cart is adjacent to the surgical table, the connector and the robotic arm can be movable to provide final, fine adjustments to align the robotic arm with a coupling portion of the surgical table.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a front chassis section including a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a front support point configured to contact the surface. The vehicle also includes a rear chassis section supporting a follower wheel. The front and rear chassis sections are connected by joints including a hinge joint and a four-bar linkage. The hinge is configured to allow the trailing assembly to move side-to-side while the four-bar linkage allows the trailing assembly to move up and down relative to the front chassis. Collectively, the rear facing mechanism is configured to maintain the follower wheel in contact with and normal to the surface and also maintains the front support in contact with the surface and provides stability and maneuverability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.

Abstract: A mobile, spherical robot includes a spheroid shell, an internal assembly secured to the shell, and a head disposed atop the shell. The internal assembly is disposed within the shell for propelling the mobile robot. The internal assembly includes a base, a flywheel assembly rotatably secured to the base, a drive assembly rotatably secured to the spheroid shell and configured to propel the mobile robot by rotating the spheroid shell about the base a pivoting arm pivotably secured to the base, and the pivoting arm. The head is secured to the magnetized end of the pivoting arm through the spheroid shell. The head is configured to move relative to the spheroid shell and relative to the base by the pivoting of the pivoting arm.

Abstract: A flying machine frame structural body including: a frame that surrounds a flying machine body including a rotating blade, and to which the flying machine body is fixed; and plural wheels that are rotatably supported by the frame.

Abstract: A smart self-driving system includes a body, such as a piece of luggage, supported by a plurality of wheel assemblies. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel rotating motor configured to rotate a wheel of the wheel assembly to move the luggage in a given direction. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel orientation sensor configured to measure the orientation of the wheel. At least one wheel assembly includes a wheel orientation motor configured to orient the wheel in the given direction. The smart self-driving system is configured to move in forward direction that is different than a head direction of the body.

Abstract: A driving device of a robot includes at least one driving assembly and a fixing assembly that are arranged outside a base of the robot. The at least one driving assembly includes a motor, an omnidirectional wheel, a connection shaft used to connect an output shaft of the motor to the omnidirectional wheel, and a connection assembly used to connect the connection shaft to the motor and the omnidirectional wheel. The motor, the connection shaft and the omnidirectional wheel are arranged along a radial direction of the base, and the fixing assembly is used to fix the motor to the base of the robot.

Abstract: A plant shield assembly includes an elongated shield having a first door operably connected to a second door and both doors are pivotally connected to the vehicle and movable between an open position and a closed position. The plant shield assembly includes a door opening mechanism operably attached to the elongated shield and configured to move the first and the second doors. The plant shield assembly includes a linkage assembly that connects the elongated shield with the door opening mechanism, and limits the extent of rotation of the doors. The door opening mechanism and linkage assembly are positioned between the elongated shield and the vehicle. The door opening mechanism can be a handle attached to the elongated shield. Optionally, the plant shield assembly includes an access door that is disposed between an open position to enable actuation of the handle and a closed position to block actuation of the handle.

Abstract: An agricultural machine such as a high clearance sprayer is provided with a frame capable of supporting wheels at a variable tread width. The frame includes a pair of cross members, both of which have slider receivers. The machine also includes a first axle slider for a first side and a second axle slider for a second side. The machine may also have a slider to frame connection arrangement that includes a reduced friction zone at the slider receivers that facilitate telescopic movement of the axle sliders. The slider to frame connection may also have at least one fixed slider wear pad in a fixed position within the reduced friction zone and at least one movable slider wear pad movably arranged within the reduced friction zone.

Abstract: A mobility device that can accommodate speed sensitive steering, adaptive speed control, a wide weight range of users, an abrupt change in weight, traction control, active stabilization that can affect the acceleration range of the mobility device and minimize back falls, and enhanced redundancy that can affect the reliability and safety of the mobility device.

Abstract: A ball-balancing drive assembly includes a ball having a ball surface and a reference axis extending through a centroid of the ball. Three omniwheel assemblies, each having a motor with a motor axle and an omniwheel configured to rotate around the motor axle are mounted on a chassis configured for supporting the three omniwheel assemblies at radially symmetric spacings with the motor axles oriented at an angle relative to the reference axis and the omniwheels oriented in mutually-orthogonal planes. Each omniwheel frictionally contacts the ball surface to convert rotational motion of the motor axle to torque on the ball.