A computer-implemented method for operating a set of electronic sensors. The method includes detecting, by one or more sensors embedded in a table, that a tray associated with a user is placed on the table. The method further includes detecting, by the one or more sensors embedded in the table, a first weight of contents on the tray at a first time, and detecting, by the one or more sensors embedded in the table, a second weight of the contents on the tray at a second time. The method further includes determining a final weight of the contents on the tray when the tray is no longer associated with the user.

Embodiments of the invention include a barrier assembly including a frame to hold a barrier member. A bracket defines a track and the bracket can be attached to a support surface such that a first branch of the bracket resides on a first side of the support surface and a second branch of the bracket resides on a second side of the support surface. An articulating connector couples the frame to track, the articulating connector enables the frame to move in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the track. The frame and connector can move along the track from a first position in which the frame resides above the support surface to a second position in which the frame resides below the support surface.

Embodiments of the invention include a barrier assembly including a frame to hold a barrier member. A bracket defines a track and the bracket can be attached to a support surface such that a first branch of the bracket resides on a first side of the support surface and a second branch of the bracket resides on a second side of the support surface. An articulating connector couples the frame to track, the articulating connector enables the frame to move in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the track. The frame and connector can move along the track from a first position in which the frame resides above the support surface to a second position in which the frame resides below the support surface.

A meal delivery vehicle for delivering foods includes a vehicle unit, a cover unit, and a power supply. The cover unit is mounted to the vehicle unit and cooperates with a carrier surface of the vehicle unit to define a space to receive the foods therein. The cover unit includes a cover and a driving device connected to the cover and operable for converting the cover between a covering state, where the cover covers the space, and an open state, where the cover uncovers the space to allow the space to be in spatial communication with ambient surroundings. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the driving device to provide electricity thereto.

The present teachings generally relate to a countertop shield and kit therefor, the countertop shield includes: a center panel including at least one long edge; at least one short edge; and at least one first center panel attachment feature, located adjacent to the at least one long edge and at least one second center panel attachment feature located adjacent to the at least one short edge; and at least one side panel including at least one side panel attachment feature; wherein the at least one first or second center panel attachment feature is configured to engage the at least one side panel attachment feature, wherein the center panel, the at least one side panel, or both are adapted to stand upright on a surface.

The present teachings generally relate to a countertop shield and kit therefor, the countertop shield includes: a center panel including at least one long edge; at least one short edge; and at least one first center panel attachment feature, located adjacent to the at least one long edge and at least one second center panel attachment feature located adjacent to the at least one short edge; and at least one side panel including at least one side panel attachment feature; wherein the at least one first or second center panel attachment feature is configured to engage the at least one side panel attachment feature, wherein the center panel, the at least one side panel, or both are adapted to stand upright on a surface.

A meal delivery vehicle for delivering foods includes a vehicle unit, a cover unit, and a power supply. The cover unit is mounted to the vehicle unit and cooperates with a carrier surface of the vehicle unit to define a space to receive the foods therein. The cover unit includes a cover and a driving device connected to the cover and operable for converting the cover between a covering state, where the cover covers the space, and an open state, where the cover uncovers the space to allow the space to be in spatial communication with ambient surroundings. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the driving device to provide electricity thereto.

A meal delivery vehicle for delivering foods includes a vehicle unit, a cover unit, and a power supply. The cover unit is mounted to the vehicle unit and cooperates with a carrier surface of the vehicle unit to define a space to receive the foods therein. The cover unit includes a cover and a driving device connected to the cover and operable for converting the cover between a covering state, where the cover covers the space, and an open state, where the cover uncovers the space to allow the space to be in spatial communication with ambient surroundings. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the driving device to provide electricity thereto.

Robotic technology has been applied in many aspects of human life and industries. Putting robots in service business such as waiter serving in a restaurant is very promising industry in the near future. A serving robot is designed on the size and appearance requirement at local restaurants. The serving robot is programmed to come to a specific table by mapping data. The robot uses the multiple sensors, laser technology and mapping technology to move to the desired table position and returns to the service counter after completing the task like delivery of the food or other items. Some other robots required a QR code to be placed on the ceiling or a corner for the robot to move from table to tables, where our robot does not require a QR code to be placed on a ceiling or to a corner to move around autonomously. The robot is the ultimate helper that every restaurant owner needs for different states, according to settings. To communicate with the restaurant owner, the robot may employ both a LCD screen and emergency stop switch and one key return button and may include a remote control and/or remote mobile app. The robot will show different emotions on the display for the relevant circumstances. Equipped with visual positioning, one or more depth vision cameras, one or more vision cameras and lidar, a detection system, which works on the principle of radar, but uses light from a laser, the robot would avoid obstacles and complete the given tasks. All these features will be programmable and managed, where some features may have limitations due to security issues, from the 1) app directly in the robot, 2) web base program, and 3) mobile app that will communicate directly with the app installed in the robot. Furthermore, with WEB calibration and automatic planning of router, the robot has the accurate positioning for the tasks. Finally, equipped with multiple layers of non-slip trays, the robot has firm and strong bearing capacity.

Robotic technology has been applied in many aspects of human life and industries. Putting robots in service business such as waiter serving in a restaurant is very promising industry in the near future. A serving robot is designed on the size and appearance requirement at local restaurants. The serving robot is programmed to come to a specific table by mapping data. The robot uses the multiple sensors, laser technology and mapping technology to move to the desired table position and returns to the service counter after completing the task like delivery of the food or other items. Some other robots required a QR code to be placed on the ceiling or a corner for the robot to move from table to tables, where our robot does not require a QR code to be placed on a ceiling or to a corner to move around autonomously. The robot is the ultimate helper that every restaurant owner needs for different states, according to settings. To communicate with the restaurant owner, the robot may employ both a LCD screen and emergency stop switch and one key return button and may include a remote control and/or remote mobile app. The robot will show different emotions on the display for the relevant circumstances. Equipped with visual positioning, one or more depth vision cameras, one or more vision cameras and lidar, a detection system, which works on the principle of radar, but uses light from a laser, the robot would avoid obstacles and complete the given tasks. All these features will be programmable and managed, where some features may have limitations due to security issues, from the 1) app directly in the robot, 2) web base program, and 3) mobile app that will communicate directly with the app installed in the robot. Furthermore, with WEB calibration and automatic planning of router, the robot has the accurate positioning for the tasks. Finally, equipped with multiple layers of non-slip trays, the robot has firm and strong bearing capacity.