Abstract: A system determines if a call participant of a call between the call participant and a voice response system is a human or a machine. Responsive to determining that the call participant is a human, an emotional state of the call participant is determined. Environmental information of an environment associated with the call participant is receiving. A receptiveness level of the call participant is determined based upon the emotional state and the environmental information. A message to the call participant is determined based upon the receptiveness level and one or more machine-learning models.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robot assisted personnel routing including a plurality of autonomous robots operating within a navigational space, each robot including a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the autonomous robot to detect completion of a task operation by a human operator, receive status information corresponding to at least one other robot, the status information including at least one of a location or a wait time associated with the other robot, determine, from the status information, at least one next task recommendation for directing the human operator to a next robot for a next task operation, and render, on a display of the robot, the at least one next task recommendation for viewing by the human operator, the next task recommendation including a location of the next robot corresponding to the next task.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode may operate a sensor to determine an environment of the vehicle. The sensor may be configured to obtain sensor data of a sensed portion of the environment. The sensed portion may be defined by a sensor parameter. Based on the environment of the vehicle, the vehicle may select at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter such that the sensed portion of the environment corresponds to a region of interest. The vehicle may operate the sensor, using the selected at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter, to obtain sensor data of the region of interest, and control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the sensor data of the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstacle applicable in an electronic device includes detecting whether at least one object is within a line of sight of an image capturing device. The image capturing device is controlled to capture a first image of the object and the image capturing device is caused to move until a capturing angle for capturing another image of the object is changed. The image capturing device is controlled to capture a second image of the object and a determination is made as to whether the object in the first image is the same as the object in the second image. For such recognized objects, the object is determined to be a non-planar obstacle when the object in the first image is not the same as the object in the second image.

Abstract: A cleaner performing autonomous traveling includes a main body having a suction opening, a cleaning unit provided within the main body and sucking a cleaning target through the suction opening, a driving unit moving the main body, a camera sensor attached to the main body and capturing a first image, an operation sensor sensing information related to movement of the main body, and a controller detecting information related to an obstacle on the basis of at least one of the captured image and the information related to movement and controlling the driving unit on the basis of the detected information related to the obstacle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robot including at least one of a display or a speaker, at least one sensor configured to detect a physical stimulus, and a processor configured to detect a first physical stimulus based on a first sensing value acquired from the at least one sensor and output a first interface representing a first emotion corresponding to the first physical stimulus via at least one of the display or the speaker. The processor is configured to detect repetition of the first physical stimulus based on at least one sensing value sequentially acquired from the at least one sensor and output an interface representing an emotion equal to or different from the first emotion via at least one of the display or the speaker, whenever the repeated first physical stimulus is detected.

Abstract: A processing system for an unmanned vehicle (UV) such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The processing system comprises a first processing unit of an integrated circuit and a second processing unit of the integrated circuit. The processing system comprises a first operating system provisioned using the first processing unit. The first operating system is configured to execute a first vehicle control process. The processing system comprises a virtualization layer configured using at least the second processing unit, and a second operating system provisioned using the virtualization layer. The second operating system is configured to execute a second vehicle control process.

Abstract: A robot with a noncontact sensor is configured to: perform the predetermined motion in a state where the moving object does not enter, and thereby store, for each of a plurality of measurement points set in a movable range of the robot, an output value of the noncontact sensor as a reference output value in advance, and stop the predetermined motion when the output value of the noncontact sensor changes from the reference output value at the measurement point closest to a current operating position of the robot by a first threshold value or larger when the robot is performing the predetermined motion in a state where the moving object could possibly enter and the current operating position of the robot is in a range in which it is necessary to determine an entering state of the moving object.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus that allows a virtual robot arm displayed on a display device to act, includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control a robot, wherein the processor is configured to receive drag operation on a distal end of the virtual robot arm from an input device, and change an attitude of the virtual robot arm based on the drag operation.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a first cleaning module including left and right spin mops configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above while being in contact with a floor, and a second cleaning module including a rolling member configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a left side while being in contact with a floor, the rolling member being spaced apart from the left and right spin mops in an anteroposterior direction. A controller controls rotational motion of the left and right spin mops and rotational motion of the rolling member.

Abstract: Parameters specific to robot, environment, target objects and their inter-relations need to be considered by a robot to estimate cost of a task. As the existing task allocation methods assume a single utility value for a robot-task pair, combining heterogeneous parameters is a challenge. In applications like search and rescue, manual intervention may not be possible in real time. For such cases, utility calculation may be a hindrance towards automation. Also, manufacturers follow their own nomenclature and units for robotic specifications. Only domain experts can identify semantically similar terms and perform necessary conversions. Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a structured semantic knowledge model to store and describe data in a uniform machine readable format such that semantics of those data can be interpreted by the robots and utility computation can be autonomous to make task allocation autonomous, semantic enabled and capable of self-decision without human intervention.

