Abstract: A vehicle configured to perform inventory management tasks comprises first and second drive systems respectively actuated by a controller. In a first mode of operation, the first drive system is operable to drive the vehicle along a horizontal surface. In a second mode of operation, the second drive system is operable to drive the vehicle vertically. In a third mode of operation, the second drive system is operable to lift a module vertically to lift the module off the horizontal surface so that actuating the first drive system drives the vehicle and the module along the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for maintaining and inspecting a wellbore are described. The assembly includes a body. Multiple magnetic wheel sub-assemblies are adjustably coupled to the body. The magnetic wheel sub-assemblies position the body within the wellbore and reposition relative to the body in response to a wellbore narrowing or a wellbore widening. The assembly includes a tool connection coupled to the body. The tool connection couples a well tool to the body. The assembly includes a control sub-assembly to control the magnetic wheel sub-assemblies and operate the well tool within the wellbore. The assembly includes a power sub-assembly to supply power to the control sub-assembly and the well tool. The assembly includes a backup retrieval mechanism coupled to the body. The backup retrieval mechanism couples to a retrieval tool.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled ball drive system for actuation of spherical surfaces and wheels is disclosed. An internal support structure interacts with exterior drive wheels magnetically to produce rotational motion. A related improvement involving reduction of slip due to insufficient traction is also presented to establish a design for a more robust and versatile device that can be used in robotics or for producing vehicle locomotion.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle including a vehicle body frame, at least one steerable wheel, a handlebar, of which the manipulation by a rider generates a steering torque, a steering actuator steering the at least one steerable wheel, a roll rate sensor detecting a roll rate of the vehicle body frame, and a steering actuator controller. The steering actuator controller includes a torque estimation section that receives an input to thereby generate an estimated value of the steering torque, and a current determination section that obtains a control current based on the estimated valued of the steering torque generated by the torque estimation section, and outputs the control current to the steering actuator to control the steering actuator. The input of the torque estimation section includes the roll rate obtained from the roll rate sensor, but is free from any value of the steering torque detected by a torque sensor.

Abstract: A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system. The self-propelled device can further include an internal structure having a magnet holder that holds a first set of magnets and an external accessory comprising a second set of magnets to magnetically interact, through the spherical housing, with the first set magnets.

Abstract: Optionally, a plurality of spacers 228 is arranged between the planar surface 120 of the interfacing arrangement 114 (or the top horizontal arm) and the seat arrangement 102, for permanently raising the seat arrangement 102 with respect to the interfacing arrangement 114. The spacers 228 can be implemented as rectangular or cylindrical solid blocks that can be fabricated from plastics materials, metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, wood, composites and so forth. The spacers 228 can be fixed between the seat arrangement 102 and the top planar surface 120 of the top horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114 such that height of the seat arrangement 102 relative to the footrest arrangement 116 is raised. For example, a plurality of metallic spacers is fixed between the seat arrangement 102 and the interface arrangement by a technician such as by welding the metallic spacers between the seat arrangement 102 and the interface arrangement.

Abstract: Several solutions are described for making it easier to move a surgical robotics patient table, either from rest or to turn it. The table has a base, a support, and a table top on which the patient is supported. A number of casters are mounted to a body of the base. In one case, controllable jacks lift the body to release the casters thereby allowing them to swivel to a desired orientation. In another case, a drive assembly is rotatably coupled to the body of the base and includes an electric drive motor and a drive wheel to drive the table across the floor. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A two-wheel compact magnetic crawler vehicle for traversing and inspecting surfaces. The crawler comprises a chassis. Two independently actuated magnetic drive wheels are spaced apart in a lateral direction and mounted to the chassis by a hinged joint enabling each wheel to tilt in response to the surface curvature. A probe wheel is provided at the midpoint between the two drive wheels and laterally in line therewith. A spring-assisted probe carrier passively moves the probe wheel vertically relative to the chassis in response to changes in the surface curvature. Additionally, the vehicle includes a probe angle normalization mechanism comprising spring-loaded, vertically moveable, ball casters positioned symmetrically about the probe wheel. The combined utilization of the probe carrier and the caster carrier passively maintain the probe contacting the surface, the chassis level, and the probe normal to the surface irrespective of changes in the surface curvature with vehicle movement.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises: a first support component and a second support component which may rotate relative to each other; a first drive wheel which is rotatable relative to the first support component; a second drive wheel which is rotatable relative to the second support component; a first universal wheel mounted on the first support component; and a second universal wheel mounted on the second support component. The vehicle further comprises motors, sensors, and a computer.

