One variation of a method S100 for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: collecting a set of images depicting a part positioned within a work zone adjacent a robotic system; assembling the set of images into a part model representing the part. The method includes segmenting areas of the part model—delineated by local radii of curvature, edges, or color boundaries—into target zones for processing by the robotic system and exclusion zones avoided by the robotic system. The method includes: projecting a set of keypoints onto the target zone of part model defining positions, orientations, and target forces of a sanding head applied at locations on the part model; assembling the set of keypoints into a toolpath and projecting the toolpath onto the target zone of the part model; and transmitting the toolpath to a robotic system to execute the toolpath on the part within the work zone.

One variation of a method s100 for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: accessing a part model representing a part positioned in a work zone adjacent a robotic system; retrieving a sanding head translation speed; retrieving a toolpath for execution on the part defining positions, orientations, and target forces applied by the sanding head to the part. The method includes traversing the sanding head along the toolpath, at the sanding head translation speed; reading a sequence of applied forces from a force sensor coupled to the sanding head at positions along the toolpath; and deviating from the toolpath to maintain the set of applied forces within a threshold difference of a sequence of target forces along the toolpath. In one variation of the method, the robotic system executes a toolpath at a duration less than target duration by selectively varying target force and sanding head translation speed across the part.

An autonomous mobile object includes: a moving mechanism; a power-receiving terminal that is supplied with power from a power-supply terminal; an imaging unit configured to image the power-supply terminal at a position separated from the power-supply terminal by more than a distance at which the power-receiving terminal is capable of being supplied with power from the power-supply terminal; a determination unit configured to determine whether to remove contamination of the power-supply terminal based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the image captured by the imaging unit and information on misalignment between the power-supply terminal and the power-receiving terminal, the misalignment being predicted when the autonomous mobile object moves to a position at which the power-receiving terminal is capable of being supplied with power from the power-supply terminal; and a removal unit configured to remove the contamination when the determination unit determines to remove the contamination.

A mobile panel maintenance system including a mobile panel maintenance unit having a base supported for translational motion over a surface within a panel array and a carriage movably mounted to the base to position a panel maintenance assembly in relation to a panel surface for panel maintenance.

The method can include obtaining a digital image of a wood board having a defect, the digital image including a representation of the defect; using a computer: mapping the position and shape of the representation of the defect, and generating blasting instructions based on the mapped position and shape; positioning the wood board in a given position in a cleaning station, the cleaning station having a blasting nozzle and holding the wood board in its coordinate system; and the cleaning station automatically moving the blasting nozzle relative to the wood board and blasting the defect based on the blasting instructions, including moving at least one of the blasting nozzle and the wood board relative to a frame of the cleaning station.

A method includes: compiling lower-resolution images, captured during a global scan cycle executed over a workpiece, into a virtual model; defining a nominal toolpath and a nominal target force for the workpiece based on a the virtual model; detecting a defect indicator on the workpiece based on the lower-resolution images; accessing a higher-resolution image captured during a local scan cycle over the defect indicator; characterizing the defect indicator as a defect reparable via material removal based on the higher-resolution image; defining a repair toolpath for the defect based on the virtual model; navigating a sanding head over the workpiece according to the repair toolpath to repair the defect; and, during a processing cycle: navigating the sanding head across the workpiece according to the nominal toolpath and deviating the sanding head from the nominal toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the nominal target force.

A method of retail engagement includes receiving a worn article from a user in a retail establishment, where the worn article includes dirt or debris on an outer surface of the article. The method then includes robotically cleaning the worn article to at least partially remove the dirt or debris on the outer surface. The cleaning comprises contacting the shoe with a rotating brush, and at least one of the worn article or the rotating brush is robotically manipulated to cause the contacting. Finally, the outer surface of the article may be adorned with one or more adornments, where the one or more adornments are selected by the user.

One variation of a method for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: accessing a part model representing a part positioned in a work zone adjacent a robotic system; retrieving a sanding head translation speed; retrieving a toolpath for execution on the part defining positions, orientations, and target forces applied by the sanding head to the part. The method includes traversing the sanding head along the toolpath, at the sanding head translation speed; reading a sequence of applied forces from a force sensor coupled to the sanding head at positions along the toolpath; and deviating from the toolpath to maintain the set of applied forces within a threshold difference of a sequence of target forces along the toolpath. In one variation of the method, the robotic system executes a toolpath at a duration less than target duration by selectively varying target force and sanding head translation speed across the part.

A method includes: accessing a coating thickness range for workpiece coating; triggering an optical sensor to capture scan data representing the workpiece; triggering a depth sensor to capture a first depth value; assembling the scan data into a first virtual model representing the workpiece; defining first spray parameters corresponding to a minimum coating thickness; defining a first toolpath; driving a coating applicator along the first toolpath to spray the coating onto the workpiece; triggering the depth sensor to capture a second depth value; calculating a first coating thickness based on the first depth value and the second depth value; in response to the first coating thickness falling below the target minimum coating thickness defining a second set of spray parameters and a second toolpath; and driving the coating applicator along the second toolpath to spray the coating onto the workpiece according to the second set of spray parameters.

A mobile panel maintenance system including a mobile panel maintenance unit having a base supported for translational motion over a surface within a panel array and a carriage movably mounted to the base to position a panel maintenance assembly in relation to a panel surface for panel maintenance.