Abstract: A robot uses an infrared sensor including an infrared light source which produces pulses of infrared light. Optics focus reflections of the infrared light pulses from different portions of the environment of the robot to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce an indication of the distance to the closest object in an associated portion of the environment. The robot can use the indications to determine features in the environment. The robot can be controlled to avoid these features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot and a controlling method of the same. An entire movement region is divided into a plurality of regions, and a partial map is gradually made by using feature points of a plurality of images of the divided regions. Then, the map is compensated into a closed curved line, thereby making an entire map. Furthermore, when the mobile robot is positioned at a boundary of neighboring regions of the cleaning region, the boundary where a closed curved line is formed, the mobile robot compensates for its position based on a matching result between feature points included in the map, and feature points extracted from images captured during a cleaning process.

Abstract: A partial surface of a total surface, divided into several partial surfaces, is allocated to one of several mobile units by determining the partial surface of the total surface and allocating one of the several mobile units with a reservation. The mobile unit transmits allocation information indicating the allocation of the partial surface. The reservation is lifted and the allocation of the partial surface is validated when the one of the several mobile units receives no allocation rejection information from at least one of the other mobile units, indicating a rejection of the allocation of the partial surface. If rejection information is received, the reservation is lifted and the allocation of the partial surface is invalidated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a map building apparatus and method using a distance measurement. According to an aspect, by creating a first map and a second map respectively using the characteristics of different characteristic areas based on a distance-voltage characteristics of a distance measurement sensor, and combining the first map with the second map, a grid map is created. Accordingly, since a map regarding a peripheral environment is created using plural areas of the distance-voltage characteristics, a more accurate map may be created.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: Efficiently simulating an Amari dynamics of a neural field (a), the Amari dynamics being specified by the equation (1) where a(x,t) is the state of the neural field (a), represented in a spatial domain (SR) using coordinates x,t, i(x,i) is a function stating the input to the neural field at time t, f[.] is a bounded monotonic transfer function having values between 0 and 1, F(x) is an interaction kernel, s specifies the time scale on which the neural field (a) changes and h is a constant specifying the global excitation or inhibition of the neural field (a). A method for simulating an Amari dynamics of a neural field (a), comprising the step of simulating an application of the transfer function (f) to the neural field (a). According to the invention, the step of simulating an application of the transfer function (f) comprises smoothing the neural field (a) by applying a smoothing operator (S).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. In particular, the present invention relates to reconditioning used wine barrels by shaving the inside surface to a predetermined depth, ready for re-crozering, toasting, and re-use. Conventional shaving methods typically involve routing the internal surface by hand, but this technique is problematic in that it is a very slow process, the quality of the wood is often adversely affected, and there is no way of ensuring that the surface will be shaved to the same depth across the entire surface. Therefore, the resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a scanning device adapted to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting device adapted to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: A robotic system that is used in a tele-presence session. For example, the system can be used by medical personnel to examine, diagnose and prescribe medical treatment in the session. The system includes a robot that has a camera and is controlled by a remote station. The system further includes a storage device that stores session content data regarding the session. The data may include a video/audio taping of the session by the robot. The session content data may also include time stamps that allow a user to determine the times that events occurred during the session. The session content data may be stored on a server that accessible by multiple users. Billing information may be automatically generated using the session content data.

Abstract: The vision aided case/bulk palletizer system of this invention is a process and apparatus for: providing a camera positioned over the dunnage supply line; initiating a frame grab of the dunnage supply line with the camera; using the frame grab to determine the position of the dunnage; using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the dunnage; feeding the dunnage from the dunnage supply line to the load building area; and controlling the steps with the single programmable robot, microprocessor and software. This system provides for transfer of the dunnage when the position of the dunnage is skewed by using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the skewed dunnage. In another embodiment, the camera is used to determine any void in the tier of product during the build of a tier of product, and also provides for error-proofing the transfer of dunnage.

Abstract: A technique to wholly recognize the surrounding environment may be provided by excluding unknown environment which arises due to parts of a body of a robot hindering the sight of the robot during operations. The robot of the present invention is provided with a body trunk including head and torso, at least one connected member that is connected to the body trunk by a joint in which a driving mechanism is provided, a body trunk side camera that is arranged on the body trunk, and a connected member side camera that is arranged on the connected member. Further, the robot is provided with a composite image creation unit that creates composite image of a body trunk side image taken by the body trunk side camera and a connected member side image taken by the connected member side camera, such that a part of the body trunk side image is replaced with a part of the connected member side image so as to exclude the connected member from the body trunk side image.

Abstract: Method for safely inspecting an atmospheric storage tank, located above ground or on a floating vessel, without having to empty the tank. The method employs an explosion proof robot whose explosion proof character is assured by explosion proof design and monitoring the pressure within and outside the robot throughout the inspection. Operation of the robot will cease if the pressure within the robot falls below the pressure external the robot.

Abstract: An outside monitoring device of a mobile robot for measuring a direction of a target object using a tag, which is provided on a target object and replies a receipt signal to the mobile robot in compliance with a light signal from the mobile robot, the outside monitoring device including a plurality of light emitters each irradiating the light signal to an assigned detectable region among detectable regions established around the mobile robot are provided on the mobile robot, wherein light emitters are arranged around a reference axis orthogonal to a ground plane of the mobile robot to allow the detection of the tag within detectable regions.

Abstract: A remote operator console provides point and go navigation of a robotic vehicle. The remote operator console provides a display for visual representation of the environment in which the robotic vehicle is operating based on sensor information received from the robotic vehicle. An operator may designate a target point on the display. The robotic vehicle is automatically navigated toward a location in the environment corresponding to the designated target point.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intelligent interface device for grasping an object comprising: a manipulating robot comprising a hinged arm provided with a clamp at its free end and equipped with at least one camera, a computer with a display screen and an input unit, means of controlling the clamp, means of displaying the video image of the object taken by a camera on the display screen, means of graphically identifying a selection area surrounding the object in this image using the input unit. The invention also concerns a method for implementing this device.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and determining a source azimuth for gamma radiation includes at least two scintillation crystals at angular offsets and directed toward a common plane of detection, photodetectors adjacent to each of the scintillation crystals for converting the light response of the scintillation crystals into distinct electrical signals, and a digital processing system configured to analyze spectral data from each electrical signal produced for each crystal. The digital processing system monitors a finite number of spectral windows corresponding to a selected set of radioisotopes, and uses one or more of the electrical signals to determine a signal intensity and a likely source azimuth for a detected radioisotope in the plane of detection. Another scintillation crystal directed outside of the common plane of detection may be used for three-dimensional detection. Related methods for detection and location of gamma ray sources are discussed.

Abstract: A robot and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The robot determines a presence or absence of a non-registration object if a registered object is not present in a photographing area, obtains an object name by communicating with a user if the presence of the non-registration object is decided, and additionally registers the object name in a database. Therefore, the robot recognizes the non-registration object present in the photographing area.

Abstract: A semiconductor-processing apparatus includes: a wafer transfer chamber provided with a wafer transfer robot having an end effector therein, at least one reactor connected to the wafer transfer chamber, and a robot diagnostic module connected to the wafer transfer chamber for diagnosing the transfer robot. The robot diagnostic module includes at least one sensor for detecting a position of the end effector when the end effector is located inside the robot diagnostic module.

Abstract: Provided is a person detecting apparatus and method in an intelligent mobile robot. The person detecting apparatus includes a camera, an observation system status input unit, an encoding unit, a decoding unit, and a person detection unit. The camera is mounted on a robot to output image information. The observation system status input unit determines whether the robot or the camera is in motion. The encoding unit receives the image information to output a bit stream including mode information. The decoding unit decodes the bit stream, extracts a block mode value of each macro block, and stores the same in a two-dimensional array. The person detection unit outputs detection information about a moving person using the determination information provided from the observation system status input unit and the block-mode two-dimensional array provided from the decoding unit.

Abstract: An image capturing device is robotically positioned and oriented in response to operator manipulation of a master control device. An unused degree-of-freedom of the master control device is used to adjust an attribute such as focusing of the image capturing device relative to a continually updated set-point. A deadband is provided to avoid inadvertent adjusting of the image capturing device attribute and haptic feedback is provided back to the master control device so that the operator is notified when adjusting of the attribute is initiated.

Abstract: A robot movement control device is connected to a communications network in a remote location relative to a robotic device that is also connected to the communications network. The robot movement control device is an electronic device with a video display for displaying a real-time video image sent to it by a camera associated with the robot. A robot movement control mechanism is included in the robot control device and robot movement control commands are generated by the movement control mechanism which commands include speed and directional information. The control commands are sent by the robot control device over the network to the robot which uses the commands to adjust its speed and direction of movement of the robot. A relationship between the motion of the robot and the attitude of the camera associated with the robot is establish and used in conjunction with the detected motion of the robot to automatically adjust the attitude of the video camera associated with the robot.

Abstract: Among other disclosed subject matter, a system includes a first camera generating a live image of a scene, the first camera configured for being placed in a plurality of locations by robotic motion. The system includes a handheld device that includes a display device for continuously presenting the live image, wherein movement of the handheld device causes the handheld device to generate an output that controls the robotic motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling robots for welding three-dimensional workpieces, comprising the following steps: positioning and tacking profiles to a plate in order to form the workpiece to be welded, depicting the workpiece by means of a three-dimensional imaging system in the form of three-dimensional pixels, determining the geometric data of the plate and profiles, including the allocation of cutouts and final cutting shapes from the three-dimensional pixels, determining the weld seam data from the geometric data while considering the profile placement lines and the contact lines of profiles, allocating the weld seam data to parameterizable specifications for the weld plan into stored predefined movement patterns of the robot, and into commands for the control of the welding process.

Abstract: A gait generator determines a desired motional trajectory and a desired object reaction force trajectory of an object 120 for a predetermined period after the current time by using an object dynamic model while supplying, to the object dynamic model, a model manipulated variable (estimated disturbance force) for bringing a behavior of the object 120 on the object dynamic model close to an actual behavior, and provisionally generates a gait of a robot 1 for a predetermined period by using the aforesaid determined trajectories. Based on the gait and an object desired motion trajectory, a geometric restrictive condition, such as interference between the robot 1 and the object 120, is checked, and a moving plan for the object 120 or a gait parameter (predicted landing position/posture or the like) of the robot 1 is corrected as appropriate according to a result of the check, so as to generate a gait of the robot 1.

Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window.

Abstract: In a work system which measures 3D information of a target object by a light-section method, high measurement precision is realized. The invention includes a robot arm, a hand position detection member which is arranged at the distal end portion of the robot arm, a slit laser projector which irradiates slit light, a camera which is fixed at a position independent of the robot arm, and senses an image of the target object, and a computer which calculates a light-section plane of the slit light based on a light-section line formed on the hand position detection member which is included in image data of the target object obtained by image sensing by the camera, and calculates the position and orientation of the target object based on the calculated light-section plane and the light-section line formed on the target object.

Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot having a movable section, an image capture unit provided on the movable section, an output unit that allows the image capture unit to capture a target object and a reference mark and outputs a captured image in which the reference mark is imaged as a locus image, an extraction unit that extracts the locus image from the captured image, an image acquisition unit that performs image transformation on the basis of the extracted locus image by using the point spread function so as to acquire an image after the transformation from the captured image, a computation unit that computes a position of the target object on the basis of the acquired image, and a control unit that controls the robot so as to move the movable section toward the target object in accordance with the computed position.

Abstract: Technology for creating a feature map for localizing a mobile robot and extracting feature information of surroundings is provided. According to one aspect, feature information including a reflection function is extracted from information acquired using a 3D distance sensor and used as a basis for creating a feature map. Thus, a feature map that is less sensitive to change in the surrounding environment can be created, and a success rate of feature matching can be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.

Abstract: A system and method for the welding of drill bits using an automated robot or robots.

Abstract: Universal Video Computer Vision Input Virtual Space Mouse-Keyboard Control Panel Robot has computer system use video vision camera sensors, logical vision sensor programming as trainable computer vision seeing objects movements X, Y, Z dimensions' definitions to recognize users commands by their Hands gestures and/or enhance symbols, colors objects combination actions to virtually input data, and commands to operate computer, and machines. The robot has automatically calibrated working space into Space Mouse Zone, Space Keyboard zone, and Hand-Sign Languages Zone between user and itself. The robot automatically translate the receiving coordination users' hand gesture actions combinations on the customizable puzzle-cell positions of working space and mapping to its software mapping lists for each of the puzzle-cell position definition and calibrate these user hand and/or body gestures' virtual space actions into entering data and commands to computer meaningful computer, machine, home appliances operations.

Abstract: A cable laying structure for a robot, which does not interfere with external devices in a periphery of a forearm. Camera and hand control cables and motor control cables are drawn into a robot mechanism through a connection panel of a base of a robot main body. While allowing the motor control cables to sequentially diverge, the control cables are arranged in a robot arm along an upper arm portion and guided to the forearm. The control cables are introduced into the forearm with a shield and a sheath removed. After reaching an end effector-mounting face, the control cables are connected to a camera and a hand. The forearm is formed of conductive material and grounded on the base of the robot main body to have the same electric potential as the base by using an earth cable, and therefore the forearm is utilized in replacement of the shield.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot with a head that supports a monitor and is coupled to a mobile platform. The mobile robot also includes an auxiliary camera coupled to the mobile platform by a boom. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote control station. By way of example, the robot can be remotely moved about an operating room. The auxiliary camera extends from the boom so that it provides a relatively close view of a patient or other item in the room. An assistant in the operating room may move the boom and the camera. The boom may be connected to a robot head that can be remotely moved by the remote control station.

Abstract: An operation sequence creating apparatus creates an operation sequence of a workpiece processor using an industrial robot carrying a workpiece between a plurality of devices.

Abstract: A system for remote signature acquisition, includes a local computer located in a first position where a document is needs to be executed, a remote computer located at a second position, a camera connected to the local computer, a tablet connected to the remote computer, and a plotting instrument connected to the local computer. The remote computer is connected to the local computer via a network. The camera presents information of the document to the remote computer via the local computer and network for display at the second position. The tablet records the corresponding input thereon and converts the input to a digital signal which is capable of being transmitted to the local computer via the remote computer and network. The local computer directs the plotting instrument to inscribe the corresponding input on the document according to the digital signal.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, identifying, and labeling objects or features of interest is provided. In some embodiments, tracking is accomplished using unique signature of the feature of interest and image stabilization techniques. According to some aspects a frame of reference using predetermined markers is defined and updated based on a change in location of the markers and/or specific signature information. Individual objects or features within the frame may also be tracked and identified. Objects may be tracked by comparing two still images, determining a change in position of an object between the still images, calculating a movement vector of the object, and using the movement vector to update the location of an image device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for building a map are provided. According to the apparatus and method, a path is generated on the basis of the degrees of uncertainty of features extracted from an image obtained while a mobile robot explores unknown surroundings, and the mobile robot travels along the generated path. The path based on the degrees of uncertainty of the features is generated and this may increase the accuracy of a feature map of the mobile robot or accuracy in self localization.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle is comprised of a machine controller, a steering system, a propulsion system, a braking system, a sensor system, and a knowledge base used by the machine controller. The machine controller identifies a dynamic condition and sends commands to the steering system, the propulsion system, and the braking system to move the vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary robot includes an information collecting module, a controlling system and a driving module. The information collecting module comprises a voice identifying device, a detecting device and a motion sensing device. The information collecting module is configured for identifying identities of robot users, detecting distances between the robot and objects located therearound thereof and sensing motion states of the robot. The controlling system is configured for generating a controlling signal and sending the controlling signal to the driving module. The driving module is configured for receiving the controlling signal, and driving the robot to move and adjusting the movement of the robot based on the controlling signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a goniometer and a method for measuring stresses and characterizing microstructure of particles. The goniometer comprises a base (1), and a measurement head (12) including both an X-ray tube and a detector arc (11) movably adapted to the base (1) by a robot capable for three-dimensional movement. In accordance with the invention the robot has means for creating arc-formed movement of the measurement head (12) during the measurement with rotating (5, 7, 15) and tilting (3, 16, 9) joints.

