316results about "Robot" patented technology

A method for terrain and constraint planning a step plan includes receiving, at data processing hardware of a robot, image data of an environment about the robot from at least one image sensor. The robot includes a body and legs. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a body-obstacle map, a ground height map, and a step-obstacle map based on the image data and generating, by the data processing hardware, a body path for movement of the body of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body-obstacle map. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a step path for the legs of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body path, the body-obstacle map, the ground height map, and the step-obstacle map.

A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

An information processing method of an information processor includes: obtaining information received from a mobile body through a wireless communication, the mobile body including a movement mechanism and an imaging unit configured to capture image data, the information received from the mobile body including captured image data obtained by the imaging unit, with the captured image data being updated periodically; and generating route guidance information for use in moving the mobile body by the movement mechanism. The captured image data is stored together with data update time information. The route guidance information includes at least two selectable routes. The route guidance information is generated based on the captured image data, position information of the mobile body, and the data update time information.

A surgical system and method of operating the same. A manipulator supports and facilitates movement of a surgical tool along a tool path relative to a surgical site. A navigation system includes a localizer to monitor states of the manipulator and the surgical site. Controller(s) determine a commanded state of the surgical tool and an actual state of the surgical tool relative to the tool path for a given time step. The controller(s) detect a deviation between the commanded state and the actual state of the surgical tool for the given time step. The controller(s) respond to the deviation by modification of one or both of: a feed rate of the surgical tool; and the tool path. In some implementations, the controller(s) predict, based on the deviation, a future deviation between a future commanded state and a future actual state of the surgical tool for a given future time step.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, computer program products, and computer systems of a robotic apparatus with robotic instructions replicating a food preparation recipe. In one embodiment, a robotic control platform, comprises one or more sensors; a mechanical robotic structure including one or more end effectors, and one or more robotic arms; an electronic library database of minimanipulations; a robotic planning module configured for real-time planning and adjustment based at least in part on the sensor data received from the one or more sensors in an electronic multi-stage process file, the electronic multi-stage process recipe file including a sequence of minimanipulations and associated timing data; a robotic interpreter module configured for reading the minimanipulation steps from the minimanipulation library and converting to a machine code; and a robotic execution module configured for executing the minimanipulation steps by the robotic platform to accomplish a functional result.

Surgical systems and methods for manipulation of an anatomy that includes cortical and cancellous bone. A surgical manipulator has a robotic arm to move an instrument with an energy applicator. A sensor senses forces / torques applied to the energy applicator. Controller(s) obtain a tool path for the energy applicator to traverse. A segment of the tool path transitions into, or between, cortical bone and cancellous bone. The controller(s) control the manipulator to advance the energy applicator along the tool path according to a first feed rate to manipulate the cortical or cancellous bone and detect, with the sensor, a change in the forces / torques being indicative of the transition. In response to detection of this change, the controller(s) control the manipulator to advance the energy applicator along the tool path according to a second feed rate, greater / less than the first feed rate.

A store server and a picking robot are included. The store server includes an order reception unit that receives an order for a product from a customer terminal, and a picking processing unit that instructs the picking robot to pick a product related to the order from a display shelf and convey the product to a delivery locker. The picking robot includes an arm, a picking means installed at a tip end portion of the arm, and a sensor installed near the tip end portion of the arm, detects an object by image processing from an image of a display level on which the product is displayed, the image being photographed by the sensor, identifies which object the product is by image recognition processing based on a recognition model set for each product regarding each object, and moves the picking means to a position where the product can be picked.

A surgical system and method of operating the same. A manipulator supports and facilitates movement of a surgical tool along a tool path relative to a surgical site. Controller(s) determine commanded states and actual states of the surgical tool relative to the tool path for a plurality of time steps. The controller(s) detect at least one deviation between the commanded states and the actual states of the surgical tool for at least one of the plurality of time steps. The controller(s) respond to the deviation by modification of one or both of: a feed rate of the surgical tool; and the tool path.

