Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) parallel charging method may comprise determining whether a parallel charging input is detected or not, the parallel charging input being an input that both a conductive charging input and an inductive charging input are sensed; in response to determining that the parallel charging input is detected, comparing a power of the conductive charging input with a power of the inductive charging input; selecting an input applied to a high-voltage battery and an input applied to at least one of an auxiliary battery and a load based on a result of the comparison; and performing a parallel charging operation for the high-voltage battery and at least one of the auxiliary battery and the load by using powers supplied from the selected inputs.

Abstract: A decision support and control system including a Graphical User Interface configured for displaying multiple transit options for a platform with respect to hazard and objects along with accompanying methods is provided. The methods and apparatus may receive information from a variety of systems such as a ship's radar and electro-optical systems to derive threat information, and a ship's weapon systems that may include both lethal and non-lethal weapons, the maximum and minimum range of the weapons, the accuracy characteristics of the weapons, and the maximum and minimum azimuth angles that the weapons can engage. The apparatus and methods may provide multiple transit options for a ship that provides tactical suggestions for a ship to successfully defend itself against a swarm attack by multiple incoming threats. Such tactical suggestions illustratively account for the various paths being presented and may also present performance metrics such as associated probabilities of success.

Abstract: Described herein is a teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field. The teleoperational system comprises an eye tracking unit and a control unit. The eye tracking unit includes an image display configured to display to a user an image of the surgical field, at least one eye tracker configured to measure data about a gaze point of the user, and a processor configured to process the data to determine a viewing location in the displayed image at which the gaze point of the user is directed. The control unit is configured to control at least one function of the teleoperational medical system based upon the determined viewing location.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: A robot control system includes: plural robots; a receiving unit that receives a robot dispatch request from a user; a sensor that detects a state of the user who performs the robot dispatch request; and a controller that determines priority on the robot dispatch request based on the state of the user detected by the sensor, selects, in a case where plural robot dispatch requests are received, a robot to be dispatched among the plural robots in order of the priority on the robot dispatch requests, and dispatches the robot.

Abstract: A robot control method, system, and computer program product, include extracting robot data from the robot and user emotional state data of a user interacting with the robot, configuring a mission of a robot comprising a sequence of a plurality of tasks based on the robot data and the user emotional state data, and reconfiguring an order of the sequence of the plurality of tasks if a change in the user emotional state data is detected.

Abstract: A robot includes n arms, n drive units that respectively drive the n arms, n position detecting units that respectively detect positions of the n arms, and L signal lines through which signals detected by the n position detecting units flow. When the number of control units that control the driving of the drive units based on the signals detected by the position detecting units is m, the robot satisfies the relations of 2?L<n and 2?m<n.

Abstract: A cell control apparatus is provided with a load calculation part which calculates an operational load including at least one of average power consumption, maximum power consumption, and a variable indicating a component lifetime of a manufacturing cell in a predetermined period. The cell control apparatus includes an operation adjustment part which performs first control for reducing at least one of a speed and an acceleration at which the manufacturing machine drives and second control for adjusting a ratio of time of successive operations in such a manner as to reduce the operational load in such an extent that the number of products manufactured in the predetermined period is not changed.

Abstract: A method for the automated driving of a motor vehicle which provides environment data, detects objects in the environment data, selects a current scenario by a scenario-interpretation apparatus on the basis of the detected objects, wherein a scenario has at least one elementary situation which is assigned at least one monitoring region and an enable criterion as attributes, and in addition successively for each of the elementary situations of the current scenario, estimates a destination point, plans a trajectory to the destination point by a maneuver-planning apparatus, interrogates information about a monitoring region from the environment-perception apparatus by the scenario-interpretation apparatus, checks for the presence of the at least one enable criterion by the scenario-interpretation apparatus, and if the at least one enable criterion is satisfied, automated driving along the trajectory as far as the destination point by a controller. Also disclosed is an associated device.