Abstract: Apparatus including a robotically controlled end effector having a compliant nosepiece that forms plies of a material onto contoured surfaces of a tool. The end effector includes a plurality of individually controllable rotary actuators which respectively control the position and compliancy of individual sections of the nosepiece in order to better conform the plies the contoured tool surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a method and a system for obstacle detection adapted to a self-guiding machine. The method is performed in the system including a controller for driving the system, a light emitter, a light sensor, an image processor and a central processor. The light emitter and the light sensor are set apart at a distance. When the light emitter emits an indicator light being projected onto a path the self-guiding machine travels toward, the light sensor senses the indicator light. An image containing the indicator light is generated. After analyzing the image, at least one feature of the indicator light being sensed can be obtained and used to obtain a spatial relationship between the self-guiding machine and an obstacle. The spatial relationship allows the system to determine if the self-guiding machine will collide with a wall or fall from a cliff.

Abstract: A haptic calibration device comprises a signal generator configured to receive the subjective force value and the force location from a subjective magnitude input device. The signal generator also receives from at least one of a plurality of haptic sensors a sensor voltage value, with the at least one of the plurality of haptic sensors corresponding to the force location. The signal generator stores the subjective force value and the corresponding sensor voltage value in a data store. The signal generator generates a calibration curve indicating a correspondence between subjective force values and sensor voltage values for the location where the subjective force was experienced using the data from the data store, wherein the calibration curve is used to calibrate a haptic feedback device.

Abstract: If an interaction target includes a child and an adult, if a remaining power amount is less than or equal to a first threshold, and if an interaction amount is greater than or equal to a second threshold, a robot requests the adult to move the robot to a charger. If the target includes the child and the adult, if the remaining power amount is less than or equal to the first threshold, and if the interaction amount is less than the second threshold, the robot requests the child to move the robot to the charger. If the target includes only the child, if the remaining power amount is greater than the first threshold, and if the interaction amount is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the robot stops interacting with the child.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for navigation using visual inputs. One of the systems includes a mapping subsystem configured to, at each time step of a plurality of time steps, generate a characterization of an environment from an image of the environment at the time step, wherein the characterization comprises an environment map identifying locations in the environment having a particular characteristic, and wherein generating the characterization comprises, for each time step: obtaining the image of the environment at the time step, processing the image to generate a first initial characterization for the time step, obtaining a final characterization for a previous time step, processing the characterization for the previous time step to generate a second initial characterization for the time step, and combining the first initial characterization and the second initial characterization to generate a final characterization for the time step.

Abstract: A system for remote visual inspection of a closed space includes a base station including a distance finder and a light emitter. The base station determines a distance to a projection surface using the distance finder and projects a pattern onto the projection surface of the closed space at a projection location on the projection surface. A robot includes a moveable base supporting an imaging device, a processor, and a storage device storing one or more non-transitory, processor-readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the robot to detect the pattern with the imaging device, determine a location of the robot with respect to the base station based on the pattern, and capture image data of the closed space. An external electronic device is communicatively coupled to the robot. The external electronic device receives image data and displays one or more images based on the image data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a control method of an automatic working system, and the control method comprises the following steps: generating a boundary signal by a signal generating apparatus; generating an electromagnetic field as the boundary signal flows by the boundary wire; detecting the electromagnetic field by an automatic moving device to at least generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal, and multiplying the first detection signal and the second detection signal to generate a product signal; determining a first signal point and a second signal point by the product signal; generating characteristic values based on parameters of the first signal point and the second signal point, comparing the characteristic values with preset thresholds, and judging whether the first detection signal is interfered by noise, thereby effectively removing an interference signal. Also disclosed is an automatic working system executing the above control method.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions include receiving diagnostic information from a vehicle, processing the diagnostic information to diagnose a vehicle failure, and outputting repair instructions for addressing the vehicle failure. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to roadmaps for mobile robots are provided. A computing device can determine a roadmap of an environment. The roadmap can include lanes and a designated region that is adjacent to a first lane of the plurality of lanes and suitable for robotic traversal when unoccupied. The computing device can determine a first route between first and second points in the environment that uses the first lane. The computing device can send a direction to use the first route to a first robot. The computing device can receive, from the first robot, sensor data indicative of an occupied status of the designated region. The computing device can determine a second route between the first and second points through the designated region based on the occupied status of the designated region. The computing device can send a direction to use the second route to a second robot.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a focus information calculator configured to calculate focus information by using an image signal obtained via a first image capturer, a distance information calculator configured to calculate distance information on a distance to an object by using an image signal obtained via a second image capturer, a correction value calculator configured to calculate a correction value by using the focus information of the first image capturer, and a controller configured to provide a focus control to the first image capturer using the correction value and the distance information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, electrode structures and an electrolyser using said assemblies/structures, and in particular provides an electrode assembly comprising an anode structure and a cathode structure, each of said anode structure and cathode structure comprising i) a flange which can interact with a flange on an another electrode structure to hold a separator in between the two, ii) an electrolysis compartment which contains an electrode, and which in use contains a liquid to be electrolysed, iii) an inlet for the liquid to be electrolysed and iv) an outlet header for evolved gas and spent liquid, wherein the outlet header on one of the anode structure and the cathode structure is an external outlet header and the outlet header on the other one of the anode structure and the cathode structure is an internal outlet header, as well as to electrolysers comprising a plurality of such electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A robot system including at least one robot arm and a control unit which is designed such that it can pre-set at least one pre-defined operation carried out by the robot system. The robot system also includes a display device and at least one input device applied to the robot arm, which is designed such that the sequence of operations of the robot system is set and/or the pre-defined operations of the robot system is parameterized by means of the input device, and which is also designed such that it allows the user to control, on a graphic user interface, represented by the control unit on the display device, the setting of the pre-defined operations of the robot system, the setting of the sequence of operations and/or the parameterization of the pre-defined operations for the robot system.

