A method comprises inputting an audio signal into a machine learning circuit to compress the audio signal into a sequence of actuator signals. The machine learning circuit being trained by: receiving a training set of acoustic signals and pre-processing the training set of acoustic signals into pre-processed audio data. The pre-processed audio data including at least a spectrogram. The training further includes training the machine learning circuit using the pre-processed audio data. The neural network has a cost function based on a reconstruction error and a plurality of constraints. The machine learning circuit generates a sequence of haptic cues corresponding to the audio input. The sequence of haptic cues is transmitted to a plurality of cutaneous actuators to generate a sequence of haptic outputs.

A test apparatus for verifying plugging force of an electrical component having sockets for receiving one or more corresponding plugs in a push fit arrangement. The test apparatus includes a load plate with a support surface orthogonal to first and a second axes. A holder retains the first electrical component on the load plate. A plurality of load cells supports the load plate at spaced locations. A plugging force applied to the first electrical component via the second electrical component is transferred to the plurality of load cells. A processor is provided for receiving load cell data corresponding to the force applied to each load cell respectively. The processor determines the magnitude of the plugging force and the location at which the plugging force is applied to the first electrical component relative to the first and second axes of the load plate.

An example system coupled to a rollator for monitoring usage of the rollator, includes a grip assembly and/or a hip sensing assembly. The grip assembly includes a first sensor configured to detect a force applied to the first sensor. The hip sensing assembly includes a second sensor configured to measure a distance between the second sensor and a hip of the user positioned with respect to the rollator. A microcontroller is electronically coupled in signal communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and a feedback circuitry. When the force applied to the first sensor exceeds a first threshold, the microcontroller activates the feedback circuitry to generate a first response indicating that the first threshold has been exceeded. When the distance exceeds a second threshold, the microcontroller activates the feedback circuitry to generate a second response indicating that the second threshold has been exceeded.

Robots including a lifting actuator for lifting object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a robot includes a rail system extending in a system direction, a body structure coupled to the rail system, the body structure comprising an array of flexible tactile sensors, wherein each flexible tactile sensor of the array of flexible tactile sensors is operable to produce a signal determinative of a magnitude and a direction of a force applied to the flexible tactile sensor, and a lift actuator operable to move the body structure along the rail system.

Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to a container are provided. The devices can include a device housing, a container section, a force measurement sensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend between a first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate the first housing end. The container section can have an open first section end and a closed second section end spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The container section can define a cavity bounded by the first section end, the second section end and the at least one sidewall. The force measurement sensor can be positioned to generate the force measurement data in response to an axial force applied at the first section end.

A circuit retaining system can include a contact monitoring system configured to determine if a retainer is providing at least a selected force and/or pressure to a circuit board when the retainer is retaining the circuit board. The contact monitoring system can include a force and/or pressure sensor configured to be disposed between the retainer and the circuit board and to output a force and/or pressure sensor signal indicating a contact force and/or pressure.

Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to a container are provided. The devices can include a device housing, a container section, a force measurement sensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend between a first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate the first housing end. The container section can have an open first section end and a closed second section end spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The container section can define a cavity bounded by the first section end, the second section end and the at least one sidewall. The force measurement sensor can be positioned to generate the force measurement data in response to an axial force applied at the first section end.

A load detection device capable of preventing deterioration of the accuracy of a load detection with the lapse of time is provided. A first exemplary aspect is a load detection device, including: a load detection part including a curved surface; an application member comprising a flat surface; and a transmission member located between the load detection part and the application member. The curved surface of the load detection part and a first surface of the transmission member come into point contact with each other, and the flat surface of the application member and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the transmission member come into surface contact with each other.

A system comprises an engine mounted to an aircraft wing by a plurality of clevis pins, a respective strain sensor mounted in at least one of the clevis pins, and a monitoring system operatively connected to each respective strain sensor to monitor stress in each of the clevis pins having a respective strain sensor.

An example implementation involves receiving measurements from an inertial sensor coupled to the robot and detecting an occurrence of a foot of the legged robot making contact with a surface. The implementation also involves reducing a gain value of an amplifier from a nominal value to a reduced value upon detecting the occurrence. The amplifier receives the measurements from the inertial sensor and provides a modulated output based on the gain value. The implementation further involves increasing the gain value from the reduced value to the nominal value over a predetermined duration of time after detecting the occurrence. The gain value is increased according to a profile indicative of a manner in which to increase the gain value of the predetermined duration of time. The implementation also involves controlling at least one actuator of the legged robot based on the modulated output during the predetermined duration of time.