An embodiment discloses a method of generating an overtaking trajectory of a mobile robot which allows the mobile robot to move along a set path as much as possible and in which the mobile robot can return to the set path with minimal avoidance when movement of the mobile robot is impossible due to an obstacle, etc. during the movement of the mobile robot, and a mobile robot capable of overtaking using the same.

An automated painting system that includes a robotic arm and a painting end effector coupled at a distal end of the robotic arm, with the painting end effector configured to apply paint to a target surface. The painting system can also include a computing device executing a computational planner that: generates instructions for driving the painting end effector and robotic arm to perform at least one painting task that includes applying paint, via the painting the end effector, to a plurality of drywall pieces, the generating based at least in part on obtained target surface data; and drives the end effector and robotic arm to perform the at least one painting task.

An end effector is disclosed. Exemplary end effector includes a paddle, wherein a proximal end of the paddle is provided with a rear protrusion for positioning a substrate; a ring extending from the paddle, wherein the ring is provided with a circular protrusion for supporting the substrate; and a blade extending from the ring, wherein a distal end of the blade is provided with a front protrusion for positioning a substrate.

A method of operating a mobile robot includes generating a segmentation map defining respective regions of a surface based on occupancy data that is collected by a mobile robot responsive to navigation of the surface, identifying sub-regions of at least one of the respective regions as non-clutter and clutter areas, and computing a coverage pattern based on identification of the sub-regions. The coverage pattern indicates a sequence for navigation of the non-clutter and clutter areas, and is provided to the mobile robot. Responsive to the coverage pattern, the mobile robot sequentially navigates the non-clutter and clutter areas of the at least one of the respective regions of the surface in the sequence indicated by the coverage pattern. Related methods, computing devices, and computer program products are also discussed.

An insertion tool for performing an operation on equipment, the insertion tool including: a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments including a body comprising: a first hinge; and a second hinge, the first hinge of a first segment being coupled to the second hinge of a second segment adjacent to the first segment through an interface, wherein the interface comprises a powder gap, a multi-modal interface, a compliance feature, a displace-to-lock configuration, an interference fit, or any combination thereof, wherein the insertion tool is configured to be selectively rigidizable using a strength member interfacing with the plurality of segments.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a first sensor on a robot, first sensor data indicative of an environment of the robot. The method also includes identifying, based on the first sensor data, an object of an object type in the environment of the robot, where the object type is associated with a classifier that takes sensor data from a predetermined pose relative to the object as input. The method further includes causing the robot to position a second sensor on the robot at the predetermined pose relative to the object. The method additionally includes receiving, from the second sensor, second sensor data indicative of the object while the second sensor is positioned at the predetermined pose relative to the object. The method further includes determining, by inputting the second sensor data into the classifier, a property of the object.

A method for terrain and constraint planning a step plan includes receiving, at data processing hardware of a robot, image data of an environment about the robot from at least one image sensor. The robot includes a body and legs. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a body-obstacle map, a ground height map, and a step-obstacle map based on the image data and generating, by the data processing hardware, a body path for movement of the body of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body-obstacle map. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a step path for the legs of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body path, the body-obstacle map, the ground height map, and the step-obstacle map.

A mobile robot that is capable of autonomous movement includes: a safe area obtainer that, when an anomaly in the mobile robot is detected during autonomous movement of the mobile robot, obtains information on a safe area identified based on a state of surroundings of the mobile robot, the safe area being an area at which the mobile robot can stop; and a controller that, when an anomaly in the mobile robot is detected during autonomous movement of the mobile robot, causes the mobile robot to move to the safe area based on the information on the safe area.

Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets are disclosed for fully- and / or partly automated handling of goods. The disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

An insertion tool for performing an operation on equipment, the insertion tool including: a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments including a body comprising: a first hinge; and a second hinge, the first hinge of a first segment being coupled to the second hinge of a second segment adjacent to the first segment through an interface, wherein the interface comprises a powder gap, a multi-modal interface, a compliance feature, a displace-to-lock configuration, an interference fit, or any combination thereof, wherein the insertion tool is configured to be selectively rigidizable using a strength member interfacing with the plurality of segments.