Abstract: A control instruction input method includes forming motion state information of a screen according to a limb movement; and forming an operating instruction of a UI in the screen according to the motion state information. An association between a limb stable posture and a touch standard instruction is established by recognizing the limb stable posture of wearing the smart wearable device. Therefore, the touch gesture input by the touch standard instruction is evolved into the limb motion posture. A cooperation process of both hands is avoided to make application scenarios of wearing the smart wearable device richer. At the same time, a motion process of the existing touch gesture is amplified by the relative large-scale motion state of the limb stable posture to form a finer instruction control process.

Abstract: A robot sets a cool point as a movement target point, and specifies route coordinates and coordinates for reaching the cool point. The robot moves to the cool point via the route, which is of a lower temperature. The robot searches for the cool point by referring to a temperature map showing a temperature distribution in a range in which the robot can move. Also, the robot compiles and updates the temperature map by measuring peripheral temperature as appropriate using a thermometer incorporated in the robot.

Abstract: An object detection system for detecting and manipulating objects on a workspace includes a three dimensional (3D) sensor configured to acquire and transmit point clouds of a scene, each point cloud including one or more objects in the workspace, manipulator configured to move or grip each of the one or more objects, a memory to store the images and a computer executable program including an object detection-localization program, a segmentation program, a gripping-moving program and a geometry reconstruction program, a processor to perform the computer executable program using the images in connection with the 3D sensor, the memory and the manipulator.

Abstract: In some examples, a service provider may determine that multiple merchants are within a threshold distance of each other. The service provider may send, to a buyer, item information about items offered by the multiple merchants. Further, based at least in part on the multiple merchants having been determined to be within the threshold distance of each other, the item information sent to the buyer may indicate that orders for items provided by the multiple merchants are available for combined delivery, e.g., as a single combined order. A first courier stationed near the merchants may pick up the items from the merchants and may handoff the items to a second courier who delivers the items to the buyer. Additionally, in some cases, the preparation of the multiple items may be timed to so that the items are ready for pickup at approximately the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an indoor autonomous robot. A method of controlling an indoor autonomous driving of a robot in a cloud system includes receiving, by the cloud system, first sensing data that is generated by a mapping robot autonomously driving in a target facility using a first sensor that detects the first sensing data with respect to an inside of the target facility; generating an indoor map of the target facility based on the first sensing data; receiving, from a service robot present in the target facility through a network, second sensing data that is generated by the service robot using a second sensor that detects the second sensing data with respect to the inside of the target facility; and controlling an indoor autonomous driving of the service robot with respect to the target facility based on the second sensing data and the generated indoor map.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method, including: displaying, at a display screen, an image of an interior of a pipe, the image being obtained using a pipe inspection robot; accessing, using a processor, calibration data associated with the image; receiving, via an input device, user input marking at least a portion of the image; determining, using a processor, quantitative pipe feature data for at least one feature of the pipe using the marking and the calibration data; and providing, based on the determining, data associated with the at least one feature. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A moving robot system includes a moving robot which travels a cleaning area, generates a map for the cleaning area, and moves based on the map; and a terminal which receives the map, sets at least one virtual wall in the map, and transmits the virtual wall to the moving robot, wherein the terminal sets an attribute for controlling operation of the moving robot in the virtual wall, and wherein the moving robot divides a travelable area in correspondence to the virtual wall and performs cleaning while traveling the cleaning area, and performs a specified operation according to the attribute specified to the virtual wall when reaching the virtual wall.