Abstract: A robot system for carrying out a plurality of operations during assembly or maintenance of an aircraft or spacecraft includes a first robot having a base portion, a movable robot arm having a first coupling portion, and a first control means for controlling the robot arm, a plurality of second robots having movement means, a drive portion operable to drive the movement means, a tool portion having a tool for carrying out a specific one of the operations, a second coupling portion adapted to be selectively and releasably coupled with the first coupling portion in a predetermined positional relationship, and a second control means for controlling the respective second robot. The first and second control means are adapted to control the drive portion of one of the second robots and the robot arm to couple the first coupling portion and the respective second coupling portion in the predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: An assembly system and a part holding assembly are configured to locate and secure a part defining holes. The part holding assembly further includes a first clamping device movable along a first track for positioning the first clamping device relative to the part. The first clamping device is configured to engage the part to secure the part to the first clamping device. The part holding assembly also includes a first pin device movable along a second track for positioning the first pin device relative to the location of one of the holes of the part. The first pin is configured to be disposed through the one of the holes of the part when in a closed position for locating the part. The first pin is configured to expand in the one of the holes when in an open position for securing the part to the first pin device.

Abstract: A game, and a method for playing a game, that includes providing an initial shape of a plurality of elements, and an end shape that includes the elements by displacing, using a motion module for at least one element, which motion function provides the at least one element with its own movement ability relative to the other elements, in which the end shape is different than the initial shape; providing a set of parameters which together with the end shape determine losing or winning the game. The game is completed on a basis of the parameters and a position of the elements in relation to the end shape.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatus to enhance safety. In some embodiments, a system comprises: a central computer system comprising: a transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: communicate positioning routing instructions to the plurality of motorized transport units directing the motorized transport units to one or more external areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weather conditions; and communicate separate area routing instructions to each of the motorized transport units that when implemented cause the motorized transport units to cooperatively and in concert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions over at least predefined portions of one or more external areas to cause ground treatment systems to address ground level conditions.

Abstract: A robot service cooperation system (10) includes a server (12), a mobile terminal (14) and various robots (16a-16c) respectively connected to a network (100). Each of applications (A1, A2, A3, - - - ) on the network is written with cooperation information indicating that which other application can be cooperated with. A CPU (20) of the server specifies (S3) at least based on the cooperation information a plurality of cooperable services that can be provided to a user of the mobile terminal, presents (S7) the specified plurality of services to the user and makes (S13) the user select an arbitrary combination, and makes (S17, S19) a plurality of services constituting the selected combination cooperate mutually by registering at least a start condition of each service into an event queue in association with at least an end event of another service.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to arm carts for transporting and coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include a damping mechanism (e.g., a spring, a dashpot) configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm due to the arm contacting another object, such as a surgical table. In other embodiments, an arm cart may include a backstop with an inclined surface configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm. In other embodiments, the arm cart may include a compliant arm support that is bendable to damp an impact force imparted to a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the arm cart may include a damping mechanism configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position to permit a robotic arm to couple to a surgical table.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for controlling a robot, which non-simultaneously shares a working space with another robot. On the basis of a determined residual period, in which the working space remains occupied, the path planning of a robot is adjusted in a cycle time-optimized manner, in order to avoid a deceleration at the working space limit and a wait for the working space to be vacated.

Abstract: A method for wireless grid computing includes: receiving feedback of a computing resource state (“CRS”) and channel quality information (“CQI”) from at least one candidate terminal; determining at least one parallel work execution terminal to execute the wireless grid computing among at least one terminal based on the feedback of the CRS and the feedback of the CQI; and assigning parallel processing work of the wireless grid computing to the at least one parallel work execution terminal. Such wireless grid computing method may be performed using a base station or a terminal.