Abstract: A suspension system for a one-wheeled transportation device is disclosed. The one-wheeled transportation device includes (1) a wheel, and (2) a tiltable platform has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a central longitudinal axis, and an aperture which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the wheel. The suspension system includes a wheel holder which rotationally carries the wheel, the wheel holder having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the proximal end is pivotably connected to the second end of the tiltable platform so that the distal end resides above the top side at the first end. A bracket has a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the proximal end is connected to the tiltable platform so that the distal end of the bracket upwardly extends above the wheel. A shock absorber is connected between the distal end of the wheel holder and the distal end of the bracket.

Abstract: A tool guide has a mounting, a lifting mechanism, and a chassis. The mounting is for fixing a hand-held machine tool. The mounting is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a propulsion unit for vertically lifting the mounting. The chassis has two wheels on a wheel axle, a drive coupled with the wheels, and a steering system. The lifting mechanism is rigidly mounted on the chassis. A center of gravity sensor is arranged to detect a lateral deflection of the center of gravity of the lifting mechanism relative to the wheel axle. The steering system is configured to control the drive to deliver a torque counteracting the lateral deflection.

Abstract: A soft robotic actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first portion with a substantially constant profile and a second portion with a regularly varying profile, and bends in a pressure-dependent fashion as the internal pressure within the actuator is increased or decreased.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner equipped with a holonomic drive that can drive in a given direction, e.g., north (assigned orientation), and move in a different direction, while maintaining its assigned orientation or that of any desired portion of the robot, such as an intake, or any other portion of the robot that is needed for a particular maneuver. The robotic vacuum cleaner includes a removable, chargeable battery system including a battery pack having batteries and a battery management system extending across all the batteries of the battery pack. A housing, including a top cover, surrounds the battery pack and the battery management system (BMS). The top cover extends over the BMS and includes a circuit board therein. A connector is at least partially connected to the BMS and extends through the housing. The connector is configured to transmit signals between the battery management system and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cooling and ventilation outlet is described, including a shell configured to connect to an HVAC duct and an inner body that may be securely attached within the shell such that air from the HVAC duct passes through the inner body. The inner body may include: a directable air output nozzle, a first actuator configured to control a direction of the nozzle, an adjustable damper, a second actuator configured to control airflow through the inner body by actuating the adjustable damper, an indicator that may include at least one controllable visual element, a pressure sensor configured for use in determining airflow through the inner body, and circuitry including a network interface. The circuitry is configured to accept commands over a network, to accept readings from the pressure sensor, and to control the first actuator, the second actuator, and the indicator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a skateboard and control method thereof. A skateboard deck is fixed on an axle of the skateboard, and a first sensor group and a second sensor group are sequentially arranged on the skateboard deck in a width direction. The method includes acquiring a first pressure value of the first sensor group and a second pressure value of the second sensor group; controlling the skateboard to turn to a first direction when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value and a difference value between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is greater than a first threshold, and controlling the skateboard to turn to a second direction when the second pressure value is greater than the first pressure value and a difference value between the second pressure value and the first pressure value is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel is provided. The omnidirectional wheel includes a support unit, a major wheel, a first minor wheel and a second minor wheel. The major wheel is annular and is rotatably disposed on the support unit. The first minor wheel is rotatably disposed on the support unit. The first minor wheel is disposed on one side of the major wheel. The second minor wheel is rotatably disposed on the support unit. The second minor wheel is disposed on the other side of the major wheel. The omnidirectional wheel can easily roll over an obstacle when the omnidirectional wheel rolls laterally or forward.

Abstract: A modular power base for a wheelchair, the modular power base includes a leg module. The leg module includes an upper leg portion comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be detachably and rotatably coupled to a seat portion of the wheelchair. The leg module also includes a lower leg portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower leg portion being rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion. The leg module also includes a first wheel rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion and to the first end of the lower leg portion and a second wheel rotatably coupled to the second end of the lower leg portion.

Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for controlling the movements of a multi-axis robot to perform a surgery at least on the spinal area of a human in vivo. The system includes controls and software coding to cause the robot to move in desired patterns to complete the surgery, which may include bone, disc and tissue removal, and may also include insertion of hardware for fusing adjacent bony structures.

Abstract: An omnidirectional moving device is provided with a vehicle chassis, a vehicle body, a universal coupling, and an attitude stabilizing system. In the vehicle chassis, a plurality of wheels that are capable of moving omnidirectionally are provided. The vehicle body is mounted on the vehicle chassis. The universal coupling connects the vehicle chassis to the vehicle body, and the attitude of the vehicle body relative to the vehicle chassis can be changed via this universal coupling. The attitude stabilizing system causes the vehicle chassis to move in a direction that corresponds to a change in the attitude of the vehicle body, and maintains the attitude stability of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Plurality of robot main bodies a remote control device including contactless action detecting part configured to detect contactless action including at least one given operation instructing action by operator, and control device communicably connected to remote control device and configured to control operations of plurality of robot main bodies, are provided.

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: Providing a movement control means for detecting a collision between a driving wheel and a step and a catch of a driven wheel by the step and temporarily changing a gravity center control region of a mobile device and moving the mobile device to pass over the step, and a mobile device including the same in order to prevent immovability under an environment having a step or an irregularity.

Abstract: Skating device (1) provided with a plurality of wheels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), comprising: an electric motor (3) operatively coupled with at least one wheel (2a) of said plurality of wheels; at least one acceleration sensor (4) operatively coupled with at least one wheel (2a) of said plurality of wheels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d); at least one speed sensor operatively coupled with at least one wheel (2a) of said plurality of wheels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d); and at least one control unity adapted to actuate the operations of said electric motor (3) at least when said acceleration sensor (4) detects positive acceleration of said at least one wheel (2a), wherein the amount of electric power supplied by said electric motor to said at least one wheel (2a) is calculated according to the speed measured by said at least one speed sensor (5), at least when said acceleration sensor (4) detects said positive acceleration.

Abstract: A method of operating a payload-carrying vehicle having two laterally disposed wheels positioned along a central axis is described. The method includes measuring a force applied by a user to the hand truck, where the measured force comprising a direction and a magnitude, and providing torque to each wheel to cause each wheel to rotate in a respective direction as a function of the measured magnitude and direction. The amount of torque provided to each wheel in response to the force from the user is such that the magnitude of measured force applied by the user is not greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An auto-balancing transportation device having first and second wheels that are independently drivable. The device includes foot platforms, a control circuit and sensors. Device control is preferably achieved through the position or weight distribution of a rider's feet. The wheels may be arranged in parallel or non-parallel and the foot platforms may be located on the interior are exterior side of the wheels. The wheels may be coupled to one another in a manner that affords tilting, thereby increasing stability when executing a turn, among other benefits. Various embodiments and features are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion, a seatback connected to the cushion and a track arrangement. The track arrangement includes a curved fixed track and a flexible track follower that is moveable along the curved fixed track between a full slouch and a full upright position. The curved fixed track is connected to a vehicle seat support base and the moveable track is connected to the cushion.

Abstract: A method of maneuvering a robot includes driving the robot across a surface and turning the robot by shifting a center of mass of the robot toward a turn direction, thereby leaning the robot into the turning direction. The robot includes an inverted pendulum body, a counter-balance body disposed on the inverted pendulum body and configured to move relative to the inverted pendulum body, at least one leg prismatically coupled to the inverted pendulum body, and a drive wheel rotatably coupled to the at least one leg. The inverted pendulum body has first and second end portions and defines a forward drive direction. The method also includes turning the robot by at least one of moving the counter-balance body relative to the inverted pendulum body or altering a height of the at least one leg with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A robot includes an inverted pendulum body having first and second end portions, a counter-balance body disposed on the inverted pendulum body and configured to move relative to the inverted pendulum body, at least one leg having first and second ends, and a drive wheel rotatably coupled to the second end of the at least one leg. The first end of the at least one leg is prismatically coupled to the second end portion of the inverted pendulum body.

