Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating spatial affordances for an object, in an environment of a robot, and utilizing the generated spatial affordances in one or more robotics applications directed to the object. Various implementations relate to applying vision data as input to a trained machine learning model, processing the vision data using the trained machine learning model to generate output defining one or more spatial affordances for an object captured by the vision data, and controlling one or more actuators of a robot based on the generated output. Various implementations additionally or alternatively relate to training such a machine learning model.

An automated temperature-controlled outdoor terminal for storage and handover of online grocery orders allowing simultaneous operation of two transactions and a method to operate the terminal is described here.

A method for detecting at least one characteristic parameter of a closure element (12) closing an opening. By means of a handling device (10), a movement is imposed on the closure element (12), wherein at least the interacting force between the closure element and the handing device during the movement is determined by means of a first sensor (20) integrated in the handling device, and position changes of the closure element during the movement sequence are detected by means of a second sensor (26).

A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data that indicates an attribute of the property; a floor sensor that is configured to generate floor sensor data that indicates an amount of pressure applied to a portion of a floor of the property; and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit is configured to receive, from the sensor, the sensor data; receive, from the floor sensor, the floor sensor data; analyze the sensor data and the floor sensor data; and based on analyzing the sensor data and the floor sensor data, perform a monitoring system action.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for robotic learning and execution of skills. A robotic apparatus can include a memory, a processor, sensors, and one or more movable components (e.g., a manipulating element and/or a transport element). The processor can be operatively coupled to the memory, the movable elements, and the sensors, and configured to obtain information of an environment, including one or more objects located within the environment. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn skills through demonstration, exploration, user inputs, etc. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or arbitrate between different behaviors and/or actions. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or behaviors using cached trajectories or plans. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills requiring navigation and manipulation behaviors.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

A special detection area in which detection in accordance with an activation detection algorithm for detecting a person or an object and detection in accordance with a protection detection algorithm having a higher detection sensitivity for the person or the object than the activation detection algorithm are performed is provided. Results of the detections in accordance with the activation detection algorithm and the protection detection algorithm are individually output to an automatic door device.

A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data that indicates an attribute of the property; a floor sensor that is configured to generate floor sensor data that indicates an amount of pressure applied to a portion of a floor of the property; and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit is configured to receive, from the sensor, the sensor data; receive, from the floor sensor, the floor sensor data; analyze the sensor data and the floor sensor data; and based on analyzing the sensor data and the floor sensor data, perform a monitoring system action.

A machine tool includes a bed, a column, a rotary main spindle, a tool magazine, a tool changer, and a controller. The tool changer includes a body provided on the bed so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the column, a changing arm rotatably provided on the body, and a door provided on the body to open or close an opening formed in the body, and configured to partition an area on the column side from an area on the tool magazine side by closing the opening. The controller is configured to move the body in parallel with at least one of an operation of opening the door and an operation of closing the door.