Mobile Robot Patents (Class 901/1)
  • Patent number: 8965623
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for attending to an environmental condition by an electronic cleaning device. A computer receives one or more data signals from one or more sensors through a network, with each of the one or more sensors associated with a physical location. The computer determines that due to an environmental condition a signal strength of the one or more data signals received from the one or more sensors is out of a threshold value range. The computer determines an optimal route from a current location of the electronic cleaning device to the one or more physical locations of the one or more sensors associated with the one or more data signals experiencing signal strength out of the threshold value range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 8965576
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a user-guidable robot appendage provides haptic feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rethink Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Elaine Y. Chen, Rodney Brooks, Christopher J. Buehler, Matthew M. Williamson, Bruce Blumberg, Noelle Dye, Joseph M. Romano, William A. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20150051734
    Abstract: A controller for floating-base humanoid robots that can track motion capture data while maintaining balance. Briefly, the controller includes a proportional-derivative (PD) controller that is adapted to compute the desired acceleration to track a given reference trajectory at every degree-of-freedom (DOF) of the robot including the six unactuated ones of the floating base. Second, the controller includes a component (joint torque optimization module) that computes the optimal joint torques and contact forces to realize the desired accelerations given by the first component (i.e., the PD controller). The joint torque optimization module performs this computation considering the full-body dynamics of the robot and the constraints on contact forces. The desired accelerations may not be feasible for the robot due to limits in normal contact forces and friction (e.g., the robot sometimes cannot exactly copy or perform the modeled human motion defined by motion capture data).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yu Zheng, Katsu Yumane
  • Publication number: 20150050111
    Abstract: A mobile manipulation system comprising: a base; at least one mobility component mounted to said base for rendering said base mobile; a platform; at least one robotic manipulator arm mounted to said platform; and an elevator mechanism movably supporting said platform on said base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: William T. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8958911
    Abstract: A mobile robot including a robot body, a drive system supporting the robot body, and a controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes an actuator moving a portion of the robot body through a volume of space adjacent the mobile robot and a sensor pod in communication with the controller. The sensor pod includes a collar rotatably supported and having a curved wall formed at least partially as a surface of revolution about a vertical axis. The sensor pod also includes a volumetric point cloud sensor housed by the collar and observing the volume of space adjacent the robot from within the collar along an observation axis extending through the curved wall. A collar actuator rotates the collar and the volumetric point cloud sensor together about the collar axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Cheuk Wah Wong, Eben Rauhut, Brian C. Benson, Peter J. Lydon, Michael T. Rosenstein, Michael Halloran, Steven V. Shamlian, Chikyung Won, Mark Chiappetta, Justin H. Kearns, Orjeta Taka, Robert Todd Pack, Timothy S. Farlow, Jasper Fourways Vicenti
  • Patent number: 8958916
    Abstract: A robotic arm module includes a chassis having at least one arm pod. At least one arm connected to the chassis is movable between a stowed position within the at least one arm pod and a deployed position extending from the at least one arm pod. Each arm has a gripping mechanism for gripping articles of work. An attachment structure is configured to allow a host robot to grip and manipulate the robotic arm module. An electrical interface is configured to receive electronic signals in response to a user moving remote manipulators. The electronic signals cause the at least one arm to mimic the movement of the user moving the remote manipulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Setrakian, Peter Abrahamson, Randall Adam Yates, Shi-Ping Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150041227
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hexapod walking robot having a robot arm combined with a leg and a plurality of joints. The hexapod walking robot having a robot arm combined with a leg and a plurality of joints includes a robot body; a plurality of legs installed to the robot body such that the legs have various degrees of freedom; and at least one grip unit installed to at least one of the legs such that at least one grip unit is foldable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Bong-Huan Jun, Jung-Yup Kim, Jin-Yeong Park, Hyung-Won Shim, Bang-Hyun Kim, Hyuk Baek, Pan-Mook Lee
  • Publication number: 20150046018
    Abstract: Provided is an autonomous moving body including a recording unit that records in advance position information of a fixed obstacle whose position does not change, a detection unit that detects an obstacle likely to interfere with the autonomous moving body when moving through a moving path, a check unit that checks whether the detected obstacle is the fixed obstacle, a control unit that determines whether to clear away the obstacle when the check unit concludes that the obstacle is not the fixed obstacle, and an informing unit that outputs a signal requesting to clear away the obstacle when the control unit determines to clear away the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hironao HAYASHI, Takuya IWATA
  • Publication number: 20150045955
    Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a storage section, a display control section, and a work program preparation section. The storage section associates information of work performed by a robot with a template to prepare a work program indicating content of the work, and stores the information in association with the template. The display control section controls a display section to display, in order, setting windows respectively corresponding to work steps of the work. In response to an operator selecting the work, the work program preparation section prepares the work program indicating the content of the work selected by the operator based on the template corresponding to the work selected by the operator and based on setting information that the operator inputs on at least one setting window among the setting windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yukio HASHIGUCHI, Shinji MURAI, Tomoyuki SHlRAKI
  • Patent number: 8954193
    Abstract: A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Sandin, Joseph L. Jones, Daniel N. Ozick, David A. Cohen, David M. Lewis, Jr., Clara Vu, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Joshua B. Preneta, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Duane L. Gilbert, Tony L. Campbell, John Bergman
  • Patent number: 8954192
    Abstract: A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot between bounded areas includes positioning a navigation beacon in a gateway between adjoining first and second bounded areas. The beacon configured to transmit a gateway marking emission across the gateway. The method also includes placing the coverage robot within the first bounded area. The robot autonomously traverses the first bounded area in a cleaning mode and upon encountering the gateway marking emission in the gateway, the robot remains in the first bounded area, thereby avoiding the robot migration into the second area. Upon termination of the cleaning mode in the first area, the robot autonomously initiates a migration mode to move through the gateway, past the beacon, into the second bounded area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel N. Ozick, Andrea M. Okerholm, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran, Paul E. Sandin, Chikyung Won
  • Patent number: 8950309
    Abstract: A self-propelled explosive system is configured to fit within a barrel mounted on a tank. The system includes: a carrier body defining an interior volume; an explosive within the interior volume; a wheel extending from the carrier body to propel the system to a position within the barrel; a foot extensible from the carrier body, preferably so as to hydraulically lock the system in place within the barrel; a proximity fuse at the front end and the rear end of the carrier body to set off the explosive if tampering is detected; a motor operably connected to the wheel to rotate the wheel and propel the carrier body to a desired position within the barrel and to extend the foot from the carrier body to press against the inner wall of the barrel and lock the carrier body in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: ETBB Associates
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Patent number: 8950038
    Abstract: A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Chikyung Won, Paul E. Sandin, Scott Thomas Burnett, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Stephen A. Hickey, Robert Rizzari, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Selma Svendsen
  • Publication number: 20150038983
    Abstract: A remote control station that accesses one of at least two different robots that each have at least one unique robot feature. The remote control station receives information that identifies the robot feature of the accessed robot. The remote station displays a display user interface that includes at least one field that corresponds to the robot feature of the accessed robot. The robot may have a laser pointer and/or a projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Marco Pinter, Kevin Hanrahan, Daniel Steven Sanchez, Charles S. Jordan, David Bjorn Roe, James Rosenthal, Derek Walters
  • Patent number: 8948956
    Abstract: An autonomous mobile body is configured to flexibly avoid obstacles. The mobile body has a movement mechanism configured to translate in a horizontal plane and rotate around a vertical axis, and the distance to an obstacle is derived for each directional angle using an obstacle sensor. A translational potential of the mobile body and a rotational potential of the mobile body for avoiding interference with the obstacle are generated, based on the distance from the autonomous mobile body to the obstacle at each directional angle. An amount of control relating to a translational direction and a translational velocity of the mobile body and an amount of control relating to a rotational direction and an angular velocity of the mobile body are generated based on the generated potentials, and the movement mechanism is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Takahashi, Takafumi Suzuki, Toshiki Moriguchi
  • Publication number: 20150032254
    Abstract: A communication draw-in system that enables robot-human communication to start smoothly is provided. The communication draw-in system is a communication draw-in system provided in a robot that communicates with a target human, and includes: a human specifying unit 200 for specifying a position of the target human; a light source control unit 201 for moving light toward the specified position of the target human; a draw-in control unit 203 for instructing the robot to perform a draw-in operation for making the target human recognize a direction of the robot; and a human recognition specifying unit 204 for determining whether or not the target human has recognized the robot, wherein the robot is instructed to start communicating with the target human, in the case where the target human is determined to have recognized the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shin Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20150027959
