A method includes receiving, at a robot being in communication with a control center communication module of a control center, an instruction to relocate a cart to a location where a set of items are stored. The method further includes moving, by the robot, to a second location where the cart is positioned; (2) activating, by the robot, a motor of a latch fastening system to cause movement of a latch arm resulting in a latch being exposed; (3) removably engaging, by the robot and using the latch, the cart via a latching feature of the cart; (4) moving, by the robot, the cart from the second location to the location where the set of items are stored; and (5) transitioning, by the robot, a subset of the set of items to the cart in accordance with the instruction.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
B66F 9/12 - PlatformsForksOther load-supporting or load-gripping members
An example system includes an omnidirectional robot reachtruck or system that has a set of steerable wheels configures in a U-shaped base structure, a vertical track structure that enables an engagement structure or extendible forklift to be raised and lowered, and a housing that stores control components, engine and energy components. Each of the wheels is steerable thus making the robot omnidirectional. The U-shaped base structure enables the system to lower the engagement structure or forklift to the ground and to pick up pallets or other items that fit between the projections of the U-shaped base structure.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
An elevator system can include an elevator car comprising an elevator floor, the elevator car connected to a control system, wherein the elevator floor is configured to enable a rolling device to roll from a floor level onto the elevator floor, an elevator wireless communication module connected to the control system, an elevator framework in which the elevator car is configured and an elevator motor configured to raise and lower the elevator car as instructed by a mobile robot and as controlled by the control system according to instructions to the elevator system received via the elevator wireless communication module. The elevator system can be attached to a rack of shelves and be used to autonomously move mobile robots up and down to or from respective shelfs and/or a floor level.
B65G 1/06 - Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
E04H 6/18 - Garages for many vehicles with mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles with means for transport in vertical direction only or independently in vertical and horizontal directions
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B66B 9/08 - Kinds or types of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures inclined, e.g. serving blast furnaces associated with stairways, e.g. for transporting disabled persons
B66F 7/02 - Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehiclesPlatform lifts with platforms suspended from ropes, cables, or chains
An example method includes gathering, via a first module of a first type, first simultaneous localization and mapping data and gathering, via a second module of a second type, second simultaneous localization and mapping data. The method includes generating, via a simultaneous localization and mapping module, a first map based on the first simultaneous localization and mapping data and the second simultaneous localization and mapping data, the first map being of a first map type and generating, via the simultaneous localization and mapping module, a second map based on the first simultaneous localization and mapping data and the second simultaneous localization and mapping data, the second map being of a second map type. The map of the first type is used by vehicles with module(s) of the first and/or second types and the map of the second type is used by vehicles with a module of the second type exclusively.
A method includes arranging, on a robot, a set of suctions cups on an actuator of the robot to allow for removable engagement of the set of suction cups to a container surface. The method further includes initiating movement of the actuator to cause the robot to (1) engage the set of suction cups to the container surface, generating a pressure within at least a subset of the set of suction cups; (2) detect the pressure within the subset of the set of suction cups; (3) connect the subset of the set of suction cups to a set of vacuum pumps to generate a vacuum, resulting in a grip on the container; and (4) move the container on to a platform of the robot to prepare the container for delivery.
A fully autonomous mobile robot is provided that transports items from one area to another. The mobile robot includes a variety of mechanisms that capture an item from a first surface and moves the item within the confines of the mobile robot. The item can then be transported to another surface either within the confines of the mobile robot or to another location.
A method is disclosed for using robots to move items from one container to another. The method includes positioning a source container under a suction robot having two degrees of freedom only, the suction robot having a flexible suction end having a variable suction component that can cause suction to occur within the suction end upon contact with an item in the source container. The contact can be non-orthogonal of an end of the flexible suction and a surface of the item. The robot retrieves the item from the source container with the flexible suction end by lowering the flexible suction end into the source container to retrieve the item and lifts the retrieved item from the source container. The robot then moves the retrieved item horizontally from the source container to a destination container.
A method is disclosed for using robots to move items from one container to another. The method includes positioning a source container under a suction robot having two degrees of freedom only, the suction robot having a flexible suction end having a variable suction component that can cause suction to occur within the suction end upon contact with an item in the source container. The contact can be non-orthogonal of an end of the flexible suction and a surface of the item. The robot retrieves the item from the source container with the flexible suction end by lowering the flexible suction end into the source container to retrieve the item and lifts the retrieved item from the source container. The robot then moves the retrieved item horizontally from the source container to a destination container.
