Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling movement of an e-pallet includes one or more sensors configured to obtain sensor data as to a user of the e-pallet, a second e-pallet, or both; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to at least facilitate: determining, using the sensor data, a relative position of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; determining, using the sensor data, a relative orientation of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; and taking a control action for the e-pallet, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, based on both the relative position and the relative orientation.

Abstract: A mobile transport system includes a vehicle frame, first and second pairs of support wheels, first and second drive wheels, and a swing frame. A drive unit including a drive frame is disposed on the swing frame. The first drive wheel is rotatably supported on a first swing arm, and the second drive wheel is rotatably supported on a second swing arm. The first and second swing arms are coupled to each other by a coupling unit, such that a pivot motion of the first swing arm about a first swing axis in a first pivot direction brings about a pivot motion of the second swing arm about a second swing axis in a second pivot direction oriented opposite to the first pivot direction.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension bearing, a magnetic suspension bearing control system and a control method, the magnetic suspension bearing control system includes a processor, a synchronous signal generation module, a displacement signal conversion circuit, a post-processing circuit, an Analog-to-Digital conversion module, a pulse width modulation module, a frequency division circuit, a synchronization module, and a power amplifier.

Abstract: A mobile transport system includes a vehicle frame, first and second pairs of support wheels, first and second drive wheels, and a swing frame pivotable about an swing axis relative to the vehicle frame. The first support wheels are disposed on the vehicle frame, and the second support wheels are disposed on the swing frame. A drive unit including a drive frame is disposed on the swing frame. The first drive wheel is rotatably supported on a first swing arm pivotable about a first swing axis relative to the drive frame, and the second drive wheel is rotatably supported on a second swing arm pivotable about a second swing axis relative to the drive frame. The drive frame is pivotable about a steering axis relative to the swing frame.

Abstract: A controller may receive a command indicating a target roll angle, of an implement of the machine, relative to a chassis of the machine. The controller may detect a change in a roll angle of the chassis of the machine. The controller may filter the change to pass a low frequency change and remove a high frequency change. The controller may cause the target roll angle to be adjusted based on the low frequency change.

Abstract: An educational toy (1) includes a self-moving vehicle (10) adapted to move and steer freely on a two-dimensional surface (2) such as a table leaf. A tangible, three-dimensional marker (20) includes at least one RFID tag (21) is used to wirelessly trigger a specific action of the vehicle (10), e.g. turn 90 degrees right, when the vehicle (10) enters a readout range of the marker (20). The marker (20) can be placed freely on the surface (2) and cannot be overrun by the vehicle (10). Thus, the vehicle (10) is instructed to perform a certain action, e.g. take a 90 degrees left turn, using the marker (20). Then, the vehicle (10) moves forward until a next marker (20?) is found from which the vehicle (10) receives its next instruction. This enables the educational toy (1) to teach programming during play, which reduces the risk that a user will lose interest.

Abstract: In an operation system (1) for a bus (5) including a connection point database which stores identification information of a magnetic marker (10) positioned so as to correspond to a connection point (13) between a dedicated lane (111) having magnetic markers (10) laid thereon and a general lane (112), the connection point (13) is set so as to correspond to the magnetic marker (10) according to identification information stored in a connection point database, thereby allowing flexibility in changing a route to be improved in the operation system which causes a vehicle to operate along a route defined in advance.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive configured to move the robot across a floor surface, a brush proximate a lateral side of the robot, and a motor configured to rotate the brush about an axis of rotation. The brush includes a hub configured to engage the motor of the robot and arms each extending outwardly from the hub away from the axis of rotation and each being angled relative to a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the brush. Each of the arms include a first portion extending outwardly from the hub away from the axis of rotation and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion away from the axis of rotation. An angle between the first portion of each of the arms and the plane is larger than an angle between the second portion of the each of the arms and the plane.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method when executed by data processing hardware causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include receiving a navigation route for a mobile robot. The navigation route includes a sequence of waypoints connected by edges. Each edge corresponds to movement instructions that navigate the mobile robot between waypoints of the sequence of waypoints. While the mobile robot is traveling along the navigation route, the operations include determining that the mobile robot is unable to execute a respective movement instruction for a respective edge of the navigation route due to an obstacle obstructing the respective edge, generating an alternative path to navigate the mobile robot to an untraveled waypoint in the sequence of waypoints, and resuming travel by the mobile robot along the navigation route. The alternative path avoids the obstacle.