    Abstract: A method, for cleaning a pool with N vertical walls using a robot, comprising adjusting the robot against the vertical wall of rank n=1. The robot advances along the vertical wall of rank n until the vertical wall of rank n+1 is detected. The robot retracts over a release distance in order to be released from the vertical wall of rank n+1. The robot makes a rotation on itself in order to be adjusted against the vertical wall of rank n+1. Checking whether n is equal to N, in the negative case, the cleaning method continues with an incrementation step where “n” is incremented by “1”, and then looping onto the advancement step. In the positive case, the cleaning method continues with a finishing step where the robot advances along the vertical wall of rank “1” until the vertical wall of rank “2” is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Yoann Chouraqui, Damien Dumontier
  • Publication number: 20150032252
    Abstract: A method and system for piece-picking or piece put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive piece-picking data which includes a unique identification for each piece to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the pieces to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a piece to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: IAM Robotics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Galluzzo, Jean Sebastien Valois, Vladimir Altman
  • Publication number: 20150021107
    Abstract: A spherical modular autonomous robotic traveler (SMART) is provided for autonomous robotic traveler (SMART) for delivering a payload along a surface from a first position to a second position. The SMART includes an outer spherical shell for rolling along the surface, an inner spherical chamber within the outer shell to carry the payload, a plurality of weight-shifters arranged in the inner chamber, and a controller to activate a select weight-shifter among the plurality. The weight-shifters can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically. The outer shell rolls in a direction that corresponds to the activated weight-shifter by torque induced thereby. The inner chamber maintains its orientation relative to the surface, even while the outer shell rolls along the surface. Each weight-shifter includes a channel containing an armature and an electromagnet activated by the controller. For the symmetrical arrangement, the channel is oriented from bottom periphery to lateral radial periphery of the inner chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gerhard W. Thielman
  • Publication number: 20150021108
    Abstract: A robotic system that can have a body and four flippers is described. Any or all of the flippers can be rotated. The flippers can have self-cleaning tracks. The tracks can be driven or passive. The robotic system can be controlled by, and send audio and/or video to and/or from, a remote operator control module. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: ROBOTEX INC.
    Inventors: Nathan D. GETTINGS, Adam M. GETTINGS, Taylor J. PENN, Edward John SILER, III, Andrew G. STEVENS, Michael SCHNEIDER, Jon APPLEBY, Matthew GAWLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150019013
    Abstract: A displacement measuring cell may be used to measure linear and/or angular displacement. The displacement measuring cell may include movable and stationary electrodes in a conductive fluid. Electrical property measurements may be used to determine how far the movable electrode has moved relative to the stationary electrode. The displacement measuring cell may include pistons and/or flexible walls. The displacement measuring cell may be used in a touch-sensitive robotic gripper. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may include a plurality of displacement measuring cells mechanically in series and/or parallel. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may be include a processor and/or memory configured to identify objects based on displacement measurements and/or other measurements. The processor may determine how to manipulate the object based on its identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rose, James Adam Rose, Stephen D. Rose, Raymond Cooper, Jeffrey John Sweda
  • Publication number: 20150019103
    Abstract: A mobile robot configured to move on a ground. The mobile robot including a contact angle estimation unit estimating contact angles between wheels of the mobile robot and the ground and uncertainties associated with the contact angles, a traction force estimation unit estimating traction forces applied to the wheels and traction force uncertainties, a normal force estimation unit estimating normal forces applied to the wheels and normal force uncertainties, a friction coefficient estimation unit estimating friction coefficients between the wheels and the ground, a friction coefficient uncertainty estimation unit estimating friction coefficient uncertainties, and a controller determining the maximum friction coefficient from among the friction coefficients such that the maximum friction coefficient has an uncertainty less than a threshold and at a point of time when the torque applied to each of the wheels changes from an increasing state to a decreasing state, among the estimated friction coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Do CHOI, Suk June YOON
  • Patent number: 8935006
    Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialog with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Clara Vu, Matthew Cross, Tim Bickmore, Amanda Gruber, Tony L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8935014
    Abstract: A method and system for gathering information from and setting up a surveillance network within an earth-surface environment that includes inserting one or more mobile robotic devices having a sensing subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a navigation subsystem into an earth-surface environment. The mobile robotic device may be configured into a traveling pose selected from a plurality of available traveling poses, and directed using the navigation subsystem to a sensing location within the earth-surface environment. The environment may be monitored and sensed information collected may be stored or communicated to a remote location. The mobile robotic device may be configured to operate with a vehicle carrier to facilitate insertion and deployment of the robotic vehicle into the earth-surface environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sarcos, LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, Ralph W. Pensel, Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8935005