Abstract: A method for operating and/or monitoring a machine, in particular, a multiple axis robot, includes determining whether an outer border of a first spatial area and an outer border of a second spatial area intersect each other, and detecting a penetration of the first spatial area by the second spatial area, in the event that the two outer borders intersect each other, wherein one of the two spatial areas is machine-fixed.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a plurality of controlled linkages operating in an environment where random disturbance forces act on the linkages is disclosed. A rigid chassis with first and third linkages pinned to the rigid chassis at one end and pinned at the other end to other linkages is also disclosed. Sensors are also disclosed that sense the respective angles and rates of change of the angles between the chassis and the first and third linkages. Motors are also disclosed that move the first and third linkages about the pinned connections to the chassis. A controller is disclosed that controls the first and second motors as a function of the output of the sensors and a sum of the magnitudes of the discrete disturbance forces acting on the linkages to programmably control the first and second angles. The controller thereby controls the position and motion of all of the linkages without need for calculating the discrete disturbance forces acting on the individual linkages.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: A method for generating a navigation map of an environment in which a plurality of robots will navigate, includes obtaining an image of the environment defined by a plurality of pixels, each having a cost value. The environment includes an image of a fixed object having a set of pixels corresponding to its location and having a first defined cost value. The method includes obtaining a planned path image for the robots, which include a first set of pixels corresponding to the location of each robot in the environment and a second set of pixels adjacent to the first set of pixels and extending along a planned path of travel toward a destination. The first set of pixels of each robot having the first defined cost value and the second set of pixels having a second defined cost value. The second defined cost value is less than the first defined cost value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating tasks to robotic devices are provided. An example method includes receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices and in a computing system configured to access a processor and memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. A health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability to perform a function, which may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. Information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more or the robotic devices may also be determined. The computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks such that a high precision task may be allocated to a robotic device having a greater current health level than another robotic device.

Abstract: A user interface allows zooming and panning of a web-based wall that can support a wide variety of content. Various natural user interface features can be implemented to allow users to interact with content in an intuitive way. Technical infrastructure such as a zoom engine, bounding boxes, and content sharing enable implementation of a rich set of features that are instantly grasped by users. A minimap can provide a helpful overview of content.

Abstract: A robotic mount is configured to move an entertainment element such as a video display, a video projector, a video projector screen or a staircase. The robotic mount is movable in multiple degrees of freedom, whereby the associated entertainment element is moveable in three-dimensional space. In one embodiment, a system of entertainment elements are made to move and operate in synchronicity with each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for the automatic generation of a robotic devices, where the method comprises the steps of receiving user input to determine a task specification for one or more tasks for the robotic device, determining a task list comprising one or more tasks based on the provided task specification, determining based on the task list provided, one or more mechanical components, one or more processing components, and logic components required to execute one or more tasks; and generating the logic components required to execute one or more tasks, and embedding the logic components onto a recordable medium associated with the robotic device.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: A single- and dual-chamber module-attachable wafer-handling chamber includes: a wafer-handling main chamber equipped with a wafer-handling robot therein, and adaptors for connecting process modules to the wafer-handling main chamber. The adaptors are detachably attached to the sides of the wafer-handling main chamber, respectively, and the process modules are detachably attached to the adaptors, respectively, so that the process modules can be attached to the wafer-handling main chamber, regardless of whether the process modules are of a single-chamber type or dual-chamber type.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: A wearable smart device is configured to be positioned on and external to a robot having a robot sensor for sensing robot data and a robot input/output port. The wearable smart device includes a device sensor capable of detecting device data corresponding to an environment of the wearable smart device. The wearable smart device also includes a device input/output port. The wearable smart device also includes a device processor coupled to the robot sensor via the robot input/output port and the device input/output port. The device processor is also coupled to the device sensor and configured to control the robot based on the robot data and the device data.

Abstract: Example systems and methods may allow for parallel operation of robotic devices within a workcell, such as industrial robots controlled to manufacture an output product. One example method includes receiving ordered sequences of operations for a plurality of corresponding robotic devices, determining time-based sequences of operations for each of the robotic devices, where a time-based sequence of operations indicates positions within the workcell at corresponding timesteps of a global timeline, determining one or more potential collisions involving the robotic devices that would result from parallel execution of the time-based sequences of operations within the workcell, modifying the time-based sequences of operations in order to prevent the one or more potential collisions, and providing instructions for parallel execution of the modified time-based sequences of operations at timesteps of the global timeline by the robotic devices within the workcell.

