ЧИСТЯЩИЙ РОБОТ, ИМЕЮЩИЙ ФУНКЦИЮ АВТОВОЗВРАТА К ЗАРЯДНОМУ УСТРОЙСТВУ, И СПОСОБ ЕГО ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ

Изобретение относится к чистящему роботу, имеющему функцию автовозврата к зарядному устройству, и способу его использования. Чистящий робот содержит блок камеры для фотографирования внешнего изображения, блок памяти для хранения управляющей программы по перемещению чистящего робота, цепь индикации напряжения, микропроцессор для сохранения графической информации, получаемой посредством блока камеры, сбора информации о положении зарядного устройства из внешнего изображения на основе графической информации о зарядном устройстве при обнаружении сигнала обратной связи и возврата чистящего робота к зарядному устройству. Способ автовозврата чистящего робота к зарядному устройству заключается в сборе графической информации о зарядном устройстве из изображений и сохранении полученной графической информации о зарядном устройстве для чистящего робота, приеме информации об уровне энергии, оставшейся в аккумуляторе чистящего робота, формировании сигнала управления камерой, поиске графической информации ...

РОБОТОТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ЧИСТЯЩЕЕ УСТРОЙСТВО (ВАРИАНТЫ) И СПОСОБ ЧИСТКИ С ПОМОЩЬЮ ТАКОГО ЧИСТЯЩЕГО УСТРОЙСТВА

Робототехническое чистящее устройство содержит всасывающее устройство, установленное в корпусе чистящего устройства и предназначенное для всасывания грязи, находящейся на полу; приводное устройство, предназначенное для обеспечения перемещения корпуса чистящего устройства; детекторное устройство, закрепленное в корпусе чистящего устройства и предназначенное для определения расстояния между днищем корпуса чистящего устройства и полом; и управляющее устройство, управляющее всасывающим устройством по сигналу от детекторного устройства для регулирования всасывающей силы всасывающего устройства. Эффективность чистки, обеспечиваемая данным робототехническим чистящим устройством, повышена за счет регулирования всасывающей силы, необходимой для всасывания грязи, в соответствии с неровностью пола. 3 н. и 10 з.п. ф-лы, 7 ил.

СПОСОБ ЗАРЯДКИ РОБОТА

... 1. Способ зарядки обслуживающего робота, включающий (a) состыковку входной клеммы обслуживающего робота с выходной клеммой зарядного устройства, если имеющийся уровень зарядки аккумуляторного источника питания падает ниже заданного, (b) проверку, подается ли заданное зарядное напряжение на входную клемму обслуживающего робота, (c) определение, произошло ли нарушение энергоснабжения или вышло ли из строя зарядное устройство, если на этапе (b) не подается зарядное напряжение, и (d) прерывание подзарядки аккумулятора, если определено, что произошло нарушение энергоснабжения или что зарядное устройство вышло из строя. 2. Способ по п.1, в котором на этапе (с) определяют, что произошло нарушение энергоснабжения или что зарядное устройство вышло из строя, если с зарядного устройства не поступает наведенный сигнал. 3. Способ по п.2, в котором на этапе (с) дополнительно возвращаются к этапу (а), если с зарядного устройства поступает наведенный сигнал. 4. Способ по п.1, в котором этап (с) включает ...

Robot cleaner, calculates travel distance and travel trajectory based on metal component detector output to regulate robot driving mechanism

A group of proximity switches distributed at lower side determine the existence of a metal component along the robot transit direction. A controller (18) calculates the travel distance and travel trajectory from the output of switches and accordingly the driving mechanism is controlled for moving the robot along the trajectory path. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) robot cleaner system; and (2) control method of robot cleaner.

Mobiler Roboter mit Kodesensor

Automatische Ausrichtung mit einer Tanksäule

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren für eine automatische Ausrichtung mit einer Tanksäule (14) für ein Fahrzeug (10), mit den Schritten: Aktivieren einer Ausrichtung mit einer Tanksäule (14) in einer Tankstelle (12), Erkennen mindestens einer Tanksäule (14) in der Umgebung des Fahrzeugs (10), Berechnen einer Trajektorie (16) zum Bewegen des Fahrzeugs (10) von einer Ist-Position zu einer mit der Tanksäule (14) ausgerichteten Betankungsposition (19) und Bewegen des Fahrzeugs (10) entlang der Trajektorie (16) in die Betankungsposition (19). Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft außerdem ein Assistenzsystem (20) für eine automatische Ausrichtung mit einer Tanksäule für ein Fahrzeug (10), wobei das Assistenzsystem (20) für eine automatische Ausrichtung mit einer Tanksäule dazu geeignet ist, das vorstehende Verfahren auszuführen. Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Fahrzeug (10) für eine automatische Ausrichtung des Fahrzeugs (10) mit einer Tanksäule (14), das das vorstehende ...

A robot cleaner including control means for driving and navigating the cleaner.

Robot cleaner system having external charging apparatus and method for docking with the charging apparatus

Exhaust

MOBILE ROBOT CALLING SYSTEM

Cleaning control method and apparatus, cleaning robot and storage medium

A cleaning control method and apparatus, a cleaning robot (100) and a storage medium, which relate to the technical field of intelligent devices, and can realize cleaning from an inner end of a region to be cleaned to an entrance side, thereby preventing a dirty cleaning member from dirtying a cleaned floor, and improving the cleaning efficiency. The cleaning control method is implemented when the cleaning robot (100) cleans an unknown region to be cleaned. The cleaning robot (100) is used in cooperation with a base station (200). The method comprises: acquiring a regional map, wherein the regional map is used to indicate a region to be cleaned or a sub-region to be cleaned in the region to be cleaned, and said sub-region is an uncleaned region in the region to be cleaned (S1201); determining, based on the regional map, a first cleaning start point of the region to be cleaned or said sub-region, wherein the first cleaning start point is a point on an edge, facing away from a cleaning direction ...

AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LOADING AND UNLOADING VEHICLE

... 1531626 Automatic control KOMATSU SEISAKUSHO KK and KOMATSU FORK LIFT CO Ltd 11 Oct 1976 [15 Oct 1975] 42147/76 Heading G3N A control system for a loading and unloading vehicle e.g. a fork lift truck in a warehouse comprises a plurality of local control units such as that shown in Fig. 3 each connected to a central, controller (computer) and each controlling operation of one truck. Leader cables 12-15 are provided defining travelling courses for the vehicle and having stations e.g. 27 to which control information from the central controller is relayed. The signals designate the cables to be followed by switching at 25 signals of frequency f 1 and f 2 to those cables. Further frequency coded instructions are generated in the command unit 23 and sent either along the leader cables via a mixer 26 or directly to the station coils e.g. 27. f 3 designates the station to which the truck must go, f 4 the direction it is to turn off the cable at that station, f 5 the lifting height and f 6 whether ...

ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM

MOBILE ROBOT WITH CODE SENSOR

UNMANNED VEHICLE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF DUNG

SELF-PROPELLED SURFACE CLEANING ROBOT FOR NASS-UND DRY CLEANING

SELF-PROPELLED SURFACE CLEANING ROBOT FOR NASS-UND DRY CLEANING

AUTONOMOUS MULTI-PLATFORM ROBOT SYSTEM

ANDOCKVORRICHTUNG FOR A SELF-PROPELLED WORKING TOOL

Interface for robot cleaner evacuation

Attorney Docket No.: 09945-0380AU1 // DP187AUO1 A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot is provided. The method includes receiving, at a handheld computing device, data representing a status of a debris collection bin of the autonomous cleaning robot, the status of the bin including a bin 5 fullness reading. The method also includes receiving, at the handheld computing device, data representing a status of a filter bag of an evacuation station, the status of the filter bag including a bag fullness reading. The method also includes presenting, on a display of the handheld computing device, a first status indicator representing the bin fullness reading, and presenting, on the display of the handheld computing device, a second status 10 indicator representing the bag fullness reading. 12290309.docx Con c,2i CD C- U CIDJ -E C-,L CZ C ac Co~ -a 4" cn 0.1 ar3 2 cm C-> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - cC:2 I= C-. = C-' ...

Mobile robot and control method for same

The present invention relates to a mobile robot and a control method for same. The mobile robot is configured to travel through at least one intermediate point set on a travel path from the current location of the mobile robot to a destination point on a map. Accordingly, the travel path can be conveniently set in consideration of the location of a boundary or an obstacle; can be set as the shortest distance, enabling the mobile robot to quickly reach the destination point; can be conveniently corrected even in the event of a location error; and even when the travel path cannot be traveled due to an obstacle, travel can be made feasible by altering the intermediate point.

Autonomous waste collection assembly and medical waste collection system and methods

An autonomous medical waste collection assembly comprises a base adapted to be positioned near a patient. At least one wheel is powered to move the base along a floor surface. A waste collection unit is coupled to the base for receiving medical waste from the patient. The waste collection unit includes a canister for holding the medical waste. A controller is operable to initiate a waste disposal protocol. The waste disposal protocol includes transmitting a movement signal to the powered wheel for automatically moving the autonomous medical waste collection assembly away from the patient to a disposal station. A user input device is in communication with the controller. The user input device is adapted to provide a user input signal in response to being actuated by a user. The controller is configured to initiate the waste disposal protocol in response to receiving the user input signal.

System and method for wireless charging of a mobile robot in an hazarduous area

The invention relates to a system for wirelessly charging an electrically chargeable device, in particular a mobile inspection robot, in a potentially explosive environment. The invention also relates to a charging station for use in such a system according to the invention. The invention further relates to an electrically chargeable device, in particular an inspection robot, for use in such a system according to the invention. In addition, the invention relates to a method for wirelessly charging an electrically chargeable device, in particular a mobile inspection robot, by using such a system according to the invention.

NODE MAP SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE

FLOOR TREATMENT SYSTEM

Bioactive compositions from

The present invention relates to isolated bioactive compositions containing bioactive fractions derived from Theacea plants. The present invention also relates to bioactive topical formulations containing the bioactive compositions. The present invention further relates to methods of using the bioactive compositions of the present invention, including, for example, methods for inhibiting inflammatory activity in skin tissue of a mammal, for protecting skin tissue of a mammal from ultraviolet light-induced damage, and for normalizing skin disorders in skin tissue of a mammal. The present invention also relates to methods for isolating bioactive fractions derived from cell juice or a cell walls component a Theacea plant. The bioactive compositions are suitable for use in, inter alia, beverages, functional foods, nutriceuticals, supplements, and the like.

Battery charging base and recharging method implementing such a base

The invention relates to a charging base comprising a mobile vehicle and a charging base (200) of a shape that complements the mobile vehicle and is able to accept the mobile vehicle and intended to recharge a battery of a mobile vehicle comprising at least one wheel (50, 51, 52), the base (200) being connectable to a power supply, characterized in that the base (200) comprises: • a receiving surface (210) and a base plane (220) intended to be placed on a reference plane (230), the receiving surface (210) and the base plane (220) of the base (200) making an acute angle (240), · a hemispherical cavity (250) recessed into the receiving surface (210) and intended to receive the at least one wheel (50, 51, 52), • at least one electric connector (260) positioned in such a way as to allow connection between the base (200) and the battery as the at least one wheel (50, 51, 52) drops into the hemispherical cavity (250). The invention also relates to a recharging method implementing a charging base ...

Mobile robot and mobile robot system

The present invention provides a mobile robot comprising: a body forming an external appearance; a travelling unit for moving the body; a boundary signal sensing unit for sensing a boundary signal generated in a boundary area of a travelling area; and a control unit for controlling the travelling unit to perform pattern travelling in the travelling area at multiple times, and controlling a travelling angle of first pattern travelling and a travelling angle of second pattern travelling to be different from each other. Therefore, when pattern travelling is performed multiple times, the mobile robot moves at different angles with respect to a reference axis to minimize an area which fails to be mowed, so as to improve the efficiency.

UNMANNED VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING MANURE

Method of navigating an unmanned vehicle comprises the steps of: detecting an animal (104, 106), determining whether a current course of the unmanned vehicle will lead to a collision with the animal (112). If this is the case, the method continues by: determining at least a first priority parameter from a set of priority parameters, wherein the first priority parameter is a standing condition of the detected animal (118), deciding, on the basis of the set of priority parameters, whether the course of the unmanned vehicle will be adjusted to avoid the animal, wherein the course will be maintained (108) if the set of priority parameters meets a predetermined collision criterion, and the course will be adjusted to avoid the animal (114) if the set of priority parameters does not meet the predetermined collision criterion, wherein the set of priority parameters only meets the collision criterion if at least the standing condition is that the animal is standing.

AUTONOMOUS WASTE COLLECTION ASSEMBLY AND MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHODS

An autonomous medical waste collection assembly comprises a base adapted to be positioned near a patient. At least one wheel is powered to move the base along a floor surface. A waste collection unit is coupled to the base for receiving medical waste from the patient. The waste collection unit includes a canister for holding the medical waste. A controller is operable to initiate a waste disposal protocol. The waste disposal protocol includes transmitting a movement signal to the powered wheel for automatically moving the autonomous medical waste collection assembly away from the patient to a disposal station. A user input device is in communication with the controller. The user input device is adapted to provide a user input signal in response to being actuated by a user. The controller is configured to initiate the waste disposal protocol in response to receiving the user input signal.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING PRODUCTS VIA AUTONOMOUS GROUND VEHICLES TO VEHICLES DESIGNATED BY CUSTOMERS

Methods and systems are provided that provide for facilitating delivery, via autonomous ground vehicles, of products ordered by customers of a retailer to physical locations of vehicles designated by the customers, and further determining a route to the physical location of the customer vehicle, and where the autonomous vehicle remains proximate the customer vehicle providing a means for the customer to retrieve the product.

BATTERY CHARGING BASE AND RECHARGING METHOD IMPLEMENTING SUCH A BASE

The invention relates to a charging base comprising a mobile vehicle and a charging base (200) of a shape that complements the mobile vehicle and is able to accept the mobile vehicle and intended to recharge a battery of a mobile vehicle comprising at least one wheel (50, 51, 52), the base (200) being connectable to a power supply, characterized in that the base (200) comprises: a receiving surface (210) and a base plane (220) intended to be placed on a reference plane (230), the receiving surface (210) and the base plane (220) of the base (200) making an acute angle (240), · a hemispherical cavity (250) recessed into the receiving surface (210) and intended to receive the at least one wheel (50, 51, 52), at least one electric connector (260) positioned in such a way as to allow connection between the base (200) and the battery as the at least one wheel (50, 51, 52) drops into the hemispherical cavity (250). The invention also relates to a recharging method implementing a charging base ...

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SELF-PROPELLED MOBILE APPARATUS(ES)

L'invention concerne un dispositif de commande d'appareil(s) mobile(s) autopropulsé(s) (300), comportant : une station de base fixe (200), équipée d'un récepteur de système de localisation par satellites, dit récepteur GNSS fixe et d'un émetteur-récepteur radiofréquence adapté pour pouvoir communiquer avec au moins un appareil mobile, et comprenant : un module de positionnement; un module de consignes; et un module de commande adapté pour commander le déplacement de chaque appareil mobile sur le terrain; au moins un appareil mobile (300), comprenant des moyens de déplacement, un récepteur GNSS mobile, et un émetteur-récepteur radiofréquence adapté pour transmettre à la station de base (200) des informations reçues par son récepteur GNSS mobile et recevoir une commande de déplacement.

DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF A MOBILE OBJECT, AND USE OF THE DEVICE AT A FORK-LIFT TRUCK.

Method and device for monitoring abnormal state of sweeper

Control method of intelligent sand removal system

Unmanned running control device for a work vehicle

Docking station for autonomous floor cleaner

A docking station for charging an autonomous floor cleaner includes a transmitter that may transmit a signal for detection by a robot. The docking station may include an opaque shield for the transmitter and/or spring-loaded charging contacts. The autonomous floor cleaner may include a passive receiver that detects signals transmitted from the docking station, and a time-of-flight sensor for location/proximity sensing. The robot may selectively turn off the time-of-flight sensor when docking with or avoiding the docking station. Methods for docking, re-docking, low power charging, docking station avoidance, obstacle response during docking, and proximity docking are disclosed.

SYSTEME DE PILOTAGE AUTOMATIQUE D'UN VEHICULE TERRESTRE AUTONOME

SYSTEME DE PILOTAGE AUTOMATIQUE D'UN VEHICULE TERRESTRE AUTONOME, PLUSPARTICULIEREMENT DESTINE A DIRIGER CE VEHICULE VERS UN EMPLACEMENT DETERMINE ET A L'Y FAIRE STATIONNER DANS UNE ORIENTATION DETERMINEE. LEDIT SYSTEME EST ESSENTIELLEMENT CARACTERISE EN CE QU'IL COMPORTE AU VOISINAGE DUDIT EMPLACEMENT UNE BASE DE REFERENCE GEOMETRIQUE 60 COMPORTANT TROIS REPERES OPTIQUES RETRO-REFLECTEURS ALIGNES 62, 63, 64 ET, A BORD DU VEHICULE 10 UN DISPOSITIF DE PILOTAGE 20 QUI D'UNE PART, EMET UN PINCEAU LUMINEUX P BALAYANT UN PLAN HORIZONTAL ET QUI, D'AUTRE PART, PILOTE LE VEHICULE EN FONCTION DES DUREES QUI SEPARENT LES INSTANTS D'APPARITION DES FLUS LUMINEUX RENVOYES PAR LESDITS REPERES OPTIQUES VERS LEDIT DISPOSITIF DE PILOTAGE, C'EST-A-DIRE EN FONCTION DES DISTANCES ANGULAIRES, VUES DU VEHICULE, QUI SEPARENT CES REPERES; OPERANT EN FAIT PAR TRIANGULATION, LEDIT SYSTEME NE NECESSITE COMME INSTALLATION DE TERRAIN QUE LA MISE EN PLACE DE LA BASE. LE SYSTEME DE L'INVENTION EST NOTAMMENT APPLICABLE ...

SYSTEM OF CLEANING ROBOT COMPRISING AN EXTERNAL APPARATUS OF REFILL ETPROCEDE TO MOOR SUCH A CLEANING ROBOT HAS SUCH AN APPARATUS OF RECHARGEEXTERNE

METHOD FOR REFILLING A MOBILE ROBOT, SUCH AS A MOTORIZED SUPPORT SUPPORTING A TOUCHPAD, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE.

SYSTEM Of ASSISTANCE TO the CONTROL Of a VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR FOR ACCOSTING HAS a QUAY

DEVICE TO DIRECT A REMOVABLE OBJECT, IN PARTICULAR AN ELEVATOR

Floor cleaning robot with electrical battery charger has charge level sensor which when low informs controller which guides robot to external charger using memorized images of charger position

L'invention se rapporte à un robot de nettoyage, un système comportant un tel robot et son dispositif de recharge, et un procédé pour ramener le robot à sa position d'attente et de charge. Selon l'invention, le robot (10) comprend une partie d'entraînement destinée à entraîner une pluralité de roues; au moins une caméra (13, 14) installée sur le robot, la caméra étant destinée à photographier l'environnement externe, et un dispositif de commande pour photographier une image au moyen de la caméra pour reconnaître une position dans laquelle un dispositif de recharge externe (30) est relié au robot et pour stocker l'image photographiée. Le robot se déplace depuis le dispositif de recharge externe vers une destination lorsqu'un signal de début d'opération est reçu par le robot relié au dispositif de recharge externe, le dispositif de commande déterminant un trajet vers la position de connexion au dispositif de recharge externe et un trajet de retour du robot lorsqu'il revient vers le dispositif ...