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile robot to traverse a threshold includes detecting a threshold proximate the robot. The robot includes a holonomic drive system having first, second, and third drive elements configured to maneuver the robot omni-directionally. The method further includes moving the first drive element onto the threshold from a first side and moving the second drive element onto the threshold to place both the first and second drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving the first drive element off a second side of the threshold, opposite to the first side of the threshold, and moving the third drive element onto the threshold, placing both the second and third drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving both the second and third drive elements off the second side of the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rosenstein, Steven V. Shamlian, Chikyung Won, Michael Halloran, Mark Chiappetta, Thomas P. Allen
  • Patent number: 8930058
    Abstract: The present invention provides an unmanned fully autonomous threat representative mobile land target for testing modern weapon systems and training personnel. The invention implements novel navigation and vehicle control algorithms which allow any predefined course to be represented spatially and temporally with continuously and smoothly varying curvatures having no discontinuities of curvature, direction, or acceleration that enable the target vehicle to traverse a predefined course with unprecedented speed, accuracy, and maneuverability without the need for communication with any remotely located station. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald G. Quist, David Reed Robinson, Carl M. Zorzi, Brian J. Wolfe, William S. Wight, Joseph R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8925667
    Abstract: A fall-proof and anti-collision vacuum cleaner is disclosed in the present application, which comprises a main body, a driving device, a collision baffle and an elastic element. The collision baffle comprises a left side portion, a right portion and a middle portion for connecting the left portion and the right portion, at least one sensor is disposed on the outer edges of the left side, right side and middle portions respectively, the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the driving means, a plurality of shading parts are disposed on the main body corresponding to the positions of the sensors for sheltering the sensors, each of the sensors has three working positions, in the first working position, the sensors receive the feedback signals from the support below the main body, in the second working position, the sensors are sheltered by the shading parts, and in the third working position, the sensors fail to receive any signals within the sensing range thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Yuyao Jingcheng High & New Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guozhang Chen
  • Patent number: 8930022
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a status of a component of a robotic device are provided. An example method includes triggering an action of a component of a robotic device, and responsively receiving information associated with the action of the component from a sensor. The method further includes a computing system having a processor and a memory comparing the information with calibration data and determining a status of the component based on the comparison. In some examples, the calibration data may include information derived from data received from a pool of one or more robotic devices utilizing same or similar components as the component. The determined status may include information associated with a performance of the component with respect to performances of same or similar components of the pool of robotic devices. In one example, the robotic device may self-calibrate the component based on the status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kuffner, Jr., Ryan Hickman
  • Patent number: 8930023
    Abstract: A robot having a signal sensor configured to measure a signal, a motion sensor configured to measure a relative change in pose, a local correlation component configured to correlate the signal with the position and/or orientation of the robot in a local region including the robot's current position, and a localization component configured to apply a filter to estimate the position and optionally the orientation of the robot based at least on a location reported by the motion sensor, a signal detected by the signal sensor, and the signal predicted by the local correlation component. The local correlation component and/or the localization component may take into account rotational variability of the signal sensor and other parameters related to time and pose dependent variability in how the signal and motion sensor perform. Each estimated pose may be used to formulate new or updated navigational or operational instructions for the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Steffen Gutmann, Ethan Eade, Philip Fong, Mario Munich
  • Publication number: 20150005937
    Abstract: An action for execution by a robotic device may be selected. A robotic controller may determine that two or more actions are to be executed based on analysis of sensory and/or training input. The actions may comprise target approach and/or obstacle avoidance. Execution of individual actions may be based on a control signal and a separate activation signal being generated by the controller. Control signal execution may be inhibited by the controller relay block. Multiple activation signals may compete with one another in winner-take-all action selection network to produce selection signal. The selection signal may temporarily pause inhibition of a respective portion of the relay block that is associated with the winning activation signal channel. A disinhibited portion of the relay block may provide the respective control signal for execution by a controllable element. Arbitration between individual actions may be performed based on evaluation of activation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Filip Ponulak
