Abstract: A robotic work tool for movable operation within a work area.

Abstract: A robot arm and method for using the robot arm. Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising: a robot arm; an end effector coupled at a distal end of the robot arm and configured to hold a surgical tool; a plurality of motors operable to move the robot arm; and an activation assembly operable to send a move signal allowing an operator to move the robot arm.

Abstract: A charging system for an autonomous data machine may be provided. The system may comprise: a charging station, wherein the charging station has a low profile allowing the autonomous data machine to drive over to charge a power supply of the autonomous data machine automatically; and one or more processors of the autonomous data machine configured to make charging decisions to effect charging operations of the autonomous data machine that include charging time, charging location, and operations to be performed during charging. In some instances, the charging decision are based on at least one of the following: location of charging station, availability of charging station, mission parameters, locations of other autonomous data machines, and/or charging requirements and/or availability of charging stations.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile system comprising: a means of achieving mobility, a means of navigating, a means of providing autonomous power, and a means of providing general purpose computing. In some embodiments, the system comprises a base unit capable of sensing its environment and computing navigation instructions to direct the system to move to particular locations and execute functions as directed by a set of programmed instructions. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight (TOF) imaging systems are attached to measure distance to objects in the environment, which may in turn be used by the means of navigating. In some embodiments, a coupling exists on the base unit to attach additional structures and mechanisms. These structures may comprise a means for carrying packages or other items, robotic manipulators that can grab and move objects, interactive audio and video displays for telepresence applications, a means for serving food and drink, etc.

Abstract: A blockchain of transactions may be referenced for various purposes and may be later accessed by interested parties. One example may comprise one or more of creating one or more control commands configured to control one or more smart devices, signing the one or more control commands via a key maintained by an entity creating the control commands, broadcasting the one or more control commands to the one or more smart devices, and storing the one or more control commands in a blockchain.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including obtaining, with a robot, raw pixel intensity values of a first image and raw pixel intensity values of a second image, wherein the first image and the second image are taken from different positions; determining, with one or more processors, an overlapping area of a field of view of the first image and of a field of view of the second image by comparing the raw pixel intensity values of the first image to the raw pixel intensity values of the second image; spatially, with one or more processors, aligning values based on sensor readings of the robot based on the overlapping area; and inferring, with one or more processors, features of a working environment of the robot based on the spatially aligned sensor readings.

Abstract: A distribution system (e.g., distributed robotic system) and method, may employ a plurality of agents, each agent associated with a respective set of processor-executable instructions, and a specification that defines routes amongst the agents. A first agent (e.g., a host agent) may be instantiated, associated with a first processor-based device in the distributed system. An attempt is made to locate an instance of a second agent. In response to locating the instance of the second agent, the instance of the second agent is registered with the instance of the first agent. A third agent may be instantiated, and the instance of the third agent registered with the instance of the first agent. A first route between the instance of the second agent and the instance of the third agent may be created, and a message sent between the instances of the second and the third agents.

Abstract: A cleaning equipment is disclosed, which includes a housing, a moving assembly, a cleaning assembly and a cliff sensor, the cliff sensor being arranged on the housing, the moving assembly or the cleaning assembly; the cleaning assembly includes at least one first cleaning sub-assembly which includes an installing part, a first component and at least one second component; the first component and the second component extend outwards and rotate along with rotation of the installing part so as to stir dirt on the surface to be cleaned; the first component passes through the gap between the housing and the surface to be cleaned while rotating, while the second component does not pass through the gap while rotating. The cleaning equipment lowers frequency of blocking the cliff sensor from transmitting and receiving signal art, and improves detecting accuracy of the cliff sensor.

