A stair assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a first stair, a second stair, and an actuator. The frame includes a plate extending between a first side member and a second side member. The first stair is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a first step body positioned on a first side of the plate. The second stair is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a second step body positioned on the first side of the plate. The actuator is configured to move the first stair and the second stair between a deployed position and a storage position, and the actuator is separated from the first step body and the second step body by the plate.

A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system. The self-propelled device can further include an internal structure having a magnet holder that holds a first set of magnets and an external accessory comprising a second set of magnets to magnetically interact, through the spherical housing, with the first set magnets.

A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system. The self-propelled device can further include an internal structure having a magnet holder that holds a first set of magnets and an external accessory comprising a second set of magnets to magnetically interact, through the spherical housing, with the first set magnets.

The present invention relates to a transport system with a fleet of self-driving vehicles for transporting persons and/or parcels within a delimited area, a self-driving vehicle for use within such a transport system and a control method of a transport system with a fleet of self-driving vehicles. In order to create a transport system that facilitates low-cost and individual mobility for persons and/or parcels in city traffic in particular, a vehicle control system is proposed according to the invention with an onboard unit associated with the individual vehicle and a central computer, which is connected to all vehicles of the fleet, wherein the vehicle dynamics of an individual vehicle are regulated by the onboard unit and the navigation as well as the integration of an individual vehicle into the traffic is controlled both by the onboard unit and by the central computer.

The present invention relates to a transport system with a fleet of self-driving vehicles for transporting persons and/or parcels within a delimited area, a self-driving vehicle for use within such a transport system and a control method of a transport system with a fleet of self-driving vehicles. In order to create a transport system that facilitates low-cost and individual mobility for persons and/or parcels in city traffic in particular, a vehicle control system is proposed according to the invention with an onboard unit associated with the individual vehicle and a central computer, which is connected to all vehicles of the fleet, wherein the vehicle dynamics of an individual vehicle are regulated by the onboard unit and the navigation as well as the integration of an individual vehicle into the traffic is controlled both by the onboard unit and by the central computer.

Remotely controlled rescue systems and associated methods and kits are described. An example embodiment of a remotely controlled rescue system includes a vehicle, a storage container attached to the vehicle, a cord disposed within the storage container, a personal floatation device attached to the vehicle, and a controller. The vehicle includes a first motor, a support frame, a main body formed of a material that is buoyant in water, a second motor, and a bottom plate formed of a material that is buoyant in water. The first motor is attached to the support frame and produces ground propulsion. The second motor produces marine propulsion and is attached to the bottom plate. The cord has a first end attached to a portion of the remotely controlled rescue system.

Remotely controlled rescue systems and associated methods and kits are described. An example embodiment of a remotely controlled rescue system includes a vehicle, a storage container attached to the vehicle, a cord disposed within the storage container, a personal floatation device attached to the vehicle, and a controller. The vehicle includes a first motor, a support frame, a main body formed of a material that is buoyant in water, a second motor, and a bottom plate formed of a material that is buoyant in water. The first motor is attached to the support frame and produces ground propulsion. The second motor produces marine propulsion and is attached to the bottom plate. The cord has a first end attached to a portion of the remotely controlled rescue system.

A mobile, spherical robot includes a spheroid shell, an internal assembly secured to the shell, and a head disposed atop the shell. The internal assembly is disposed within the shell for propelling the mobile robot. The internal assembly includes a base, a flywheel assembly rotatably secured to the base, a drive assembly rotatably secured to the spheroid shell and configured to propel the mobile robot by rotating the spheroid shell about the base a pivoting arm pivotably secured to the base, and the pivoting arm. The head is secured to the magnetized end of the pivoting arm through the spheroid shell. The head is configured to move relative to the spheroid shell and relative to the base by the pivoting of the pivoting arm.

A mobile, spherical robot includes a spheroid shell, an internal assembly secured to the shell, and a head disposed atop the shell. The internal assembly is disposed within the shell for propelling the mobile robot. The internal assembly includes a base, a flywheel assembly rotatably secured to the base, a drive assembly rotatably secured to the spheroid shell and configured to propel the mobile robot by rotating the spheroid shell about the base a pivoting arm pivotably secured to the base, and the pivoting arm. The head is secured to the magnetized end of the pivoting arm through the spheroid shell. The head is configured to move relative to the spheroid shell and relative to the base by the pivoting of the pivoting arm.

The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.