Abstract: The solar energy and solar farms are used to generate energy and reduce dependence on oil (or for environmental purposes). The maintenance, operation, optimization, and repairs in big farms become very difficult, expensive, and inefficient, using human technicians. Thus, here, we teach using the robots with various functions and components, in various settings, for various purposes, to improve operations in big (or hard-to-access) farms, to automate, save money, reduce human mistakes, increase efficiency, or scale the solutions to very large scales or areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing precise robotic operations without the need for special or task-specific components utilize, in one implementation, a spatial adjustment system, physically separate from the robotic manipulator, supports the target workpiece and works in concert with the robotic manipulator to perform tasks with high spatial precision.

Abstract: A device for dynamic reconfiguration of robot components includes: a resource monitoring unit for monitoring resources of a plurality of boards on which components for executing tasks of a robot are loaded; a dynamic reconfiguration unit for dynamically reconfiguring components of the boards, in the case at least one of the boards is at a risk for a scarcity of resources; and a log managing unit for storing a configuration of present components and a configuration of reconfigured components. Accordingly, it is possible to recognize a scarcity of resources in advance while the robot is operating and prevent the robot from malfunctioning by distributing the components.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide the infrastructure supporting an omniphysical mind or descriptive self supportable by a computing device. The infrastructure includes descriptive information capabilities and special symbols that support the capabilities. For example, a system may include at least one processor and memory storing a database that includes symbols, definitions of symbols, and processing rules. Symbol in the database may represent awareness capabilities, a categorization capability, a decision capability, a safety capability, a report capability, and a self-initiate capability. One special symbol may represent the ability of the system to organize and call the other special symbols that support the infrastructure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for avoiding collisions between manipulator arms using a null-space are provided. In one aspect, the system calculates an avoidance movement using a relationship between reference geometries of the multiple manipulators to maintain separation between reference geometries. In certain embodiments, the system determines a relative state between adjacent reference geometries, determines an avoidance vector between reference geometries, and calculates an avoidance movement of one or more manipulators within a null-space of the Jacobian based on the relative state and avoidance vector. The joints may be driven according to the calculated avoidance movement while maintaining a desired state of the end effector or a remote center location about which an instrument shaft pivots and may be concurrently driven according to an end effector displacing movement within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for virtual world integration with a collaborative computing application. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for virtual world and collaborative computing application integration can be provided. The method can include loading a virtual world, detecting a posting in a collaborative application, and creating an object with the posting in the virtual world. The method further can include detecting a creation of an object in the virtual world including content, and creating a posting in the collaborative application with the content from the object in the virtual world. In one aspect of the embodiment, creating an object with the posting in the virtual world can include determining a topic for the posting, identifying a place in the virtual world corresponding to the topic, and creating the object in the identified place.

Abstract: A master slave robot is that receives force presentation according to a picture watched by an operator operating the master slave robot. The control apparatus for the master slave robot causes a force information correcting unit to correct force information in accordance with magnification percentage information acquired by a displayed information acquiring unit such that the force information is increased accordingly as the magnification percentage information is larger. An operator can thus apply appropriate force while watching the picture projected on a display to perform a task.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of robotic vehicles may involve the steps of: Determining a state of each of the plurality of robotic vehicles; assigning a robotic vehicle to an operator in response to a Binding command from the operator; allowing the operator to command the assigned robotic vehicle to perform a mission; and releasing the assigned robotic vehicle in response to an Unbinding command from the operator.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling the movement of a mechanical body. In accordance with a method, desired movement information is received that identifies a desired motion of a mechanical body, the mechanical body having a first number of degrees of freedom. A plurality of instructions are then generated by applying the received desired movement information to a kinematic model, the kinematic model having a second number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom, each of the instructions being configured to control a corresponding one of the second number of degrees of freedom. A subset of the plurality of instructions are then transmitted for use in controlling the first number of degrees of freedom of the mechanical body.