Abstract: A control device controls travel direction of a traveling body that travels along a plurality of magnetic markers arranged with intervals therebetween on a track, the control device including: a first sensor for detecting the magnetic markers; a second sensor for detecting speed or acceleration; a first lateral position calculation unit for calculating a lateral position of the traveling body by a detection result from the first sensor, when the first sensor has detected a magnetic marker; a second lateral position calculation unit for calculating a lateral position of the traveling body by a detection result from the second sensor, when the first sensor is not detecting a magnetic marker; and a travel direction control unit for controlling the travel direction of the traveling body by the lateral position of the traveling body as calculated by the first lateral position calculation unit or the second lateral position calculation unit.

Abstract: The present application discloses a scheduling method, apparatus, and system, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method applies to a warehouse management server, and comprises: sending a scheduling instruction to an actual stereoscopic warehouse management server and a stereoscopic warehouse simulation model management server, wherein the scheduling instruction corresponds to a target scheduling policy; and responding to first optimization information and determining a first scheduling update instruction, wherein the first optimization information comprises a scheduling optimization operation for the case of a target scheduling policy scheduling fault, which enables the scheduling update of an actual scheduling task in the case of faults, thereby solving the problem that the existing scheduling simulation method cannot handle and alleviate the fault problem in the logistics task, and improving the work efficiency, work quality and reliability of the actual stereoscopic warehouse scheduling.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a base structure of a carrier on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels mounted to at least two motors to provide at least two wheel assemblies, the at least two wheel assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A motion control system for an independent cart system provides for an improved system for controlling operation of movers in areas of high traffic. A controller monitors operation of the movers to detect heavy traffic. In heavy traffic, the controller may bring a mover to a stop to avoid collisions. Once a mover is stopped, the segment controller will look at the present location of the mover and determine whether it is at the desired position set in the motion command. If the mover is not at the desired position, the stop was a result of heavy traffic. After detecting heavy traffic, the controller commands the mover to resume travel using a modified motion command. The modified motion command will command the first mover to its desired position but will command the move at a reduced rate or using a reduced response in the controller.

Abstract: A vehicle for an automated storage and retrieval system is configured to follow a set route on a track being laid out in the automated storage and retrieval system and having one or more track features. The vehicle includes a first set of wheels capable of moving the vehicle in a first direction; a second set of wheels capable of moving the vehicle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of sensors attached to the vehicle and configured to detect track features and to measure a distance to a track feature while the vehicle is moving in the first direction or the second direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one autonomous mobile robot, wherein the at least one robot is designed to navigate within a functional area on the basis of a map of said functional area, and to perform at least one task autonomously in the functional area. The method involves: receiving a job request which contains instructions for carrying out at least one task in the functional area, automatically dividing the job request into at least two sub-tasks, and automatically determining a sequence in which said sub-tasks are to be processed by the at least one robot, the job request being fully completed once all sub-tasks have been processed.

Abstract: A robot system includes: a robot comprising a joint driven by a motor; and a circuitry configured to: execute position control of the motor based on position commands; store torque commands generated based on the position commands during execution of the position control of the motor; and execute torque control of the motor based on the stored torque commands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-moving device, including: a housing, a movement module configured to drive the housing to move, a drive module configured to drive the movement module to move, and a control module configured to control the self-moving device. A non-contact obstacle recognition sensor assembly is disposed on the housing. After the obstacle recognition sensor assembly detects that an obstacle exists in a movement direction, the control module controls the self-moving device to continue moving and steer until the obstacle is avoided. The movement direction is a forward driving direction of the self-moving device.