  • Publication number: 20150005936
    Abstract: Provided is a control method for a robot system including: working units; and a robot having unit related processes that include moving between two of the working units and executing work. The control method includes: determining, in a case of detecting a first working unit that has come into a work required condition, whether an operation of the robot is stopped on a way from a current position to a position of a second working unit; stopping the operation of the robot on the way if determining that the operation of the robot is stopped on the way; and selecting a unit related process corresponding to a working unit other than the first working unit, moving the robot until the robot arrives at a position, and stopping the operation of the robot at the position, if determining that the operation of the robot is not stopped on the way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Keisuke Ito
  • Publication number: 20150006015
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot system includes an active boundary responder comprising a wire powered with a modulated current placed along a perimeter of a property, at least one passive boundary responder placed on a property interior circumscribed by the active boundary responder, and an autonomous coverage robot. The robot includes a drive system carried by a body and configured to maneuver the robot across the property interior. The robot includes a signal emitter emitting a signal, where the passive boundary responder is responsive to the signal and a boundary responder detection system carried by the body. The boundary responder detector is configured to redirect the robot both in response to the responder detection system detecting an active boundary responder and in response to detecting a passive boundary responder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Paul E. Sandin, Joseph L. Jones, Daniel N. Ozick, David A. Cohen, David M. Lewis, JR., Clara Vu, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Joshua B. Preneta, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Duane L. Gilbert, JR., Tony L. Campbell, John Bergman, Mark J. Chiappetta
  • Publication number: 20150000068
    Abstract: The self-propelled cleaner (1) of the present invention includes an event detecting section (101) for detecting an event which relates to cleaning and has occurred in the cleaner, a feeling selecting section (201) for selecting, from a plurality of options, an operation mode with which the cleaner carries out an operation in response to the event, in accordance with measured information which relates to the cleaning and is measured by the cleaner, and a response operation control section (301) for controlling the cleaner to carry out the operation based on the operation information which is associated with the event and the operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuboi, Jitsuo Sakamoto, Masashi Matsumoto, Mami Yatake
  • Publication number: 20150005987
    Abstract: A method for accurately tracking and controlling robots includes capturing a first image of a first matrix code labeled on a first mobile robot at a first time by one or more stationery cameras, wherein the first matrix code is encoded with an identification that uniquely identifies the first mobile robot, correcting a tilt of the first image to produce a first corrected image that shows the first matrix code in a substantially rectangular or square shape, extracting the identification to uniquely identify the first mobile robot, calculating a first position of the first mobile robot based on the first corrected image by a computer system, and controlling a movement of the first mobile robot based at least in part on the to identification and the first position of the first mobile robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Khorsheed, Hussein K. Al-Omari, Meteb M. Altaf, Abdulrahman Alnajdi, Saad Bajad Alotaibi, Mazin Altokhais, Zeyad Abdulaziz Alhusainan, Fawaz Almakmesh, Amjad Alsadoon
  • Patent number: 8924013
    Abstract: A path planning system for bringing state of an object into a target state includes a search tree production unit for producing in advance, in a state space with said target state defined as a root, a search tree having a branch at each one of a plurality of sections of the state space, said state space being divided into the plurality of sections in advance. The system also includes a search tree memory unit for storing the search tree, and a path generation unit for determining, a route on the search tree from the branch corresponding to the current state to the root. The path planning/control system further includes a path control unit for controlling the path of the object to bring the state of the object into the target state in accordance with the route on the search tree determined by the path planning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chyon Hae Kim
  • Publication number: 20140379198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile object capable of stable movement and jumping. The mobile object includes two moving means attached to left and right sides under a body; a sensor to detect attitude of the body; a controller to receive information from the sensor and perform calculation; two telescopic actuators attached between the body and the two moving means and configured to generate vertical forces; a rotary actuator provided at the center of the two telescopic actuators and configured to rotate around a moving direction of the body; a roll link connected with an output part of the rotary actuator; two suspensions connecting left and right ends of the roll link and the moving means; and foot frames attached between the suspensions and the moving means, wherein the controller controls the rotary actuator so that the sensor detects a target tilt angle and a target angular velocity of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Azusa Amino, Ryosuke Nakamura, Taishi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20140379127