Abstract: System and method to predict maintenance windows, initiate and avoid cleaning cycles of robotic systems that clean solar panels. Using learning algorithms, the system and method is based on collecting, monitoring and conducting trend analysis from data received by the various robotic systems that effect the cleaning cycles, external sensors, sources and feeds.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a control apparatus for cooperative cleaning using multiple cleaning robots, including monitoring an overall cleaning condition of an extensive space and automatically assigning multiple cleaning robots to a space required to be cleaned, and when a cleaning area is fixed based on a cooperative cleaning method, data on an amount of garbage generated from the cleaning area or a cleaning condition of the cleaning area may be accumulated to facilitate easier management of the cleaning.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a transformation-matrix generating unit that generates, on the basis of N first command values for learning per one robot, which are position-corrected command values for positioning a master robot and a slave robot on tracks of their respective robots during the synchronous driving, concerning the respective N command values for learning, transformation matrices among the command values for learning, a command-value storing unit that outputs a first command value for driving at each of M operation periods for defining the track of the master robot, a transformation-matrix-function generating unit and a command-value generating unit that interpolate the N transformation matrices and generate a transformation matrix at the each first command value for driving, and a command-value generating unit that causes the transformation matrices to act on the M first command values for driving and generates M second command values for driving of the slave robot.

Abstract: A robot system includes a crane unit, a crane moving mechanism, a robot, and a controller. The crane unit is to suspend a workpiece. The crane unit moves in a horizontal direction via the crane moving mechanism. The robot is to move the crane unit in the horizontal direction via the crane moving mechanism. The controller is configured to control the crane unit to move upwardly to suspend the workpiece after controlling the robot to bring the crane unit into an engaging state in which the crane unit engages with the workpiece located at a first position. The controller is configured to control the crane unit suspending the workpiece to move downwardly to place the workpiece at a second position after controlling the robot to move the crane unit toward the second position while the crane unit suspends the workpiece.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with swarm management are described. One example system comprises a communication component configured to establish a communication link with at least one element, where the at least one element is part of a swarm. The example system also comprises a management component configured to manage performance of a task list by the swarm through the communication link.

Abstract: A robot system according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a plurality of robots, an information acquisition unit, and a distribution unit. The robots transfer the articles from the carry-in path into which the articles are successively carried, to the predetermined region of the carry-out path through which the articles are successively carried out. The information acquisition unit acquires information about the predetermined region. The distribution unit distributes the articles in the carry-in path as transfer targets to the robots based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cloud robot system, including: a cloud computing platform and at least one robot; wherein the cloud computing platform is used for receiving perform information sent by the at least one robot in the system; the perform information includes data, status and requests of the at least one robot; the cloud computing platform is used for processing the data and status, sending process results back to the at least one robot, and sending control instructions to corresponding robot according to the requests; the at least one robot is used for sending the perform information to the cloud computing platform, receiving process results from the cloud computing platform, and performing according to the control instructions sent from the cloud computing platform. By using the present disclosure, computing ability and storage capacity of the robots can be expanded unlimited, while the thinking ability and memory of the robots are improved.

Abstract: In this robot system, a control portion is configured to control a robot to grasp an object to be grasped by a grasping portion, and control a first imaging portion to examine the object to be grasped while driving a robot arm to change a posture of the object to be grasped multiple times.

Abstract: A robot system according to an aspect of embodiments includes an information acquisition unit, a plurality of robots, and a distribution unit. The information acquisition unit acquires information indicating a two-dimensional position on a surface of a conveyance path of an article conveyed on the conveyance path. The plurality of robots transfers the article from the conveyance path. The distribution unit distributes the articles on the surface of the conveyance path to the plurality of robots as transfer targets on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit.