A vehicles configured for navigating surface transitions. Navigation of surface transitions is controlled by information obtained by sensors carried by the vehicle. The vehicle may be propelled forward using force generated by tiltable propellers carried by the vehicle.

The present disclosure relates to a climbing robot platform. The climbing robot platform is a climbing robot platform of a building facade cleaning robot, and includes a body, a lifting device installed in the body, moving up by winding a rope and moving down by unwinding the rope, and a feeding device installed in the body to feed the rope by adjusting a feed point of the rope.

The present disclosure relates to a climbing robot platform. The climbing robot platform is a climbing robot platform of a building facade cleaning robot, and includes a body, a lifting device installed in the body, moving up by winding a rope and moving down by unwinding the rope, and a feeding device installed in the body to feed the rope by adjusting a feed point of the rope.

A capturing wind power system is described that includes a plurality of pipes that extend along the vehicle length and curve towards the rear end of the vehicle. The pipes capture air to help propel the vehicle forward, improving fuel mileage. A cover may be used encase the pipes and allow a rear segment of the pipes to be removed when opening a door at the rear end of the vehicle.

A capturing wind power system is described that includes a plurality of pipes that extend along the vehicle length and curve towards the rear end of the vehicle. The pipes capture air to help propel the vehicle forward, improving fuel mileage. A cover may be used encase the pipes and allow a rear segment of the pipes to be removed when opening a door at the rear end of the vehicle.

Ground vehicles that may include flight capability are described. In some examples, a vehicle frame may include a fuel tank with a main tank and at least two auxiliary tanks, with the main tank disposed substantially along the centerline of the vehicle, and the at least two auxiliary tanks extending upward and outward from the main tank. In some examples, vehicles may include a chassis, a cage attached to the chassis, a front wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a rear wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a ground steering mechanism connected to the front wheelbase and/or the rear wheelbase, a motor connected to a propeller, and a propeller shroud at least partially encircling the propeller.

Ground vehicles that may include flight capability are described. In some examples, a vehicle frame may include a fuel tank with a main tank and at least two auxiliary tanks, with the main tank disposed substantially along the centerline of the vehicle, and the at least two auxiliary tanks extending upward and outward from the main tank. In some examples, vehicles may include a chassis, a cage attached to the chassis, a front wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a rear wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a ground steering mechanism connected to the front wheelbase and/or the rear wheelbase, a motor connected to a propeller, and a propeller shroud at least partially encircling the propeller.

The present invention pertains to a system that can conduct building facade operations with an end effector. The robot system can include an end effector and a carrier platform. The end effector can travel to a position along a building facade to conduct the required tasks such as inspection or marking. The carrier platform can include a mobile chassis, a cable actuating mechanism, a cable routing system, and a fall protection system. The mobile chassis can move the carrier platform along a roof of a building or other site. The cable routing system together with the cable actuating mechanism can drive positioning and extension of the end effector. The coordinated motion of the mobile chassis and the cable actuating mechanism can enable adaption to the building geometries and features. A fall protection system can be incorporated to ensure the safety of the end effector.

Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.

Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.