METHOD OF RECHARGING THE BATTERY OF A MOBILE ROBOT, SYSTEM, DOCKING STATION AND MOBILE ROBOT FOR WORK OF THE METHOD

주행체 장치

... 구성을 간략화할 수 있고, 또한 소비 전력을 억제할 수 있음과 아울러 다른 기기와의 혼신이 잘 생기지 않는 전기 청소 장치를 제공한다. 충전 장치(12)는, 서로 이격된 위치에 배치되며 전기 청소기 본체(11)를 유도하는 유도 신호를 각각 송신하는 발광부(55L)，(55R)를 갖는다. 충전 장치(12)는, 발광부(55L)，(55R)로부터 다른 타이밍에서 동일한 유도 신호를 송신시키는 충전 장치 제어부(58)를 갖는다. 전기 청소기 본체(11)는, 요구 신호를 송신하는 발광부(33)를 갖는다. 전기 청소기 본체(11)는, 발광부(55L)，(55R)로부터 송신된 유도 신호를 수신 가능한 수광부(32)를 갖는다. 제어부(37)는, 발광부(55L)，(55R)로부터 다른 타이밍에서 송신된 두 개의 유도 신호의 수광부(32)에서의 수신 상태에 의해 본체 케이스(20)를 충전 장치(12)를 향해 주행시킨다 ...

AUTONOMOUS COVERAGE ROBOT NAVIGATION SYSTEM

SURFACE TREATMENT ROBOT

REMOTE CONTROL SCHEDULER AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC DEVICE

A ROBOT AND A DOCKING STATION FOR THE ROBOT

CLEANING ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

The present invention provides a cleaning robot and a control method thereof which allow a driving device to move along a cleaning robot if the cleaning device is separated from the driving device. The present invention also provides a cleaning robot including a driving device which stores a location where a cleaning device is separated if the cleaning device is separated from the driving device, and moves to the stored location if the cleaning device is mounted on the driving device, and a control method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning robot comprises: a driving device including a mounting groove to allow a cleaning device to be attached and detached; and a cleaning device to be attached to and detached from the mounting groove. The driving device stores a location of the driving device when the cleaning device is separated if the cleaning device is separated from the mounting groove, and moves to the stored location if the cleaning device is ...

AUTONOMOUS COVERAGE ROBOT NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Elektroniskt avgränsningssystem

AUTONOMOUS SURFACE CLEANING ROBOT FOR WET AND DRY CLEANING

An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DOCK-ASSIST

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for providing dock-assist during backing of a truck towards a predetermined loading location at a cargo area. The method comprises transmitting a first and a second measurement signal from a loading location among a plurality of loading locations. The first and second measurement signals together defining a guiding zone associated with the loading location. The first and second measurement signals comprise a signal identity associated with the loading location transmitting the measurement signals. The method further comprises receiving the first and second measurement signals at the truck. Provided that the signal identity of the received measurement signals corresponds to the predetermined loading location, the measurement signals are used for determining the truck position and the truck orientation in relation to the predetermined loading location. The truck position and truck orientation is determined repeatedly during at ...

FULLY AUTONOMOUS OR REMOTELY OPERATED GOLF BALL PICKING SYSTEM

The present invention regards a motorised system with electric traction with computer vision for outdoor environments, which can interact with the surrounding environment in an autonomous way or remotely operated. This vehicle tows a trailer that permits, amongst other functions, to perform golf balls picking. The totally autonomous golf picking system comprises : a base (1) with, at least, two linked wheels, each driven by an independent motor; a vision system (8) with a variable amount of video cameras; a set of sensors - humidity, accelerometer, compass, coders, temperature, ultrasounds, GPS, that allow the path optimisation of the system; an image acquisition and processing system; a continuous processing unit of sensor data and motor control; a trailer with a mechanical device for picking the balls (3) and a ball container (2) with an automatic opening system (4) to an unloading dock; and a unit of rechargeable batteries through external terminals.

METHOD AND FACILITY FOR TRANSFERRING REELS

A method for transferring unwinders (36) using a transfer facility (38) comprising a control unit (39) for controlling the unwinders, and at least one autonomous mobile platform (40) is disclosed. The facility comprises measurement means for measuring the quantity of product wound on reels (22) supported by the unwinders and communication means. The method comprises the following successive operations: measuring the quantity of product wound on the reels and communicating the measured data to the control unit; on the basis of the measured data, determining the moment at which to transmit a removal or supply mission instruction to a mobile platform; transmitting to a mobile platform at the previously-determined moment, a mission instruction to remove or to supply a unwinder; and moving the mobile platform in such a way that it becomes positioned under a unwinder.

MODULAR ROBOT

A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.

Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations

A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations are disclosed. Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations may include an autonomous vehicle identifying map information representing a vehicle transportation network, the vehicle transportation network including a primary destination and a docking location, wherein identifying the map information includes identifying the map information such that the map information includes docking location information representing the docking location. The autonomous vehicle may identify the docking location as a target docking location for the primary destination based on the map information, generate, based on the map information, route information representing a route for the autonomous vehicle to traverse the vehicle transportation network from an origin in the vehicle transportation network to the target docking location, and traverse the vehicle transportation network ...

AUTONOMOUS TRAVELING BODY DEVICE

In a first mode, a control unit controls operation of driving wheels so that a main casing is made to travel straight and, upon detection of an object by an object sensor, the main casing is changed in traveling direction and made to travel straight. In a second mode, the control unit controls the operation of the driving wheels so that the main casing travels in a curved shape along an object detected by the object sensor. When a charging device is not found by a signal reception part during traveling within a region by the first mode, the control unit is changed over to the second mode. The control unit is changed over to the first mode when it is decided a specified number of times or more that the main casing has moved to a different region by the second mode.

Tele-robotic system used to provide remote consultation services

... a robotic system that allows a consultant to provide remote consulting services through a remotely controlled robot. The robot provides a video image to a remote station that is manned by the consultant. The video image may include a therapist performing a therapeutic routine on a patient. The consultant can view the therapeutic routine and provide consultant information such as instructions to modify or otherwise change the routine. The consultant information is transmitted to the robot and conveyed to the therapist. The system allows a consultant to provide consulting services without have to be physically present at the site of the patient. The remote station also allows the consultant to control movement of the robot so that the video image tracks movement of the therapist and/or patient.

System for directing moving object

A moving-object directing system for directing a moving object to a target location includes: a moving-object directing unit and a moving object. The moving-object directing unit includes: a directing signal transmitter for generating a first moving-object directing signal, sequentially transmitting the first moving-object directing signal 360° in all directions, generating a second moving-object directing signal corresponding to directing information for directing the moving object to the target location upon receiving a signal indicating successful reception of the first moving-object directing signal, and transmitting the second moving-object directing signal, and a first RF (Radio Frequency) communication unit for receiving a signal indicating successful reception of the moving-object directing signal. The moving object includes: a second RF communication unit for wirelessly transmitting a signal indicating successful reception of the moving object directing signal to the moving object ...

CLEANING ROBOT AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

A cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, the cleaning robot performing docking by detecting light emitted from a docking station using a Lidar sensor or a light receiving element separately provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the Lidar sensor, and performing docking based on the number of light emitting elements of the docking station identified according to the detected light are provided. The cleaning robot includes a main body, a drive unit configured to move the main body, a Lidar sensor including a Lidar optical transmitter, a Lidar optical receiver, and the PCB to which the Lidar optical transmitter and the Lidar optical receiver are fixed and provided to be rotatable, a docking optical receiver fixed to the PCB and configured to receive light emitted from the docking optical transmitter of the docking station, and at least one processor is configured to control the drive unit to be docked on the docking station based on light received by the docking optical receiver. 1. A cleaning robot comprising:a main body;a drive unit configured to move the main body; a Lidar optical transmitter,', 'a Lidar optical receiver, and', 'a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the Lidar optical transmitter and the Lidar optical receiver are fixed and provided to be rotatable;, 'a Lidar sensor comprisinga docking optical receiver fixed to the PCB and configured to receive light emitted from a docking optical transmitter of a docking station; andat least one processor configured to control the drive unit to be docked on the docking station based on light received by the docking optical receiver.2. The cleaning robot of claim 1 , wherein the docking optical receiver receives light having a bandwidth different from that of the Lidar optical receiver of the Lidar sensor.3. The cleaning robot of claim 1 , wherein the docking optical receiver is provided on one surface of the PCB opposite to another surface on which the Lidar optical transmitter and the Lidar ...

Dividing method for working region of self-moving device, dividing apparatus, and electronic device

The present invention relates to a moving method of a self-moving device, including: presetting a preset movement path of a self-moving device; enabling the self-moving device to move along the preset movement path; and checking whether a moving direction of the self-moving device deviates from the preset movement path, and when the moving direction deviates from the preset movement path, calibrating the moving direction of the self-moving device to enable the self-moving device to move along the preset movement path, wherein, the preset movement path including several first path segments, the first path segment being divided into several sub-path segments, and an end point of the sub-path segment being referred to as a node; and the calibrating the moving direction of the self-moving device includes: calibrating the moving direction of the self-moving device by using the node as a target point.

Compensating for stray capacitances for a robotic lawnmower

A robotic lawnmower system comprising a signal generator (240), a boundary cable, at least one guide cable (260) and a robotic lawnmower (100), said signal generator being configured to transmit a control signal through said boundary cable and a guide signal through said at least one guide cable, and wherein said robotic lawnmower comprises a controller (110) and at least one sensor (170), wherein the controller is configured for receiving said control signal through said at least one sensor (170′) and determining a signal level for the control signal; and if the signal level for the control signal is below a threshold value, the controller (110) is configured to receive said guide signal and to synchronize on said guide signal.

Processing apparatus and method of operation thereof

A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The optimal packing density is such that supports for the accommodation units lies outside the lading envelope circle, but within the corner regions of the hexagons of the packing density pattern. The accommodation units have lifting fittings that are accessible from the corners of the hexagons, whether the same as those of the supports, or different ones. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles The guided vehicle may be electronically controlled to prick up and deliver workpieces from one location to another, and may include self-navigating software, and interactive ...

Lawn Care Robot

A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.

System as well as a method for controlling a self moving robot

A system provided with a base station (2) comprising a signal emitting module, a self movable robot comprising at least an energy storage, a sensor for sensing this signal emitted by signal emitting module of the base station and a processor for controlling the movement of the robot by means of the sensed signal to return the robot to the base station. The robot comprises means for controlling the movement of the robot to move the robot randomly over a surface, whereby the absolute position of the robot is not memorized, means for marking the interrupt location (5) where the movement of the robot is interrupted to return to the base station and means for returning the robot from the base station to the interrupt location (5) by means of said marking.

Autonomous Delivery Platform

A package delivery platform which attaches to an autonomous vehicle comprising, a module containing controls and a manipulator arm with a hand capable of grasping a package and placing it in an enclosure at a delivery location, detachable container with a securable lid in which packages are carried, and a receptacle with an automated, securable lid which mounts near the roadway at a delivery location for receiving packages. 1: A package delivery platform which attaches to an autonomous vehicle comprising:a. A module containing controls and a manipulator arm with a hand capable of grasping a package and placing it in an enclosure at a delivery location.b. A detachable container with a securable lid in which packages are carried.c. A receptacle with an automated, securable lid which mounts near the roadway at a delivery location for receiving packages.2: Platform of wherein packages are carried in an container with a securable self opening lid.3: The container of wherein retractable legs are provided to allow the enclosure to stand at an appropriate level to be autonomously retrieved at a location without assistance.4: The module of wherein a mechanism is provided to allow autonomous attachment to the container of .5: The module of wherein a mechanism is provided to allow autonomous attachment a to a self driving vehicle.6: The module of wherein a computer contained within the module is programmed to:a. communicate with a central network to receive delivery location information and optimize delivery routing.{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'b. control a manipulator arm to retrieve packages from the container of and deposit them at the delivery location.'}7: Receptacle of wherein a securable lid is mechanically opened when it receives a radio or infrared signal from the approaching delivery vehicle.8: Receptacle of wherein the interior of the enclosure is fitted with grooves to store packages such that they can be retrieved by a robotic arm and ...

Robot cleaner and control method thereof

A control method for a robot cleaner includes acquiring a plurality of images of surroundings during travel of the robot cleaner in a cleaning area, estimating a plurality of room-specific feature distributions according to a rule defined for each of a plurality of rooms, based on the images acquired while acquiring the plurality of images, acquiring an image of surroundings at a current position of the robot cleaner, obtaining a comparison reference group including a plurality of room feature distributions by applying the rule for each of the plurality of rooms to the image acquired while acquiring the image at the current position, comparing the obtained comparison reference group with the estimated room-specific feature distributions, and determining a room from the plurality of rooms having the robot cleaner currently located therein.

COMPACT AUTONOMOUS COVERAGE ROBOT

An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

TRAVELING BODY DEVICE

Provided is an electric cleaning device capable of easily and reliably directing a camera toward an object and imaging the object. An electric cleaning device includes an electric vacuum cleaner main body capable of autonomously traveling, and a charging device that guides the electric vacuum cleaner main body, and can image an object. A control part has an imaging mode in which the control part makes a main body case travel so as to approach the charging device in line with guide signals received by a light receiving part, and performs imaging in a set direction with a camera based on the guide signals when the main body case reaches a position at a predetermined distance from the charging device.

AUTONOMOUS GROUND VEHICLE (AGV) CART FOR ITEM DISTRIBUTION

A disclosed system for transporting items to destination locations, for example when receiving inventory at large retail locations, includes an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) having at least one shelf; a shelf elevator operable to raise and lower the at least one shelf; a drive unit operable to move the AGV between a docking location and a destination location; the AGV able to position the at least one shelf at a different heights for loading and offloading items first height and a second height different from the first height, autonomously navigate between the docking location and the first destination location, and bid on delivery tasks. Some examples are further able to use a cartridge unit to expand cargo capacity. An AGV could analyze the currently-loaded weight and the remaining available space, and dynamically adjust the heights of the shelves according to the dimensions of the assigned items.

Navigational control system for a robotic device

A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams emitted by the transmitting system; and wherein the receiving subsystem is configured and operative to process the one or more detected directed beams under the control of the navigational control algorithm to determine whether the predetermined triggering event has occurred, and, if the predetermined ...

Systems and Methods For Crowd Navigation In Support of Collision Avoidance For a Motorized Mobile System

A system and method for a motorized mobile chair use a plurality of sensors having a plurality of sensor types to detect a plurality of objects and generate sensor data about the detected objects, each of the detected objects being a person, the sensor data about the objects comprising a plurality of range measurements to the people and a plurality of bearing measurements to the people. The system has at least one processor to receive the sensor data about the people, group the detected people into a plurality of zones, determine a closest person in each zone, and generate one or more control signals to cause the motorized mobile chair to match a speed and a direction of the closest person in the zone corresponding to a direction of travel of the motorized mobile chair while at least approximately maintaining a selected space to the closest person in the zone corresponding to the direction of travel of the motorized mobile chair.

Modular Mobility Base for a Modular Autonomous Logistics Vehicle Transport Apparatus

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

MOBILE-OBJECT CONTROL DEVICE, MOBILE-OBJECT CONTROL METHOD, MOBILE OBJECT, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

A mobile-object control device includes: an operation control unit configured to control an operation of a mobile object to cause the mobile object to be present at a set place at a set time; and a notification control unit configured to control notification in a case where at least one of the set time or the set place cannot be achieved. The mobile object includes: a drive unit; an operation control unit configured to control the drive unit to cause the mobile object to be present at a set place at a set time; and a notification control unit configured to control notification in a case where at least one of the set time or the set place cannot be achieved. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a vehicle that performs automatic driving.

MODULAR AUXILIARY POWER MODULE FOR A MODULAR AUTONOMOUS BOT APPARATUS THAT TRANSPORTS AN ITEM BEING SHIPPED

A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMICALLY MANAGING THE LOCATION OF INVENTORY ITEMS IN AN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT FACILITY

An inventory management system includes pick stations, automated vehicles having an onboard power source, a first drive system configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station is closer to the first storage locations than to the second storage locations, Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.

Compact autonomous coverage robot

An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

System and method for intermodal materials delivery

Systems and methods for the intermodal delivery of materials within an at least substantially autonomous carrier traveling along a delivery path. The carrier may dock with a transit vehicle or engage directly with a railway to travel along a transit line while making a delivery. The carrier may also be suitable for securably storing materials therein, such as where a plurality of carriers stop at a storage hub located substantially near and/or along the delivery path. The storage hub may include a charging station for the carriers, and serve as a portable warehouse for both materials and carriers. When adequately charged, the carrier may deliver materials to their final destinations. Or, the materials may be transferred to a load transporter to facilitate first- and/or last-mile delivery.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING ASSIGNMENTS OF TASKS FOR MINING EQUIPMENT USING MACHINE LEARNING

Systems and methods are disclosed for managing task assignments for a fleet of haul trucks at a mine site. An assignment engine may: receive state data for a haul truck including haul weight data and second state data for the mine site that is indicative of a plurality of available tasks and associated task material weight data; assign a task to the haul truck by inputting the state data into a trained reinforcement-learning model, wherein: the model has been trained to learn an assignment policy that optimizes a reward function, such that the learned policy accounts for vehicle performance variance due to changing vehicle haul weight and/or road conditions; and cause the at least one haul truck to be operated according to the at least one task assignment.

SYSTEM, METHOD, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND VEHICLE FOR AUTOMATED VALET PARKING

An automated parking system and a method enable a driverless vehicle to autonomously travel and park in a vacant parking slot through communication with a parking infrastructure. The automated parking system and method also control the driverless vehicle to autonomously travel from a parking slot to a pickup area through communication with the parking infrastructure.

Robot system

A power-saving robot system (100) includes at least one peripheral device (102) to be placed in an environment with a mobile robot (104). The peripheral device has a controller (1026) with an active mode (938) in which the peripheral device is fully operative, and a hibernation mode (932) in which the peripheral device is at least partly inactive. The mobile robot (104) has a controller (1046) with an activating routine (904) that communicates with the peripheral device (102) via wireless communication components (1024, 1044) and temporarily activates the peripheral device (102) from the hibernation mode (932) when the wireless communication components (1024, 1044) of the peripheral device (102) and the robot (104) come within range of one another.

Autonomous surface cleaning robot for wet and dry cleaning

Position calculation system for mobile robot and charging-stand return system and method using the same

A SYSTEM AS WELL AS A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SELF MOVING ROBOT

Coverage robot mobility

An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis (102), a drive system (104) to maneuver the robot, an edge cleaning head (106,214,274,316), and a controller (108) configured to monitor motor current associated with the edge cleaning head and to reverse bias the edge cleaning head motor in response to an elevated motor current, while continuing to maneuver the robot across the floor. In another aspect, the autonomous coverage robot includes a bump sensor (132) and a proximity sensor (134). The drive system is configured to reduce a speed setting in response to a signal from the proximity sensor (134) indicating detection of a potential obstacle in a forward direction, while continuing to advance the robot according to a heading setting. Furthermore, the drive system is configured to alter the heading setting in response to a signal received from the bump sensor (132) indicating contact with an obstacle.