    Abstract: A self-propelled cleaner (1), i.e., a self-propelled electronic device, includes a temperature measurement unit (63) that measures an ambient temperature during self-propelled operation, a temperature decision unit (521) that decides whether the measured ambient temperature is equal to or more than a set value, and an abnormal temperature notification unit (522) that externally reports abnormal temperature information indicating that the measured ambient temperature is equal to or more than the set value if the measured ambient temperature is decided to be equal to or more than the set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuboi, Masashi Matsumoto, Mami Yatake
  • Publication number: 20140379196
    Abstract: A robotic mower navigation system includes a plurality of sensors on a robotic mower that detect strength and polarity of a magnetic field from an electric current through a boundary wire. An electronic control unit receives data concerning the magnetic field from the plurality of sensors as the robotic mower follows the boundary wire, tracks the data provided by the sensors, compares the data with a reference pattern that defines at least one specified feature of the boundary wire, and provides commands to the robotic mower based on the comparison. The electronic control unit may command the robotic mower to follow a second boundary wire to a remotely located charging station instead of the first boundary wire based on detected features of the boundary wire such as sharp corners or crossings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Francisco O. Da Rocha, Sven Hahnenkamp, Mark Foley
  • Patent number: 8918230
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods, including computer program products for controlling an unmanned vehicle. A user controls one or more unmanned vehicles with a smart phone. The smart phone receives video stream from the unmanned vehicles, and the smart phone displays the controls from the unmanned vehicle over the video. The smart phone and the unmanned vehicle communicate wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitre Corporation
    Inventors: Peter David Chen, Dennis Bushmitch
  • Publication number: 20140371902
    Abstract: Various methods for threading a tape on the one or more reels onto the tape drive. A method according to one embodiment uses a mobile robot to thread a tape on the one or more reels onto the tape drive. A method according to another embodiment includes threading a tape across a tape drive by moving at least one of a tape reel and a take up reel coupled to the tape. A method according to yet another embodiment includes threading the tape across a tape drive using at least one of rollers and cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gary M. McClelland
  • Publication number: 20140371911
    Abstract: A solution for pre-screening an object for further processing is provided. A pre-screening component can acquire image data of the object and process the image data to identify reference target(s) corresponding to the object, which are visible in the image data. Additionally, the pre-screening component can identify, using the reference target(s), the location of one or more components of the object. The pre-screening component can provide pre-screening data for use in further processing the object, which includes data corresponding to the set of reference targets and the location of the at least one component. A reference target can be, for example, an easily identifiable feature of the object and the component can be relevant for performing an operation on the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: International Electronic Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Ronald W. Gamache
  • Publication number: 20140371908
    Abstract: A robot includes an angular velocity sensor that detects the vibration of a robot. A control device allows the robot to perform a trial operation and acquires the measurement result measured by the angular velocity sensor during the trial operation as vibration information and analyzes the acquired vibration information based on maker evaluating information that is stored in a database. In the maker evaluating information, vibration information and the operating speed appropriate to the installation situation of the robot at which the vibration information is measured are associated with each other. Then, the robot is operated at an operating speed selected based on the analysis result of the vibration information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Daisuke KIRIHARA
  • Publication number: 20140366292
    Abstract: A robot cleaner and a control method thereof may judge whether or not water is received in the robot cleaner performing wet cleaning. The robot cleaner includes a main body, moving units, a cleaning unit mounted on the main body and contacting a floor surface to perform cleaning, a water supply unit supplying water to the cleaning unit, and a sensing unit provided on at least a portion of the water supply unit to sense whether or not there is water within the water supply unit. The sensing unit includes a housing, a transmission part radiating electromagnetic waves, a reception part receiving the electromagnetic waves radiated by the transmission part, and a stepped part provided on at least a portion of the housing along a moving path of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the transmission part and received by the reception part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jae Young JUNG, Byoung ln LEE, Sang Hwa CHOI, Dong Won KIM, Sang Sik YOON, Sahng Jin LEE
  • Patent number: 8910734