An automated system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures. The system includes automated fixtures that maneuver a needle and a target device. The automated fixtures can be suturing arms, target device holders, needle transfer fixtures, and / or needle holders. The automated fixtures can rotate a target device held by the holder to allow one or more additional automated fixtures to perform operations such as form sutures on the target device without intervention of a human operator. The system can include a display system configured to display status information of a suturing procedure.

A method of mowing with an autonomous robot lawnmower includes traversing a mowable area with the autonomous robot lawnmower carrying a cutter and a vegetation characteristic sensor. The vegetation characteristic sensor is configured to generate sensor data in response to detecting a vegetation characteristic of the mowable area. The vegetation characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a moisture content, a grass height, and a color. The method includes storing position-referenced data representing the vegetation characteristic detected across the mowable area. The position-referenced data is based at least in part on the sensor data and position data. The method includes sending data to a remote device to cause the remote device to display a map including information based on the position-referenced data.

A method of operating a mobile robot includes generating a segmentation map defining respective regions of a surface based on occupancy data that is collected by a mobile robot responsive to navigation of the surface, identifying sub-regions of at least one of the respective regions as non-clutter and clutter areas, and computing a coverage pattern based on identification of the sub-regions. The coverage pattern indicates a sequence for navigation of the non-clutter and clutter areas, and is provided to the mobile robot. Responsive to the coverage pattern, the mobile robot sequentially navigates the non-clutter and clutter areas of the at least one of the respective regions of the surface in the sequence indicated by the coverage pattern. Related methods, computing devices, and computer program products are also discussed.

To provide a robotic surgery system, a method and an apparatus.SOLUTION: The present teachings relate to surgery. More specifically, the present teachings relate to an apparatus and a method for providing minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery. A surgical system may be configured to be a minimally invasive and / or computer assisted surgical system. Operation of the system may be controlled by transmission of a force from a first section to a second section of the system. The first section and the second section may be separated by a partition or a barrier. The first section may be a non-sterile section, and the second section may be a sterile section of the surgical system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

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

A computing device and method are provided for transmitting a relevant subset of map data, called a neighborhood, to enable mutual spatial understanding by multiple display devices around a target virtual location to display a shared hologram in the same exact location in the physical environment at the same moment in time. The computing device may comprise a processor, a memory operatively coupled to the processor, and an anchor transfer program stored in the memory and executed by the processor.

A method of safely operating machinery in a workspace includes recording images of a portion of a workspace. The method also includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the portion of the workspace based on the recorded images, where the 3D representation includes one or more volumes that correspond to the portion of the workspace. Additionally, the method includes identifying one or more of the volumes as being either occupied or unoccupied. Further, the method includes mapping one or more safe zones based on the one or more identified volumes, where the safe zones correspond to one or more regions within the portion of the workspace for safe operation of machinery.

Surgical systems and methods of operating the same involve controlling a robotic manipulator to move a cutting instrument to cut away material from a bone at a surgical site. A machine vision system uses a vision camera to detect an object at, or in proximity to, the surgical site. A control system associates a virtual boundary with the detected object and controls the robotic manipulator to move the cutting instrument based on the virtual boundary such that the cutting instrument avoids the detected object. In one example, the control system modifies a tool path of the cutting instrument based on the virtual boundary to avoid the detected object. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system can automatically adjust an orientation of the cutting instrument based on the virtual boundary to avoid the detected object.

Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.

A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an imaging system, and a mapping module. The mapping module may access a plan view map of an area and tags associated with the area. In various embodiments, each tag may include tag coordinates and tag information, which may include a tag annotation. A tag identification system may identify tags within a predetermined range of the current position and the control system may execute an action based on an identified tag whose tag information comprises a telepresence robot action modifier. The telepresence robot may rotate an upper portion independent from a lower portion. A remote terminal may allow an operator to control the telepresence robot using any combination of control methods, including by selecting a destination in a live video feed, by selecting a destination on a plan view map, or by using a joystick or other peripheral device.

Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets are disclosed for fully- and / or partly automated handling of goods. The disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.