Abstract: An autonomous work vehicle is adapted to be guided by a signal emitted by a wire disposed at a working area. The autonomous work vehicle includes a control unit comprising a processor, and at least one sensor detecting the signal emitted by the wire. The wire includes an area wire surrounding the working area, and a shortcut wire disposed inside the working area. When the at least one sensor detects the shortcut wire while the autonomous work vehicle is tracing the area wire at a predetermined variable distance, the control unit is configured to control the autonomous work vehicle to trace the shortcut wire at a predetermined variable distance.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for operating one or more self-driving vehicles. In some embodiments, the self-driving vehicles may include a vehicle processor being operable to: control the vehicle to navigate an operating environment in an initial vehicle navigation mode; monitor for one or more trigger conditions indicating a possible change for the vehicle navigation mode; detect a trigger condition; determine a prospective vehicle navigation mode associated with the detected trigger condition; determine whether to change from the initial vehicle navigation mode to the prospective vehicle navigation mode; and in response to determining to change from the initial vehicle navigation mode to the prospective vehicle navigation mode, adjust one or more vehicle attributes corresponding to the prospective vehicle navigation mode, otherwise continue to operate the vehicle in the initial vehicle navigation mode.

Abstract: The autonomous working machine including: a magnetic field detection part for detecting a magnetic field generated by the energization to the area wire; a storage part for storing a reference value of the magnetic field detection by the magnetic field detection part; a control part for controlling a traveling route based on the reference value stored in the storage part and the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection means; and an input part for receiving a selection of a first reference value used in a case where the area wire is installed at a first distance from the ground or a second reference value used in a case where the area wire is installed at a second distance from the ground, wherein the control part controls a traveling route based on the first reference value or the second reference value selected by the input part.

Abstract: A work zone boundary demarcation apparatus to demarcate boundaries that divide a work area (AR) to be serviced by at least one autonomously navigating work machine into multiple zones (ARn), equipped with a computer having at least a processor, a memory, an input-output circuit and a simulation program loaded in the memory to simulate work of the work machine in the work area; wherein the processor is configured to perform as a boundary demarcation unit that demarcates boundaries which divide the work area into multiple zones, a simulation execution unit that executes simulation of work of the work machine in the multiple zones divided by the boundaries demarcated by the boundary demarcation unit, a boundary re-demarcation unit that re-demarcates boundaries demarcated by the boundary demarcation unit based on results of the simulation executed by the simulation execution unit, and a zone display unit that displays the multiple zones divided by the boundaries re-demarcated by the boundary re-demarcation unit.

Abstract: A method for perceiving a model of an environment, including: capturing a plurality of data while the robot moves within the environment, wherein: the plurality of data comprises at least a first data and a second data captured by a first sensor of a first sensor type and a second sensor of a second sensor type, respectively; the first sensor type is an imaging sensor; the second senor type captures movement data; an active source of illumination is positioned adjacent to the imaging sensor such that reflections of illumination light illuminating a path of the robot fall within a field of view of the imaging sensor; perceiving the model of the environment based on at least a portion of the plurality of data; storing the model of the environment in a memory; and transmitting the model of the environment to an application of a smartphone.

Abstract: Disclosed are an autonomously traveling mobile robot and a traveling control method thereof, which can control the traveling of the mobile robot according to a first traveling mode in which the mobile robot travels by following obstacles located around the mobile robot or a second traveling mode in which the mobile robot travels in consideration of a positional relation with an existing traveling trajectory through which the mobile robot has already traveled, and generate candidate spots where the mobile robot can travel while the mobile robot travels along the traveling trajectory to implement a spiral cleaning pattern.