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for fully automated order fulfillment. A method includes identifying a shelf tote having an item contained therein for transfer to an order tote; dispatching a first carrier to pick up the shelf tote and a second carrier to pick an order tote; causing the picker to pick the item from the shelf tote while the shelf tote is moving through the transfer station; and transferring the item to the order tote by the picker.
A shelf is positioned at a shelf level and above a floor level. A ramp starts at the floor level and transitions to a first level. A robot having a drawer can travel from the floor level up the ramp to the first level without touching the shelf. A drawer handler robot has a drawer transitioning lower level which is between the floor level and the shelf level. A first instruction is provided to the robot to travel up the ramp to the first level. The robot moves up the ramp and to the first level according to the first instruction. The system provides a second instruction for the drawer handler robot to retrieve the drawer configured on the robot. The drawer handler robot is positioned near the robot and on the first level and retrieves the drawer from the robot on the first level.
A method is disclosed for managing movement of items from one container to another. The method includes receiving an identification, from a user, of a source container, the identification indicating that one or more items in the source container will be moved from the source container to a destination container on a first robot, the first robot being at a first position on a floor under the shelf. A second robot is also positioned on the floor under the shelf. Based on the identification, a system causes the first robot to move at least partially from the first position on the floor under the shelf to a second position which causes the destination container to be accessible to the user and receive a confirmation that the user has transferred a product from the source container to the destination container.
A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.
B60W 30/00 - Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
B62D 33/00 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G05B 19/416 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control of velocity, acceleration or deceleration
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
A system and method of instructing a device is disclosed. The system includes a signal source for providing at least one visual signal where the at least one visual signal is substantially indicative of at least one activity to be performed by the device. A visual signal capturing element captures the at least one visual signal and communicates the at least one visual signal to the device where the device interprets the at least one visual signal and performs the activity autonomously and without requiring any additional signals or other information from the signal source.
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for fully automated order fulfillment. A method includes identifying a shelf tote having an item contained therein for transfer to an order tote; dispatching a first carrier to pick up the shelf tote and a second carrier to pick an order tote; causing the picker to pick the item from the shelf tote while the shelf tote is moving through the transfer station; and transferring the item to the order tote by the picker.
A method includes operating, at an initial stage, a fully automated warehouse in which robots handle in an automated way the transfer of items from container to container on an automated basis and receiving an indication of a change in needed throughput through the warehouse. When a spike exceeds a completely automated system threshold, the method implements a hybrid operation for the warehouse, such that (1) the movement of containers in the warehouse anticipates human interaction and a robot having a removable cart is used in the process. The system can schedule humans at particular times to take their turn in manually managing the movement of containers and so remove the cart having containers thereon from the robot for manual delivery of containers to locations. The method includes causing a pre-staging event to occur such that source containers and destination containers can be pre-staged for the characteristics of the worker.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
A method and apparatus provides a body worn apparatus having a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also places the body worn apparatus onto the body of a person, and activates the at least one bundle.
A mobile robot is provided having a support surface for supporting a plurality of articles and securing material secured to and positioned for operable communication with the robot for securing the plurality of articles on the support surface. A robotic arm member also is provided that is secured to the robot and configured to autonomously gather the articles from a location remote from the mobile robot, place the articles in desired positions on the support surface and autonomously secure, via the securing material, the plurality of articles on the support surface to substantially restrict movement of the articles on the support surface and without requiring any outside intervention or human input to secure the articles.
B60P 1/54 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using cranes for self-loading or self-unloading
A fully autonomous mobile robot is provided that transports items from one area to another. The mobile robot includes a variety of mechanisms that capture an item from a first surface and moves the item within the confines of the mobile robot. The item can then be transported to another surface either within the confines of the mobile robot or to another location.
A method is provided for delivering source containers, via a mobile robotic container delivery system, to a first shelf and a second shelf, and in a particular order. Each source container has a position on one of the first shelf or the second shelf. The method includes delivering recipient containers on a floor level below the first shelf, wherein each container of the recipient containers is configured on a respective mobile robot, providing instructions to a user to retrieve an item from a first respective source container on one of the first shelf or the second shelf, moving a respective first recipient container on its respective first mobile robot out from underneath the first shelf to receive the item retrieved from the respective first source container and receiving a confirmation that the item has been retrieved from the respective first source container and placed appropriately.
