Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for a mobile scientific or measuring platform. In one aspect, a mobile scientific platform may include a vehicle having an electric energy source and a measuring device, such as a mass spectrometer, coupled to the electric energy source. An input line may be coupled to the measuring device and one or more sample collectors, for example, for obtaining gas samples. In some aspects, the input line may include a heating element configured to maintain a line temperature that is equal to or above the temperature of the samples collected, to reduce or prevent the formation of condensates in collected samples. In some aspects, the mobile scientific platform may run, or be switched to run, on electric, propone, compressed natural gas, or other similar fuel to enable the collection of gas samples free of (or having reduced levels of) vehicle caused contamination.

An electrified vehicle includes a transmission system including a differential and an electrically powered heating device configured to selectively warm a differential fluid of the differential. The electrically powered heating device is selectively powered to warm the differential fluid.

A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal; identifying an object of interest that is represented in the image signal, wherein the object of interest is identified by the robotic apparatus using the image signal based on irradiation of the object of interest by an external agent; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from the external agent, a task indication that is representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus. Responsive to receipt of the task indication, the method further includes saving a robotic context including information associating the task to be performed with the object of interest, and causing the robotic apparatus to perform the task with respect to the object of interest.

Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.

A method for controlling starting of a Liquefied Petroleum Injection (LPI) engine of a mild hybrid electric vehicle includes driving a fuel pump when a first node of an ignition switch is selected, performing an engine cranking operation by driving a Mild Hybrid Starter & Generator (MHSG) when a second node of the ignition switch is selected, determining whether a cranking completion condition is satisfied while performing the engine cranking operation, comparing a pressure of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel with a target pressure, and controlling the MHSG to generate a torque corresponding to an idle torque of the LPI engine when the pressure of the LPG fuel is less than the target pressure.

A method of operating a vehicle powertrain includes determining a selected powertrain operational mode. A demand fraction is determined. An internal combustion engine (ICE) is to output a maximum power when a gaseous fuel is conveyed to an injector of the ICE at a source pressure greater than a cutoff pressure. The source pressure in a container in fluid connection with the injector is determined. The gaseous fuel is received at the source pressure by the injector to inject the gaseous fuel into the ICE for combustion in response to the source pressure, demand fraction, or selected powertrain operation mode meeting a first set of criteria. The injector is prevented from injecting the gaseous fuel into the ICE and the powertrain is driven from an alternative power source in response to the source pressure, demand fraction, or selected powertrain operation mode meeting a second set of criteria.

Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.

A vehicle system, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission enclosed within a transmission case coupled to a gaseous fuel source, the transmission case having an amount of gaseous fuel located therein. Housing the transmission in a case containing low density gaseous fuel reduces the power losses from air resistance and increases fuel efficiency.