GUIDANCE FOR AN OUTDOOR ROBOTIC WORK TOOL TO AN OUTDOOR ROBOTIC WORK TOOL INTERACTION STATION

AUTOMATIC WORKING SYSTEM, SELF-MOVING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

The disclosure relates to an automatic working system, a self-moving device and a control method therefor. The automatic working system includes a self-moving device configured to automatically move and work in a working region set by a user, a magnetic strip configured to generate a magnetic signal. The self-moving device includes a boundary recognizing module configured to recognize a boundary of the working region, a magnetic induction module configured to induce the magnetic signal, a control module configured to control the self-moving device to move along the boundary according to the boundary recognized by the boundary recognizing module and control the self-moving device to move along the magnetic strip according to the magnetic signal if the magnetic induction module induces the magnetic signal in process of moving along the boundary. The diversified flexible setting of positions of a charging station can be achieved by utilizing each embodiment of the disclosure.

MODULAR MULTIFUNCTIONAL WORKCELLS FOR AUTONOMOUS GUIDED VEHICLE APPLICATIONS

IMAGE AND RANGE SENSOR-BASED POSITION CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

A method for localizing a load handling vehicle and a load target whereby : - a spatial map describing a surrounding of the load handling vehicle is obtained. - First sensor signals are received from a first sensor system for generating point clouds of the surrounding of the load handling vehicle and second sensor signals are received from a second sensor system for generating images of the surrounding of the load handling vehicle. The second sensor signals are synchronized in time with the first sensor signals. The load handling vehicle and the load target are localized in the spatial map based on the first sensor signals and the second sensor signals.

УСТРОЙСТВО, СПОСОБСТВУЮЩЕЕ АВТОМАТИЧЕСКОЙ СТЫКОВКЕ РОБОТА

Устройство для автоматической стыковки робота способствует соединению соединительных клемм робота, содержащего принимающий узел, со стыковочными клеммами, расположенными на одной поверхности стыковочного объекта, содержащее передающие узлы. Передающие узлы расположены на той же поверхности под разными углами друг к другу соответственно для передачи сигналов в разных направлениях друг к другу. Устройство содержит выступающую часть, выполненную на указанной поверхности, на которой расположены передающие узлы с возможностью охвата угла по меньшей мере 180° в плоскости. Передающие узлы могут быть расположены на одной высоте на выступающей части или, по меньшей мере, часть передающих узлов расположена на разной высоте по отношению друг к другу или по отношению к другим передающим узлам на выступающей части. Устройство также содержит чувствительную ленту, расположенную по прямой линии в нижней части спереди указанных стыковочных клемм. Изобретение позволяет покрывать широкий диапазон воздействия ...

СПОСОБ ЗАРЯДКИ ОБСЛУЖИВАЮЩЕГО РОБОТА (ВАРИАНТЫ)

Способ может быть использован для зарядки обслуживающего робота, предназначенного для пылесоса. Способ включает состыковку входной клеммы обслуживающего робота с выходной клеммой зарядного устройства, если имеющийся уровень зарядки аккумуляторного источника питания падает ниже заданного; проверку, подается ли заданное зарядное напряжение на входную клемму обслуживающего робота; зарядку аккумуляторного источника питания, если на входную клемму робота подается зарядное напряжение; определение, произошло ли нарушение энергоснабжения или вышло ли из строя зарядное устройство, если на входную клемму робота не подается зарядное напряжение; возвращение к этапу состыковки входной клеммы обслуживающего робота с выходной клеммой зарядного устройства, если определено, что энергоснабжение не нарушено и что зарядное устройство не вышло из строя; и прерывание возвращения к этапу состыковки входной клеммы обслуживающего робота с выходной клеммой зарядного устройства, если определено, что произошло нарушение ...

ПОДВИЖНЫЙ РОБОТ, В КОТОРОМ ИСПОЛЬЗУЮТ ДАТЧИК ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ, И СПОСОБ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ПРОЙДЕННОГО ИМ РАССТОЯНИЯ

Изобретение относится к подвижному роботу. Робот содержит датчик изображения, устройство регистрации изображений, выполненное с возможностью фотосъемки нижней поверхности через определенные промежутки времени в соответствии с перемещением подвижного робота и для регистрации изображений, запоминающее устройство для запоминания изображений, выведенных из устройства регистрации изображений, компаратор для сравнения изображения, выведенного из устройства регистрации изображений, с предыдущим изображением, запомненным в запоминающем устройстве, измеритель смещения, выполненный с возможностью измерения смещения относительно зарегистрированного изображения, и микрокомпьютер, выполненный с возможностью вывода реально пройденного расстояния, полученного путем вычисления направления и величины перемещения вышеупомянутого подвижного робота, исходя из измеренного значения смещения. Осуществляя способ измерения расстояния, пройденного подвижным роботом, при выполнении измерения смещения в случае, когда ...

Control apparatus for autonomous operating vehicle

In an apparatus for controlling an autonomous operating vehicle having a prime mover and operating machine, it is configured to have a geomagnetic sensor responsive to magnets embedded in the area, detect angular velocity generated about z-axis in center of gravity of the vehicle, detect a wheel speed of the driven wheel, store map information including magnet embedded positions, detect a primary reference direction, detect a vehicle position relative to the magnet, and detect a vehicle position in the area, calculate a traveling direction and traveled distance of the vehicle, and control the operation performed through the operating machine in the area in accordance with a preset operation program based on the detected primary reference direction, the detected position of the vehicle in the area, the calculated traveling direction and the calculated traveled distance.

Robot system and control method thereof

A robot system and a control method thereof in which, when a robot is located in a docking region, the robot calculates a distance by emitting infrared rays and detecting ultrasonic waves oscillated from a charging station, measures a distance from the charging station and performs docking with charging station. The distance between the robot and the charging station is precisely measured, thereby performing smooth and correct docking of the robot with the charging station. Further, the robot emits infrared rays only while performing docking with the charging station and thus reduces power consumption required for infrared ray emission, and wakes up a circuit in the charging station based on the infrared rays emitted from the robot and thus reduces power consumption of the charging station.

Charging device of robot cleaner

A charging device of a robot cleaner is provided. The charging device of a robot cleaner according to the embodiment includes at least one cover forming an appearance of the charging device, a base which is coupled with the cover and includes a terminal unit for charging the robot cleaner, an induction signal generating unit disposed at a side of the cover or the base to transmit a return induction signal to the robot cleaner, and an induction signal guide member disposed at a side of the induction signal generating unit to enhance a docking performance of the robot cleaner by improving linearity of the induction signal. The charging device according to the embodiment can guide the path for the return of the robot cleaner and recharge the robot cleaner stably.

Mobile Station for an Unmanned Vehicle

A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.

Docking stations for automated guided vehicles

A docking station for an automated guided vehicle includes a station base unit and a shift unit adapted to move relative to the station base unit between an extended position and a retracted position, where movement of the shift unit from the extended position to the retracted position defines a shift unit movement direction. The docking station further includes an actuator coupled to the station base unit and the shift unit, where the actuator is adapted to move the shift unit between the extended position and the retracted position and at least one locator block coupled to the shift unit. The docking station stops an automated guided vehicle travelling in the shift unit movement direction when a portion of the automated guided vehicle contacts the at least one locator block with the shift unit in the extended position.

Parking assist device for vehicle and electrically powered vehicle including the same

A first guidance control unit constituted of a parking assist ECU and a steering ECU guides a vehicle to a power transfer unit of a power feeding apparatus by controlling steering of the vehicle based on an image taken by a camera. When the vehicle is guided by the first guidance control unit to a predetermined position with respect to the power transfer unit, a second guidance control unit constituted of a vehicle ECU, a motor control ECU and a charging ECU performs alignment between the power transfer unit and a power reception unit by controlling speed of the vehicle based on a power receiving situation of the power reception unit.

Robot Confinement

A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view.

Apparatus for cutting grass

An apparatus for cutting grass comprising: a lawn mower equipped with movement means and one or more blades for cutting grass; a perimeter cable, delimiting a cutting area; a management device for generating an electrical signal (ES) in the cable; a recharging base. The lawn mower further comprises a control unit equipped with: sensor means to detect the electrical signal (ES); a memory to store a maximum value (Vmax) and a minimum value (Vmin); a calculation module to determine, for said intensity of detection, a target value (Tv) that is non-null and comprised between the maximum (Vmax) and minimum value (Vmin), the target value (Tv) being different from a preceding target value; an operative module to command the movement means so as to move the lawn mower in such a manner that the sensor means detects the electrical signal (ES) at an intensity equal to the target value (Tv).

Guidance apparatus of unmanned autonomous operating vehicle

In an apparatus for guiding an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery ( 30 ) for operating a lawn mower blades, other electric motors for driving wheels, and two magnetic sensors attached at the front for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of an area wire and controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire to perform operation and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, the area wire is laid with an offset to right or left when viewed in a plane such that the vehicle is turned from a straight-running position to a direction of the offset and then is returned to the straight-running position when the vehicle runs to be connected to the charging device, thereby guiding the vehicle to the charging device.

CONTROL APPARATUS OF UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS OPERATING VEHICLE

In an apparatus for controlling an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating lawn mower blades, and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of an area wire such that the vehicle is controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire to mow lawn using the blades and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, a distance from the area wire is detected based on the detected intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensors, and a different one of returning trajectories defined along the area wire in advance with respect to distances from the area wire is selected, whenever the vehicle is to be returned. 1. An apparatus for controlling an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating an operating machine , prime movers for driving wheels , and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of an area wire , the vehicle being controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire through wheels driven by the prime movers to perform an operation using the operating machine and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery ,wherein the improvement comprises:an area wire distance detector adapted to detect a distance from the area wire based on the detected intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensors; anda returning trajectory selector adapted to select a different one of a plurality of returning trajectories defined along the area wire in advance with respect to distances from the area wire, whenever the vehicle is to be returned to the charging device installed in the operating area to charge the battery.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the returning trajectories are set to be different from distances away from the area wire and one of the ...

ARRANGEMENT OF AREA WIRE FOR UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS OPERATING VEHICLE AND CONTROL APPARATUS OF THE SAME

In an arrangement of an area wire for an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating an operating machine, and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of the area wire and controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire to perform an operation using the operating machine and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, there are provided with a charging device detecting area set to be used for detecting a position of the charging device, and a turn-back portion formed by bending the area wire at an appropriate position toward the charging device detecting area and again bending the area wire to return in a same direction with a predetermined space, whereby the operating area is divided into a plurality of zones. 1. An arrangement of an area wire for an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating an operating machine , prime movers for driving wheels , and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of the area wire , the vehicle being controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire through wheels driven by the prime movers to perform an operation using the operating machine and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery ,wherein the improvement comprises:a charging device detecting area set to be used for detecting a position of the charging device; anda turn-back portion formed by bending the area wire at an appropriate position toward the charging device detecting area and again bending the area wire to return in a same direction with a predetermined space, whereby the operating area is divided into a plurality of zones.2. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined space is determined based on the intensity of the magnetic field of the area wire ...

METHODS FOR USING AN AUTOMATED GUIDED CART

An automated guided cart (AGC) that is configured to travel along a cart path according to generally non-precision movements is implemented to support a build process requiring precise positioning of vehicle build devices. In an example of a method of use, a vehicle build device for the build process is engaged with the AGC. When the AGC travels proximate a build operation area, the AGC can be secured in a dimensionally fixed position, with the result that both the AGC and a vehicle build device engaged with the AGC are located in precise positions. Based on the precise location of the vehicle build device, the vehicle build device can be interfaced with robots or other automated equipment according to preprogrammed and/or precise movements to carry out a build process. 1. A method for precisely transporting and positioning vehicle build devices in a manufacturing assembly line using an automated guided cart (AGC) , the method comprising the steps of:defining a cart path with a guide path device, the cart path including a first location proximate a build operation area;placing an AGC in communication with the guide path device;engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC;selectively moving the AGC along the cart path to the first location; andstopping the AGC in the predetermined first location and precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle build device at the first location.2. The method of wherein the step of engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC comprises:engaging the AGC with a pallet for supporting at least one of vehicle build components and subassemblies.3. The method of wherein the pallet is in the form of a component transfer cart claim 2 , the step of engaging a support pallet comprises:engaging a transfer cart having a plurality of build components specific to a vehicle type; andsequentially moving the AGC and engaged build component cart along the guide path in substantially coordinated movement with a vehicle body ...

ROBOT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DOCKING STATION POSE INCLUDING MOBILE ROBOTS AND METHODS USING SAME

A mobile robot system is provided that includes a docking station having at least two pose-defining fiducial markers. The pose-defining fiducial markers have a predetermined spatial relationship with respect to one another and/or to a reference point on the docking station such that a docking path to the base station can be determined from one or more observations of the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers. A mobile robot in the system includes a pose sensor assembly. A controller is located on the chassis and is configured to analyze an output signal from the pose sensor assembly. The controller is configured to determine a docking station pose, to locate the docking station pose on a map of a surface traversed by the mobile robot and to path plan a docking trajectory. 1. A mobile robot system comprising:a docking station including at least two pose-defining fiducial markers, the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers having a predetermined spatial relationship with respect to one another and/or to a reference point on the docking station such that a docking path to the base station can be determined from one or more observations of the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers; a chassis,', 'a motorized drive connected to the chassis for moving the mobile robot to a docked position, and', 'a pose sensor assembly comprising a sensor configured to output a signal in response to the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers in a pose sensor field of view;, 'a mobile robot includinga controller configured to analyze the output signal from the pose sensor assembly, the controller having the predetermined spatial relationship of the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers stored in a controller memory,wherein the controller is configured to determine a docking station pose that is based on the spatial relationship of the pose-defining fiducial markers and the signals from the pose sensor assembly, and to locate a docking station pose on a map of a ...

A Robotic Work Tool and a Method for Use in a Robotic Work Tool Comprising a Lift and Collision Detection

A robotic work tool (100) comprising a chassis (110), a body (120) and a controller (400) for controlling operation of the robotic work tool (100) and at least one three-dimensional sensor arrangement (200) for detecting relative movement of the body (100) and the chassis (110), wherein the sensor arrangement (200) comprises a sensor element (210) arranged in one of the body (120) and the chassis (110) and a detection element (220) arranged in the other of the body (120) and the chassis (110), wherein the controller (400) is configured to: receive sensor input indicating relative movement of the sensor element (210) and the detection element (220) and; determine, from the sensor input, whether a collision or a lift has been detected.

METHOD AND A ROBOTIC WORK TOOL SYSTEM WITH A CHARGING STATION AND A BOUNDARY WIRE

A robotic work tool system (), comprising a charging station (), a boundary wire () and a signal generator () for generating and transmitting a signal through said boundary wire () for demarcating a work area (), said robotic work tool system () further comprising a robotic work tool () configured to detect a magnetic field strength (M, M) in the work area () and said robotic work tool system () being configured to adapt a current level of the signal being transmitted through the boundary wire () based on the detected magnetic field strength (M, M). 1. A robotic work tool system , comprising:a charging station,a boundary wire, anda signal generator for generating and transmitting a signal through said boundary wire for demarcating a work area, said robotic work tool system further comprising a robotic work tool configured to detect a magnetic field strength in the work area and said robotic work tool system being configured to adapt a current level of the signal being transmitted through the boundary wire based on the detected magnetic field strength.2. The robotic work tool system according to claim 1 , wherein the robotic work tool is further configured to communicate with the robotic work tool system to adapt the current level of the signal being transmitted.3. The robotic work tool system according to claim 2 , wherein the robotic work tool is configured for wireless communication during a working operation.4. The robotic work tool system according to claim 2 , wherein the robotic work tool is configured for communication during a charging session.5. The robotic work tool system according to claim 1 , further being configured to compare the detected magnetic field strength to a stored maximum magnetic field strength value and if the detected magnetic field strength is higher than the stored maximum magnetic field strength value claim 1 , decrease the current level of the signal.6. The robotic work tool system according to claim 1 , further being configured to ...

ROBOT CLEANER

A robot cleaner includes a body to travel on a floor; an obstacle sensing unit to sense an obstacle approaching the body; an auxiliary cleaning unit pivotably mounted to a bottom of the body, to be extendable and retractable; and a control unit to control extension or retraction of the auxiliary cleaning unit based on a pivot angle formed by the auxiliary cleaning unit with respect to a travel direction of the body when the obstacle is sensed. 1. A robot cleaner comprising:a body to travel on a floor;an obstacle sensing unit to sense an obstacle approaching the body;an auxiliary cleaning unit pivotably mounted to a bottom of the body, to be extendable and retractable; anda control unit to control extension or retraction of the auxiliary cleaning unit based on a pivot angle formed by the auxiliary cleaning unit with respect to a travel direction of the body when the obstacle is sensed.2. The robot cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the controller determines a distance from a pivot shaft of the auxiliary cleaning unit to the obstacle claim 1 , and controls the pivot angle of the auxiliary cleaning unit according to the distance.3. The robot cleaner according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the pivot angle of the auxiliary cleaning unit such that a distance between an outermost portion of the auxiliary cleaning unit and the obstacle is greater than a predetermined first critical value claim 2 , but smaller than a predetermined second critical value.4. The robot cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit compares an output signal from the obstacle sensing unit according to a sensing direction of the obstacle sensing unit with a predetermined critical value claim 1 , and controls the pivot angle of the auxiliary cleaning unit claim 1 , based on a result of the comparison.5. The robot cleaner according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined critical value corresponds to a distance from the body to an outermost portion of the auxiliary ...

Wet Robot Docking Station

The present disclosure provides a base station for receiving a mobile cleaning robot including a docking structure. The docking structure includes a horizontal surface and at least two electrical charging contacts, each of the electrical charging contacts having a contact surface positioned above the horizontal surface. The base station also includes a platform that is connectable to the docking structure. The platform includes a raised rear surface having a front portion and a rear portion, two wheel wells located in the front portion of the raised rear surface of the platform, and a plurality of raised surface features forward of the raised rear surface configured to support an underside portion of the mobile cleaning robot. 120-. (canceled)21. A base station for a mobile cleaning robot , the base station comprising:a docking structure;at least two electrical contacts positioned on the docking structure, the at least two electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts of the mobile cleaning robot to charge the mobile cleaning robot; anda platform extending forward of the docking structure, the platform comprising a plurality of raised surface features to support a cleaning pad mounted to the mobile cleaning robot.22. The base station of claim 21 , wherein each of the plurality of raised surface features includes a dome-shaped portion and has a height between 2 and 6 millimeters.23. The base station of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of raised surface features are configured to tilt a forward portion of the mobile cleaning robot into a charging position.24. The base station of claim 23 , wherein configurations of the plurality of raised surface features to tilt the forward portion of the mobile cleaning robot comprise configurations to tilt a rearward portion of the mobile cleaning robot such that the corresponding electrical contacts of the mobile cleaning robot apply a downward force on the at least two electrical contacts of the base ...

