A method of assisting an individual using a robot concierge system including: determining that the individual is in need of assistance using a sensor system of a robot assigned to the conveyance system; and assisting the individual through the robot.

A system and method for mapping parameter data acquired by a robot mapping system is disclosed. Parameter data characterizing the environment is collected while the robot localizes itself within the environment using landmarks. Parameter data is recorded in a plurality of local grids, i.e., sub-maps associated with the robot position and orientation when the data was collected. The robot is configured to generate new grids or reuse existing grids depending on the robot's current pose, the pose associated with other grids, and the uncertainty of these relative pose estimates. The pose estimates associated with the grids are updated over time as the robot refines its estimates of the locations of landmarks from which determines its pose in the environment. Occupancy maps or other global parameter maps may be generated by rendering local grids into a comprehensive map indicating the parameter data in a global reference frame extending the dimensions of the environment.

A robotic system includes a master device and a slave manipulator configured to support an instrument. The instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an end effector coupled to the distal end. The instrument shaft is optionally configured to be inserted into an inserted position through a port so as to provide the end effector with access to a site. A control system is operably coupled to the master device and to the slave manipulator. In response to input at the master device, the control system controls the slave manipulator to move the instrument based on modeling the end effector as being positioned along a line coincident with a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the instrument shaft. The line does not intersect the port when the instrument shaft is in the inserted position through the port. Methods relate to robotic systems.

A robotic configuration employs a system of low-cost, relatively lightweight beams and linkages fabricated from a planer material from a series of cuts and folds. The beams are folded along crease lines to form a 3-dimensional structure from a 2-dimensional substrate such as a polyester or other semi-rigid sheet. Tabs and appendages, or keys, cut into the planar material engage slots or apertures cut into adjacent members to define linkages. The linkages include tabs that are insertable in a one-way manner, such that removal is prevented but articulate and rotational movement is permitted by the resilient and flexible nature of the planar sheet material. An arrangement of beams and linkages are cut and formed based on a pattern imposed on a single planar sheet. The beam and linkage arrangement defines a robotic configuration for transport and other actions from an actuation source such as a motor.

A cleaner may include a main body configured to be ascendable and descendable with respect to a suspension assembly provided to absorb shocks applied to a wheel assembly, thereby enabling the suspension assembly to continuously absorb shocks even when the height of the main body is adjusted. The cleaner may further include a charging terminal configured to connect to an external docking device to charge the cleaner and provided on a bottom surface of the main body, a drive assembly including a wheel assembly to drive the main body, a height adjuster coupled to the main body to ascend or descend together with the main body and mounted to the drive assembly so as to be ascendable and descendable, and a controller to ascend the height adjuster and raise the main body when the main body is set to be docked with the docking device.

A system and method for mapping parameter data acquired by a robot mapping system is disclosed. Parameter data characterizing the environment is collected while the robot localizes itself within the environment using landmarks. Parameter data is recorded in a plurality of local grids, i.e., sub-maps associated with the robot position and orientation when the data was collected. The robot is configured to generate new grids or reuse existing grids depending on the robot's current pose, the pose associated with other grids, and the uncertainty of these relative pose estimates. The pose estimates associated with the grids are updated over time as the robot refines its estimates of the locations of landmarks from which determines its pose in the environment. Occupancy maps or other global parameter maps may be generated by rendering local grids into a comprehensive map indicating the parameter data in a global reference frame extending the dimensions of the environment.

A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of self-propelled long-range transports and a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for end destinations. Each long-range transport is configured to be loaded with at least four of the loaded containers and transport the at least four of the loaded containers from the warehouse to one or more intermediate destinations. Upon arrival of one of the loaded long-range transports at one of the one or more intermediate destinations, at least one of the loaded containers is separated from the loaded long-range transport, whereupon the separated container delivers packages to end destinations proximate to the one of the one or more intermediate destinations. After delivery of at least some of the packages loaded thereon at the warehouse, the container is once again loaded on the long-range transport and returned to the warehouse to be loaded with more packages.

A robotic system includes a master device and a slave manipulator configured to support an instrument. The instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an end effector coupled to the distal end. The instrument shaft is optionally configured to be inserted into an inserted position through a port so as to provide the end effector with access to a site. A control system is operably coupled to the master device and to the slave manipulator. In response to input at the master device, the control system controls the slave manipulator to move the instrument based on modeling the end effector as being positioned along a line coincident with a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the instrument shaft. The line does not intersect the port when the instrument shaft is in the inserted position through the port. Methods relate to robotic systems.

A vehicle for delivering packages, comprising a tractor comprising a motor, a pair of front wheels, a rear wheel, and a rail between the pair of front wheels and the rear wheel, and a removable container comprising a space for storing packages where a bottom of the container is configured to fit over and mount to the rail.

A system and method for mapping parameter data acquired by a robot mapping system is disclosed. Parameter data characterizing the environment is collected while the robot localizes itself within the environment using landmarks. Parameter data is recorded in a plurality of local grids, i.e., sub-maps associated with the robot position and orientation when the data was collected. The robot is configured to generate new grids or reuse existing grids depending on the robot's current pose, the pose associated with other grids, and the uncertainty of these relative pose estimates. The pose estimates associated with the grids are updated over time as the robot refines its estimates of the locations of landmarks from which determines its pose in the environment. Occupancy maps or other global parameter maps may be generated by rendering local grids into a comprehensive map indicating the parameter data in a global reference frame extending the dimensions of the environment.