Disclosed is a power saving system and power saving method for an intelligent robot, including a central processing unit, a first device group and a second device group. When a voltage level of the battery is changed to a second voltage level from the first voltage level, the central processing unit controls the first device group to stop receiving energy from the battery. When the voltage level of the battery is changed to a third voltage level from the second voltage level, the central processing unit controls the second device group to stop receiving energy from the battery. When the voltage level of the battery is changed to a voltage threshold value from the third voltage level, the central processing unit controls the intelligent robot to stop receiving energy from the battery.

An embodiment method for controlling a physical object to be shared by several potential users and in an enclosure in an open state or in a closed state includes detecting a presence or an absence of the object in the enclosure in the closed state via a first wireless link between the object and a reader situated in the enclosure, the first wireless link being contained in the enclosure in the closed state. The method also includes transmitting a first information item representative of the presence or of the absence of the object in the enclosure to a computer server via a second link and an internet network, the computer server being accessible via a website configured to be managed by an administrator.

An embodiment method for controlling a physical object to be shared by several potential users and in an enclosure in an open state or in a closed state includes detecting a presence or an absence of the object in the enclosure in the closed state via a first wireless link between the object and a reader situated in the enclosure, the first wireless link being contained in the enclosure in the closed state. The method also includes transmitting a first information item representative of the presence or of the absence of the object in the enclosure to a computer server via a second link and an internet network, the computer server being accessible via a website configured to be managed by an administrator.

Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitoring product placement within a shopping facility. Some embodiments provide an apparatus configured to determine product placement conditions within a shopping facility, comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications; a product monitoring control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled with the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: obtain a composite three-dimensional (3D) scan mapping corresponding to at least a select area of the shopping facility and based on a series of 3D scan data; evaluate the 3D scan mapping to identify multiple product depth distances; and identify, from the evaluation of the 3D scan mapping, when one or more of the multiple product depth distances is greater than a predefined depth distance threshold from the reference offset distance of the product support structure.

Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitoring product placement within a shopping facility. Some embodiments provide an apparatus configured to determine product placement conditions within a shopping facility, comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications; a product monitoring control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled with the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: obtain a composite three-dimensional (3D) scan mapping corresponding to at least a select area of the shopping facility and based on a series of 3D scan data; evaluate the 3D scan mapping to identify multiple product depth distances; and identify, from the evaluation of the 3D scan mapping, when one or more of the multiple product depth distances is greater than a predefined depth distance threshold from the reference offset distance of the product support structure.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

A safety sensor for monitoring the operational safety of a system comprises at least one safety signal input and at least one safety signal output. The safety sensor has a control unit. The control unit imprints the output safety signal with additional data, wherein the signal value of the output safety signal is changed within the limits of the value range assigned to the presently output signal state of the output safety signal depending on the additional data of the signal value of the output safety signal, and/or the control unit imprints the received input safety signal with additional data, wherein the signal value of the received input safety signal is changed within the limits of the value range assigned to the presently received signal state of the input safety signal depending on the additional data of the signal value of the received input safety signal.

A safety sensor for monitoring the operational safety of a system comprises at least one safety signal input and at least one safety signal output. The safety sensor has a control unit. The control unit imprints the output safety signal with additional data, wherein the signal value of the output safety signal is changed within the limits of the value range assigned to the presently output signal state of the output safety signal depending on the additional data of the signal value of the output safety signal, and/or the control unit imprints the received input safety signal with additional data, wherein the signal value of the received input safety signal is changed within the limits of the value range assigned to the presently received signal state of the input safety signal depending on the additional data of the signal value of the received input safety signal.

A method of securing at least one hazard zone comprising a hazardous machine is provided, wherein objects are detected in an environment of the hazard zone from measured data of at least one 3D sensor, and wherein a safety directed reaction of the machine takes place on an impending danger. A switch is made to at least one new hazard zone to be activated during the operation of the machine and a check is made whether the new hazard zone to be secured is free of objects.