Mobile robots and methods involving mobile robots are provided. In one method, a mobile robot performs a hospitality service for a guest of a hospitality business. The mobile robot is operated at the hospitality business.
Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a depot and a mobile robot. A method includes (1) receiving a specification by a user of a destination depot and an item, (2) selecting, based on item delivery data and by a depot control system, a drawer from a rack module in a depot that houses drawers, (3) receiving the item from the user via the depot user interface, (4) communicating the item to the drawer within the rack module that houses drawers, communicating, from the depot and to a mobile robot, a message to pick up the item, (5) swapping a first battery on the mobile robot with a second batter charged by the depot, (6) transferring the item from the drawer in the depot to the mobile robot using a depot drawer-swapping module and a mobile robot drawer-swapping module and (7) delivering, by the mobile robot, the item to the destination depot.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a system including a first depot and a first mobile robot at a first site and a second depot and a second mobile robot at a second site. A centralized control system manages asynchronous delivery of items through the first depot and the second depot such that the first mobile robot can retrieve an item from the first depot and deliver the item to a transportation systems for transition to the second site, such that the second depot at the second site can, in an asynchronous fashion, receive the item and deliver the item to the second mobile robot for transportation to the ultimate destination at the second site. Two or more sites can be coordinated by the centralized control system for management of movement of items through a supply chain using asynchronous item delivery and movement through each respective site to an ultimate destination.
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of autonomously operating a vehicle. The method provides at least two cameras in operable communication with the vehicle for providing substantially similar views relative to the vehicle. The at least two cameras receive information relating to the views. The method also provides a laser in operable communication with the vehicle for selectively shining a single discrete mark on at least a portion of the views provided by the at least two cameras. Further, the method determines whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous regarding the views. The method activates the laser on at least a portion of the views based on whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous.
A method and mechanism for picking at least one item is provided. The method includes providing at least one container, the container at least containing a plurality of substantially the same items randomly arranged within the container, providing at least one mechanism for collecting at least one item from the container, enabling the mechanism to roughly determine the position of the mechanism with respect to the items in the container utilizing the least amount of power, moving the mechanism so that it is at least in close proximity to the items in the container, collecting at least one item in the container with the mechanism, moving the mechanism and the collected at least one item at least a predetermined distance away from the remaining non-collected items in the container and determining the number of items collected by the mechanism utilizing the least amount of power.
A method is provided for delivering source containers, via a mobile robotic container delivery system, to a first shelf and a second shelf, and in a particular order. Each source container has a position on one of the first shelf or the second shelf. The method includes delivering recipient containers on a floor level below the first shelf, wherein each container of the recipient containers is configured on a respective mobile robot, providing instructions to a user to retrieve an item from a first respective source container on one of the first shelf or the second shelf, moving a respective first recipient container on its respective first mobile robot out from underneath the first shelf to receive the item retrieved from the respective first source container and receiving a confirmation that the item has been retrieved from the respective first source container and placed appropriately.
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for controlling at least one fluid actuated device; e.g., an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A method is provided, for example, involving an actuatable component and an actuation system, which includes an actuation system component and an actuator. During a mode of operation, the actuation system component is fluidly coupled with a first chamber and a second chamber of the actuator using the actuation system. The actuator is operable to move the actuatable component.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more fluid actuated devices; e.g., actuators such as hydraulic cylinders. A method is provided, for example, involving actuation fluid, a first actuator and a second actuator. During this method, a quantity of the actuation fluid within the second actuator is pressurized using a quantity of the actuation fluid within the first actuator.
F15B 15/02 - Mechanical layout characterised by the means for converting the movement of the fluid-actuated element into movement of the finally-operated member
28.
System and method of asynchronous robotic retrieval and delivery of items between two sites
Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a system including a first depot and a first mobile robot at a first site and a second depot and a second mobile robot at a second site. A centralized control system manages asynchronous delivery of items through the first depot and the second depot such that the first mobile robot can retrieve an item from the first depot and deliver the item to a transportation systems for transition to the second site, such that the second depot at the second site can, in an asynchronous fashion, receive the item and deliver the item to the second mobile robot for transportation to the ultimate destination at the second site. Two or more sites can be coordinated by the centralized control system for management of movement of items through a supply chain using asynchronous item delivery and movement through each respective site to an ultimate destination.