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 scooter front end and a scooter device incorporating the front end. The front end may be releasably coupled to an auto-balancing drive wheel unit such as a Solowheel or Iota device. The scooter front end may serve as a training aid, or allow faster speeds or the carrying of goods, etc. The front end may include an ascending control structure that is used to steer the device. A support frame may extend rearwardly from a steerable wheel and provide a mechanism for releasable coupling to the auto-balancing drive wheel unit. Various embodiments for the scooter front end and drive wheel units are disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered, fully untethered mobile soft robot is described. Composites consisting of silicone elastomer, polyaramid fabric, and hollow glass microspheres were used to fabricate a sufficiently large soft robot to carry the miniature air compressors, battery, valves, and controller needed for autonomous operation. Fabrication techniques were developed to mold a 0.65 meter long soft body with modified Pneumatic network actuators capable of operating at the elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) required to actuate the legs of the robot and hold payloads of up to 8 kg. The soft robot is safe to handle, and its silicone body is innately resilient to a variety of adverse environmental conditions including snow, puddles of water, direct (albeit limited) exposure to flames, and the crushing force of being run over by an automobile.

Abstract: A self-balancing robot system providing AI humanoid robots or robot vehicles comprising a drive wheel propulsion system configured to achieve mobility and balance by means of sensoring system components, accelerometers, and trajectory algorithms. The self-balancing robot system components include; a computer control system with processors and memory, a motion control system, an autonomous drive system, a wireless communication system comprising I/O system processes including WIFI, Bluetooth, and a smartphone, a network system, and a user interface control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of electric vehicles, and provides an posture vehicle, which comprises a vehicle body, two wheelers pivoted to the vehicle body, pedals installed on the vehicle body, and two driving components installed in the vehicle body and driving the two wheelers to rotate driven by the pedals. The driving components and the wheelers are in the same operating plane. Namely, in a using process, the user treads on the wheelers, thereby eliminating interference of a balance state of the vehicle body to an output signal of the driving components, and enhancing the sensitivity of the driving components for judging the balance signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power to and monitoring the energy usage includes at least one electrical control unit having an unmanned vehicle, at least one electrical control unit, a sensor enabled to monitor a given condition; a power source; a processor configured to be in communication with the at least one sensor and said power source, said processor further configured to manage communications with said management system; an unmanned vehicle releasably coupled to said electrical control unit, said processor being adapted to release said unmanned vehicle to enable the unmanned vehicle to separate from said electrical control unit, wherein said sensor is enabled to monitor at least one of the following: voltage, current, real power, apparent power, reactive power, frequency, total harmonic distortion, arc fault, plug loads, power factor, GFI, AFI, light, temperature, humidity, methane, carbon monoxide, motion, thermal, occupancy, radio frequency, audio, video, infrared, and combinations thereof and wh

Abstract: The present invention relates to an omnidirectionally moving wheel and a robot using the same, and the omnidirectionally moving wheel comprises: a cylindrical body of which both ends are opened; inner wheels, each of which have at least a part accommodated in the body, and which are respectively fixed at the both open ends of the body so as to rotate around a first rotating axis; an outer wheel provided on the outside of the body and rotating around a second rotating axis, which intersects the first rotating axis, wherein the outermost points of the inner wheels and the outer wheel are formed at the same distance from the center of the body.

Abstract: An educational tool for teaching principles of parametric resonance, linear force and angular momentum is presented herein. The tool includes a frame having a spindle assembly with a shaft. The upper end of the shaft is connected to an upper coupling and the lower end of the shaft is connected to a lower coupling. A turntable is positioned below the shaft and includes an offset mounting pin extending from a top surface thereof. Furthermore, a weight assembly is positioned through a hole in the shaft via an axle, wherein the axle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of rotation within the axle hole of the shaft. The upper motor will rotate the shaft in one direction, while the lower motor rotates the turntable in a second, opposite direction causing the weight assembly to rotate and oscillate about the longitudinal axis with a varying moment of inertia.

