A method for controlling a serving robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a first time to request payment from a customer on the basis of identification information on the customer and information on an order of the customer acquired with respect to the customer; acquiring information on eating status of the customer at a second time associated with the first time; and adjusting at least one of the first time and the second time on the basis of at least one of the information on the eating status of the customer and information on an additional order of the customer additionally acquired with respect to the customer.

A customer service robot may be selected, or configured, to address a particular work item. Robots may comprise different functionality due to absent software or hardware or due to existent but worn or non-compliant components. A particular work item may have several means of resolution. A particular resolution path is selected in accord with the ability of a robot. Should no path exist, the robot may be transformed by the addition or installation of hardware and/or software to provide the absent functionality. Resolution paths may also be weighted based on the level of success provided by prior resolution paths and/or the requirement for human involvement. Accordingly, a resolution path may be provided that balances robot capability with the likelihood of success and an appropriate level of human involvement.

A system includes a robotic vehicle having a propulsion system and an actuator configured to perform designated operations. The system also includes one or more sensors disposed onboard the robotic vehicle configured to obtain environmental data representative of an external environment. The system also includes a local controller disposed onboard the robotic vehicle and configured to receive input signals from an off-board controller. Responsive to receiving an input signal from the off-board controller for moving in an autonomous mode, the local controller is configured to autonomously move the robotic vehicle within the external environment. Responsive to receiving an input signal for operating in a tele-operation mode, the local controller is configured to exit the autonomous mode, wherein the input signal for operating in the tele-operation mode includes a remote command that dictates at least one of a movement of the robotic vehicle or a movement of the actuator.

A robotic datacenter assembly includes a datacenter which stores a plurality of data storage units. A rail system is integrated into the datacenter and the rail system is positioned adjacent to the ceiling such that the rail system is spaced above the plurality of data storage units. An operational command unit is positioned in the datacenter and the operational command unit stores a database which includes robotic operational software. A plurality of drive units each movably engages the rail system such that each of the drive units can travel along the rail system. A plurality of robotic arms is each integrated into a respective one of the drive units having each of the robotic arms extending downwardly from the rail system. Each of the robotic arms is actuatable to manipulate any of the data storage units thereby facilitating hardware in any of the data storage units to be serviced or replaced by the robotic arms.

A service robot can detect one or more makers positioned on relative surfaces of a vehicle. Each marker can include data corresponding to its location on the vehicle. The service robot can determine the location of the markers based on the data. The service robot can also determine the location of a service area proximate to the markers. The service robot can receive data generated by the vehicle corresponding to at least one maintenance condition for the vehicle related to the service area. The service robot can select a service to perform on the vehicle based on the at least one maintenance condition. The service robot can be controlled so as to perform the selected service on the vehicle.

A robot is operated to navigate an environment using cameras and map the type, size and location of objects. The system determines the type, size and location of objects and classifies the objects for association with specific containers. For each category of object with a corresponding container, the robot chooses a specific object to pick up in that category, performs path planning and navigates to objects of the category, to either organize or pick up the objects. Actuated pusher arms move other objects out of the way and manipulates the target object onto the front bucket to be carried.

A customer service robot may be limited to a maximum physical ability, such as speed of travel, speed of a robotic arm, etc. However, certain customers may be uncomfortable with a robot operating at the maximum capacity. Accordingly, a customer may have an attribute associated with a performance-limiting criteria. The criteria then limits the robot to operations within operational parameters associated with the performance-limiting criteria. As a benefit, a robot may be transformed to provide a better customer service experience by working quickly to address a customer service task, but within the confines of what a particular customer, or customer type, may consider comfortable or acceptable.

The article pickup system includes: a camera that is provided in a mobile body capable of moving in an environment where a plurality of articles to be picked up are present and that acquires image data by capturing the plurality of articles; and an article pickup robot that moves in the environment and picks up the plurality of captured articles. The article pickup robot includes: a camera position acquisition unit that detects the camera and then acquires position information of the camera; an article position specification unit that specifies positions of the plurality of articles based on the position information of the camera; a mobile unit that moves to the specified positions; and a pickup unit that picks up the plurality of articles at the positions to which the mobile unit has moved.

A service robot is provided to communicate with other devices of a service location, such as another robot. A first and second robot may be tasked with performing a customer service task requiring a physical interaction. The first robot may determine that the second robot lacks instructions to perform the customer service task. Upon making the determination, the first robot retrieves physical interaction instructions and causes the second robot to load and execute the physical interaction instructions. The second robot is then transformed, by the first robot, into a configured robot able to perform the customer service task.

A service robot can detect one or more makers positioned on relative surfaces of a vehicle. Each marker can include data corresponding to its location on the vehicle. The service robot can determine the location of the markers based on the data. The service robot can also determine the location of a service area proximate to the markers. The service robot can receive data generated by the vehicle corresponding to at least one maintenance condition for the vehicle related to the service area. The service robot can select a service to perform on the vehicle based on the at least one maintenance condition. The service robot can be controlled so as to perform the selected service on the vehicle.