A detection process unit detects an error of at least any of a plurality of work vehicles. A report process unit causes, when an error of a work vehicle among the plurality of work vehicles is detected, specific information on the work vehicle to be reported at an operation terminal communicable with each of the plurality of work vehicles.

A method for training a control policy for a robot device includes acquiring a reference state of an environment of the robot device and a reference observation of the environment for the reference state. The method also includes generating, for each of a plurality of errors of an estimation of a pose of the robot device, an observation that is disturbed with respect to the reference observation according to the error of the pose estimation and a training data element comprising the generated observation as a training input. The method further includes training the control policy using the generated training data elements.

A method for controlling a plurality of mobile robots is to be implemented by a server that communicates with the plurality of mobile robots and a communication device. The server stores a predetermined working route related to a target area. The method includes steps of: receiving a working instruction from the communication device, the working instruction including area information related to the target area and an input quantity of mobile robots; in response to receipt of the working instruction, dividing the predetermined working route into a plurality of sub-routes, wherein a quantity of the sub-routes equals the input quantity of mobile robots; and sending the sub-routes respectively to a plurality of selected robots that are selected from among the plurality of mobile robots to make the selected robots cooperatively implement a task on the target area by moving along the sub-routes, respectively.

A lifting apparatus configured to autonomously traverse to a location proximate a fallen individual and provide assistance to the fallen individual so as to return the fallen individual to a standing position. The lifting apparatus of the present invention includes a movement assembly operable to provide the required directional movement to traverse to a fallen individual. The present invention includes a mapping module that provides objection detection operable to inhibit the lifting apparatus from colliding with objects during the process of traversing to a fallen individual. A vitals sign monitoring module is deployed to provide accurate detection of the fallen individual distinguishing from an inanimate object. A voice recognition module is provided and is configured to facilitate voice operation of the lifting apparatus. A lifting member is movable between a first and second position and is configured to provide support for a fallen individual.

A method for controlling a plurality of autonomous robots for performing environment maintenance operations includes: generating a setup command that indicates a selected location, a plurality of selected robots, an available time slot, and a distribution mode signal that indicates whether the selected robots are to be controlled based on the available time slot or an inputted priority section; and generating a plurality of sub-routes based on different parameters, depending on the distribution mode signal. The sub-routes are generated to be connected into an unbroken trail. Then, the sub-routes are transmitted to the selected robots, respectively, so as to control each of the selected robots to move along the respective one of the sub-routes.

A method of carrying a UAV combined with a package on an assist vehicle (AV) in assisted travel mode over one route section, flying the UAV combined with a package over another route section, and carrying the UAV combined with the package on second AV in assisted travel mode over a third route section, the route sections being contiguous. Also, a method of flying a UAV combined with a package over one route section, carrying the UAV combined with the package on an AV in assisted travel mode over a second route section, and flying the UAV combined with the package over a third route section, the route sections being contiguous.

A method for determining a route for a floor cleaning machine in a total area, wherein the floor cleaning machine comprises a cleaning element that can be activated for engagement with a floor surface, wherein a transport path is determined in a first step, wherein the total area comprises the transport path, wherein the transport path extends between a first and a second start/end area, wherein the cleaning element is deactivated during a movement of the floor cleaning machine along the transport path, wherein a work area is determined in a second step, wherein the total area comprises the work area, wherein the work area comprises at least one of the start/end areas, wherein the cleaning element is activated during a movement of the floor cleaning machine along a work path within the work area, wherein the route comprises the transport path.

A platooning assistance device and a program with which it is possible to distribute the effect of platooning, and make payment. The platooning assistance device lets each of a plurality of vehicles forming a platoon have: a transaction data generation unit that generates platoon identification information identifying the platoon, vehicle identification information identifying the vehicle, and fuel consumption of the vehicle during platooning as transaction data; and a communication unit that transmits the generated transaction data to a network, and receives, from the network, data is the transaction data of each of the plurality of vehicles, and approved by a blockchain function. Any one of the plurality of vehicles has: a storage unit that stores smart contract data having a programmed, process for distributing the effect of platooning and making payment; and an execution unit that executes the process, on the basis of the approved data, in the blockchain.

The present disclosure generally relates to autonomous operation of material handling vehicles within a facility, such as a factory or warehouse. An unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle can encounter a variety of issues operating within the facility, and may need assistance to resolve such issues. The unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle can transmit a request for assistance to a manned, non-autonomous material handling vehicle, and a human operating the manned, non-autonomous material handling vehicle can assist the unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle.

A robotic vehicle comprising a chassis and a manipulatable payload engagement portion, at least one sensor configured to acquire real-time sensor data, a pose validation system comprising computer program code executable by at least one processor to evaluate the sensor data to: determine if a goal pose of the robotic vehicle will result in a collision with infrastructure upon which the object is located when the engagement portion engages the object. If a potential collision is detected, the pose validation system can generate a signal to adjust the robotic vehicle's pose to avoid the collision. A corresponding method is also provided.