Abstract: A map updating technique offers the performance advantages gained by robots using a good-quality static map for autonomous navigation within an environment, while providing the convenience of automatic updating. In particular, one or more robots log data while performing autonomous navigation in the environment according to the static map, and a computer appliance, such as a centralized server, collects the logged data as historic logged data, and performs a map update process using the historic logged data. Such operations provide for periodic or as needed updating of the static map, based on observational data from the robot(s) that capture changes in the environment, without need for taking the robot(s) offline for the computation.

Abstract: An automatic generation method for a robot return-to-base code includes the following steps that: on the basis of a preset signal collection mode, a robot collects a guide signal which is sent by a charging base and distributed within a preset range (S1); the robot transmits signal information and position information of the robot recorded when the guide signal is collected to a data processing device (S2); and the data processing device generates a robot return-to-base code corresponding to the charging base according to the received signal information and position information (S3). By means of the information collected by the robot in different modes, the data processing device automatically generates, according to the information, the robot return-to-base code corresponding to the charging base, so that research and development personnel do not need to delve into a robot return-to-base algorithm or write a specific return-to-base code.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to utilizing unmanned vehicles for insurance claim processing. For example, a UAV may be directed to proceed to a property, collect damage data, and, based on analysis of the data, determine whether additional damage is occurring. Additional data can be collected in response to the determination. Data can be collected from a sensor within the property as well as a sensor of the UAV.

Abstract: A cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, the cleaning robot performing docking by detecting light emitted from a docking station using a Lidar sensor or a light receiving element separately provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the Lidar sensor, and performing docking based on the number of light emitting elements of the docking station identified according to the detected light are provided. The cleaning robot includes a main body, a drive unit configured to move the main body, a Lidar sensor including a Lidar optical transmitter, a Lidar optical receiver, and the PCB to which the Lidar optical transmitter and the Lidar optical receiver are fixed and provided to be rotatable, a docking optical receiver fixed to the PCB and configured to receive light emitted from the docking optical transmitter of the docking station, and at least one processor is configured to control the drive unit to be docked on the docking station based on light received by the docking optical receiver.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robotic device that may carry and transport one or more items within an environment. The robotic device may comprise a container within which the one or more items may be stored. The robotic device may pick up and deliver the one or more items to one or more locations. The robotic device may be provided with scheduling information for task execution or pickup and delivery of one or more items. Once tasks are complete, the robotic device may autonomously navigate to a storage location.

Abstract: A recharging method for a mobile robot includes: receiving a recharging signal transmitted by a charging station when the mobile robot is in a recharging working state; moving forward toward the charging station by the mobile robot according to the recharging signal; performing a U-turn operation by the mobile robot when the mobile robot determines that a front end of the mobile robot is aligned with a position of the charging station; and moving backward along the direction approaching the charging station to move to the position where the pole piece of the charging station is located by the mobile robot.

Abstract: A marker detection device which detects a magnetic marker laid in a road by using a sensor unit in which a plurality of combinations of a magnetic sensor and a magnetic-field generation coil are arranged includes a storage part which stores characteristic information of each magnetic-field generation coil, an estimation part which estimates a magnetic differential value acting on the magnetic sensor due to a current differential value acting on the magnetic-field generation coil by referring to the characteristic information of each magnetic-field generation coil, and a calibration part which calibrates each magnetic sensor so as to enhance uniformity in sensitivity, which is a ratio between an output differential value of the magnetic sensor in accordance with a change of a current by the current differential value acting on the magnetic-field generation coil and the estimated magnetic differential value.

Abstract: The application provides a multifunctional robotic device including a body, an energy unit installed in the body, a power unit powered by the energy unit, the power unit including an output shaft wherein the output shaft is located at the lower part of the body and exposed from the body, and at least two working units, the working unit is detachably connected to output shaft of the power unit and driven by the power unit.

Abstract: A delivery system S performs authenticating process of authenticating at least any one of an UGV 1 and an article delivered by the UGV 1 in a case where the UGV 1 arrives at a delivery destination, and performs opening/closing control of a first carry-in port from which the article is carried in at the delivery destination on the basis of the authentication result of the UGV 1 or the article delivered by the UGV 1.