Abstract: A computing system and a method for calibration verification is presented. The computing system is configured to perform a first calibration operation, and to control a robot arm to move a verification symbol to a reference location. The robot control system further receives, from a camera, a reference image of the verification symbol, and determines a reference image coordinate for the verification symbol. The robot control system further controls the robot arm to move the verification symbol to the reference location again during an idle period, receives an additional image of the verification symbol, and determines a verification image coordinate. The robot control system determines a deviation parameter value based the reference image coordinate and the verification image coordinate, and whether the deviation parameter value exceeds a defined threshold, and performs a second calibration operation if the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an object being extracted from or moved among a plurality of objects in a designated area, the plurality of objects equipped with transponders that emit a reply signal encoding an identifier. A set of antennas proximately located to the designated area are controlled to emit interrogation signals that cause the transponders to emit the reply signal in response. Sets of information are obtained regarding the reply signals received by the set of antennas, the reply signals including an indication of a signal characteristic and an identifier particular to the type of the object. The sets of information are analyzed to identify an identifier of the object being extracted based on fluctuations in the signal characteristic relative to the plurality of objects. One or more operations may be performed involving the object based on identification of the identifier.

Abstract: Provided is a link-sequence mapping device capable of automatically mapping a model link-sequence to a link sequence of an arbitrarily defined robot.

Abstract: A compact height torque sensing articulation axis assembly is disclosed herein having a torque sensor, an assembly mounting flange, a motor, a motor gearbox, a gearbox output shaft, an encoder, and a cable. The assembly may sense tension on robotic catheter pullwires in an articulating catheter and/or torque on a robotic output axis using the torque sensor. Disclosed embodiments may advantageously be used to achieve small, lightweight robotic catheter systems.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on computer storage devices, for multi-tiered command processing are disclosed. One of the methods includes operating an audio processing system to detect voice commands in a set of first commands controlling behavior of the robot and in a set of second commands controlling behavior of the robot, wherein the system detects commands in the set of first commands using a local recognition model that does not require communication over a network, and detects commands in the set of second commands with a server over a network; executing one or more applications to respond to commands in a set of application commands that include commands different from the first commands and second commands; and detecting and carrying out commands, according to a predetermined hierarchy that prioritizes detection of the first commands first, the second commands second, and the application commands third.

Abstract: Accuracy in interference determination between a hand gripping a workpiece and nearby objects is increased. An information processing apparatus includes a measuring unit configured to decide an object to be gripped among a plurality of objects on the basis of a first image of the imaged objects, a specifying unit configured to specify an attention area for determining, when a gripping device grips the object to be gripped, whether the gripping device interferes with objects near the object to be gripped, a controller configured to change an imaging range of an imaging device on the basis of the attention area, and a determination unit configured to determine, when the gripping device grips the object to be gripped, whether the gripping device interferes with the objects near the object to be gripped on the basis of a second image of an object imaged in a changed imaging range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for implementing robot motions, and especially, a device for implementing robot motions using propulsive force, the device comprising: a thruster which is provided to a robot body and hauls the weight of a robot so that a posture for enabling the implementation of various motions may be easily induced, and which hauls the entire or some portion of the weight of the robot body by generating a propulsive force; and a posture control module which links the thruster and the robot body, thereby enabling the posture of the robot body to change.