Abstract: An occupant support adapted for use in a vehicle includes a seat mount, a seat, and a motion-sickness mitigation system. The seat mount is adapted to couple to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle. The seat is adapted to provide a comfortable support surface for an occupant of the occupant support.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A wheelchair having two drive wheels, each provided with a rotary drive motor wherein the value of the drive torque applied by each motor is controlled such as to stabilize the wheelchair, while in motion on the two drive wheels and occupied by a user, in an inclined balance position.

Abstract: A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A robot control device includes a first sensor which is used in a first range including the entirety of the operating range of the robot, a second sensor which is used in a second range including at least a part of the operating range of the robot, and a range storing unit for storing a third range included in both the operating range and the second range. The robot control device also includes a ratio setting unit for setting a ratio between a first control input obtained using the first sensor and a second control input obtained using the second sensor with respect to control inputs to the motor based on the comparison of the third range and the position and posture of the robot, and an addition unit for adding the first control input and the second control input together in accordance with the set ratio.

Abstract: An online load detection device for a self-balancing two-wheel vehicle, comprising a support platform load detection device: the support platform load detection device comprises at least a group of magnetic detection devices; each group of magnetic detection devices comprise a permanent magnet and a magnetic sensor; the permanent magnet is supported on a support platform via an elastic member; the magnetic sensor is disposed in the easing of the support platform, and is used to detect the magnetic field change caused by the relative displacement between the permanent magnet and the magnetic sensor and output a detection signal. The detection device further comprises a seat pressure sensor disposed on a seat. The detection device detects the load pressure of the support platform in a non-contact manner, and can avoid wear, judge and warn the driving attitude of a driver.

Abstract: A coaxial multi-member mechanism for using as the front axle and the rear axle in an electric vehicle is presented to allow the wheels of the vehicle changing the track widths from a wide track to a narrow track or vice versa in vehicle moving condition. The wide track mode is for safer high speed driving and more collision protection from the four wheels. The narrow track is used on the other hand for narrow street and slow speed driving and for easy parking in a narrow space.

Abstract: An inverted vehicle according to the present invention includes: wheel; a base that holds the wheel; a step cover on which a rider rides, the step cover being connected to an upper portion of the base; an elastic element that is connected to the upper portion of the base and elastically supports the step cover; a detection portion that is provided between the base and the step cover and detects a pressing force applied from the step cover when the rider is riding on the inverted vehicle and the elastic element is elastically deformed to thereby depress the step cover; and a control portion that drives the wheel based on the detection of the pressing force by the detection portion. The step cover is connected to the base with a hinge.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling a shock absorber system for a bicycle comprises a position sensor system configured to detect information indicative of a position of a rider of the bicycle and a controller in communication with the position sensor system. The controller adjusts the shock absorber system based on the detected information. The adjusting of the shock absorber system can include adjusting a damping force of the shock absorber system and/or adjusting sag of the shock absorber system.

Abstract: An automatic stair-climbing robot platform is provided. The automatic stair-climbing robot platform of the present invention includes a personal computer module; a USB-CAN interface module; a motor module, including a plurality of motors and controlled by the USB-CAN interface module; a KINECT sensor module, obtaining point cloud data and image data by sensing a terrain ahead and transmitting the point cloud data and image data to the personal computer module; a first inertial measurement unit, measuring a body tilt of the KINECT sensor module, and transmitting data of the body tilt of the KINECT sensor module to the personal computer module; and a second inertial measurement unit, measuring a body tilt of the automatic stair-climbing robot platform, and transmitting data of the body tilt of the automatic stair-climbing robot platform to the personal computer module.

Abstract: A system of transportation is provided. The system embodies sail-equipped vehicles and vertically mounted, directional air fans, wherein a sail is attached along a framework of the vehicle so as to define an arcuate capture profile adapted to convert the downwardly directed air from the air fans into horizontal thrust, propelling the vehicles along a track.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control device for controlling a plurality of electric motors, and a portable device, such as a portable telephone, for displaying a center-of-gravity display point indicating the position of a center of gravity and outputting a command for moving the vehicle. The control device controls a first actuator device and a second actuator device so as to move the vehicle according to the command output from the portable device and the tilting of an occupant boarding member. Such inverted pendulum type vehicle makes it possible to learn how to steer the inverted pendulum type vehicle.