ASSISTING METHOD AND DOCKING ASSISTANT FOR COUPLING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO A TRAILER

An assist method for coupling a motor vehicle to a trailer, wherein the motor vehicle includes a trailer coupling, at least one camera, a display, and an electronic unit, and wherein the trailer includes a tow bar for the trailer coupling. The assist method captures a first image of at least one tow bar of a trailer by the camera, displays the first image on the display, selects a first region in the first image in which the tow bar is located, enlarges the selected first region to produce a second image, displays the second image on the display, selects a second region in the second image in which the tow bar is located, and determines a trajectory of the motor vehicle for coupling the trailer assuming that the tow bar is located in the second region. 1. An assist method for coupling a motor vehicle to a trailer , wherein the motor vehicle is embodied with a trailer coupling , at least one camera , a display and an electronic unit , and wherein the trailer is embodied with a tow bar for the trailer coupling , the method comprising:a) capturing a first image of at least one tow bar of a trailer by the camera;b) displaying the first image on the display;c) selecting a first region in the first image in which the tow bar is located, wherein a coordinate-dependent locating accuracy for the tow bar is allocated to the first region;d) enlarging the selected first region to produce a second image;e) displaying the second image on the display;f) selecting a second region in the second image in which the tow bar is located, wherein an increased coordinate-dependent locating accuracy for the tow bar with respect to the locating accuracy allocated to the first region is allocated to the second region; andg) determining a trajectory of the motor vehicle for coupling the trailer assuming that the tow bar is located in the second region.2. The assist method of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in operation c) and/or in operation f) claim 1 , a user marks the tow bar in the first image ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING LOADING DOCK EQUIPMENT

Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process. 1. An automated docking system for use with a loading dock station , comprising:a first sensor system configured to detect the presence of a vehicle in an exterior area proximate a loading dock door;a second sensor system configured to detect obstructions in an interior area proximate the loading dock door; and automatically instruct the second sensor system to perform a scan of the interior area when the control unit receives a first signal from the first sensor system indicating that the vehicle is present in the exterior area; and', 'automatically enable operation of at least a portion of the loading dock station when the control unit receives a second signal from the second sensor system indicating that no obstructions have been detected in the interior area., 'a control unit communicatively coupled with the first sensor system and the second sensor system, the control unit being programmed with computer readable instructions that, when executed2. The automated docking system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor system is further configured to assist with aligning the vehicle with a loading dock door.3. The automated docking system of claim 1 , wherein the loading dock station comprises a vehicle restraint system claim 1 , and wherein automatically enabling operation of at least a portion of the loading dock station includes automatically enabling ...

Automatic control method for the insertion and the extraction of a vehicle into and from a receiving station, and control device implementing a method of this kind

A method comprises: a preliminary phase wherein a vehicle is aligned to be engaged toward a target position; a first phase wherein a reference trajectory is generated as a function of the status and target position of the vehicle, the status defined by the current position and orientation of the vehicle; a second phase wherein the reference trajectory being divided into sections, at the start of each section and before the vehicle begins a movement whether the reference trajectory can be followed is predicted as a function of imposed overall size constraints and estimated lateral and/or longitudinal slippages; a third phase, if the trajectory can be followed, wherein the turn angle of the wheels and the linear traction speed of the vehicle are controlled as a function of the status of the vehicle and the lateral and/or longitudinal slippages, to bring the centers of the wheels onto the reference trajectory.

Autonomous Vehicle Routing and Navigation Using Passenger Docking Locations

A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations are disclosed. Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations may include an autonomous vehicle identifying map information representing a vehicle transportation network, the vehicle transportation network including a primary destination and a docking location, wherein identifying the map information includes identifying the map information such that the map information includes docking location information representing the docking location. The autonomous vehicle may identify the docking location as a target docking location for the primary destination based on the map information, generate, based on the map information, route information representing a route for the autonomous vehicle to traverse the vehicle transportation network from an origin in the vehicle transportation network to the target docking location, and traverse the vehicle transportation network from the origin to the target docking location in accordance with the route information.

METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE

A method for operating a vehicle, whereby the vehicle, parked at a parking position in a parking facility, is guided autonomously from the parking position to a loading station and parked autonomously at the loading station, so that the vehicle can be loaded at the loading station. Also described is a related vehicle and computer program. 112-. (canceled)13. A method for operating a vehicle , the method comprising:autonomously guiding the vehicle, parked at a parking position in a parking facility, from the parking position to a loading station; andautonomously parking the vehicle at the loading station, so that the vehicle is able to be loaded at the loading station.14. The method of claim 13 , wherein after being loaded claim 13 , the vehicle is guided autonomously back to the same parking position or to a different parking position in the parking facility and parked there autonomously.15. The method of claim 14 , wherein after a predetermined parking time has ended and/or after reception of a starting signal via a communication network claim 14 , the loaded vehicle parked at the respective parking position is guided autonomously from the respective parking position to an end position in the parking facility and parked there autonomously claim 14 , where the vehicle is able to be picked up by a person.16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the vehicle is guided autonomously from a starting position in the parking facility to the parking position and parked there autonomously claim 13 , before it is guided autonomously from the parking position to the loading station.17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the vehicle is not guided autonomously to the loading station until a corresponding request signal is received via a communication network.18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the request signal is received by the vehicle and/or by a parking-facility server for the coordination of autonomous travel of vehicles in the parking facility.19. The method of claim 18 , ...

APPARATUS FOR GUIDING AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TOWARDS A DOCKING STATION

An apparatus for guiding an autonomous vehicle towards a docking station including an autonomous vehicle with a camera-based sensing system, a drive system for driving the autonomous vehicle, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The apparatus includes a docking station including a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker, wherein the second fiducial marker is positioned on the docking station to define a predetermined relative spacing with the first fiducial marker, wherein the control system is operable to receive an image provided by the camera-based sensing system, the image including a representation of the first and second fiducial markers, and to control the drive system so as to guide the autonomous vehicle towards the base station based on a difference between the representation of the first and second fiducial markers in the received image and the predetermined relative spacing between the first and second fiducial markers. 1. A docking station for an autonomous vehicle , the docking station comprising a main body having a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker spaced a predetermined distance from the first fiducial marker.2. The docking station of claim 1 , wherein the first fiducial marker and the second fiducial marker are located on a display portion of the docking station that is in a substantially upright orientation when the docking station is placed on a floor surface.3. The docking station of claim 2 , wherein the display portion of the docking station is planar.4. The docking station of claim 2 , wherein the display portion is pivotable with respect to a base portion of the docking station.5. The docking station of claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second fiducial markers defines a pattern claim 2 , and wherein the pattern of the first fiducial marker is the same as the pattern of the second fiducial marker.6. The docking station of claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second fiducial markers ...

Method for the Driverless Operation of a Vehicle System Designed for the Fully Automatic Control of Motor Vehicle, and Motor Vehicle

This disclosure relates to a method for the driverless operation of a vehicle system of a motor vehicle designed for fully automatic control of the motor vehicle. In accordance with at least one sequential criterion, which evaluates a status of the driver, comprising location information describing the current position of the driver and/or comprising resource information describing an amount of a resource that is present or required for the driver, of which resource a supply is present in the motor vehicle, operating information describing the taking of the motor vehicle to a sequential position having a shorter, in particular minimum possible distance from the current position of the driver or from a predicted destination of the driver, is automatically determined and applied. A motor vehicle with an onboard vehicle system and a control device, for execution of the method, are also disclosed. 117-. (canceled)18. A method for driverless operation of a vehicle system of a motor vehicle designed for fully automatic control of the motor vehicle , comprising:evaluating, by a control device, a status information of a driver, based on at least one sequential criterion, wherein the at least one sequential criterion comprises location information describing a current position of the driver;evaluating, by the control device, a resource information, based on the at least one sequential criterion, wherein the at least one sequential criterion comprises an amount of a resource that is present or required for the driver, of which resource a resource supply is present in the motor vehicle;determining, by the control device, an operating information describing transporting the motor vehicle to a sequential position having a shorter distance from the current position of the driver or from a predicted destination of the driver; andapplying, by the control device, the operating information to transport the motor vehicle automatically to the sequential position.19. The method of claim ...

Autonomous Vehicle with Interchangeable, Multipurpose Carts and Related Systems and Methods

Disclosed herein are various configurable, multifunctional area management carts that can be used to perform various functions in a large area such as a warehouse or retail building, along with various multifunctional area management systems that incorporate such carts to perform such functions. The cart can have a base comprising wheels operably coupled to the base, and a hitch operably coupled to the base, wherein the hitch is coupleable with the autonomous prime mover. The cart can also comprise an onboard processor associated with the base, wherein the onboard processor is in communication with the central processor, and an interface associated with the base, wherein the interface is in communication with the onboard processor. Certain alternative versions of the cart can also have at least one removable scaffold coupleable with the base, the at least one removable scaffold comprising at least one leg and at least one horizontal structure coupled to the at least one leg, and at least one area management instrument removably coupled to the at least one removable scaffold. 1. A multifunctional area management system , the system comprising: (i) a central processor accessible on a wireless network;', '(ii) a database in communication with the central processor, the database comprising area management information stored within the database;, '(a) an information management system comprising(b) an autonomous prime mover; and [ (A) wheels operably coupled to the base; and', '(B) a hitch operably coupled to the base, wherein the hitch is coupleable with the autonomous prime mover;, '(i) a base comprising, '(ii) an onboard processor associated with the base, wherein the onboard processor is in communication with the central processor;', '(iii) an interface associated with the base, wherein the interface is in communication with the onboard processor;', '(iv) at least one removable scaffold coupleable with the base, the at least one removable scaffold comprising at least ...

PEDESTRIAN DEVICE, VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, MOBILE BODY GUIDANCE SYSTEM, AND MOBILE BODY GUIDANCE METHOD

A system for guiding an autonomous vehicle to a target location includes a pedestrian terminal carried by a user of the vehicle; an in-vehicle terminal mounted in the vehicle; and a wearable terminal worn on the user's body to detect a sight focusing status of the user. The pedestrian terminal is configured to transmit and receive information to and from the in-vehicle terminal, determine if there is a risk of collision between the vehicle and the user, and provide an alert to the pedestrian. The in-vehicle terminal is configured to transmit and receive information to and from the pedestrian terminal, determine if there is a risk of collision between the vehicle and the user based on the information received from the pedestrian terminal, and cause an autonomous driving ECU to perform cruise control so as to avoid the collision. 1. A pedestrian device carried by a pedestrian who is a user of a mobile body with autonomous movement capability , the device comprising:a communication device configured to transmit and receive information to and from a terminal device mounted in the mobile body; anda controller configured to determine if there is a risk of collision between the mobile body and the pedestrian based on the information received from the terminal device, and when necessary, perform control so as to provide an alert to the pedestrian,wherein the controller is configured to:acquire position data of a sight focusing location at which the user looks with attention, as position data of a target location; andcause the communication device to transmit the position data of the target location to the terminal device mounted in the mobile body used by the user, thereby causing the terminal device to perform control so as to move the mobile body to the target location.2. The pedestrian device according to claim 1 , further comprising a short-range communication device configured to perform short-range communications with a wearable device claim 1 , wherein the wearable ...

COMPACT AUTONOMOUS COVERAGE ROBOT

An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle. 1. An autonomous coverage robot comprising:a chassis having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion defining a substantially rectangular shape and the rear-ward portion defining an arcuate shape;a drive system carried by the chassis configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface;right and left differentially driven drive wheels;a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis; andbump sensors disposed at the forward corners of the chassis, with at least one bump sensor disposed on each side of each corner, thus allowing the robot to determine a direction and/or location of a collision.2. The autonomous coverage robot of claim 1 , wherein the rearward portion has a semi-circular profile defined by a profile circle that extends into the forward portion and has a center axis.3. The autonomous coverage robot of claim 2 , wherein the right and left drive wheels are positioned on or near the center axis of the profile circle such that the robot can turn in place without catching the rearward portion of the chassis on an obstacle.4. The autonomous coverage robot of claim 1 , comprising a bumper flexibly coupled to the chassis ...

CLEANING CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS, CLEANING ROBOT AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Disclosed are a cleaning control method, a cleaning control apparatus, a cleaning robot and a storage medium, which are related to the technical field of smart devices. According to the cleaning control method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the cleaning robot acquires a map of a space to be cleaned as a first space map, divides the space to be cleaned into at least one cleaning area based on the first space map, sets a cleaning sequence for the at least one cleaning area, and performs cleaning operations on the at least one cleaning area of the space to be cleaned in sequence according to the cleaning sequence in unit of a cleaning area. 1. A cleaning control method , executed when cleaning an unknown space to be cleaned by a cleaning robot , wherein the cleaning robot is used in conjunction with a base station , the base station is a cleaning device used by the cleaning robot , the space to be cleaned comprises an entrance/exit , and the base station or the entrance/exit is configured as a reference object , wherein the cleaning control method comprises:{'b': '1', 'S: acquiring a map of the space to be cleaned as a first space map, wherein the first space map is configured to indicate the space to be cleaned or a subspace to be cleaned in the space to be cleaned, and the subspace to be cleaned is an uncleaned area in the space to be cleaned;'}{'b': '2', 'S: based on the first space map, dividing the space to be cleaned into at least one cleaning area, wherein an entrance/exit is provided between two adjacent and connected cleaning areas;'}{'b': '3', 'S: setting a cleaning sequence for the at least one cleaning area, wherein the cleaning sequence satisfies that any path from an entrance/exit of any cleaning area to the reference object is not allowed to pass through other cleaning area that has been cleaned; and'}{'b': '4', 'S: sequentially performing cleaning operations on the at least one cleaning area of the space to be cleaned according to the ...

Hybrid Modular Storage Fetching System

A hybrid modular storage fetching system is described. In an example implementation, an automated guided vehicle of the hybrid modular storage fetching system includes a drive unit that provides motive force to propel the automated guided vehicle within an operating environment. The automated guided vehicle may also include a container handling mechanism including an extender and a carrying surface, the container handling mechanism having three or more degrees of freedom to move the carrying surface along three or more axes. The container handling mechanism may retrieve an item from a first target shelving unit using the carrying surface and the three or more degrees of freedom and place the item on a second target shelving unit. The automated guided vehicle may also include a power source coupled to provide power to the drive unit and the container handling mechanism. 1. An item handling and storage mechanism for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) , comprising:an item storage rack mountable to a frame of the AGV, the item storage rack including a plurality of shelves, each shelf of the plurality of shelves capable of storing an item;an extender mountable at a proximal end to the frame of an AGV proximate to the item storage rack, the extender having three or more degrees of freedom; anda carrying surface connected at a distal end of the extender, the carrying surface being movable by the extender vertically parallel relative to a face of the item storage rack, perpendicularly relative to the face of the item storage rack, and horizontally parallel relative to the face of the item storage rack, the carrying surface being extendable by the extender using the three or more degrees of freedom to retrieve a certain item from a separate shelving unit located within reaching distance of the extender and retractable using the three or more degrees of freedom to place the certain item on one of the shelves of the item storage rack.218. The item handling and storage mechanism ...

REMOTELY CONTROLLED ROBOTIC SENSOR BALL

A remotely controlled robotic sensor ball and method of operation thereof. The robotic sensor ball includes an outer shell forming a ball, control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, a propulsion system inside the outer shell, and one or more connectors. The control circuitry includes at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface. The camera is configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell. The propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface. The one or more connectors are configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry. The one or more sensors are connectable in a modular manner. 1. An apparatus comprising:an outer shell forming a ball;control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, the control circuitry comprising at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface;a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, the camera configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell;a propulsion system inside the outer shell, the propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface; andone or more connectors configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry, the one or more sensors connectable in a modular manner.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:at least one motion sensor positioned within the outer shell and operably connected to the control circuitry via at least one of the one or more connectors,wherein the control circuitry is configured to modify operation of the camera based on an output of the at least one motion sensor.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a housing within the outer shell, the housing containing at least the control ...

Method and system for providing mobile education service

A method and system for providing a mobile education service, in which a user rides a vehicle allocated according to a schedule is provided with an educational content during transportation, facilitating efficient use of a transportation time, and safe riding in and alighting from the vehicle at an educational place.

SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AIR QUALITY AND DOCKING STATION FOR A MOBILE ROBOT EQUIPPED WITH AIR QUALITY SENSORS

The invention relates to a system for monitoring air quality in an environment, including at least one mobile robot () in the environment, a docking station () placed in the environment and including a parking area for receiving the robot, air quality sensors on board the mobile robot, air quality sensors fitted in the docking station, and a calibration manager for collecting measures carried out by at least one air quality sensor on board the mobile robot () while the mobile robot is received in the parking area of the docking station (), and measures carried out at the same time by another air quality sensor fitted in the docking station, of the same type as the on-board air quality sensor. 1. A system for monitoring air quality in at least one environment , comprising: a docking station placed in the environment and having a parking area for receiving the robot;', 'air quality sensors on board the mobile robot;', 'air quality sensors installed in the docking station; and', 'a calibration controller for collecting measurements made by at least a first air quality sensor on board the mobile robot, while the mobile robot is received in the parking area of the docking station, and for collecting measurements made at the same time by a second air quality sensor installed in the docking station and of the same type as said first air quality sensor., 'at least one mobile robot in the environment;'}2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the calibration controller is configured to transmit to the mobile robot drift observed in the collected measurements correction parameters.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the calibration controller is installed at least in part in the docking station claim 1 , the system further comprising a collection server communicating with the calibration controller to process the collected measurements and to provide drift observed in the collected measurements correction parameters.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the drift observed in the ...

CELESTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

A navigation control system for an autonomous vehicle comprises a transmitter and an autonomous vehicle. The transmitter comprises an emitter for emitting at least one signal, a power source for powering the emitter, a device for capturing wireless energy to charge the power source, and a printed circuit board for converting the captured wireless energy to a form for charging the power source. The autonomous vehicle operates within a working area and comprises a receiver for detecting the at least one signal emitted by the emitter, and a processor for determining a relative location of the autonomous vehicle within the working area based on the signal emitted by the emitter. 120-. (canceled)21. An autonomous robotic cleaning device comprising:a robot body;a drive supporting the robot body above a floor surface within a room and configured to maneuver the robot body across the floor surface;a cleaning apparatus to clean the floor surface; navigate the autonomous robotic cleaning device based on a map, the map including an indication of areas with carpeting and areas that do not have carpeting,', 'sense the location of the autonomous robotic cleaning device relative to the indicated areas; and', 'adjust a cleaning behavior of the autonomous robotic cleaning device based on the sensed location relative to the marked areas;', 'transmit data to cause a user display device to display a floor plan that includes a plurality of rooms, the displayed floor plan including an identification of the areas with carpeting and areas that do not have carpeting and an indication of doors separating multiple rooms., 'one or more processors configured to22. The autonomous robotic cleaning device of claim 21 , wherein the configurations to adjust cleaning behavior based on the sensed location comprise configurations to avoid areas with carpeting.23. The autonomous robotic cleaning device of claim 21 , wherein the autonomous robotic cleaning device is configured to transmit data indicating ...