Abstract: An advanced map DB 43 stored on a server device 4 includes pulse type information that is configuration information for detecting a landmark using a LIDAR 2. By sending request information D1 including own vehicle position information, the vehicle mounted device 1 receives response information D2 including pulse type information corresponding to a landmark around the own vehicle position and controls the LIDAR 2 on the basis of the received pulse type information.

Abstract: A robot configured to perceive a model of an environment, including: a chassis; a set of wheels; a plurality of sensors; a processor; and memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: capturing a plurality of data while the robot moves within the environment; perceiving the model of the environment based on at least a portion of the plurality of data, the model being a top view of the environment; storing the model of the environment in a memory accessible to the processor; and transmitting the model of the environment and a status of the robot to an application of a smartphone previously paired with the robot.

Abstract: An outdoor robotic tool comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part supports the second part through a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement comprises a first component, which comprises at least one magnetic member; and a second component, which comprises at least one magnetic member. The first component is attached to the first part, wherein the second component is attached to the second part, wherein at least one of the magnetic members of suspension arrangement is a permanent magnet; and wherein a magnetic member of the first component is positioned so as to magnetically interact with a magnetic member of the second component when in use. A magnetic field sensing unit may be present that comprises a control unit and a magnetic field sensor. A method for detecting the alignment of the first part relative to the second part, wherein the method comprises detecting the magnetic field using the magnetic field sensing unit.

Abstract: An electronic system and method controls automatic or semi-automatic docking of a vehicle with a given docking area, applicable, in particular, to the docking of an airport vehicle, such as a baggage belt loader, a catering vehicle, etc., to the fuselage of an aircraft, for example to the door of such an aircraft. The given docking area comprises at least one target.

Abstract: An information processing method in a server device includes obtaining first information on an object to be sucked by a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, specifying a first article constituted by the object to be sucked based on the first information, specifying a second article relating to the first article based on second information on the first article and third information on an owner of the first article, and outputting fourth information on the specified second article.

Abstract: An information processing method in a server device includes obtaining first information obtained by at least one of one or more sensors installed in a space, detecting the breakage of an article present in the space based on the first information, estimating a situation where the breakage of the article occurred based on the first information, and outputting second information for causing a self-propelled device to perform a predetermine operation in the space according to the estimated situation.

Abstract: An accommodation area management device which manages an accommodation area for accommodating a moving body and stops the moving body at a predetermined accommodation position in the accommodation area includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire autonomous movement level information related to autonomous movement that the moving body can perform and a processing unit configured to determine an accommodation position for stopping the moving body based on the autonomous movement level information when the moving body enters the accommodation area.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises an autonomous driving system and a vehicle platform that controls the vehicle in response to a command received from the autonomous driving system. In the present vehicle, when the autonomous driving system issues a first command to request the vehicle platform to provide deceleration to stop the vehicle and a first signal indicates 0 km/h or a prescribed velocity or less, the autonomous driving system issues a second command to request the vehicle platform to maintain stationary. And after brake hold control is finished, a second signal indicates standstill. Until the second signal indicates standstill, the first command continues to request the vehicle platform to provide deceleration.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a frame structure, a body mounted to the frame structure, and a vehicle navigation system. The vehicle navigation system may include a navigation sensor mounted to the frame structure, and a processor in communication with the navigation sensor. The navigation sensor may be configured to detect reference elements disposed in or on a road on which the vehicle travels. The processor may be configured to receive, from the navigation sensor, signals indicative of a sequence or pattern of detected reference elements. The processor may also be configured to determine, using the received signals, at least one of a position, velocity, or orientation of the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: Included is a surface cleaning service system including: one or more robotic surface cleaning devices, each including: a chassis; a set of wheels; one or more motors to drive the wheels; one or more processors; one or more sensors; and a network interface card, wherein the one or more processors of each of the one or more robotic surface cleaning devices determine respective usage data. A control system or the one or more processors of each of the one or more robotic surface cleaning devices is configured to associate each usage data with a particular corresponding robotic surface cleaning device of the one or more robotic surface cleaning devices.

