A self-driving assembly capable of traversing an elevated window. The elevated narrow space window may be present within a confined area, for example, at a wall separating different wide space rooms. The assembly is configured to carry out unique techniques for gaining access to the window from a floor level location. Further, in addition to gaining access unique stabilizing features may be employed both in terms of physical security at an edge defining the window as well as in the form of maintaining balance through unique control over mass transfer when secured at the window.

A self-driving assembly capable of traversing an elevated window. The elevated narrow space window may be present within a confined area, for example, at a wall separating different wide space rooms. The assembly is configured to carry out unique techniques for gaining access to the window from a floor level location. Further, in addition to gaining access unique stabilizing features may be employed both in terms of physical security at an edge defining the window as well as in the form of maintaining balance through unique control over mass transfer when secured at the window.

An optimized limited-area WiFi network includes a plurality of Internet connectable devices, a wireless router for facilitating Internet connectivity, and a dynamically positionable signal coverage enhancer configured with an onboard processor, a signal coverage enhancing element, and mobile means. The signal coverage enhancer is repositionable, by the mobile means in response to a command signal transmitted by the processor, to a determined location of the limited-area WiFi network that is sufficiently close to one or more of the devices, such that an amplified signal produced by the signal coverage enhancing element which amplifies a wireless signal transmitted by the router maintains uninterrupted Internet operation of the to one or more devices.

The present teachings relate generally to a small remote vehicle having rotatable flippers and a weight of less than about 10 pounds and that can climb a conventional-sized stairs. The present teachings also relate to a small remote vehicle can be thrown or dropped fifteen feet onto a hard/inelastic surface without incurring structural damage that may impede its mission. The present teachings further relate to a small remote vehicle having a weight of less than about 10 pounds and a power source supporting missions of at least 6 hours.

The present teachings relate generally to a small remote vehicle having rotatable flippers and a weight of less than about 10 pounds and that can climb a conventional-sized stairs. The present teachings also relate to a small remote vehicle can be thrown or dropped fifteen feet onto a hard/inelastic surface without incurring structural damage that may impede its mission. The present teachings further relate to a small remote vehicle having a weight of less than about 10 pounds and a power source supporting missions of at least 6 hours.

The invention relates to a hybrid surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a (e.g., submerged or in air) surface by a non-flow-through pressure differential, the apparatus includes a frame forming a chamber; a seal (e.g., closed-cell foam) having a closed seal perimeter (e.g., a closed polygon, a quadrilateral, and the like) defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a non-flow-through seal with the surface; a suction pump structured and arranged to produce the (e.g., negative) pressure differential and cooperate with the seal to adhere the apparatus to the surface; and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

A novel sprocket for a track drive of a mobile robot may allow for some deformation of the track so that the track better conforms to the surface on which the robot travels. The novel sprocket also may prevent excessive track deformation or deflection that may result in undesirable de-tracking.

A novel sprocket for a track drive of a mobile robot may allow for some deformation of the track so that the track better conforms to the surface on which the robot travels. The novel sprocket also may prevent excessive track deformation or deflection that may result in undesirable de-tracking.

A mobile robot adapted to traverse vertical obstacles. The robot comprises a frame and at least one wheel positioned in a front section of the robot, at least one middle wheel positioned in a middle section of the robot, at least one back wheel positioned in a back section of the robot, and at least one further wheel in the front, middle or back of the robot. The robot also comprises at least one motor-driven device for exerting a downward and/or upward force on the middle wheel and at least two motors for driving the wheels and the motor-driven device. Also disclosed is a method of climbing using a mobile robot as disclosed.

A drive track for a cleaning robot moving on inclined surfaces such as photovoltaic panels has a multilayer structure comprising: an internal layer formed by a continuous belt having an internal face able to engage with means for driving the track; an intermediate layer including a plurality of damping blocks disposed over the entire length of the continuous belt of the internal layer with a predefined separation (e); and an external running layer coming into contact with the surface on which the track moves, the running layer being formed by pads supported by the damping blocks. The damping blocks are made of elastomer material and have a cellular structure with a plurality of parallel trough-channels.