Abstract: A ZMP equilibrium equation stating the relationship of various moments applied to a robot body of a robot, based on desirable motion data made up by trajectories of respective parts, imaginarily divided from the robot body, is generated, and moment errors in a ZMP equilibrium equation are calculated. A priority sequence of the parts, the target trajectories of which are corrected to cancel out the moment errors, is set. The target trajectories are corrected from one part to another, in a sequence corresponding to the priority sequence, to compensate the moment errors.

Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

Abstract: Autonomous mobile equipment includes a position-of-object and own position detecting system and a moving unit, and autonomously moves. The position-of-object and own position detecting system includes a database in which pieces of information on the superficial shape and position of an object are recorded. The superficial shape of the object detected by a position measuring unit is collated with the superficial shape of the object recorded in the database. If the collated superficial shapes agree with each other, the pieces of information on the object recorded in the database are transmitted to a traveling planning unit. If the collated superficial shapes disagree with each other, the information on the object acquired by the position measuring unit is transmitted to the traveling planning unit.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling an autonomous device (1), which autonomous device records ambient data and optionally transmits the recorded ambient data, which method comprises positioning an indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) at a boundary (B) between a private area (P) and a non-private area (N) to optically distinguish the private area (P) from the non-private area (N) for a user of the autonomous device (1). The indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) is detected by the autonomous device (1) and interpreted to determine whether the autonomous device (1) is in a private area (P) or a non-private area (N). Subsequently, recording or transmission of ambient data is restricted while the autonomous device (1) is within the private area (P).

Abstract: The system includes a detecting section detecting an object to be picked, among a plurality of objects placed in a manner as to be at least partially superimposed on each other; a storage section storing appearance information of a predetermined portion of a reference object having an outward appearance identical to an outward appearance of the object to be picked; a determining section determining whether an inspected portion of the object to be picked, corresponding to the predetermined portion of the reference object, is concealed by another object, based on the appearance information of the reference object stored in the storage section; a control section deciding a picking motion for the object to be picked and outputting a control signal of the picking motion; and a picking mechanism performing the picking motion on the object to be picked in accordance with the control signal output from the control section.

Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for synchronising angles of at least two displaceable working means (2, 2?) at a predetermined point of action (4) is disclosed. The working means are, in particular, a robot-controlled tool or a robot-controlled radiation emitter and/or radiation receiver. In order to synchronise angles in a precise manner, the directions of the action (1, 1?) of the working means (2, 2?) are, in particular represented in a continuous manner, detected and united at a predetermined point of action (4). The angle (a) between the directions of the action (1, 1?) of the working means (2, 2?) is determined by, in particular, an optical angle measurement and is adjusted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot with a robot camera and a battery plug module, and a remote control station that transmits commands to control the mobile robot. The system also includes a battery charging module that mates with the mobile robot battery plug module, and an alignment system that aligns the battery plug module with the battery charging module. The battery modules may also be aligned with the aid of video images of the battery charging module provided to the remote station by a camera located within the battery plug module.

Abstract: The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.