AUTONOMOUS MOBILE APPARATUS AND AUTONOMOUS MOVE METHOD

An autonomous mobile apparatus includes a driving unit, a memory including a map memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to estimate an apparatus location based on information from the driving unit and estimate the apparatus location based on information from other than the driving unit. The processor is configured to acquire a location of an object around the autonomous mobile apparatus, create an environment map based on the estimated apparatus location and the acquired object location, and store the environment map in the map memory. The processor is configured to use, at a time of tracking when the estimation of the apparatus location based on the information from other than the driving unit is enabled, the environment map that is in the map memory at a time of reference determined by a time of loss when the estimation of the apparatus location is not enabled. 1. An autonomous mobile apparatus , comprising:a driving unit configured to move the autonomous mobile apparatus;a memory comprising a map memory; and estimate, based on information from the driving unit, an apparatus location that is a location of the autonomous mobile apparatus;', 'estimate the apparatus location based on information from other than the driving unit;', 'acquire an object location that is a location of an object that is present in a surrounding area of the autonomous mobile apparatus,', 'create, based on the apparatus location estimated based on the information from the driving unit or the information from other than the driving unit and the acquired object location, an environment map that includes the object location, and store the created environment map in the map memory; and', 'use, at a time of tracking when the estimation of the apparatus location based on the information from other than the driving unit is enabled, the stored environment map that is in the map memory at a time of reference that is determined by a time of loss when the estimation of the apparatus ...

VALET PARKING METHOD

A method for the optimized use of a parking area. Vehicles which are to be parked on the parking area are each assigned a parking space, the vehicles navigating to the respective assigned parking space, in particular autonomously. Furthermore, vehicles may carry out a change of the parking space in order to enable an improved use of the available parking area or a faster availability of the vehicle, whereby overall an optimized use of the parking area is achieved. Initially, an available range of the respective vehicles is ascertained, and the assignment of the respective parking space and/or a possible change of the parking space are made dependent on the available range of the individual vehicles. The available range of a vehicle is in particular described by a residual fuel amount or a charge state of the vehicle. 111-. (canceled)12. A method for the optimized use of a parking area , the method comprising:assigning each of vehicles which are to be parked on the parking area a respective parking space;navigating, by the vehicles, autonomously to the respective assigned parking space;carrying out, by the vehicles, a change of the parking space to enable an improved use of the available parking area or a faster availability of a vehicle;ascertaining an available range for each of the vehicles, wherein at least one of: the assignment of the respective parking space, and a possible re-parking process, is carried out as a function of the available range of the individual vehicles.13. The method as recited in claim 12 , wherein the available range of a vehicle is described by at least one of a residual fuel amount of the vehicle and a charge state of the vehicle.14. The method as recited in claim 12 , wherein the available range of a vehicle is newly determined at least one of prior to and after claim 12 , the re-parking process by a calculation model for ascertaining at least one of a fuel consumption of the vehicle and a power consumption of a vehicle claim 12 , from ...

Hybrid Modular Storage Fetching System

A hybrid modular storage fetching system is described. In an example implementation, the system may include a warehouse execution system adapted to generate a picking schedule for picking pick-to-cart and high-density storage items, and an AGV dispatching system adapted to dispatch a cart automated guided vehicle and a modular storage fetching automated guided vehicle based on the picking schedule. The cart automated guided vehicle may be adapted autonomously transport a carton through a pick-to-cart area and to a pick-cell station. The modular storage fetching automated guided vehicle may be adapted to synchronously autonomously transport a modular storage unit containing items to be placed in the cartons from a high-density storage area to the pick-cell station. 1generating, by one or more computing devices, a picking schedule including pick-to-cart routing based on order data, the order data including one or more first identification codes representing one or more first items located in a pick-to-cart area of a distribution facility;transmitting, by the one or more computing devices, a signal including the picking schedule to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching system;dispatching, by the AGV dispatching system, a cart AGV according to the picking schedule, the cart AGV including a drive unit adapted to provide motive force to the cart AGV and a guidance system adapted to locate the cart AGV in the distribution facility, the cart AGV adapted to autonomously transport cartons, the cartons adapted to hold items;autonomously navigating, by the one or more computing devices, the cart AGV through the pick-to-cart area according to the pick-to-cart routing to allow picking of the one or more first items located in the pick-to-cart area; andautonomously navigating, by the one or more computing devices, the cart AGV to a pick-cell station according to the pick-to-cart routing.. A method comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. ...

CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD

Various embodiments for controlling a state of an autonomous vehicle that is to meet a user are provided. A receiver receives location information indicating a current location of the user. A memory stores a plurality of states of the autonomous vehicle. Each of the states at least one of visually or audibly distinguishes the autonomous vehicle. A sensor senses an environment of the autonomous vehicle to obtain environment information. A distance from a place of meeting the user to the current location of the user is calculated based on the location information. A first state is selected in accordance with the environment information. The autonomous vehicle is caused to change from a second state to the first state when the distance from the place of meeting the user to the current location of the user becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined distance. 1. An autonomous vehicle that is to meet a user , the autonomous vehicle comprising:a receiver that receives location information indicating a current location of the user; and calculating a distance from a place of meeting the user to the current location of the user, based on the location information;', 'causing, when the distance from the place of meeting the user to the current location of the user becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined distance, the autonomous vehicle to change from a first state to a second state, the first state and the second state being included in a plurality of states, each of the plurality of states being a state in which the autonomous vehicle is at least one of visually or audibly distinguished, the first state including the autonomous vehicle being parked, the second state including the autonomous vehicle being at least one of visually or audibly distinguished from the first state in which the autonomous vehicle is parked; and', 'causing the autonomous vehicle to change from the second state to the first state in which the autonomous vehicle is parked, when the ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING IMAGE RECORDING OF VEHICLE

An apparatus for controlling image recording of a vehicle includes: an input device that receives image recording setting information; and a controller that determines whether to control charging of a battery or an image recording operation according to whether the image recording setting information is input and whether the vehicle is in a starting state, thus controlling image recording while a vehicle is parked without the need for a separate battery and reducing an unnecessary increase in cost. 1. An apparatus for controlling image recording of a vehicle comprising:an input device configured to receive image recording setting information; anda controller configured to determine whether to control charging of a battery or an image recording operation according to whether the image recording setting information is input and whether the vehicle is in a starting state.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the image recording setting information includes time information of the image recording operation when the vehicle is parked.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller performs a control to fully charge the battery when it is determined that the image recording setting information is input and the vehicle is in the starting state.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller calculates a charge amount corresponding to the image recording setting information and performs a control to charge the battery additionally by the calculated charge amount when it is determined that the image recording setting information is input and the vehicle is in the starting state.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the image recording operation according to whether a battery charge amount is received in real time when it is determined that the image recording setting information is input and the vehicle is not in the starting state.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the controller calculates an available image recording time based on the ...

ROBOT RECHARGE CONTROL METHOD, ROBOT AND ROBOT SYSTEM

The present disclosure discloses a robot recharge control method, a robot and a robot system. The robot recharge control method includes: moving a robot to a first position of one of two edge lines of a preset detection signal region; moving the robot from the first position to a second position of the other edge line of the preset detection signal region; moving the robot from the second position to a midpoint of a line connecting the first position and the second position; and moving the robot from the midpoint to the dock section of the charging base. By detecting the two edge lines of the preset detection signal region, the first position and the second position which are axisymmetric with respect to the dock section are found, and then a center point corresponding to the dock section is found through the first position and the second position. 1. A computer-implemented recharge control method for a robot , comprising executing on a processor steps of:moving the robot to a first position of one of two edge lines of a preset detection signal region, wherein the preset detection signal region includes a detection signal emission region of at least one signal emitter on a charging base, and the two edge lines of the preset detection signal region are substantially axisymmetric with respect to a central line of a dock section of the charging base;moving the robot from the first position to a second position of the other edge line of the preset detection signal region, wherein a track of the movement is substantially parallel to a lateral extension direction of the dock section of the charging base;moving the robot from the second position to a midpoint of a line connecting the first position and the second position; andmoving the robot from the midpoint to the dock section of the charging base.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of moving the robot to the first position of the edge line of the preset detection signal region comprises:receiving a detection ...

Robot Management System

A robot management system includes: a server; a plurality of robots operably connected to the server over a network, at least one robot including a sensor; and a graphic user interface (GUI) operably connected to the server, the GUI configured to display a map of a facility comprising the plurality of robots, the map configured to receive from a user the user's instructions to manage the robot. 1. A robot management system comprising:a server;a plurality of robots operably connected to the server over a network, at least one robot comprising a sensor; anda graphic user interface (GUI) operably connected to the server, the GUI configured to display a map of a facility comprising the plurality of robots, the map configured to receive from a user the user's instructions to manage the robot, wherein the system is configured to create the map of the facility, wherein the system is further configured to allow the user to create the map by driving a first robot around the facility.2. (canceled)3. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the map shows robot activity in real time.4. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the system is configured to respond to a user click on a robot by showing one or more of settings of the robot and tools usable on the robot.5. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the system presents the user with a “Send to Location” tool to command the robot to autonomously navigate to a location.6. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the system presents the user with a tool usable to reset a location of a robot.7. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the system is configured claim 2 , while displaying the map claim 2 , to respond to a user click on a robot by displaying analytic information regarding the robot.8. The robot management system of claim 2 , wherein the system is configured claim 2 , while displaying analytic information claim 2 , to respond to a user click on a “a view in map” option for ...

FIELD ROBOT

Autonomous mobile field robots may be used to maintain fields. An autonomous mobile field robot may perform soil mechanics with environment sensors at a sub-region and store the soil mechanics. The robot may further determine soil temperature of the sub-region and store the soil temperature. The soil mechanics and the soil temperature are sent to a monitoring server via a radio access network for storage and analysis. The parameters for the soil of the sub-region may be adjusted based on the soil mechanics of the sub-region with the chemicals from chemical storage units. The robot may return to a home station to refill one or more of the water or chemicals. 1. An autonomous mobile field robot configured to be used in a field having sub-regions , the field robot comprising:one or more environment sensors;a global positioning system (GPS);one or more collapsible set of wings;one or more chemical storage units for adjusting one or more parameters of a soil of the sub-regions;a processor;a network interface coupled to the processor configured to enable communications via a radio access network;a storage device for content and programming; performing soil mechanics with the one or more environment sensors at each sub-region and storing the soil mechanics in the storage device;', 'determining a soil temperature of each sub-region and storing the soil temperature in the storage device;', 'sending the soil mechanics and the soil temperature for each sub-region to a monitoring server via the radio access network for storage and analysis;', 'adjusting one or more parameters of the soil of a sub-region based on the soil mechanics of the corresponding sub-region with the chemicals from the one or more chemical storage units; and', 'returning to a home station to refill at least one of (i) water, and (ii) the chemicals., 'a program stored in the storage device, wherein execution of the program by the processor configures the field robot to perform acts comprising2. The field ...

DOCKING STATION FOR AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTS

A docking station for a robotic lawnmower includes a base, an electrical connector above the base and positioned along a longitudinal axis of the docking station, and a central guide member positioned on the base and along the longitudinal axis. The central guide member includes a right lateral surface extending away from the longitudinal axis and toward the electrical connector from a first end portion proximate the longitudinal axis to a second end portion, and a left lateral surface extending away from the longitudinal axis and toward the electrical connector from a first end portion proximate the longitudinal axis to a second end portion. 1. A docking station for a robotic lawnmower , the docking station comprising:a base;an electrical connector above the base, the electrical connector positioned along a longitudinal axis of the docking station; a right lateral surface extending away from the longitudinal axis and toward the electrical connector from a first end portion proximate the longitudinal axis to a second end portion, and', 'a left lateral surface extending away from the longitudinal axis and toward the electrical connector from a first end portion proximate the longitudinal axis to a second end portion; and, 'a central guide member positioned on the base and along the longitudinal axis, the central guide member comprisinga right lateral guide member positioned on the base and adjacent to a right edge of the base, the right lateral guide member and the central guide member at least partially defining a right channel positioned between the right lateral guide member and the central guide member and extending along the base; anda left lateral guide member positioned on the base and adjacent to a left edge of the base, the left lateral guide member and the central guide member at least partially defining a left channel positioned between the left lateral guide member and the central guide member and extending along the base, wherein the central guide member ...

Waterless cleaning system and method for solar trackers using an autonomous robot

A solar tracker waterless cleaning system for cleaning solar panels of a solar tracker being able to be positioned at a pre-determined angle, including a docking station and an autonomous robotic cleaner (ARC), the docking station coupled with an edge of the solar tracker, the ARC including at least one rechargeable power source, at least one cleaning cylinder and a controller, the cleaning cylinder including a plurality of fins which rotates for generating a directional air flow for pushing dirt off of the surface of the solar tracker without water, the controller including a motion sensor for determining an angle of the solar tracker and a heading of the ARC, the docking station including at least one electrical connector for recharging the rechargeable power source, the controller for controlling a cleaning process of the ARC and for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the ARC.

System and Method for Transfer of Loads From Mobile Robots

A system for transferring loads from a mobile robot device. The system includes a transportable conveyor platform. The mobile robot device transports the transportable conveyor platform to/from a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism lifts the transportable conveyor platform and any load thereon from the mobile robot device and to a desired height for unloading the load. 1. A system comprising:a transportable conveyor platform configured to receive a load thereon, the transportable conveyor platform comprising a frame and at least one roller supported by the frame;a mobile robot device comprising a robot battery, the mobile robot device being configured to receive the transportable conveyor platform and transport the transportable conveyor platform along a surface using electrical power provided by the robot battery; anda lift mechanism configured to lift the transportable conveyor platform from the mobile robot device using a lift mechanism power source coupled to the lift mechanism and separate from the robot battery.2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the transportable conveyor platform comprises a drive mechanism configured to drive the at least one roller to rotate about an axis using electrical power from a power source that is separate from the robot battery.3. A system according to claim 2 , wherein the power source is a conveyor platform battery coupled to the transportable conveyor platform.4. A system according to claim 3 , wherein the transportable conveyor platform includes at least one electrical contact positioned to electrically couple the lift mechanism power source to the conveyor platform battery when the transportable conveyor platform is disposed on the lift mechanism for charging the conveyor platform battery.5. A system according to claim 2 , wherein the power source is the lift mechanism power source claim 2 , and wherein the transportable conveyor platform includes at least one electrical contact positioned to electrically couple the ...

Cleaner and method of controlling the same

A cleaner performing autonomous traveling includes a main body, a driving unit moving the main body, a battery supplying power to the driving unit, a communication unit performing communication with a charging station to charge the battery, a sensor sensing a signal emitted from the charging station, and a controller controlling the driving unit such that the main body is docked to the charging station on the basis of the signal sensed by the sensor, wherein when the main body starts to move to dock to the charging station, the controller determines a kind of the signal sensed by the sensor and controls the driving unit such that the main body moves along a traveling path corresponding to a circle centered on a predetermined point on the basis of the determined kind of the signal.

VEHICLE POSITIONING IN A PARKING AREA

Vehicle positioning in a parking area is provided by obtaining vehicle information of vehicles for positioning in the parking area, identifying unutilized parking space in the parking area, then based on recognizing a vehicle movement event, determining an optimized layout for the vehicles, the optimized layout including position for each vehicle of the vehicles, the vehicle movement event including (i) actual or anticipated arrival of an arriving vehicle to be positioned in the parking area or (ii) actual or anticipated departure of a departing vehicle departing from the parking area, and positioning one or more vehicles of the vehicles to conform to the determined optimized layout, the positioning including automatically controlling movement of at least one autonomous vehicle of the one or more vehicles and repositioning a vehicle, of the one or more vehicles, that is a different vehicle than the arriving vehicle or departing vehicle. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:obtaining vehicle information of a plurality of vehicles, the plurality of vehicles for positioning in a parking area and the vehicle information comprising vehicle dimension and driving direction;identifying occupied areas of the parking area and comparing the identified occupied areas to a total area size of the parking area to identify unutilized parking space in the parking area;based on recognizing a vehicle movement event, determining an optimized layout for the plurality of vehicles, the optimized layout comprising position for each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, the position including vehicle orientation and location within the parking area, and the vehicle movement event comprising (i) actual or anticipated arrival of an arriving vehicle to be positioned in the parking area or (ii) actual or anticipated departure of a departing vehicle departing from the parking area; andpositioning one or more vehicles of the plurality of vehicles to conform to the determined optimized ...

VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, CARGO HANDLING MACHINE, CONTROL CIRCUIT, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM THEREOF

A vehicle-mounted device includes an analysis unit and a control unit. The analysis unit detects an insertion blade on the basis of sensing information acquired from a spatial recognition device, and calculates an insertion distance indicating a distance by which the detected insertion blade is inserted into an insertion target. The control unit performs an amount-of-insertion determination to determine whether or not the insertion distance is in a predetermined range. 1. A vehicle-mounted device comprising:an analysis unit that detects an insertion blade on the basis of sensing information acquired from a spatial recognition device, and calculates an insertion distance indicating a distance by which the detected insertion blade is inserted into an insertion target; anda control unit that performs an amount-of-insertion determination to determine whether or not the insertion distance is in a predetermined range.2. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit calculates the insertion distance on the basis of a distance indicated by the sensing information claim 1 , the distance being a distance from a position of a base of the insertion blade or the vicinity thereof to an insertion portion of the insertion target.3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit calculate the insertion distance on the basis of a timing at which the insertion blade has reached a position indicated by the sensing information claim 1 , the position being a position of the insertion portion of the insertion target claim 1 , and a velocity of a vehicle in which the vehicle-mounted device is mounted.4. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit calculates the insertion distance on the basis of a difference between a distance from the spatial recognition device to the insertion surface when the insertion blade has reached a position indicated by the sensing information claim 1 , the position being a ...

METHOD, SYSTEM AND RELATED DEVICE OF IMPLEMENTING VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY WEIGHING

The application discloses a method, system and related device of implementing vehicle automatically weighing, so as to achieve the automatically weighing of the unmanned vehicle. The method includes: controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a weighing position; weighing, by a weighbridge sensor, the vehicle when sensing the vehicle stopping at the weighing position, and sending weighing end information to the vehicle controller; and controlling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to start and leave the weighing position when receiving the weighing end information. 1. A method of implementing vehicle automatically weighing , comprising:controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a weighing position;weighing, by a weighbridge sensor, the vehicle when sensing the vehicle stopping at the weighing position, and sending weighing end information to the vehicle controller; andcontrolling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to start and leave the weighing position when receiving the weighing end information.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:obtaining, by the weighbridge sensor, vehicle identification information of the vehicle; andsending, by the weighbridge sensor, the weighing result and the vehicle identification information associatively to a payment terminal.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein obtaining claim 2 , by the weighbridge sensor claim 2 , the vehicle identification information of the vehicle claim 2 , comprises:identifying, by the weighbridge sensor, the vehicle identification information of the vehicle; orreceiving, by the weighbridge sensor, the vehicle identification information from the vehicle controller.4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the weighing end information contains indication information indicating the vehicle to drive to a payment position claim 2 , and the method further comprises:controlling, by the vehicle ...

METHOD, SYSTEM AND RELATED DEVICE OF IMPLEMENTING VEHICLE AUTOMATIC PAYMENT

The present application discloses a method, system and related device of implementing vehicle automatic payment. The method includes: controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a payment position; obtaining, by a payment terminal, vehicle identification information of the vehicle, and determining payment amount corresponding to the vehicle identification information; sending, by the payment terminal, leaving indication information to the vehicle controller after determining that the vehicle controller pays the payment amount; and controlling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to start and leave the payment position when receiving the leaving indication information. 1. A method of implementing vehicle automatic payment , comprising:controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a payment position;obtaining, by a payment terminal, vehicle identification information of the vehicle, and determining payment amount corresponding to the vehicle identification information;sending, by the payment terminal, leaving indication information to the vehicle controller after determining that the vehicle controller pays the payment amount; andcontrolling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to start and leave the payment position when receiving the leaving indication information.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the payment amount corresponding to the vehicle identification information claim 1 , comprises:obtaining, by the payment terminal, a weighing result and driving mileage corresponding to the vehicle identification information, and calculating the payment amount according to the weighing result and the driving mileage; orobtaining, by the payment terminal, the payment amount corresponding to the vehicle identification information from a stored charging standard.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:sending, by the payment terminal, ...

