A transport device is for carrying and moving objects from one location to another. In an embodiment, the transport device includes a chassis and at least four motor-driven omnidirectional wheels arranged on the chassis. The chassis is configured to adapt the wheelbase and the track gauge of the omnidirectional wheels according to the size of the object. A corresponding method for operating such transport device is further specified in an embodiment. The embodiments of the application lie in the universal usage of the transport device for nearly all sizes and shapes of an object.

An autonomous driving vehicle includes a vicinity sensor, an information presentation unit, an operation unit, a collection unit to previously collect an anxiety start position based on the experiment participant's operation on the operation unit along a route, and a control unit to control operation of the autonomous driving vehicle based on road information, vehicle information, vicinity detection information, and the anxiety start position. The control unit sets a presentation start position, as a position where the information presentation unit is made to start presenting anxiety reduction information, before the anxiety start position in the route of autonomous traveling with a user riding therein, and makes the information presentation unit start the presentation of the anxiety reduction information when the autonomous driving vehicle with the user riding therein reaches the presentation start position.

An apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a patient support mechanism, and an electronic system. The drive mechanism is included in a trolley and is configured to suspend the trolley from a support track. The drive mechanism includes a first sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the drive mechanism. The patient support mechanism couples to the trolley and includes a tether and a second sensor. The tether can be operatively coupled to a patient such that the patient support mechanism supports the patient. The second sensor is configured to sense an operating condition of the patient support mechanism. The electronic system is included in the trolley and has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a gait characteristic of the patient based at least in part on a signal received from the first sensor and a signal received from the second sensor.

An apparatus a and method for networked transportation of patients or people with impaired mobility in a hospital bed, or nursing bed, having the following method features: a) a patient in question or an applicable caregiver is reported by a control centre as in need of transportation from one ward A to another ward B, b) the nursing staff on ward A beds down or puts the person in question into a special transportation bed or a special transportation chair and reports to the control centre when this person is correctly supported, this being able to be checked by means of a pressure sensor (23) in the lying area or sitting area, the identity being ensured by the nursing staff or being able to be checked by means of a patient identity card, c) the patient is automatically moved to ward B, d) the patient is brought to his treatment in ward B and then transported back to ward A by the same route.

A processing system for a motorized mobile system includes at least one sensor to measure one or more kinematic states of an object proximate to the motorized mobile system and at least one processor to use at least one state estimation filter and at least one object kinematic model. The processor uses the at least one state estimation filter and the at least one object kinematic model to predict a first kinematic state estimate of the object based on a prior knowledge of state for the object and output the predicted first kinematic state estimate of the object from the state estimation filter for use by at least one other process of the motorized mobile system, wherein the at least one other process causes one or more actions to be taken by the motorized mobile system based on the predicted first kinematic state estimate of the object. The processor further uses the at least one state estimation filter and the at least one object kinematic model to receive a measured kinematic state of the object observed by the sensor, use the predicted first kinematic state estimate of the object and the measured kinematic state of the object observed by the sensor to determine a second kinematic state estimate of the object, and use the second kinematic state estimate of the object as an input to the state estimation filter using the object kinematic model to predict another kinematic state estimate of the object.

The modular wheelchair system includes an upper component, and an autonomous power base configured to detachably couple to the upper component. The autonomous power base includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the autonomous power base to: determine whether the upper component is separated from the autonomous power base; and navigate to a location in response to determination that the upper component is detached from the autonomous power base.

Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, or the like, include control systems with one or more image, radar, and/or laser sensors to detect objects and determine if a likelihood of collision exists. If so, the control system controls the speed and steering of the patient support apparatus in order to reduce the likelihood of collision. The control system may be adapted to autonomously drive the patient support apparatus, to transmit a message to a remote device indicating whether it is occupied by a patient or not, and/or to transmit its route to the remote device. The remote device may determine an estimate of a time of arrival of the patient support apparatus at a particular destination and/or determine a distance of the patient support apparatus from the particular destination.

The present invention is directed toward a system and method for effectively managing, transporting, and taking care of patients in a hospital facility. Primarily this is done through the use of an automated bed with corresponding controls and devices installed within the facility. Precautionary fail safes are implemented such that any medical profession can override the system should an error be detected. Constant monitoring and control of all automated beds may occur from a centralized system. These systems and methods will allow for better allocation of hospital resources, providing much more efficient care to all patients.

A remote rescue vehicle for an extraplanetary environment includes a vehicle body, a drive mechanism connected to the vehicle body to convey the vehicle across an extraplanetary environment, and one or more lifting arms operably connected to the vehicle body. The one or more lifting arms are configured to lift an incapacitated crew member into the vehicle body. A remote rescue vehicle system for an extraplanetary environment includes a remote rescue vehicle including a vehicle body, a drive mechanism connected to the vehicle body to convey the vehicle across an extraplanetary environment, and one or more lifting arms operably connected to the vehicle body. The one or more lifting arms are configured to lift an incapacitated crew member into the vehicle body. A control system is wirelessly connected to the remote rescue vehicle to control operation of the remote rescue vehicle.