Abstract: A method and system, the method including receive image data representations of a set of images of a physical asset; receive a data model of at least one asset, the data model of each of the at least one assets including a semantic description of the respective modeled asset and at least one operation associated with the respective modeled asset; determine a match between the received image data and the data model of one of the at least one assets based on a correspondence therebetween; generate, for the data model determined to be a match with the received image data, an operation plan based on the at least one operation included in matched data model; execute, in response to the generation of the operation plan, the generated operation plan by the physical asset.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a location-based information sharing platform are described. The method includes receiving location coordinates of a location of a user. The method includes computing great-circle distances between a plurality of points and the location coordinates using a mathematical formula. The plurality of points represents location coordinates of items of interests near the location of the user. The method includes determining a range information of the location of the user based at least on the computed great-circle distances. The range information includes a plurality of range coordinates. The method includes querying a content database based on the plurality of range coordinates to retrieve information lying within the plurality of range coordinates from available data in the content database. The method further includes facilitating access of the retrieved information to the user.

Abstract: A central controller for robotics and connected devices includes a first communication interface configured to receive data from a plurality of robots or connected devices, at least some of which plurality of robots or connected devices are of different types. The data generated by robots or connected devices of different types are generated in different native data formats. The central controller also includes a processor configured to translate said received data from the different native data formats into a common protocol format, a storage framework configured to store the data translated into the common protocol format; and a second communication interface configured to transmit commands based on data stored in the common protocol format and translated to the native data format of one or more of the plurality of robots or connected devices.

Abstract: A surgical robot arm (10) comprises a mounting portion (18). The mounting portion (18) comprises a reader (20) configured for reading location identifiers (26). The mounting portion (18) fits into a socket (22) comprising a location identifier (26). A signal output from the reader (20) allows determination of the location of the robot arm (10).

Abstract: An automatic method for autonomous interactions between robots, comprising an action of automatically receiving, by a transport robot, a request for transporting a service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically computing a location of the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically moving the transport robot to the location of the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically sending a signal from the service robot to the transport robot using a signal emitter incorporated into a mechanical element attached to the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically coupling, using the signal, the mechanical element to a carrier element attached to the transport robot.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for providing logistical support for robots. In one example, the method includes receiving, at a centralized support center that is in communication with a plurality of robots, a query from a first robot of the plurality of robots that has been deployed to perform a task, wherein the query indicates an error encountered by the first robot and evidence of the error collected by the first robot, formulating, at the centralized support center, a proposed solution to resolve the error, wherein the formulating comprises soliciting an analysis of the evidence by a party other than the first robot, and delivering, by the centralized support center, the proposed solution to the first robot.

Abstract: A machine learning device provided in a control unit observes, as state variables representing a current state of an environment, conveyance operation data indicating a state of a conveyance operation of a conveying machine and conveyance article state data indicating a state of the conveyance article, and acquires, as determination data, conveyance speed determination data indicating an appropriateness determination result relating to a conveyance speed of the conveyance article and conveyance article state determination data indicating an appropriateness determination result relating to variation in the state of the conveyance article. The conveyance operation data and the conveyance article state data are then learned in association with each other by using the state variables and the determination data.

Abstract: A vacuum-adhering apparatus for automated non-destructive inspection (NDI) of airfoil-shaped bodies with improved surface mounting. The apparatus may be used to inspect the leading edge surface and other surfaces of a wind turbine blade, a helicopter rotor blade, or an aircraft wing. The apparatus includes a multiplicity of wheels and a multiplicity of omnidirectional rolling elements rotatably coupled to a flexible substrate made of semi-rigid material. The wheels are configured to enable omnidirectional motion of the flexible substrate. The apparatus further includes flexible vacuum seals supported by the flexible substrate and vacuum adherence devices that keep the wheels frictionally engaged on the surface of the airfoil-shaped body regardless of surface contour. The apparatus also includes a flexible sensor array attached to or integrally formed with the flexible substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a built-in robotic floor cleaning system installed within the infrastructure of a workspace and a method for controlling and integrating such system in a workspace. The built-in robotic floor cleaning system comprises a robotic floor cleaning device and a docking station for charging the robotic floor cleaning device wherein the docking station is built into the infrastructure of the workspace. The system may further comprise a control panel integrated into the infrastructure of the workspace to deliver inputs from users and display outputs from the system. The system may further comprise a variety of types of confinement methods built into the infrastructure of the workspace to aid the robotic floor cleaning device in navigation. The system may also be provided with a virtual map of the environment during an initial set-up phase to assist with navigation.