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of autonomously operating a vehicle. The method provides at least two cameras in operable communication with the vehicle for providing substantially similar views relative to the vehicle. The at least two cameras receive information relating to the views. The method also provides a laser in operable communication with the vehicle for selectively shining a single discrete mark on at least a portion of the views provided by the at least two cameras. Further, the method determines whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous regarding the views. The method activates the laser on at least a portion of the views based on whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous.
Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a depot and a mobile robot. A method includes (1) receiving a specification by a user of a destination depot and an item, (2) selecting, based on item delivery data and by a depot control system, a drawer from a rack module in a depot that houses drawers, (3) receiving the item from the user via the depot user interface, (4) communicating the item to the drawer within the rack module that houses drawers, communicating, from the depot and to a mobile robot, a message to pick up the item, (5) swapping a first battery on the mobile robot with a second batter charged by the depot, (6) transferring the item from the drawer in the depot to the mobile robot using a depot drawer-swapping module and a mobile robot drawer-swapping module and (7) delivering, by the mobile robot, the item to the destination depot.
A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.
B65G 47/61 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B65G 47/52 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices
B65G 41/00 - Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames
F15B 15/10 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit the motor being of diaphragm type
A method and mechanism for picking at least one item is provided. The method includes providing at least one container, the container at least containing a plurality of substantially the same items randomly arranged within the container, providing at least one mechanism for collecting at least one item from the container, enabling the mechanism to roughly determine the position of the mechanism with respect to the items in the container utilizing the least amount of power, moving the mechanism so that it is at least in close proximity to the items in the container, collecting at least one item in the container with the mechanism, moving the mechanism and the collected at least one item at least a predetermined distance away from the remaining non-collected items in the container and determining the number of items collected by the mechanism utilizing the least amount of power.
Mobile robots and methods involving mobile robots are provided. In one method, a mobile robot performs a hospitality service for a guest of a hospitality business. The mobile robot is operated at the hospitality business.
A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.
B65G 47/61 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
36.
System and method of providing delivery of items from one container to another container in a hybrid environment
A method includes operating, at an initial stage, a fully automated warehouse in which robots handle in an automated way the transfer of items from container to container on an automated basis and receiving an indication of a change in needed throughput through the warehouse. When a spike exceeds a completely automated system threshold, the method implements a hybrid operation for the warehouse, such that (1) the movement of drawer swapping robots and low-profile room robots is modified to create a pre-staging operation in preparation for humans to participate in the process, (2) scheduling humans at particular times to take their turn in manually managing the movement of items from source containers to destination containers. The method includes causing a pre-staging event to occur such that source containers and destination containers can be pre-stage and for the characteristics of the worker.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Industrial robots Automated systems, namely, software, hardware and communications devices for planning, scheduling, controlling, monitoring and providing information on transportation assets and parts thereof Robotic transport vehicles
38.
Monitoring one or more articles on a support surface
Devices, systems and methods are provided for monitoring a plurality of articles that are arranged on a support surface according to an article arrangement modeled with a first processing device. One of the methods includes receiving image data generated from the modeled article arrangement. The image data is received by a second processing device, and is indicative of an image of the arranged articles on the support surface. The received image data is used to inspect the arranged articles.
Methods, systems and devices are provided involving at least one vehicle and at least one being such as a person. In one method, the vehicle is operated to autonomously move within an environment. The vehicle is also operated to autonomously acknowledge presence of the being approximately when the vehicle encounters the being during the moving of the vehicle.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of autonomously operating a vehicle. The method provides at least two cameras in operable communication with the vehicle for providing substantially similar views relative to the vehicle. The at least two cameras receive information relating to the views. The method also provides a laser in operable communication with the vehicle for selectively shining a single discrete mark on at least a portion of the views provided by the at least two cameras. Further, the method determines whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous regarding the views. The method activates the laser on at least a portion of the views based on whether the information received by the at least two cameras is ambiguous.
A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G05B 19/416 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control of velocity, acceleration or deceleration
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B60W 30/00 - Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
B62D 33/00 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
43.
Transporting one or more items with an autonomous robot
Devices, systems and methods are provided for transporting one or more items with an autonomous robot, which is at least capable of independent movement as desired without the need of additional infrastructure, mechanisms or assistance. One of the methods includes providing the robot with a list at least containing the at least one item to be transported, where the at least one item is located in a first area. The at least one item is gathered from the first area via the robot. The at least one item is transported from the first area to at least a second area via the robot. The at least one item is placed in at least the second area without any intervention from outside the robot regardless of where the second area is with respect to the first area so that the at least one item can be autonomously transported from the first area to the second area as needed.