    Abstract: A robotic ball device having a center point and an axis of rotation passing through the center point around which the robotic ball device rotates during motion in a forward linear direction includes a housing and a defined pathway located on an inner face of the housing that forms a closed loop around the axis of rotation. A rolling member is contained in the housing and movably disposed on the defined pathway. An actuator is coupled to the rolling member for actuating rotation of the rolling member. A weighted component is operationally coupled to the rolling member, and the weighted component is sufficiently heavy to maintain the rolling member, during a motion in the forward linear direction, at a substantially constant angular position in a forward vertical plane, which dissects the rolling member, relative to an origin in a moving frame of reference that moves with the robotic ball device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: 7312903 Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamie Salter, Serge Caron, François Ferland, Matthieu Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8911429
    Abstract: A cooperative-control robot includes a base component, a mobile platform arranged proximate the base component, a translation assembly operatively connected to the base component and the mobile platform and configured to move the mobile platform with translational degrees of freedom substantially without rotation with respect to said the component, a tool assembly connected to the mobile platform, and a control system configured to communicate with the translation assembly to control motion of the mobile platform in response to forces by a user applied to at least a portion of the cooperative-control robot. The translation assembly includes at least three independently operable actuator arms, each connected to a separate position of the mobile platform. A robotic system includes two or more the cooperative-control robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Kevin C. Olds, Russell H. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140360092
    Abstract: An artificial predator is a robotic system that does two tasks at the same time by eating An artificial predator will harvest chemical energy from the environment in which it lives by (eating) a target species. The target species is programmed into the robot. The robot uses neural nets (or similar system) for discerning what to target and what to ignore. Then the robot can convert this food into energy. After this process is completed, the robot will continue to hunt and consume its target species. The robot would move through the ecosystem, whether it is natural or manmade. It can be trained to attack a specific target. One potential target would be a plant like a weed on a large agricultural farm. Another potential target could be a pest such as an invasive species of plant or animal. This robot can detect and destroy pests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: DEAN E. COOK, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140365258
    Abstract: The Job Management System (JMS) of the present invention processes job requests in an automated physical environment, such as a factory, hospital, order processing facility or office building, wherein the job requests are handled by a fleet of autonomously-navigating mobile robots. The JMS includes a map defining a floor plan, a set of virtual job locations and a set of one or more virtual job operations associated with virtual job locations. The JMS automatically determines the actual locations and actual job operations for the job requests, and intelligently selects a suitable mobile robot to handle each job request based on the current status and/or the current configuration for the selected mobile robot. The JMS also sends commands to the selected mobile robot to cause the mobile robot to automatically drive the actual job location, to automatically perform the actual job operations, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: ADEPT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Vestal, Matthew LaFary, Peter Stopera
  • Publication number: 20140362121
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying a display of a field of view of a robotic device to include zoomed-in and zoomed-out views are provided. In examples, the robotic device may include a camera to capture images in a field of view of a robotic device, and distance sensors which can provide outputs that may be used to determine a distance of the robotic device to an object in the field of view of the robotic device. A display of the field of view of the robotic device can be generated, and as the distance decreases, the display can be modified to include a zoomed-in view of the object. As the distance increases, the display can be modified to include a zoomed-out view of the object. An amount of zoom of the object may be inversely proportional to the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Munjal Desai, Ryan Hickman, Thor Lewis, Damon Kohler
  • Publication number: 20140363264
    Abstract: A gripper assembly is provided for use in an autonomous mobile robot for grabbing and holding an object to be transported by the robot. The gripper assembly includes two rotatable shafts and two counter-rotating flippers, each fixedly connected to a different one of the rotatable shafts for engaging the object on opposite sides thereof. The gripper assembly also includes two drive elements, each engaging a different one of the rotatable shafts. Two drive arms engage the two drive elements to transfer torque and rotation from each drive arm to a respective drive element and rotatable shaft to open or close a respective flipper around the object. Each drive element can be disengaged from a respective drive arm and then rotated in order to adjust a radial position of a respective rotatable shaft and flipper relative to the drive arm so that objects of different sizes can be accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HARVEST AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Gowa, Nathan Watts
  • Publication number: 20140365003
    Abstract: A robot includes a base, a body connected to the base, a pair of articulated arms rotatably connected to the body, and a moving mechanism adapted to move the body toward or away from the base. Further, a relative positional relationship with a workbench is detected by moving the body with respect to the base using the moving mechanism while keeping the articulated arms in predetermined postures while facing the workbench, and then making the articulated arms contact the workbench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Takahashi