Abstract: A gripping method relates to a gripping method for gripping an object using a multi-fingered hand provided with a plurality of fingers. A three-dimensional measurement sensor is used to measure an area that contains the object to obtain three-dimensional information. If the area includes an area for which no three-dimensional information can be obtained, the area is separated and is interpolated using the range information indicating the closer one of distances obtained at two positions on an axis extending along a direction in which the fingers are opened and closed, the two positions being adjacent to the unmeasured area with the unmeasured area interposed therebetween. Then, the distance between the fingers for gripping the object is decided, and the multi-fingered hand is controlled based on the distance.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a base with a manipulator is attached to the base. At least one sensor is associated with the manipulator. The at least one sensor detects a trajectory of an external disturbance on the manipulator or an external cue from a user. A controller is provided that converts the trajectory detected by the at least one sensor to an input signal or the external cue detected by the at least one sensor to an input signal. A drive system receives the input signal, and in response to the input signal powers the base or to power the base in a trajectory corresponding to the external cue. A method for intuitive motion control of the robotic system is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various aspects of remote presence interfaces (RPIs) for use on portable electronic devices (PEDs) to interface with remote presence devices. An RPI may allow a user to interact with a telepresence device, view a live video feed, provide navigational instructions, and/or otherwise interact with the telepresence device. The RPI may allow a user to manually, semi-autonomously, or autonomously control the movement of the telepresence device. One or more panels associated with a video feed, patient data, calendars, date, time, telemetry data, PED data, telepresence device data, healthcare facility information, healthcare practitioner information, menu tabs, settings controls, and/or other features may be utilized via the RPI.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomously transporting and delivering one or more commodities from drop-off point to recipient preferred environment, is disclosed. The system is configured to analyze an authorized person's voice command or request and executes the request. The system provides at least two modes of operation to deliver the commodities comprising mapped location delivery mode and human following delivery mode. The system is configured to analyze the command and extract the delivery location. The system is further configured to identify the location of the point of the interest based on object detection system and environment understanding system, to deliver the commodities. At human following delivery mode, the ADV follows the recipient and saves the location or path data once the preferred environment is located. At mapped location delivery mode, ADV maneuvers itself to the destination location by retrieving information on recipient's previous history of delivering commodities.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having an input shaft and a drive cable capstan arranged therein. The input shaft includes a drive gear and the drive cable capstan including a driven gear intermeshed with the drive gear such that rotation of the input shaft rotates the drive cable capstan. An elongate shaft extends from the drive housing, and an end effector is operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A drive cable is received within a pulley track defined on the drive cable capstan and extends only partially around a circumference of the drive cable capstan. The drive cable is fed directly into the elongate shaft from the pulley track and extends to the end effector.

Abstract: A communication control apparatus, including a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to execute a process, the process including selecting one or more users from users based on intensities of received signals of sensor information transmitted by a plurality of tag devices associated with the users respectively, outputting information that instructs an operation for the plurality of tag devices, detecting the tag device for which the operation has been performed based on acceleration information of the plurality of tag devices, and causing a service provision device to output sound information regarding a service for a specific user associated with the detected tag device.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to optical devices and apparatuses for capturing, structuring, and using interlinked multi-directional still pictures and/or multi-directional motion pictures as well as the related systems and methods, and their applications on computing and/or other devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining safe zones in a workspace calculate safe actions in real time based on all sensed relevant objects and on the current state of the machinery (e.g., a robot) in the workspace. Various embodiments forecast, in real time, both the motion of the machinery and the possible motion of a human within the space, and continuously update the forecast as the machinery operates and humans move in the workspace.

Abstract: Provided is a highly safe robot system. A robot system includes: an arm operation control unit that controls operations of an arm; and a storage unit that records hazardous part information related to at least any one of a grip unit of the arm and a work target gripped with the grip unit, and the arm operation control unit causes the arm to operate such that the hazardous direction of the hazardous part is different from a moving direction of the grip unit on the basis of the hazardous part information.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment obtains a first position of a predetermined part of an image taking target included in a medical robot system, a first direction of a rotation axis of the image taking target, and a first rotation angle of the image taking target, within a coordinate system of the medical image diagnosis apparatus. The medical image diagnosis apparatus derives information that brings the coordinate system of the medical image diagnosis apparatus and the coordinate system of the medical robot system into correspondence with each other, on the basis of the first position, the first direction, and the first rotation angle, as well as a second position of the predetermined part, a second direction of the rotation axis, and a second rotation angle of the image taking target, within a coordinate system of the medical robot system.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot includes a cleaning head configured to clean a floor surface in an environment, and at least one camera having a field of view that extends above the floor surface. The at least one camera is configured to capture images that include portions of the environment above the floor surface. The robot includes a recognition module is configured to recognize objects in the environment based on the images captured by the at least one camera, in which the recognition module is trained at least in part using the images captured by the at least one camera. The robot includes a storage device is configured to store a map of the environment. The robot includes a control module configured to control the mobile cleaning robot to navigate in the environment using the map and operate the cleaning head to perform cleaning tasks taking into account of the objects recognized by the recognition module.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system has a user interface with a control arm that includes a passive axis system for maintaining degrees-of-freedom of a gimbal rotatably supported on the control arm as the gimbal is manipulated during a surgical procedure. The control arm includes a swivel member, a first member, and a second member. The swivel member is rotatable about a first axis. The first member rotatably coupled to the swivel member about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. The second member rotatably coupled to the first member about a third axis that is parallel to the second axis. The gimbal rotatably supported by the second member about a fourth axis that is orthogonal to the third axis. The passive axis system correlating rotation of the swivel member about the first axis with rotation of the gimbal about the fourth axis.

Abstract: A reference jig comprises a base adapted to be secured to a distal end of a bone. An adjustment mechanism has a bracket, one or more rotational joints operatively mounting the bracket to the base, whereby the bracket is rotatable in two or more rotational degrees of freedom relative to the base, and one or more translational joints. A landmark alignment unit is operatively connectable to the bracket by the at least one translational joint, the landmark alignment unit having a bone alignment component configured to be aligned with at least one bone landmark.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for drawing a map to which a feature of an object is applied and a robot implementing the same. The robot drawing a map to which feature of an object is applied, which comprises a moving unit configured to control a movement of the robot; a map storage unit configured to store the map to be referred while the robot moves; a sensing unit configured to sense one or more objects provided outside the robot; and a controller configured to control the moving unit, the map storage unit, and the sensing unit, and calculate position information and feature information on the one or more sensed objects, wherein the controller of the robot stores the position information and the feature information of the one or more sensed objects in the map storage unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robot charging control method, apparatus, and robot thereof. The method includes: obtaining a linear distance between a charging portion of the robot and a charging station of a charging device, if a charging instruction is detected; determining polar coordinate information of a preset target position in a polar coordinate system taking the position of the charging portion as a pole based on the linear distance; moving the robot to the preset target position according to the polar coordinate information; rotating the robot in situ at the preset target position to a position the charging portion matching the charging station; and moving the robot from the preset target position to the charging station to establish an electrical connection for charging the robot between the charging portion and the charging station. The present disclosure realizes that a navigation route is unnecessary to be made in advance.

Abstract: A virtualized environment corresponding to a physical environment currently surrounding a robot is displayed. The virtualized environment is updated in accordance with streaming environment data received from sensors collocated with the robot. A first user input inserting a first virtual object at a first location in the virtualized environment is detected. The virtualized environment is modified in accordance with the insertion of the first virtual object at the first location. The first virtual object at the first location causes the robot to execute a first navigation path in the physical environment. A second user input is detected that moves the first virtual object along a movement path to a second location in the virtualized environment. The movement path is constrained by simulated surfaces in the virtualized environment, and the first virtual object at the second location causes the robot to execute a modified navigation path in the physical environment.