G06G 7/48 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for controlling at least one fluid actuated device; e.g., an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A method is provided, for example, involving an actuatable component and an actuation system, which includes an actuation system component and an actuator. During a mode of operation, the actuation system component is fluidly coupled with a first chamber and a second chamber of the actuator using the actuation system. The actuator is operable to move the actuatable component.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B65G 47/61 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
A method and mechanism for picking at least one item is provided. The method includes providing at least one container, the container at least containing a plurality of substantially the same items randomly arranged within the container, providing at least one mechanism for collecting at least one item from the container, enabling the mechanism to roughly determine the position of the mechanism with respect to the items in the container utilizing the least amount of power, moving the mechanism so that it is at least in close proximity to the items in the container, collecting at least one item in the container with the mechanism, moving the mechanism and the collected at least one item at least a predetermined distance away from the remaining non-collected items in the container and determining the number of items collected by the mechanism utilizing the least amount of power.
B66C 1/00 - Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting, lowering, or hauling gear of cranes, or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting forces to articles or groups of articles
A method and apparatus provides a body worn apparatus having a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also places the body worn apparatus onto the body of a person, and activates the at least one bundle.
A system and method of instructing a device is disclosed. The system includes a signal source for providing at least one visual signal where the at least one visual signal is substantially indicative of at least one activity to be performed by the device. A visual signal capturing element captures the at least one visual signal and communicates the at least one visual signal to the device where the device interprets the at least one visual signal and performs the activity autonomously and without requiring any additional signals or other information from the signal source.
A method couples a body worn apparatus and a prosthetic with the body of a person. The body worn apparatus has a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one suit bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also activates the at least one suit bundle to move the prosthetic.
A61H 1/00 - Apparatus for passive exercisingVibrating apparatusChiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
A61H 3/00 - Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
Mobile robots and methods involving mobile robots are provided. One of the mobile robots electronically presents information using a user interface, where the information is indicative of at least one task. The user interface, for example, may present the information in a visual form with a display screen. The user interface receives a selection of the task. The mobile robot thereafter autonomously performs at least a portion of the selected task.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
Methods, systems and devices are provided for transferring energy between a mobile unit and another discrete unit. One such method involves a mobile unit configured as a vehicle. During this method, energy is stored with an energy storage configured with the vehicle. At least some of the stored energy is transferred from the energy storage to an energy receiver using an energy transmitter, where the vehicle is discrete from the energy receiver.
B60L 11/18 - using power supplied from primary cells, secondary cells, or fuel cells
B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
A method of gathering at least one item from an area is provided. The method includes providing at least one grasping mechanism for capturing at least one item, gathering information regarding a first item, including information regarding the first item's orientation in the area, and determining whether the grasping mechanism is able to capture the first item from the area based on the information regarding the first item's orientation. The method further includes manipulating, via the grasping mechanism, the first item if necessary based on the information regarding the first item's orientation to ensure the first item is in an orientation in which the grasping mechanism is able to capture the first item from the area, and capturing the first item with the grasping mechanism and moving the first item to another area.
B25J 15/06 - Gripping heads with vacuum or magnetic holding means
B60P 1/48 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above the load supporting or containing element
A readily reconfigurable self-contained self-service user input/output including an input/output assembly accessible by a user, the assembly being readily configurable to be used in more than one type of user configuration or application and at least one peripheral device removably secured in a desired position about the periphery of the assembly.
Methods and systems are provided for providing services to an individual at a transportation terminal. In one method, an item is received with a mobile robot from an individual at a first location at the transportation terminal. The item is autonomously secured with the mobile robot using a component of the mobile robot to thereby prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the secured item. The secured item is autonomously transported with the mobile robot from the first location to a second location at the transportation terminal. The mobile robot is capable of independent navigation without need for physical or electromechanical guidance devices in an environment within which the mobile robot operates.
A method and apparatus for autonomously recognizing at least one object in an image is provided. The method includes obtaining an image and providing an image analyzer for autonomously analyzing the image and autonomously identifying at least one item of information regarding at least one object in the image. The at least one item of information regarding the at least one object may be identified without regard to the at least one object's appearance, location, or orientation in the image and without requiring any outside intervention or human input, so that information regarding the at least one object, such as the at least one object's actions, movements, and locations may be obtained from the image.