METHOD, SYSTEM AND RELATED DEVICE OF IMPLEMENTING VEHICLE AUTOMATIC LOADING AND UNLOADING

The invention discloses a method, system and related device of implementing vehicle automatic loading and unloading, so as to achieve the automatic loading and unloading of the unmanned vehicle. The method includes: controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a loading and unloading position; obtaining, by a loading and unloading control apparatus corresponding to the loading and unloading position, vehicle identification information of the vehicle; verifying the vehicle identification information and controlling a loading and unloading machine to load and unload when the verification succeeds; sending a loading and unloading completion indication to the vehicle controller after the loading and unloading is completed; and controlling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to leave the loading and unloading position when receiving the loading and unloading completion indication. 1. A method of implementing vehicle automatic loading and unloading , comprising:controlling, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle to drive automatically and stop at a loading and unloading position;obtaining, by a loading and unloading control apparatus corresponding to the loading and unloading position, vehicle identification information of the vehicle; verifying the vehicle identification information and controlling a loading and unloading machine to load and unload when the verification succeeds; sending a loading and unloading completion indication to the vehicle controller after the loading and unloading is completed; andcontrolling, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle to leave the loading and unloading position when receiving the loading and unloading completion indication.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a container vehicle; andcontrolling the loading and unloading machine to load and unload when the verification succeeds, comprises:controlling, by the loading and unloading control apparatus, the loading and ...

SELF-PROPELLERED ROBOTIC TOOL NAVIGATION

A method of navigating a self-propelled robotic tool comprises transmitting a wireless signal () along a first signal path between the robotic tool () and a first wireless interface of a base station () remote from the robotic tool (); transmitting a wireless signal () along a second signal path between the robotic tool () and a second wireless interface of the base station (), said second wireless interface being spatially separated from the first wireless interface by a separation distance; upon receipt, comparing the signal transmitted along the first signal path with the signal transmitted along the second signal path to obtain a propagation time difference between the signal transmitted along the first signal path and the signal transmitted along the second signal path, said propagation time difference defining a path length difference between said first and second signal paths; and calculating, based on the separation distance and the path length difference, a value representative of a bearing (φ) from the base station () to the robotic tool (). 1. A method of navigating a self-propelled robotic tool , the method comprisingtransmitting a wireless signal along a first signal path between the robotic tool and a first wireless interface of a base station remote from the robotic tool;transmitting a wireless signal along a second signal path between the robotic tool and a second wireless interface of the base station, said second wireless interface being spatially separated from the first wireless interface by a separation distance;upon receipt, comparing the signal transmitted along the first signal path with the signal transmitted along the second signal path to obtain a propagation time difference between the signal transmitted along the first signal path and the signal transmitted along the second signal path, said propagation time difference defining a path length difference between said first and second signal paths; andcalculating, based on the separation ...

Method, system and related device of implementing vehicle automatic inspection and repair

The present application discloses a method, system and related device of implementing vehicle automatic inspection and repair. The method includes: obtaining, by a vehicle controller, vehicle self-inspection data, and controlling a vehicle to drive and stop at an inspection and repair position when determining the vehicle malfunctions according to the vehicle self-inspection data; sending, by the vehicle controller, vehicle diagnostic information to an inspection and repair apparatus; and determining, by the inspection and repair apparatus, a corresponding repair advice according to the vehicle diagnostic information, and sending the repair advice to the vehicle controller.

PARKING SUPPORT SYSTEM, PARKING SUPPORT METHOD AND PROGRAM

A parking support system includes a parking path planning unit that plans a trajectory of each unit path when moving a vehicle to a target parking position by repeating a movement of the unit path including one forward movement and one backward movement in succession and calculates a vehicle control signal that causes the vehicle to move along the trajectory such that a steering angle of the vehicle is substantially 0 degrees at an arrival position of each of the forward movement and the backward movement. 1. A parking support system comprising a parking path planning unit configured to plan a trajectory of each unit path when moving a vehicle to a target parking position by repeating a movement of the unit path including one forward movement and one backward movement in succession and to calculate a vehicle control signal that causes the vehicle to move along the trajectory such that a steering angle of the vehicle is substantially 0 degrees at an arrival position of each of the forward movement and the backward movement; andan entry detector configured to detect entry of the unit path into an entry prohibited area,wherein the parking path planning unit is configured to change the trajectory of the unit path to a trajectory for stopping immediately before entering the entry prohibited area and to change the vehicle control signal such that the steering angle of the vehicle at a stop position immediately before the entry prohibited area in the changed unit path is substantially 0 degrees, when the entry detector has detected the entry into the entry prohibited area.2. The parking support system according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control signal includes a control signal to keep the steering angle constant after increasing the steering angle from a predetermined angle and then to decrease the steering angle to substantially 0 degrees in steering angle control of the forward movement and the backward movement of the unit path.3. (canceled)4. The parking support ...

MOBILE ROBOT AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

A mobile robot and a controlling method thereof of the present disclosure includes: a main body which travels in an area; a tool mounted at the main body to assist n cleaning; a holder onto which the tool is held; and a charging stand which supplies operating power to move the main body, wherein when the tool becomes separated from the holder, upon receiving a tool separation signal from the charging stand, the main body moves to a position of the tool so that the tool may be mounted at the main body. Accordingly, when the tool becomes separated, the mobile robot may detect a position of a user based on a map, and may move upon recognizing a user having the tool, without requiring the user to move, thereby enabling the user to mount the tool and designate an operation in a convenient manner. 1. A mobile robot , comprising:a main body which travels in an area;a tool mounted at the main body to assist in cleaning;a holder onto which the tool is held; anda charging stand which supplies operating power to move the main body,wherein when the tool becomes separated from the holder, upon receiving a tool separation signal from the charging stand, the main body moves to a position of the tool so that the tool is mounted at the main body.2. The mobile robot of claim 1 , wherein:when the tool becomes separated from the holder, the holder transmits the tool separation signal to the charging stand;when the tool is mounted, the tool transmits a mounting signal; andupon receiving the tool separation signal, the charging stand transmits the tool separation signal to the main body.3. The mobile robot of claim 1 , wherein upon receiving the tool separation signal while a battery is charged at the charging station claim 1 , the main body becomes separated from the charging stand and moves a predetermined distance.4. The mobile robot of claim 1 , wherein upon receiving the tool separation signal while traveling claim 1 , the main body moves to the charging stand.5. The mobile robot of ...

Working apparatus for a limited area

It is described a working apparatus for a limited working area, comprising a base station configured to generate a magnetic field and a self-propelling robot. The self-propelling robot comprises means for moving the self-propelling robot in the working area, a gyroscope, a magnetic field sensor and a processing unit configured to control the movement of the self-propelling robot. The processing unit comprises a magnetic field search module configured to move the self-propelling robot so as to search for the set of contiguous magnetic field lines of force inside the working area according to a defined search path, and comprises a magnetic field tracking module configured to move the self-propelling robot to track at least a portion of the set of found contiguous lines of force by means of a plurality of maneuvers of crossing the set of found contiguous lines of force until reaching the base station.

Autonomous surveillance duo

A surveillance duo that includes a pod and a rover.

Self-driven floor cleaning device

A self-driven floor cleaning device is provided, including a chassis with a center plane oriented parallel to a forward direction of travel and on which a front end of the floor cleaning device is arranged, wherein the front end is the furthest forward projecting end; and an optical sensor mechanism arranged on the chassis, which includes a first transceiver unit arranged to the left of the center plane and having a first detection field crossing the center plane in front of the front end and directed to the front right; a second transceiver unit arranged to the right of the center plane and having a second detection field crossing the center plane in front of the front end and directed to the front left; and a crossing region spaced between 0.8 and 6 cm from the front end, at which the first and/or second detection field cross the center plane.

Charging Station for Tracked Mobile Object

Methods and systems related to a charging station for a tracked mobile object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a charging station is provided. The charging station comprises a charging port for a remote control, a regulator that provides power from a power source to the charging port, a transceiver that transmits an outbound positioning signal to the remote control, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for a method. The method comprises at least one of generating the outbound positioning signal and receiving an inbound positioning signal. 1. A charging station comprising:a charging port for a remote control;a regulator that provides power from a power source to the charging port; anda transceiver that transmits an outbound positioning signal to the remote control;a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for a method comprising at least one of: generating the outbound positioning signal; and receiving an inbound positioning signal.2. The charging station of claim 1 , wherein:the method further comprises processing a controller input from the remote control;the transceiver receives a controller input signal from the remote control;the controller input signal includes the controller input; andthe controller input and the outbound positioning signal are wirelessly transmitted using the same wireless protocol.3. The charging station of claim 1 , further comprising:a user interface;wherein the method further comprises generating a locate-assist signal in response to a command from the user interface;wherein the transceiver transmits the locate-assist signal to the remote control; andwherein the locate-assist signal and the outbound positioning signal are wirelessly transmitted using the same wireless protocol.4. The charging station of claim 1 , wherein:the charging port is also a data port for the remote control.5. The charging station of claim 4 , wherein:the charging port is a modified USB connector; andthe modified ...

VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

A system and method for guiding an articulated vehicle having at least a first section and a second section includes one or more sensors positioned separately from the vehicle and adapted to detect the positions of and the angle between the first and second sections. The system also may include one or more position sensors located on the vehicle. A computing system that may be on the vehicle or positioned separately from the vehicle receives the position data and includes a pose-determining algorithm for determining the position and orientation of the vehicle and a guidance-determining algorithm for determining guidance commands to guide the vehicle to a target position. A communications device communicates the guidance commands or sensed position and/or angle information to the vehicle. 1. A system for guiding an articulated vehicle , comprising:a communication interface configured to receive and transmit data;a computer-readable storage media for storing instructions; and receive first sensor information from a first sensor having a field of view to include the articulated vehicle in a current position and a target position;', 'determine a current pose of the articulated vehicle from the first sensor information;', 'determine a target pose and a target trajectory by which the articulated vehicle can move from the current pose to the target pose; and', 'wirelessly transmit a guidance command to the articulated vehicle to guide the articulated vehicle on the target trajectory;, 'at least one processor configured to execute the instructions towherein the communication interface, the computer-readable storage media, and the at least one processor are positioned separately from the articulated vehicle.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor information includes at least one of a position claim 1 , global angle claim 1 , or relative angle of a first section and a second section of the articulated vehicle.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor ...

Data generation method for generating and updating a topological map for at least one room of at least one building

The present disclosure invention relates to a data generation method for generating and updating at least one room in at least one building in the surroundings of a vehicle, by at least one vehicle, in which an assessment of characteristic motion is corrected without GPS reception by means of subsequently available GPS data, and used for at least one topological map for at least one room of at least one building.

Autonomous Vehicle Paletization System

Systems and methods for automatically servicing autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining data associated with one or more reference mechanisms located on an autonomous vehicle. The method includes identifying information associated with the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the data associated with the one or more reference mechanisms located on the autonomous vehicle. The information associated with the autonomous vehicle includes an orientation of the autonomous vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle maintenance plan for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the information associated with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes providing one or more control signals to implement the vehicle maintenance plan for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the orientation of the autonomous vehicle. 120.-. (canceled)21. A computer-implemented method for automated vehicle servicing , comprising:obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or more computing devices, data associated with one or more reference mechanisms located on a vehicle;determining, by the computing system, an orientation of the vehicle based at least in part on the data associated with the one or more reference mechanisms located on the vehicle; andproviding, by the computing system, one or more control signals to implement a vehicle maintenance plan for the vehicle based at least in part on the orientation of the vehicle.221. The computer-implemented method of claim , wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.232. The computer-implemented method of claim , wherein the computing system is associated with a service depot , and wherein the autonomous vehicle is configured to autonomously navigate to a plurality of maintenance stations within the service depot based at least in part on the maintenance plan.241. The computer-implemented method of claim , wherein the data associated with ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE VISUAL INSPECTION OF A CLOSED SPACE

A system for remote visual inspection of a closed space includes a base station including a distance finder and a light emitter. The base station determines a distance to a projection surface using the distance finder and projects a pattern onto the projection surface of the closed space at a projection location on the projection surface. A robot includes a moveable base supporting an imaging device, a processor, and a storage device storing one or more non-transitory, processor-readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the robot to detect the pattern with the imaging device, determine a location of the robot with respect to the base station based on the pattern, and capture image data of the closed space. An external electronic device is communicatively coupled to the robot. The external electronic device receives image data and displays one or more images based on the image data. 1. A system for remote visual inspection of a closed space , the system comprising:a base station comprising a distance finder and a light emitter, wherein the base station determines a distance to a projection surface using the distance finder and projects a pattern onto the projection surface of the closed space at a projection location on the projection surface; detect the pattern with the imaging device,', 'determine a location of the robot with respect to the base station based on the pattern, and', 'capture image data of the closed space; and, 'a robot comprising a moveable base supporting an imaging device, a processor, and a storage device storing one or more non-transitory, processor-readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the robot toan external electronic device communicatively coupled to the robot, wherein the external electronic device receives image data and displays one or more images based on the image data.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the external electronic device determines a location of one or more ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORIENTING A ROBOT IN A SPACE

An orientation system includes a base station comprising a light emitter that projects a pattern onto a projection surface of a space, an auxiliary station including an auxiliary emitter that projects an auxiliary pattern onto the projection surface, and a robot including a moveable base supporting an imaging device. The robot detects the pattern and the auxiliary pattern with the imaging device, and determines a location of the robot within the space based on the pattern. 1. An orientation system comprising:a base station comprising a light emitter that projects a pattern onto a projection surface of a space;an auxiliary station comprising an auxiliary emitter that projects an auxiliary pattern onto the projection surface;a robot comprising a moveable base supporting an imaging device; and wherein the robot:detects the pattern and the auxiliary pattern with the imaging device, anddetermines a location of the robot within the space based on the pattern.2. The orientation system of claim 1 , wherein the robot determines a location of the auxiliary station based on the auxiliary pattern.3. The orientation system of claim 2 , wherein the robot further comprises a non-transitory claim 2 , processor-readable storage medium storing an instruction set and a processor claim 2 , the instruction set claim 2 , when executed by the processor claim 2 , causing the robot to move to the auxiliary station.4. The orientation system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the pattern and the auxiliary pattern comprise an augmented reality (AR) code.5. The orientation system of claim 1 , wherein the base station further comprises a distance finder for determining a distance from the base station to the projection surface of a room.6. The orientation system of claim 5 , wherein the base station calibrates the pattern to a predetermined size based on the distance between the base station and the projection surface.7. The orientation system of claim 5 , wherein the robot determines the ...

CHARGER, AND METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR FINDING CHARGER BASED ON MAP CONSTRUCTING

The present invention discloses a charger, and a method, an apparatus and a system for finding charger based on map constructing, which are performed by means of: when a map for an area to be localized with a charger arranged in is constructed in real time by a mobile electronic device, the constructed map is updated based on coordinate values of a shift position of the charger when the mobile electronic device receives the coordinate values of the shift position of the charger transmitted by the charger which has shifted. Therefore, when the charger has shifted, it only needs to update the position of the charger on the constructed map without reconstructing map, which has the advantages of low cost, simple operation and effective technical results. 1. A method for finding charger based on map constructing , wherein the method is applicable for real-time mapping of an area to be localized in which a charger is arranged , and the method comprises steps of:taking a position of the charger as a coordinate origin of a coordinate system, moving the mobile electronic device with the coordinate origin as a starting point to traverse all over the area to be localized, calculating and recording coordinate values of a location of an obstacle based on a moving direction and a moving distance of the mobile electronic device relative to the starting point when the mobile electronic device detects the obstacle each time during the traversing process;constructing a map according to recorded coordinate values of the coordinate origin and the location of each said obstacle when the traversal has been finished; andupdating constructed map based on coordinate values of a shift position of the charger when the mobile electronic device receives the coordinate values of the shift position of the charger transmitted by the charger which has shifted.2. The method for finding charger based on map constructing according to claim 1 , wherein when the charger has shifted claim 1 , the ...

MOVING ROBOT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

A autonomous robot includes a main body, a driving unit to move the main body within an operation region, a battery to supply power to the driving unit, and a controller to control the driving unit in a manner that the main body travels along a wall of the operation region to move to a charging stand when a remaining power level of the battery drops below a reference power level, wherein the controller controls the driving unit in a manner that the main body escape from one region corresponding to a closed curve when a movement path of the main body forms the closed curve while the driving unit performs wall following. 1. An autonomous robot , comprising:a main body coupled to at least one wheel;a motor to move the main body within a region by rotating the at least one wheel;a battery to supply power to the motor; and control the motor such that the main body travels along a wall defining the region, and', 'determine when a movement path of the main body forms a closed loop within a prescribed portion of the region,, 'a controller towherein the controller, when determining that the movement path of the main body has formed the closed loop within the prescribed portion of the region, further controls the motor such that the main body stops travelling along the wall and the main body moves out of the prescribed portion of the region.2. The autonomous robot of claim 1 , further comprising an encoder provided in the motor to detect a rotation angle of the main body claim 1 , wherein the controller:detects using the encoder a rotation angle of the main body with reference to a prescribed direction when the main body rotates after the main body enters the prescribed portion of the region,calculates an accumulated rotation angle of the main body with respect to the prescribed direction by using the rotation angle with reference to prescribed direction detected when the main body rotates, anddetermines that the movement path of the main body has formed the closed loop when ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS

An autonomous vehicle for transporting and delivering livestock feed to a feed bunk in a feedlot without human intervention. The vehicle includes a chassis having a translation assembly for moving the vehicle across a surface, a delivery box operably engaged with the chassis and defining a chamber for carrying the feed. A load-dispensing assembly and a load-advancement mechanism are provided on the delivery box. Actuating the load-advancement mechanism moves the livestock feed toward the load-dispensing assembly. A control assembly is provided with programming configured to autonomously control movement of the vehicle along a predetermined pathway in the feedlot, autonomously control the load-advancement mechanism and load-dispensing assembly to deliver feed from the delivery box into a feed bunk at a preset location along the pathway, and/or control the ground speed of the vehicle so that an exact weight of feed is delivered per linear foot traveled by the vehicle. 1. An autonomous vehicle for transporting and delivering a load comprising:a chassis having a translation assembly adapted to move the chassis across a surface;a delivery box operably engaged with the chassis; said delivery box being adapted to carry the load;a load-dispensing assembly provided on the delivery box;a load-advancement mechanism provided on the delivery box; said load-advancement mechanism being adapted to move the load toward the load-dispensing assembly;a control assembly;programming provided in the control assembly, said programming configured to autonomously control movement of the chassis and the delivery box along a predetermined pathway; said programming further configured to autonomously control the load-advancement mechanism and the load-dispensing assembly to deliver the load from the delivery box at a preset location along the pathway.2. The autonomous vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the programming is further configured to autonomously deliver the load from the delivery ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE DRIVERLESS DRIVING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE PARKED AT A START POSITION OF A PARKING FACILITY

A method for the driverless driving of a motor vehicle parked at a start position of a parking facility from the start position to a destination position of the parking facility. The method includes checking whether one or several of the following minimum conditions are fulfilled: an order for the driverless driving exists, the driver of the parked motor vehicle handed over the responsibility for the parked motor vehicle, and a minimum distance of one or multiple persons from the parked motor vehicle is maintained, and beginning with the driverless driving of the motor vehicle only if one or several of the minimum conditions are fulfilled. A corresponding device and a computer program are also described. 113-. (canceled)14. A method for driverless driving of a motor vehicle parked at a start position of a parking facility from the start position to a destination position of the parking facility , the method comprising: an order for the driverless driving exists,', 'the driver of the parked motor vehicle handed over responsibility for the parked motor vehicle, and', 'a minimum distance of one or multiple persons from the parked motor vehicle is maintained; and, 'checking whether at least one of the following minimum conditions are fulfilledbeginning the driverless driving of the motor vehicle only if the at least one minimum condition is fulfilled.15. The method as recited in claim 14 , wherein claim 14 , when the at least one the minimum conditions is fulfilled claim 14 , a time following an end of the check is measured claim 14 , which is compared to a predetermined minimum time claim 14 , the driverless driving of the motor vehicle being begun only when the measured time is equal to or great than the predetermined minimum time.16. The method as recited in claim 15 , wherein claim 15 , following the passing of the predetermined minimum time claim 15 , at least one of the minimum conditions are rechecked as to whether they are fulfilled claim 15 ,the driverless ...

AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE FULFILLMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION

A method and apparatus for a human picker on a picker automated vehicle (PAV) along with its vertical tote conveyors (VTCs) having totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins arranged in rows and columns along aisles to move the human picker both horizontally and vertically to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the bins and place the respective pp items in a preselected ones of totes. Items are later optionally transferred to shipping containers based on each customer order. In some embodiments, horizontal aisle conveyors (HACs) move totes from a configurator along the aisles to the moving PAVs, then back after tote loading by the picker. Totes are transferred from the HACs to upward VTCs, then crossover to downward VTCs, are loaded with stock items by the picker on upward or downward paths, and then transferred back to the HACs to move to shipping station. 1. A method for order fulfillment , the method comprising:storing items in bins located along at least a first side of a first aisle;moving a first guided vehicle horizontally along the first aisle;conveying horizontally, along a first horizontal tote path that runs parallel to the first side of the first aisle, a first sequence of totes moving to the first guided vehicle;conveying vertically each tote of the first sequence of totes to a plurality of vertical locations, each of the plurality of locations being at different heights next to the first guided vehicle;sequentially picking items to be picked from the bins and stowing the picked items in the first sequence of totes;conveying horizontally, along the first aisle, the first sequence of totes moving away from the first guided vehicle to an end of the first aisle; andcollecting the picked items from the first sequence of totes into shipping containers for shipment to customers.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first guided vehicle carries a human operator picker claim 1 , and wherein the sequential picking of items ...

AUTONOMOUS ROBOT TO REMOVE PATHOGENS FROM A TARGET AREA

Disclosed is an autonomous robot to remove pathogens from a target area such as a grass field, turf field, or yard. Embodiments include an ultraviolet light subsystem that generates ultraviolet radiation operable to remove the pathogens from the target area as the autobot advances along the coverage path. 1. An autonomous robot (autobot) configured to remove pathogens from a target area , comprising: an AC/DC converter to transform alternating current (AC) input received from an electrical power supply into direct current (DC) output;', 'a battery to store the direct current (DC) output, wherein the electrical power supply is connected to a charge station to recharge the battery when the autobot is docked at the charge station;', 'a processor mounted on the body portion to store a plurality of position markers and a plurality of executable instructions pertaining to a coverage path of the target area, wherein the position markers are a plurality of underground reference points positioned along the coverage path;', 'a sensing system operative to sense the presence of the position markers and transmit data signals associated with the position markers to the processor, wherein the processor operates in response to a received data signal from the sensing system to compare the received data signal with the stored position markers to determine an actual position of the autobot within the target area;', 'a controller connected to the processor for controlling the movement of the autobot along the coverage path, wherein the processor transmits a correction signal to the controller in response to identifying a deviation of the actual position from the coverage path, wherein the controller adjusts movement of the autobot on receiving the correction signal;', 'an ultraviolet light subsystem connected to the processor to generate ultraviolet, type C (UVC) radiation with a predefined power output operable to remove the pathogens from the target area as the autobot advances along ...

Elevator interactions by mobile robot

A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies.

CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD

Various embodiments for controlling a state of an autonomous vehicle that is to meet a user are provided. A receiver receives location information indicating a current location of the user. A memory stores a plurality of states of the autonomous vehicle. Each of the states at least one of visually or audibly distinguishes the autonomous vehicle. A sensor senses an environment of the autonomous vehicle to obtain environment information. A distance from a place of meeting the user to the current location of the user is calculated based on the location information. A first state is selected in accordance with the environment information. The autonomous vehicle is caused to change from a second state to the first state when the distance from the place of meeting the user to the current location of the user becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined distance. 1. A control device for controlling a state of an autonomous vehicle that is to meet a user , the control device comprising:a receiver that receives location information indicating a current location of the user;a memory that stores a plurality of states of the autonomous vehicle, each of the plurality of states being a state in which the autonomous vehicle is at least one of visually or audibly distinguished;a sensor that senses a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle to obtain environment information; and calculating a distance from a place of meeting the user to the current location of the user, based on the location information,', 'selecting a first state from the plurality of states in accordance with the environment information, and', 'causing the autonomous vehicle to change from a second state to the first state when the distance from the place of meeting the user to the current location of the user becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined distance., 'a processor that, in operation, performs operations including2. The control device according to claim 1 , determining that a current ...

Automatic Working System, Self-Moving Device, and Methods for Controlling Same

A self-moving device, including: a moving module, a task execution module, a control module. The control module is electrically connected to the moving module and the task execution module, controls the moving module to actuate the self-moving device to move, controls the task execution module to execute a working task. The self-moving device further includes a satellite navigation apparatus, electrically connected to the control module and configured to receive a satellite signal and output current location information of the self-moving device. The control module determines whether quality of location information output by the satellite navigation apparatus at a current location satisfies a preset condition, controls, if the quality does not satisfy the preset condition, the moving module to actuate the self-moving device to change a moving manner, to enable quality of location information output by the satellite navigation apparatus at a location after the movement to satisfy the preset condition.

DRY DOCKING STATION

A dry docking station that may include an interface that comprises an interface portion for contacting a self-propelled debris collecting robot when the self-propelled debris collecting robot is positioned at a container replacement position; a container manipulator that is arranged to assist, while the self-propelled solid debris collecting robot is contacted by the interface, in positioning a new debris collecting container into a debris collection position within the self-propelled debris collecting robot and to extract from the self-propelled debris collecting robot a used debris collecting container; a used container storage module for storing the used debris collecting container after the used debris collecting contains is extracted from the self-propelled debris collecting robot; and a new container storage module for storing the new debris collecting container before the new debris collecting container is positioned in the self-propelled debris collecting robot. 1. A dry docking station , comprising:an interface that comprises an interface portion for contacting a self-propelled debris collecting robot when the self-propelled debris collecting robot is positioned at a container replacement position;a container manipulator that is arranged to assist, while the self-propelled solid debris collecting robot is contacted by the interface, in positioning a new debris collecting container into a debris collection position within the self-propelled debris collecting robot and to extract from the self-propelled debris collecting robot a used debris collecting container;a used container storage module for storing the used debris collecting container after the used debris collecting container is extracted from the self-propelled debris collecting robot; anda new container storage module for storing the new debris collecting container before the new debris collecting container is positioned in the self-propelled debris collecting robot.2. The dry docking station ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING LOADING DOCK EQUIPMENT

Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process. 1. An automated docking system for use with a loading dock station , comprising:a first sensor system configured to detect the presence of a vehicle in an exterior area proximate a loading dock door;a second sensor system configured to detect obstructions in an interior area proximate the loading dock door; and automatically instruct the second sensor system to perform a scan of the interior area when the control unit receives a first signal from the first sensor system indicating that the vehicle is present in the exterior area; and', 'automatically enable operation of at least a portion of the loading dock station when the control unit receives a second signal from the second sensor system indicating that no obstructions have been detected in the interior area., 'a control unit communicatively coupled with the first sensor system and the second sensor system, the control unit being programmed with computer readable instructions that, when executed2. The automated docking system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor system is further configured to assist with aligning the vehicle with a loading dock door.3. The automated docking system of claim 1 , wherein the loading dock station comprises a vehicle restraint system claim 1 , and wherein automatically enabling operation of at least a portion of the loading dock station includes automatically enabling ...

System and method docking robotic mower

A method and a system for docking a robotic mower with a charging station, the system including a boundary wire and a charging station loop wherein the boundary wire makes a loop in the charging station that is narrower than and crosses the charging station loop. A return signal is received from a control unit commanding the robotic mower to return to the charging station. In response thereto, the robotic mower is controlled to follow the boundary wire until the charging station loop is detected. The robotic mower then follows the charging station loop until a crossing between the charging station loop and the boundary wire loop is detected. Thereafter, the robotic mower is controlled to follow the charging station loop a first distance, and then continuing to drive the robotic mower in a direction straight forward for a second distance. When the robotic mower has moved the second distance it is turned a predefined angle towards the charging station and controlled to follow the boundary wire loop until a charging position is reached.

Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Parking Process of a Vehicle

A method and apparatus for controlling a parking process of a vehicle. The method including setting an upper speed limit; using a speed-limiting device to limit the speed of the vehicle at a parking speed that is less than or equal to the upper speed limit speed; suppressing an accelerator pedal speed increase request that increases the vehicle speed over the upper speed limit; and performing the assisted parking operation while limiting the vehicle speed and terminating the suppression of the increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is depressed by more than a predetermined value. Wherein the predetermined value is selected as a function of a slope on which the vehicle is located. The invention also relates to a steering system for an assisted parking procedure of a vehicle and a vehicle with such a steering system. 1. A method of controlling an assisted parking procedure of a vehicle comprising the steps of:setting an upper speed limit;limiting the speed of the vehicle during the assisted parking procedure to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper limit speed;suppressing accelerator operation that would increase the speed of the vehicle above the upper speed limit; andterminating the accelerator operation suppression when the accelerator pedal is actuated more than a predetermined value wherein the predetermined value depends on vehicle slope.2. A method as set forth in including using a speed limiting device to limit the speed of the vehicle during the assisted parking procedure.3. A method as set forth in wherein the step of limiting the speed includes limiting the output of an engine of the vehicle.4. A method as set forth in wherein the step of limiting the speed includes using the brakes of the vehicle.5. A method as set forth in including the step of selecting a first predetermined value based on a first slope value and a second predetermined value based on a second slope value with the second predetermined value greater than the first ...

DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS

A driving support apparatus () is configured to support a vehicle () to travel at a parking lot, a parking spot (PS) at which the vehicle should be parked is defined by a parking section line (PL) at the parking lot, the driving support apparatus is configured to: detect a specific edge part (PLE) of the parking section line that is an edge part nearest to a traveling space at which the vehicle travels at the parking lot; set a virtual road section line (VDL) if a plurality of specific edge parts are detected at a specific area (LSA, RSA) located on a predetermined side viewed from the vehicle, the virtual road section line is an approximate line connecting the plurality of detected specific edge parts at the specific area; and support the vehicle to travel on the basis of the set road section line. 1. A driving support apparatus that is configured to support a vehicle to travel at a parking lot , a parking spot at which the vehicle should be parked being defined by a parking section line at the parking lot ,the driving support apparatus comprising a controller,the controller being programmed to:set an approximate line that connects a plurality of edge parts of the parking section line; andsupport the vehicle to travel on the basis of the set approximate line.2. The driving support apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinif the edge parts the number of which is equal to or more than a predetermined number (wherein the predetermined number is equal to or more than two) are detected at a first area that is located on one of the right side and the left side viewed from the vehicle and the edge part the number of which is less than the predetermined number is detected at a second area that is located on the other one of the right side and the left side viewed from the vehicle, then the controller is programed to (i) set, the approximate line located on one of the right side and the left side viewed from the vehicle, the approximate line connects the edge parts detected ...

AUTOMATED GUIDED CART SYSTEM CONTROL

A method of operating an automated guided cart may include directing, using a controller, the cart on a production operation path; automatically detecting a state-of-charge in an on-board battery pack; signaling to a remote station the state-of-charge; and when the state-of-charge is below a predetermined charge limit, the remote station automatically signaling the cart to automatically veer from the production operation path to a low battery charge path and stop at a battery station. 1. A method of operating an automated guided cart , the method comprising the steps of:(a) directing, using a controller, the cart on a production operation path;(b) automatically detecting a state-of-charge in an on-board battery pack;(c) signaling to a remote station the state-of-charge; and(d) when the state-of-charge is below a predetermined charge limit, the remote station automatically signaling the cart to automatically veer from the production operation path to a low battery charge path and stop at a battery station.2. The method of further comprising: (e) when the cart arrives at the battery station claim 1 , activating a battery change indicator.3. The method of further comprising: (e) swapping the on-board battery pack for a spare battery pack at the battery station claim 2 , and (f) activating the cart to return to the production operation path.4. The method of further comprising: (e) swapping the on-board battery pack for a spare battery pack at the battery station claim 1 , and (f) activating the cart to return to the production operation path.5. The method of wherein step (a) is further defined by the controller being located on-board of the cart.6. The method of wherein step (b) is further defined by the state-of-charge of the battery pack being determined on-board the cart.7. The method of wherein step (c) is further defined by a transceiver on the cart communicating with a stationary transceiver in communication with the remote station.8. The method of wherein step (c ...

CART SANITIZING APPARATUS AND METHOD

A cart sanitizing system that has a conveyor assembly configured to selectively move a cart and a cleaning chamber assembly configured to selectively clean a cart positioned therein. The conveyor assembly repositions a cart into the cleaning chamber for a cleaning process and removes the cart from the cleaning chamber after the cleaning process is complete. 1. A cart sanitizing system , comprising:a conveyor assembly configured to selectively move a cart; anda cleaning chamber assembly configured to selectively clean a cart positioned therein;wherein, the conveyor assembly repositions a cart into the cleaning chamber for a cleaning process and removes the cart from the cleaning chamber after the cleaning process is complete.2. The cart sanitizing system of claim 1 , further comprising an unmanned ground vehicle configured to selectively position one or more cart along the conveyor assembly.3. The cart sanitizing system of claim 1 , further comprising a camera system for detecting debris in a cart on the conveyor assembly.4. The cart sanitizing system of claim 3 , further comprising a robotic arm configured to selectively remove debris identified by the camera system.5. The cart sanitizing system of claim 1 , further comprising a fan assembly directing air up from a bottom area to remove debris from a cart on the conveyor assembly.6. The cart sanitizing system of claim 5 , further comprising a trash collection reservoir wherein the fan assembly directs air flow and any corresponding debris to the trash collection reservoir.7. The cart sanitizing system of claim 6 , wherein the trash collection reservoir comprises a sensor that indicates when the trash collection reservoir is full.8. The cart sanitizing system of claim 1 , further comprising a status indicator couplable to a cart claim 1 , wherein the status indicator provides an indication the cart is clean when the cart has passed through the cleaning chamber assembly.9. The cart sanitizing system of claim 8 , ...

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ROBOT CLEANER

Provided is a robot cleaner. The artificial intelligence robot cleaner includes a traveling driving unit configured to allow the artificial intelligence robot cleaner to travel in an indoor space of a home, a cleaning unit configured to remove pollutants, a sensor configured to acquire data that is used to identify a plurality of members, and a processor configured to control the traveling driving unit and the cleaning unit so as to determine one or more subordinate spaces corresponding to each of the plurality of members among a plurality of subordinate spaces by using the data and a map of the indoor space, determine a return time of some or all of the plurality of members, determine a cleaning priority of the plurality of subordinate spaces based on the return time, and perform cleaning according to the cleaning priority. 1. An artificial intelligence robot cleaner comprising:a traveling driver configured to allow the artificial intelligence robot cleaner to travel in an indoor space of a home;a cleaner configured to remove pollutants;a sensor configured to acquire data that is used to identify a plurality of members; anda processor configured to control the traveling driver and the cleaner so as to determine one or more subordinate spaces corresponding to each of the plurality of members among a plurality of subordinate spaces by using the data and a map of the indoor space, determine a return time of some or all of the plurality of members, determine a cleaning priority of the plurality of subordinate spaces based on the return time, and perform cleaning according to the cleaning priority.2. The artificial intelligence robot cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the processor controls the robot cleaner to clean a first subordinate space of a first member first according to a preset cleaning priority and clean a second subordinate space of a second member after cleaning the first subordinate space.3. The artificial intelligence robot cleaner according to claim ...

AUTOMATED LOADING SERVICES FOR COMPUTER ASSISTED OR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING VEHICLES

Embodiments include apparatuses, methods, and systems to provide an automated loading device to a computer assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD) vehicle. A loading service control device is to initiate a loading service to load one or more items into a storage space of a CA/AD vehicle, using an automated loading device. A CA/AD vehicle is to move to a loading area at an appointed time. A mechanical loading unit of an automated loading device is to place one or more items into a storage space of a CA/AD vehicle. A user device is to receive an input from a user, where the input includes information to generate a request to a loading service control device to load one or more items into a storage space of a CA/AD vehicle using an automated loading device. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. 1. An apparatus for computer assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD) , comprising:a communication interface, disposed in a CA/AD vehicle, to receive information from a loading service control device to load one or more items into a storage space of the CA/AD vehicle, using an automated loading device, wherein the received information including characteristics of the one or more items, locations of the one or more items, a time to load the one or more items, or one or more environment parameters; anda control unit, coupled to the communication interface, to issue instructions to a navigation system of the CA/AD vehicle to move the CA/AD vehicle to a loading area at an appointed time, based on the received information.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further to instruct the navigation system to align the CA/AD vehicle with the automated loading device to receive the one or more items claim 1 , when the automated loading device is not a part of the CA/AD vehicle.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further to deploy the automated loading device to load the one or more items when the automated loading device is a part of the ...

DATA EXCHANGE AND RE-SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR VEHICLES

Apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with an infrastructure for re-charging/refueling and exchanging data with vehicles are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus for servicing a computer-assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD) vehicle may include an energy re-supply unit to re-charge or re-fuel the vehicle, a communication unit to exchange data with in-vehicle electronics of the vehicle, a memory device coupled to the communication unit to store data received from the in-vehicle electronics, a networking unit to couple the memory device to a network, the networking unit to provide for exchange of data between the memory device and another device coupled to the network, and a control unit coupled to the energy re-supply unit, the communication unit, the memory device and the networking unit to control operations of the energy re-supply unit, the communication unit, the memory device and the networking unit. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. 1. An apparatus for servicing a computer-assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD) vehicle , comprising:an energy re-supply unit to re-charge or re-fuel the CA/AD vehicle;a communication unit to exchange data with in-vehicle electronics of the CA/AD vehicle when the communication unit is communicatively coupled with the CA/AD vehicle while the CA/AD vehicle is proximally disposed near the apparatus enabling to apparatus to re-charge or re-fuel the CA/AD vehicle;a memory device coupled to the communication unit to store data received from the in-vehicle electronics by the communication unit;a networking unit to couple the memory device to a network external to the apparatus, the networking unit to provide for exchange of data between the memory device and another device coupled to the network; anda control unit coupled to the energy re-supply unit, the communication unit, the memory device and the networking unit to control operations of the energy re-supply unit, the communication unit, the memory ...

TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, SERVER, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A time management system includes a terminal, a server, and a calculation unit. The terminal moves with the vehicle using the berth. The server connects the terminal via a network. The calculation unit calculates an estimated arrival time when the vehicle moving arrives at the berth based on position information. The server allocates a usage time of using the berth by the vehicle arriving at the berth at the estimated arrival time based on the estimated arrival time calculated by the calculation unit and a vacancy situation of the berth, and notifies the terminal moving together with the vehicle of the usage time allocated by the allocation unit. The terminal includes an output unit that the usage time notified from the server. 1. A time management system for at least a first vehicle that uses a berth , the time management system comprising:a first terminal configured to move with the first vehicle, the first terminal comprising a transmitter;a calculator configured to calculate a first estimated arrival time when the first vehicle will arrive at the berth based on position information between the first terminal and the berth; and a processor configured to allocate a first usage time of using the berth by the first vehicle based on the first estimated arrival time and a vacancy situation of the berth, and', 'to notify the first terminal of the first usage time, the transmitter being configured to output the first usage time received from the server., 'a server configured to connect to the first terminal via a network, the server comprising2. The time management system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to determine that the berth is vacant at the first estimated arrival time and claim 1 , after determining that the berth is vacant at the first estimated arrival time claim 1 , allocate the first usage time.3. The time management system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to determine that the berth is not vacant at the first estimated ...

CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ROBOT, ROBOT AND CONTROL SYSTEM

A control method and device for a robot, a robot, and a control system in the field of automatic control. The control device for a robot determines a path for the robot moving to an adjacent area of the bound user by receiving current position information of a bound user sent by a server at a predetermined frequency, wherein the adjacent area of the bound user is determined by a current position of the bound user, and drive the robot to move along a determined path to the adjacent area of the bound user. 138-. (canceled)39. A control method for a robot , comprising:receiving current position information of a bound user sent by a server at a predetermined frequency;determining a first path for the robot moving to an adjacent area of the bound user, wherein the adjacent area of the bound user is determined by a current position of the bound user;driving the robot to move along the path to the adjacent area of the bound user.40. The control method according to claim 39 , wherein the driving the robot comprises:detecting whether an obstacle appears in front of the robot in a process of driving the robot to move along the path;controlling the robot to pause in a case where the obstacle appears in front of the robot;driving the robot to continue to move along the path in a case where the obstacle disappears within a predetermined time;detecting an ambient environment of the robot in a case where the obstacle does not disappear within a predetermined time;redetermining a second path for the robot moving to the adjacent area of the bound user according to the ambient environment;driving the robot to move along a redetermined path to the adjacent area of the bound user.41. The control method according to claim 39 , whereinin the adjacent area of the bound user, a distance between the robot and the bound user is greater than a first predetermined distance and less than a second predetermined distance, wherein the first predetermined distance is less than the second ...

Recharging robot system

The present disclosure relates to a recharging robot system. The recharging robot system may include a signal emission device including at least one signal emission channel. The at least one signal emission channel each comprises an opening. A distance between two central axes of any two adjacent signal emission channels is gradually increased along a direction facing away the signal emitters. As such, an overlapping area of signal ranges of the at least two signal emitters may be reduced, and the robot may accurately determine which signal range that the robot is within, so as to accurately align with the recharging dock.

Automatic Working System and Control Method Thereof

An automatic working system (), and the automatic working system may include a moving device and a navigation device. The automatic working system obtains boundary information of a working area. The moving device may move and work in the working area. The navigation device may be detachably connected to the moving device. The navigation device may be configured to receive a location signal to determine position information of the navigation device or the connected moving device. The navigation device may be universal and may be connected with different moving devices, thereby reducing costs of a single moving device, and for an automatic working system including at least two moving devices, reducing overall costs of the automatic working system. 1. An automatic working system , comprising:a moving device and a navigation device, whereinthe automatic working system obtains boundary information of a working area;the moving device moves and works in the working area;the navigation device is detachably connected to the moving device; andthe navigation device is configured to receive a location signal to determine position information of the navigation device or the connected moving device.2. The automatic working system according to claim 1 , wherein the navigation device is capable of selectively connecting to at least one of two moving devices.3. The automatic working system according to claim 2 , wherein the moving device is embedded with authorization information matching the navigation device claim 2 , and the navigation device is capable of determining whether to match the moving device according to the authorization information.4. The automatic working system according to claim 3 , wherein the navigation device is capable of storing authorization information of successful matching and performs claim 3 , when connected to the moving device again claim 3 , automatic matching based on the authorization information.5. The automatic working system according to claim 2 ...

ROBOT RECHARGING LOCALIZATION METHOD AND ROBOT USING THE SAME

The present disclosure provides a robot recharging localization method including: calculating a directional angle of a first identification line based on identification points near a radar zero point of the first recognition line collected by a radar of the robot; determining a sequence of the identification points in an identification area according to the calculated directional angle of the first identification line, and finding two endpoints of the sequence of the identification points; determining dividing point(s) in the sequence of the identification points; fitting the sequence of the identification points to obtain a linear equation of the first identification line with respect to a coordinate system of a mobile robot; and determining a central positional coordinate of the first identification line based on the dividing point(s) and a linear equation, and determining a relative position of the robot based on the central positional coordinate and the linear equation. 1. A computer-implemented localization method for recharging of a mobile robot to identify a charging identification area , wherein the identification area is defined by a first identification surface and a second identification surface and a third identification surface both extending from the first identification surface in a same direction , the identification area is provided with a charging station having a charging interface , and the first identification surface , the second identification surface and the third identification surface intersect a section of the identification area on a first identification line , a second identification line and a third identification line , respectively , and the method comprises executing on a processor steps of:calculating a directional angle of the first identification line based on identification points near a radar zero point of the first recognition line collected by a radar of the robot;determining a sequence of the identification points in the ...

MOVING ROBOT AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

Disclosed are a moving robot and a controlling method thereof. The moving robot which selectively moves an area based on a stored map to search a charging station within a short time when there is a need for charging due to consumption of a battery. Although a position of the moving robot is optionally changed, the moving robot recognizes a position thereof so that it is easy to move between areas and an influence according to complexity of an obstacle is reduced. Since the charging station in an area may be searched through small moving by setting a specific point in the area as a search position to search the charging station, stop of an operation during searching the charging station may be solved and the charging station may be exactly searched within a short time. 1. A movable robot comprising:a body;a running device configured to move the body;a storage configured to store a map that includes a running region, wherein the running region includes a plurality of areas; and wherein the controller is configured to:', 'set at least one search position in an area of the plurality of areas included in the running region according to a form of an area,', 'control the running device such that the body is to move with respect to a moving path associated with at least the search position, and', 'detect a return signal of a charging station during moving of the body of the movable robot., 'a controller configured to determine a position of the body and to control the body to move with respect to the running region,'}2. The movable robot of claim 1 , wherein the controller sets claim 1 , as the search position claim 1 , at least one of a center of the area claim 1 , a designated point based on data received from an external device claim 1 , and a point according to the form of the area.3. The movable robot of claim 1 , wherein the controller determines a line based on the form of the area claim 1 , determines a plurality of nodes of the line claim 1 , and sets claim 1 , as ...

Autonomous Vehicle Compatible Robot

An autonomous robot is provided. In one example embodiment, an autonomous robot can include a main body including one or more compartments. The one or more compartments can be configured to provide support for transporting an item. The autonomous robot can include a mobility assembly affixed to the main body and a sensor configured to obtain sensor data associated with a surrounding environment of the autonomous robot. The autonomous robot can include a computing system configured to plan a motion of the autonomous robot based at least in part on the sensor data. The computing system can be operably connected to the mobility assembly for controlling a motion of the autonomous robot. The autonomous robot can include a coupling assembly configured to temporarily secure the autonomous robot to an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous robot can include a power system and a ventilation system that can interface with the autonomous vehicle. 1. An autonomous robot comprising:a main body comprising one or more compartments, wherein the one or more compartments are configured to provide support for transporting an item;a mobility assembly affixed to the main body;a sensor configured to obtain sensor data associated with a surrounding environment of the autonomous robot;a computing system operable with the sensor for obtaining the sensor data, the computing system configured to plan a motion of the autonomous robot based at least in part on the sensor data, the computing system further operably connected to the mobility assembly for controlling a motion of the autonomous robot;a coupling assembly configured to temporarily secure the autonomous robot to an autonomous vehicle;a power system operable with the at least one of the computing system or the mobility assembly, the power system comprising a power interface for interfacing with the autonomous vehicle to obtain a power resource from the autonomous vehicle or provide the power resource to the autonomous vehicle or both; anda ...

VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND VEHICLE CONTROL PROGRAM

A vehicle control system includes a receiver configured to receive an instruction from an occupant of a vehicle, and an automated driving controller configured to execute automated driving after the occupant of the vehicle exits the vehicle in a case in which an instruction to perform the automated driving after the occupant of the vehicle exits the vehicle is received by the receiver. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the occupant of the vehicle. 110.-. (canceled)11. A vehicle control system comprising:a receiver configured to receive an instruction from an occupant of a vehicle; andan automated driving controller configured to execute automated driving after the occupant of the vehicle exits the vehicle in a case in which an instruction to perform the automated driving after the occupant of the vehicle exits the vehicle is received by the receiver.12. The vehicle control system of claim 11 , further comprising:a traffic situation acquirer configured to acquire a traffic situation in a progress direction of a subject vehicle,wherein, in a case in which the automated driving controller determines that traffic congestion is occurring at a progress destination of the subject vehicle on the basis of information acquired by the traffic situation acquirer, the automated driving controller executes automated driving to follow a preceding vehicle arranged in a row forming the traffic congestion.13. The vehicle control system of claim 12 , further comprising:a communicator configured to communicate with a terminal device used by the occupant of the vehicle; anda notification controller configured to transmit predetermined information to the terminal device using the communicator before passing through the traffic congestion determined to be occurring by the automated driving controller.14. The vehicle control system of claim 11 , wherein the automated driving controller executes the automated driving after exiting the vehicle claim 11 , on the basis of ...

AUTONOMOUS ROBOT AUTO-DOCKING AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station. 1. A method for energy management in a robotic device , the robotic device comprising at least one energy storage unit and a signal detector , the method comprising the steps of:providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, the base station comprising a plurality of signal emitters including a first signal emitter and a second signal emitter;determining a quantity of energy stored in the energy storage unit, the quantity characterized at least by a high energy level and a low energy level; andperforming, by the robotic device, a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored.2. The method of wherein the step of determining a quantity of energy stored comprises using coulometry.3. The method of wherein the step of determining a quantity of energy stored comprises setting a time period.4. The method of wherein the step of performing the predetermined task occurs when the quantity of energy stored exceeds the high energy level claim 1 , the predetermined task comprising movement of the robotic device away from the base station in response to reception claim 1 , by the signal detector claim 1 , of a base station avoidance signal.5. The method of further comprising the step of returning the robotic device to the base station in response to reception claim 1 , by the signal detector claim 1 , of a base station homing signal.6. The method of wherein the step of returning the robotic device to the ...

ELEVATOR INTERACTIONS BY MOBILE ROBOT

A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies. 1. A mobile robot , comprising:a motorized base configured to move the mobile robot throughout a floor of a building;a wireless transceiver configured to communicatively couple to an elevator system of the building; and{'claim-text': ['identify a target floor different from a current floor of the mobile robot;', 'cause the motorized base to navigate to an elevator on the current floor;', 'determine a characteristic of the mobile robot;', 'modify information stored by a wireless tag of the mobile robot to include the characteristic of the mobile robot;', 'present the wireless tag to a tag reader associated with the elevator, the elevator configured to, when presented with the wireless tag, call an elevator car to the current floor of the mobile robot based on the characteristic of the mobile robot;', 'cause the motorized base to navigate onto the elevator car, the elevator configured to, when the mobile robot is inside the elevator car, move the elevator car to the target floor; and', 'cause the motorized base to navigate out of the elevator car and onto the target floor.'], '#text': 'a controller configured to:'}2. The mobile robot of claim 1 , wherein responsive ...

Autonomous vehicle operated with safety augmentation

An autonomous vehicle is operable to follow a primary trajectory that forms a portion of a route. While controlling the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle calculates a failsafe trajectory to follow as a response to a predetermined type of event.

SOLVING OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MARITIME FACILITY ON OPTIMIZATION SOLVER MACHINES

According to an aspect of an embodiment, operations include receiving a layout of a maritime facility and a first input including a vehicle count associated with a fleet of transport vehicles on the maritime facility. The operations further include determining a weighted graph representation of the maritime facility based on the received layout and generating a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation based on the weighted graph representation and the received first input. The operations further include submitting the generated QUBO formulation to a first optimization solver machine and receiving a first solution of the submitted QUBO formulation. The operations further include determining a set of paths to be traversed by the fleet of transport vehicles on the maritime facility for transporting the plurality of shipping containers to respective destination locations based on the received first solution. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a layout of a maritime facility, the layout comprising current location information associated with a plurality of shipping containers and destination location information associated with the plurality of shipping containers;receiving a first input comprising a vehicle count associated with a fleet of transport vehicles on the maritime facility;determining a weighted graph representation of the maritime facility based on the received layout; 'the QUBO formulation models a vehicle routing problem associated with the fleet of transport vehicles;', 'generating a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation based on the weighted graph representation and the received first input,'}submitting the generated QUBO formulation to a first optimization solver machine;receiving a first solution of the submitted QUBO formulation from the first optimization solver machine; anddetermining, based on the received first solution, a set of paths to be traversed by the fleet of transport vehicles on the maritime ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ROBOTS WITHIN IN AN INTERACTIVE ARENA AND GENERATING A VIRTUAL OVERLAYED

A program for operating a robot, comprising providing, a user interface for controlling a robot, wherein the user interface is from the perspective of a recording device, applying, an overlay over the robot, wherein the overlay is visible through the user interface, enabling, a user to control the position and orientation of a robot, connecting a user device with a robot, converting a request from a user to alter the position and orientation of the robot, where the request is processed based on the requested position and orientation of the robot based on a target location determined by the recording device, detecting, the updated robot position and orientation through the recording device, and altering, the robot position and orientation based on a request from the user and the preserved overlay of the robot based on the new position and orientation based on the recording device perspective of the robot. 1. A computer program for operating at least one robot remotely , the method comprising:providing, by one or more processors, a user interface for controlling a robot, wherein the user interface is from the perspective of a recording device;applying, by one or more processors, an overlay over the robot, wherein the overlay is visible through the user interface;enabling, by one or more processors, a user to control the position and orientation of a robot;connecting, by one or more processors, a user device with a robot;converting, by one or more processors, a request from a user to alter the position and orientation of the robot, where the request is processed based on the requested position and orientation of the robot based on a target location determined by the recording device;detecting, by one or more processors, the updated robot position and orientation through the recording device; andaltering, by one or more processors, the robot position and orientation based on a request from the user and the preserved overlay of the robot based on the new position and ...

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES AND METHODS OF ZONE DRIVING

Autonomous vehicles are capable of executing missions that abide by on-street rules or regulations, while also being able to seamlessly transition to and from “zones,” including off-street zones, with their our set(s) of rules or regulations. An on-board memory stores roadgraph information. An on-board computer is operative to execute commanded driving missions using the roadgraph information, including missions with one or more zones, each zone being defined by a sub-roadgraph with its own set of zone-specific driving rules and parameters. A mission may be coordinated with one or more payload operations, including zone with “free drive paths” as in a warehouse facility with loading and unloading zones to pick up payloads and place them down, or zone staging or entry points to one or more points of payload acquisition or placement. The vehicle may be a warehousing vehicle such as a forklift. 1. An autonomous vehicle , comprising:a powertrain driving a set of wheels, and further including steering and braking systems;a memory for storing roadgraph information including driving rules and parameters associated with a plurality of driving zones;wherein the driving zones include an on-street driving zone and an off-street driving zone;wherein the off-street driving zone includes a warehouse of other facility with loading and unloading zonesa localization system operative to determine the location of the vehicle within each zone;an obstacle detection system; andan on-board computer interfaced to the powertrain, and steering and braking subsystems to execute commanded driving missions using the roadgraph information, localization and obstacle detection systems to transition between on-street and off-street driving zones and pick up and place payloads within the warehouse of other facility.2. The autonomous vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the roadgraph information is associated with on-street driving claim 1 , and each zone is associated with off-street driving.3. The ...

VEHICLE CARGO TRANSFER

A computer comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to detect an occupant in a seat in a vehicle, the seat having a seat position in the vehicle, to receive a request for cargo loading of the vehicle at a specified loading location, to determine a vehicle orientation and path, including approaching the specified location oriented one of forward-facing and rear-facing, to stop the vehicle so that the seat position overlaps the loading location, and to operate the vehicle according to the orientation and path. 1. A computer , comprising a memory and a processor; the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to:detect an occupant in a seat in a vehicle, the seat having a seat position in the vehicle;receive a request for cargo loading of the vehicle at a specified loading location;determine a vehicle orientation and path, including approaching the specified loading location oriented one of forward-facing and rear-facing, to stop the vehicle so that the seat position overlaps the specified loading location; andoperate the vehicle according to the orientation and path.2. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further include instructions to actuate the seat to rotate based on the vehicle orientation.3. The computer of claim 2 , wherein the instructions further include instructions to:detect a second occupant in a second seat in the vehicle, the second seat having a second seat position in the vehicle;based on the vehicle orientation, the specified loading location, and the second seat position, determine a second vehicle orientation and a second path, including approaching the specified loading location oriented one of vehicle forward-facing and vehicle rear-facing, to stop the vehicle so that the second seat position overlaps the loading location; andoperate the vehicle according to the second orientation and second path.4. The computer of claim 2 , wherein the instructions further include ...

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTELLIGENT PALLET

This application relates to a technical field of cargo transportation and provides a method for controlling an intelligent pallet. The method includes: acquiring current shelf location information and performing movement according to the current shelf location information; acquiring cargo information and retrieving preset path information; acquiring weight information of current cargo and retrieving inclination angle threshold information; acquiring actual inclination angle information, and modifying the preset path information to generate updating path information by comparing the actual inclination angle information with the inclination angle threshold information; associating the updating path information with the cargo information and the cargo weight information and replacing the preset path information with the updating path information; and performing movement according to the updating path information. This application has an effect of improving the efficiency of cargo transportation. 1. A method for controlling an intelligent pallet , comprising:acquiring a current shelf location information and moving the intelligent pallet according to the current shelf location information;acquiring a cargo information of a current cargo and retrieving a preset path information corresponding to the cargo information from a preset relationship between the cargo information and the preset path information;acquiring a weight information of the current cargo and retrieving an inclination angle threshold information corresponding to the weight information from a preset relationship between the weight information and the inclination angle threshold information;acquiring an actual inclination angle information, and modifying the preset path information to generate an updating path information by comparing the actual inclination angle information with the inclination angle threshold information;associating the updating path information with the cargo information and the weight ...