Abstract: Provided is a real-time robot controlling system which includes a GPOS (General Purpose Operation System); a RTOS (Real Time Operation System) operated on the GPOS to drive a device controlling system; and one or more devices being controlled in hard real-time connected to the RTOS in a real-time device controlling system, wherein the device controlling system providing a user interface to the GPOS; performing real-time device control processes according to the interface input or time synchronization; and processing communication with the one or more devices according to the control processes.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training a value neural network that is configured to receive an observation characterizing a state of an environment being interacted with by an agent and to process the observation in accordance with parameters of the value neural network to generate a value score. One of the systems performs operations that include training a supervised learning policy neural network; initializing initial values of parameters of a reinforcement learning policy neural network having a same architecture as the supervised learning policy network to the trained values of the parameters of the supervised learning policy neural network; training the reinforcement learning policy neural network on second training data; and training the value neural network to generate a value score for the state of the environment that represents a predicted long-term reward resulting from the environment being in the state.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of an articulated robotic arm includes a robotic catheter procedure system having the articulated robotic arm and a controller coupled to the articulated robotic arm. The system further includes a patient table positioned proximate to and separate from the articulated robotic arm and a tracking system coupled to the controller and configured to measure a change in a position of the patient table. The controller is configured to adjust the position of the articulated robotic arm based on the measured change in position of the patient table.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for homing a surgical tool are provided. In general, a surgical tool can include an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a wrist that couples the end effector to a distal end of the shaft can be configured to facilitate movement of the end effector relative to the shaft. The surgical tool can be coupled to a robotic surgical system featuring an imaging device and a processor. Through the use of closed-loop feedback and machine vision techniques, the end effector can be calibrated into a home position to ensure precise and accurate movement of the end effector when in use by a surgeon.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling an agent interacting with an environment. One of the methods includes obtaining a representation of an observation; processing the representation using a convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network comprising a plurality of convolutional LSTM neural network layers; processing an action selection input comprising the final LSTM hidden state output for the time step using an action selection neural network that is configured to receive the action selection input and to process the action selection input to generate an action selection output that defines an action to be performed by the agent at the time step; selecting, from the action selection output, the action to be performed by the agent at the time step in accordance with an action selection policy; and causing the agent to perform the selected action.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous vehicle testing are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining, by a computing system including one or more computing devices, simulated perception data indicative of one or more simulated states of at least one simulated object within a surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle. The computer-implemented method includes determining, by the computing system, a motion of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the simulated perception data. The computer-implemented method includes causing, by the computing system, the autonomous vehicle to travel in accordance with the determined motion of the autonomous vehicle through the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting a user to safety hazards in real-world while the user is wearing a Head-Mounted Display (HMD). In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: receive an image during execution of a xR application displayed to a user wearing a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) coupled to the IHS; detect an object in the image; associate the object with a landmark selected among a plurality of landmarks usable by the xR application to determine a position of the HMD; and provide to the user, via the HMD, a safety instruction related to the object in response to a distance between the HMD and the selected landmark meeting a distance threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a method for programming an industrial robot, where distributors and integrators can present accessories that run successfully at end users. Also the developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user. There is provided a software platform, where the developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user thereby extending an existing robot system with customized functionalities by still using the software platform available in the robot system. Hereby a robot developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user. These can, for example, encapsulate complex new robot programming concepts, or provide friendly hardware configuration interfaces.

Abstract: A system and method to build and deploy a cloud device application a cloud and a plurality of devices has been described. Initially a selection of software executable code and runtime architecture of one of the cloud and the plurality of devices is received for deploying the cloud device application including the software executable code. Next a builder image is selected for generating a software executable image corresponding to the software executable code. Next a build process is executed to generate the software executable image corresponding to the software executable code based on the selected builder process. Finally the generated software executable image on one of the cloud and one of the plurality of devices is deployed based on the runtime architecture.

Abstract: Systems for controlling concentric tube probes are disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a concentric tube position display interface and a control system. The concentric tube display interface includes a display for displaying visual feedback to a user indicating a position (and possibly orientation) of a tip of a concentric tube probe and a user input device for receiving user input from the user designating a goal position (and possibly orientation) for the tip of the concentric tube probe. The control system is configured for interactive-rate motion planning of the concentric tube probe by creating, in real-time or near real-time, a motion plan to move the tip of the concentric tube probe to the goal position (and possibly orientation) while avoiding contact by the concentric tube probe with one or more obstacles and for configuring the concentric tube probe as specified by the motion plan.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a floor by means of at least one cleaning robot, which cleaning robot comprises control means for controlling the cleaning robot and communication means for sensing at least one event having increased soiling emergence of at least part of the floor, wherein the control means set the intensity of the use of the cleaning robot for cleaning at least part of the floor in accordance with the intensity of at least one event having increased soiling emergence. The system solves the technical problem of making a system and a method for cleaning a floor by means of a cleaning robot more flexible and enabling improved cleaning results. The system further relates to a method for cleaning a floor.

Abstract: A method for determining and mapping a parcel of land may include receiving positioning-information indicative of position data of a robotic vehicle transiting a parcel at one or more locations on the parcel and receiving workload-information indicative of workload data of a robotic vehicle transiting the parcel at one or more locations on the parcel. The method may further include generating a virtual map of the parcel based on the positioning-information and the workload-information received.

Abstract: In a behavior characteristic amount analysis system, a necessary storage capacity is saved and reduced upon a statistical process performed on a large amount of measured data from a sensor or the like and the analysis of characteristics of a target to be measured. A behavior characteristic amount analyzing server includes a central processing unit and a storage device. The storage device holds a sensor table group of sensor tables holding sensor data from the sensor, and a pivot table of pivot tables aggregated based on the sensor table group and one or a combination of the moving object, time, and a location. The central processing unit generates the pivot tables based on information of the sensor tables for each of predetermined time periods, causes the generated pivot tables to be stored in the storage device, and deletes the sensor tables used for the generation of the pivot tables.

Abstract: A two-wheel, self-balancing transportation device having a foot platform zone associated with each wheel. Various sensor or control arrangements are disclosed. In one embodiment, torsion sensing is used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. The torsion-based sensing is preferably combined with fore-aft platform position sensing to achieve a driving and turning of the device. In another embodiment, pressure sensors are used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. In yet another embodiment, a relative position sensor is used to determine the relative position of movable platforms sections. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods are provided for controlling actuation and movement of various surgical devices.

Abstract: A robot control device includes a memory and a processor configured to acquire first environmental information regarding a surrounding environment of a robot, specify a first appropriate level associated with a first activity based on the first environmental information by referring to a control policy in which activity information on an activity which has been conducted by the robot, environmental information at a time of conduction of the activity, and appropriate level determined based on a reaction to the activity are associated with each other, and when the first appropriate level information of the first activity does not satisfy a specific condition, deter conduction of the first activity by the robot.

Abstract: A drive control device activates at least one of a plurality of operation regions and restricts operations by a robot such that the robot operates within the activated operation region. With a plurality of operation regions such as an operation region 1 and an operation region 2 being activated, when the drive control device predicts that the robot will be included in a range of any of the operation region 1 and the operation region 2, the drive control device does not cut off supply of electric power to a servo amplifier, whereas when the drive control device predicts that the robot will be included in a range of neither of the operation region 1 and the operation region 2, the drive control device cuts off supply of electric power to the servo amplifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to robot technology, and particularly to a method and a robot for identifying charging station. The method includes: first, obtaining scanning data produced by a radar of the robot; then, determining whether an arc-shaped object exists in a scanning range of the radar of the robot based on the scanning data; finally, in response to determining that the arc-shaped object exists in the scanning range of the robot, determining that the arc-shaped object is a charging station. Compared with the prior art, the present disclosure substitutes the arc identification for the conventional concave-convex structure identification. Since the surface of the arc is relatively smooth, the data jumps at the intersection of the cross-section will not occur, hence the accuracy of charging station identification can be greatly improved.

Abstract: Provided is a master console for a surgical robot. The master console includes: a base unit including a first base and a second base, the first and second bases being provided parallel to each other; and a foot pedal unit between the first base and the second base, wherein the foot pedal unit includes at least one foot pedal switch capable of being manipulated by a foot of an operator, a foot panel configured to support the at least one foot pedal switch, and a footrest extending outward from the foot panel.