Abstract: A power system and a power method for a power system that includes a first power source operatively connected to an input of a first power device. The power system also includes a switch unit having a first input operatively connected to the output of the first power device. The power system further includes a second power source operatively connected to a second input of a second power device. A second output of the second power device connects to a second input of the switch unit, wherein a third output of the switch unit provides an output parameter responsive to at least one of the output of the first power device and the second output of the second power device.

Abstract: A vehicle including a magnetic detecting part for detecting a magnetic marker disposed in a road is configured to acquire marker state information indicating the state of the magnetic marker from an external server apparatus via wireless communication and diagnose the state of the magnetic detecting part by using a result of detection of the magnetic marker in which the state of the magnetic marker indicated by the marker state information is good, thereby allowing inspection cost and cost of maintenance of the magnetic detecting part for detecting the magnetic marker to be suppressed.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a vehicle, the drive arrangement comprising a rotatable interface arranged to be mounted to the vehicle, wherein the rotatable interface is rotatably coupled to a mounting arm to allow continuous rotation of the mounting arm in a clockwise and anti clockwise direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axis of the vehicle; and a first electric motor having a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator is coupled to the mounting arm to allow the axis of the rotor to be substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotatable interface, wherein the rotor is arranged to be coupled to a wheel of the vehicle to allow the electric motor to provide drive torque to the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a robot capable of performing goal oriented tasks may include one or more touch sensors to receive touch perception feedback on the location of objects and structures within an environment. A fusion engine may be configured to combine touch perception data with other types of sensor data such as data received from an image or distance sensor. The apparatus may combine distance sensor data with touch sensor data using inference models such as Bayesian inference. The touch sensor may be mounted onto an adjustable arm of a robot. The apparatus may use the data it has received from both a touch sensor and distance sensor to build a map of its environment and perform goal oriented tasks such as cleaning or moving objects.

Abstract: An autonomous moving transfer robot, including a main body with a base and a vertical plate; a traveling mechanism having a driving wheel and a driven wheel mounted on the base; a working mechanism having two manipulators, each with a mechanical arm, a proximal end of which is connected to the vertical plate, and a clamp pivotally connected to a distal end of the mechanical arm; the mechanical arms enable the clamps to reach a desired position, and the manipulators drive the clamps to grip and release a target object; a carrying mechanism having a plurality of plate-shaped carrying members for carrying the target object, the carrying members being fixed on the same side of the vertical plate, and arranged at intervals along the vertical direction; and a control system for controlling the walking/stopping and steering of the traveling mechanism and the movement of the manipulators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of compensating for any forces induced by components of a robotic driving system, the robotic driving system including a turntable defining a steering axis and mounted to a steering wheel of a vehicle including an automated steering system, a robot frame mounted to the vehicle and including a support member, a transmission device coupled to the support member and operatively coupled to the turntable, a steering motor in driving engagement with the transmission device, a load sensor mounted between the support member and the transmission device at a known distance from the steering axis, and a controller in communication with the steering motor and the load sensor, the controller configured to adjust a steering torque generated by the steering motor to compensate for any forces induced by said robotic driving system to prevent overriding the automated steering system.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped magnetic marker to be laid on a road surface so as to be able to be detected by a magnetic sensor attached to a vehicle to achieve assist for driving operation of the vehicle by a driver or control on a vehicle side to achieve automatic driving independently from operation of the driver has a magnet sheet (11) as a magnetism generation source and a wireless tag (2) which outputs information via wireless communication to the vehicle side. In the magnetic marker, the wireless tag (2) is interposed between a sheet (11A) and a sheet (11B) configuring the magnet sheet (11), and the entire wireless tag (2) is accommodated inside the magnet sheet (11).