Devices, systems and methods are provided related to controlled interaction between a mobile robot and another entity in an operating environment. In one method, for example, performance of a task for a time is signaled for, wherein the performance of the task involves the entity. The mobile robot is operated to interact with the entity at the time.
A fluid power device, method and system, the device including a passive, latent, integrally formed fluid reservoir member designed for operable communication with a transmission system, the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system and providing fluid back into the transmission system.
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.
Methods and systems for operating at least one entity are provided. In one method, at least one entity is provided for operation in at least one area, where the area includes at least one human. Information is gathered regarding the human, where the information includes a location of at least one body portion of the human. It is determined whether or not the entity will contact the body portion of the human. The method also includes operating the entity to avoid contacting the body portion of the human so that the human is at least more likely to be safe from contact with the entity.
A completely self-contained camera module and operating method are provided. The camera module includes a housing member for mounting to a desired surface, an internal support structure positioned within the housing, and at least two cameras secured to the support structure. Each camera has a field of view to an exterior of the housing. The support structure being operably configured to be readily securable to and removable from the housing so that the support structure and cameras can easily be installed during manufacturing to at least reduce manufacturing variability and so that, if a module is not working in the field, an operator can at least readily replace the support structure and cameras as desired with a different support and cameras in the field without requiring tools and without needing to locate and replace a specific malfunctioning camera.
A method of loading at least one item onto a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one vehicle for operation in a desired environment, providing at least one mechanism operably connected to a portion of the vehicle, and gathering at least one item as the vehicle travels in the desired environment. The method further includes arranging the items on the vehicle via the mechanism based on at least one criterion, such as the weight of the items, so that the items can be loaded onto the vehicle without needing the vehicle to travel to the items in a specific order to thereby enable the vehicle to operate more quickly in the desired environment and conserve power.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B60P 1/48 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above the load supporting or containing element
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
A method and device for providing information to a user are provided. The method includes providing at least one user indicator device in operable communication with the user for providing non-visual and non-verbal communications to the user, and enabling information to be received by the user indicator device from a remote source. The method further includes communicating information to the user via the user indicator device in a non-visual and non-verbal way that may be substantially indicative of at least one instruction for the user so the user can operate in one or more environments in conformance with the information provided.
An in-line hydraulic accumulator system has a substantially rigid elongated accumulator member that at least in part forms a longitudinal liquid channel having first and second liquid interfaces. The first liquid interface is longitudinally spaced from the second liquid interface to transport liquid therebetween. The accumulator system also has a compressible member that longitudinally extends within elongated member and at least in part forms the longitudinal liquid channel. The compressible member is configured to compress, expand, or both expand and compress in response to varying liquid pressures within the longitudinal liquid channel.
An actuator has a plurality of artificial muscle style hydraulic actuator elements forming a bundle with a bundle force density. Each artificial muscle style hydraulic actuator element has a first diameter. The bundle force density is at least two times greater than the force density of any single one of the artificial muscle style hydraulic elements if that single one artificial muscle style hydraulic actuator element had a second diameter. In illustrative embodiments, the second diameter is at least five times greater than the first diameter.
F15B 15/10 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit the motor being of diaphragm type
B25J 9/14 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by positioning means for manipulator elements fluid
66.
Mobile robot for receiving, transporting, and/or delivering one or more pharmaceutical items
Mobile robots and methods for operating mobile robots are provided. One of these mobile robots autonomously transports a pharmaceutical item from a first location to a second location. The mobile robot autonomously delivers the pharmaceutical item at the second location.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A method and system for operating at least one vehicle are provided. The method comprises providing a multi-mode vehicle having at least two modes of operation, the first mode of operation being fully autonomous and the second mode of operation relying on one or more markers positioned within the environment at least in order to enable the vehicle to navigate within an environment. The method further comprises enabling the multi-mode vehicle to operate in either the first mode of operation, the second mode of operation or both modes of operation simultaneously depending on the particular environment desired to reduce manufacturing variability while accommodating a wider variety of environments.
Mobile robots and methods involving mobile robots are provided. In one method, one or more items are manually loaded with one or more mobile robots. Operation of the mobile robots is coordinated, by a remote computer system and/or by one or more of the mobile robots, to sort and transport the items. The coordinated operation includes autonomously moving the mobile robots within their operating environment between respective locations.
