Noise reduction in a robot system includes the use of a gesture library that pairs noise profiles with gestures that can be performed by the robot. A gesture to be performed by the robot is obtained, and the robot performs the gesture. The robot's performance of the gesture creates noise, and when a user speaks to the robot while the robot performs a gesture, incoming audio includes both user audio and robot noise. A noise profile associated with the gesture is retrieved from the gesture library and is applied to remove the robot noise from the incoming audio.

Embodiments of systems and methods for remotely controlling a robotic welding system over a long distance in real time are disclosed. One embodiment is a method that includes tracking movements and control of a mock welding tool operated by a human welder at a local site and generating control parameters corresponding to the movements and control. The control parameters are transmitted from the local site to a robotic welding system at a remote welding site over an ultra-low-latency communication network. The round-trip communication latency over the ultra-low-latency communication network is between 0.5 milliseconds and 10 milliseconds, and a distance between the local site and the remote welding site is at least 10 kilometers. An actual welding operation of the robotic welding system is controlled to form a weld at the remote welding site via remote robotic control of the robotic welding system in response to the control parameters.

Various embodiments of a bio-inspired robot operable for detecting crack and corrosion defects in tubular structures are disclosed herein.

The example embodiments are directed to a system and method for controlling and commanding an unmanned robot using natural interfaces. In one example, the method includes receiving a plurality of sensory inputs from a user via one or more natural interfaces, wherein each sensory input is associated with an intention of the user for an unmanned robot to perform a task, processing each of the plurality of sensory inputs using a plurality of channels of processing to produce a first recognition result and a second recognition result, combining the first recognition result and the second recognition result to determine a recognized command, and generating a task plan assignable to the unmanned robot based on the recognized command and predefined control primitives.

Touch events can be detected using an ultrasound input device coupled to a surface, such as a surface of a piece of furniture or electronic device. The ultrasound input device can generate ultrasonic waves in the surface, the reflections of which can be measured by the ultrasound input device. When a touch is made to the surface (e.g., opposite the ultrasound input device), the physical contact can absorb some of the energy of the outgoing ultrasonic waves (e.g., the originally transmitted wave and any subsequent outgoing reflections). Energy measurements associated with the measured reflections can thus be used to identify touch events. Various techniques can be used to make the energy measurements and reduce identification of false touch events.

A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

A processing module is provided for improving performance of a robot. The processing module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The processing module includes a processor that processes sensor data received from one or more sensors. The processor generates lower bit rate processed sensor data from the incoming sensor data. The processed sensor data is transmitted from the processing module to another processor of a robot controller.

A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

An apparatus such as a robot capable of performing goal oriented tasks may include one or more touch sensors to receive touch perception feedback on the location of objects and structures within an environment. A fusion engine may be configured to combine touch perception data with other types of sensor data such as data received from an image or distance sensor. The apparatus may combine distance sensor data with touch sensor data using inference models such as Bayesian inference. The touch sensor may be mounted onto an adjustable arm of a robot. The apparatus may use the data it has received from both a touch sensor and distance sensor to build a map of its environment and perform goal oriented tasks such as cleaning or moving objects.

A vacuum-based end effector for engaging parcels includes a base plate, one or more vacuum cups of a first type, and one or more vacuum cups of a second type. Each vacuum cup of the vacuum-based end effector is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source to provide the vacuum cup with a suction force which can be used to engage and grasp parcels. Each vacuum cup includes a bellows defining a pathway for a flow of air and a lip connected to the bellows. Each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the first type comprises a foam lip, and each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the second type comprises an elastomeric lip. The vacuum-based end effector can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging parcels.