Abstract: A mobile manipulator includes a moving apparatus, a manipulator that is connected to the moving apparatus, a controller configured to control the moving apparatus and the manipulator, and an environment acquisition sensor configured to acquire predetermined environmental data originating from an environment at the movement destination to which the mobile manipulator is moved by the moving apparatus in association with a position at the movement destination, and the controller controls at least one of the moving apparatus and the manipulator based on the environmental data.

Abstract: A method for operating a self-traveling robot, wherein an environment map of an environment of the robot is generated based on measuring data recorded within the environment, wherein a position of the robot within the environment is estimated, and wherein the robot travels within the environment based on the environment map and its known position. In order to extend the maximum range of the robot within the environment, an environment map, which is currently not needed for the navigation of the robot, is detected and transmitted to an external memory unit.

Abstract: A method for charging a service robot and a service robot are disclosed. The method comprises: collecting an audio signal generated by a sound source of a charging pile; determining a direction of the sound source according to the collected audio signal; controlling a robot main body to move toward the direction of the sound source, to shorten a distance between the robot main body and the charging pile; judging whether the infrared receiver array has received an infrared pulse signal emitted by the infrared emitter array of the charging pile; and when the infrared receiver array has received the infrared pulse signal, controlling the robot main body to move toward a direction of the charging pile according to the infrared pulse signal, to engage a charging component of the robot main body with a charging contact element of the charging pile.

Abstract: An information processing system that acquires image data captured by an image capturing device; identifies a density of distribution of a plurality of feature points in the acquired image data; and controls a display to display guidance information based on the density of the distribution of the plurality of feature points.

Abstract: A controller includes control function circuits that are connected to each other and control a multi-axis control machine. Each of the control function circuits performs a respective control function upon receipt of a control signal from another control function circuit of the control function circuits, and the control signal corresponds to a predetermined interface standard determined from the control function.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward, a method that includes receiving a travel path for a robot in a facility, selecting one or more target projectors disposed along the travel path, and displaying, by the one or more target projectors, one or more visual markers along the travel path of the robot to communicate an intended movement of the robot. The one or more target projectors are selected from among a plurality of projectors disposed in the facility.

Abstract: UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room.

Abstract: A method is for operating an at least partially autonomously moving, mobile medical unit, which has at least one sensing device for detecting possible collision objects in the environment of the unit and a control device, which evaluates the sensing data of the sensing device and which is designed to at least partially autonomously operate the movement of the unit while performing a collision protection function. In an embodiment of the method, a possible collision object described by the sensing data is classified by evaluating the sensing data and the classification is taken into consideration in the autonomous operation of the unit, in particular in the calculation of a trajectory to be traveled.

Abstract: A substrate conveying robot has a robot arm including an end effector having a substrate holding unit holding a substrate, arm drive unit for driving the robot arm, an elevating drive unit for elevatingly driving the end effector, a robot control unit controlling the arm drive unit, the elevating drive unit, and the substrate holding unit, and a substrate detection unit having a substrate detection unit which detects a vertical position of the substrate and elevates coordinately with an elevating operation of the end effector. By this configuration, a vertical position of a substrate to be conveyed is detected with high accuracy so that a robot operation can be controlled based on the detection result.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to generate voices for artificial speech are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a component storing an identifier, the identifier uniquely identifying the apparatus from a plurality of apparatus, an artificial speech generator to generate a first artificial speech signal representing text, the first artificial speech signal generated based on the identifier, the first artificial speech signal audibly different from artificial speech signals generated by respective ones of the plurality of apparatus for the text, an output device to output an audible signal representing the first artificial speech signal.

Abstract: A robot trapping detecting device, mainly uses a shaft body to drive a convex body to rotate, and a convex portion is disposed around the convex body, so when a binding surface of a binding body is touched to the convex body and the convex body is rotated to the disposing position of the convex portion, the binding body is driven upward, and then, when the convex body is rotated to a position other than the disposing position of the convex portion, the binding body is driven downward, so that a sensed body disposed on a linking component is driven up and down by the linking component, and a sensing body senses a displacement change of the sensed body to determine whether a robot has stopped moving.