An apparatus for moving a member has at least one artificial muscle style activation element, and a primary movable connector secured to the at least one artificial muscle style activation element. The primary movable connector is configured to be movable from a first connected location on the member to a second connected location on the member.
Systems and apparatuses (e.g., mobile robots) including sensor systems, and methods involving sensor systems are provided. In one method, a region of an environment is surveyed using a sensor system to provide survey data. This survey data may be indicative of one or more items located within the surveyed region of the environment. One of more of the items located within the surveyed region may be inventoried based on the survey data.
A device and method is provided for controlling a mechanism in communication with a handheld device. The method includes sensing a maneuver of the handheld device and providing at least one vector command to the mechanism based on the sensed maneuver in order to control the mechanism.
An apparatus has a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The apparatus also has an activation element connected to the first member. The activation element also is wrapped about at least a portion of the second member.
A method, system and apparatus including a mechanism capable of performing a variety of operations, each operation having a respective power requirement and a power source capable of providing power to the mechanism at a variety of different levels corresponding to the operations being undertaken by the mechanism where the power source is regulated to at least provide a first lower power level sufficient for one or more operations requiring a lower power level and is increased to provide a higher power level as needed for one or more alternative operations requiring a higher power level.
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.
A camera system having at least one self-contained, universally mountable camera module having a housing and a plurality of cameras disposed within the confines of the housing, each camera having a predetermined field of view to the exterior of the housing that when combined provide at least a 180 degree view about the housing. The system also includes communication elements within the housing to provide electrical communication between the plurality of cameras and a position external to the module and at least one receiver that receives the camera views from the module that is operable by a user to view one or more camera views at a time as individual views as well as a composite view of at least two or more camera views.
A method of controlling a robot, receives a first message from an unattended robot relating to movement of the robot. Receipt of the first message indicates that movement of the robot is impeded by an environmental condition. The method then determines how to correct the impeded movement caused by the environmental condition, and forwards a second message toward the robot having correction information, which enables the robot to move without impediment by the environmental condition.
A vehicle and method of operating a vehicle are provided. The method includes providing a vehicle and at least one drive element in operable communication with the vehicle for providing movement to the vehicle. A plurality of power sources are also provided for providing power to the drive element along with at least one power source securing member for releasably securing a desired number of power sources to the vehicle. The method further includes connecting a desired number of power sources to the vehicle via the securing member to provide power to the drive element, each power source being readily removable from the vehicle so that only the desired number of power sources are used for a particular vehicle use to minimize the weight and therefore power consumption of the vehicle.
Methods and systems are provided that involve or include a transmission. During one of the methods, a motor is operated based on speed data to synchronize a first rotor of the transmission with a second rotor of the transmission, where the speed data is indicative of speeds of the first and the second rotors. The synchronized first and second rotors are engaged with one another to transfer torque from the motor to the output.
B60W 10/04 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
B60W 10/10 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of change-speed gearings
F16H 3/12 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches
A method is provided for operating a mobile device in an environment with a wireless energy transmitter, where the mobile device includes a drive system and a wireless energy receiver. The mobile device moves along a path using the drive system. Energy is wirelessly received from the energy transmitter using the energy receiver as the mobile device moves and/or is parked along at least a portion of the path.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
B60L 11/18 - using power supplied from primary cells, secondary cells, or fuel cells
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
Systems and methods are provided involving a rotatable power transfer device configured with a first brake system and a second brake system. During a first of the methods, rotation of the power transfer device is braked using the first brake system. The first brake system may be actuatable by a first user interface; e.g., a brake pedal. The second brake system may be actuatable by a second user interface; e.g., a brake pedal.
B60T 8/64 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration responsive to speed and another condition or to plural speed conditions using electrical circuitry for controlling the braking action, the circuitry deriving a control function relating to the dynamic of the braked vehicle or wheel wherein the controlled braking action is characterised by the manner in which the braking fluid pressure is reduced or reapplied
B60T 1/06 - Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs acting by retarding wheels acting otherwise than on tread, e.g. employing rim, drum, disc, or transmission
B60T 7/04 - Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation foot-actuated
An apparatus having a self-contained hydraulic power module in operable communication with the apparatus, the module capable of being readily connected and disconnected to the apparatus for ready installation and/or replacement of the module as desired.
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted supporting base and legVehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
B62D 57/02 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members
A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G05B 19/416 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control of velocity, acceleration or deceleration
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B60W 30/00 - Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
A system and method of instructing a device is disclosed. The system includes a signal source for providing at least one visual signal where the at least one visual signal is substantially indicative of at least one activity to be performed by the device. A visual signal capturing element captures the at least one visual signal and communicates the at least one visual signal to the device where the device interprets the at least one visual signal and performs the activity autonomously and without requiring any additional signals or other information from the signal source.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
84.
Actuator with integrated force and position sensing
An actuator including a housing and a force sensing mechanism positioned within an interior of the housing and in operable communication with the actuator, the force sensing mechanism capable of measuring the various forces exerted by or on the actuator without losing any of the energy being transmitted by the actuator. A high precision position sensing mechanism can also be included with the actuator.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
F15B 15/28 - Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
85.
Loading articles on one or more support surfaces with one or more mobile devices
Devices, systems and methods are provided for loading articles on one or more support surfaces. One of the methods includes autonomously modeling at least some of the articles in a stable article arrangement on a first of the support surfaces using a controller. The articles in the modeled article arrangement are autonomously gathered using one or more manipulators. The gathered articles are autonomously arranged on the first of the support surfaces according to the modeled article arrangement using the one or more manipulators.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A fluid power device, method and system, the device including a passive, latent, integrally formed fluid reservoir member designed for operable communication with a transmission system, the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system and providing fluid back into the transmission system.
A guy wire control method provides a plurality of activation elements, and enables the plurality of activation elements to be coupled with at least a portion of a guy wire. The method activates at least one of the plurality of activation elements to assist the guy wire in at least one capacity.
A system, method and apparatus for enabling the release of pressure in a supply line including an electronic control member for controlling and enabling the release of pressure in the supply line at a desired pressure whether or not power is maintained to the electronic control member.
A method of flexibly controlling a system including determining control policies for a system having at least one qualitative state goal for the system to achieve, determining a first current qualitative state of the system and generating a qualitative control and state trajectory, provided the current system state is capable of achieving the at least one goal, that enables the system to proceed from the current state to the goal state in the most cost effective and energy efficient manner to conserve power while maintaining any necessary operational constraints on the system.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A valve and method of controlling a valve, the method including providing a valve member having at least first and second positions and a source of power to the valve member that when activated enables the valve to toggle between the at least first and second positions. The valve is maintained in the at least first and second positions when the power source is deactivated without the need for providing additional power to the valve.
A method, system and apparatus including a mechanism capable of performing a variety of operations, each operation having a respective power requirement and a power source capable of providing power to the mechanism at a variety of different levels corresponding to the operations being undertaken by the mechanism where the power source is regulated to at least provide a first lower power level sufficient for one or more operations requiring a lower power level and is increased to provide a higher power level as needed for one or more alternative operations requiring a higher power level.
A mobile robot along with a method and system for a mobile robot including a hydraulic powered mechanism operably connected to the mobile robot for movement of the hydraulic powered mechanism with respect to the mobile robot.
A method of providing an omnidirectional view about an object by providing at least two camera modules, each module having a plurality of cameras disposed about the periphery of each module with each camera having a predetermined field of view. The modules are directly attached to a respective predetermined position on a surface of the object to provide up to a 360 degree view about the object when the fields of view of each camera are combined from each module. Electrical communication is enabled between the plurality of cameras and at least one position external to the modules to enable viewing about the object from the external position.
A camera system having at least one self-contained, universally mountable camera module having a housing and a plurality of cameras disposed within the confines of the housing, each camera having a predetermined field of view to the exterior of the housing that when combined provide at least a 180 degree view about the housing. The system also includes communication elements within the housing to provide electrical communication between the plurality of cameras and a position external to the module and at least one receiver that receives the camera views from the module that is operable by a user to view one or more camera views at a time as individual views as well as a composite view of at least two or more camera views.
An all-terrain mobile robot comprising a mobile robotic platform, having either wheels or tank-treaded-like legs capable of navigating over rough terrain, wherein the robotic platform utilizes dynamic balancing behavior; a hydraulic powered anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms, wherein the hydraulic system possesses a pressure sensor for enabling the anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms to lift a payload using acute and delicate movements that reduce the chance of causing structural harm to the payload.
