Various embodiments of an amphibious submersible vehicle for use in non-destructive testing of pipe interiors and walls are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the vehicle is operable for amphibious submersible operation such that pipes of various diameters can be inspected under full, partially full, and dry conditions. In another aspect, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of propellers for travel when fully or partially submerged in water and a plurality of wheels for traveling when in contact with a pipe wall or for traveling over debris. In some embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors configured for imaging and navigation which enable the vehicle for pipe inspection and identification of problem areas.

An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2A) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface.

An amphibious vehicle has a floatable vehicle body; ground engaging propulsion structure having a plurality of ground engaging elements; a fluid pump for pumping liquid manure; a power source configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump; and, remote control structure for controlling the ground engaging propulsion structure and a flow of fluid from the fluid pump. The speed and/or direction of the vehicle is remotely controllable by an operator remote from the vehicle when the vehicle is ground engaging and when the vehicle is floating.

A lightweight vehicle useful for harassing wildlife/waterfowl includes an elongated body/fuselage with a motor-powered propeller in the front and a vertical tail with a controllable rudder in the rear. The vehicle is able to travel over land or water on a pair of elongated floats having a ski-type shape that support the vehicle. The vehicle is made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber so that it can travel over water, ice, snow, and mown grass without damaging the grass. The vehicle may be remotely controlled or autonomous.

Various embodiments of an amphibious submersible vehicle for use in non-destructive testing of pipe interiors and walls are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the vehicle is operable for amphibious submersible operation such that pipes of various diameters can be inspected under full, partially full, and dry conditions. In another aspect, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of propellers for travel when fully or partially submerged in water and a plurality of wheels for traveling when in contact with a pipe wall or for traveling over debris. In some embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors configured for imaging and navigation which enable the vehicle for pipe inspection and identification of problem areas.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

A method of navigating an UAV over water with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) function. The UAV having a plurality of lift propellers; a cabin engaged with a plurality of lift propellers; a water propulsion system engaged with the cabin to push the cabin in a forward direction when the cabin is at least partially immersed in water; at least one water inlet engaged with the water propulsion system; the cabin is a cargo hold or a passenger cabin. The UAV provided by the disclosure can realize vertical takeoff and landing in the water area, and fly, drive and navigate freely in the whole area.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

An amphibious robot is provided. An aspect of the robot includes an elongated flexible body, actuators in the flexible body and spaced apart along a length of the flexible body. The actuators are configured to move the flexible body in a serpentine or concertina motion on land and in water. An additional aspect includes a camera coupled adjacent to an end of the flexible body, at least one sensor coupled to the flexible body, and a buoyancy controller located in the flexible body. Another aspect includes a power source coupled to the flexible body and configured to power the actuators, the camera, the sensors, and the buoyancy controller. Yet another aspect employs an electric controller to control the actuators and receive data from the sensors.

A robotic system having a movable gantry robot (10) for conducting construction operations. The gantry may have an expandable bridge (20) and articulated gantry support legs (34) as well as a support track system (60) holding a gantry robot (800) which may hold one or more implements and peripheral devices (806). The device can be moved by propulsion mechanisms, a controller, and one or more geo-positioned control devices to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of work sites (700). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (236). The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the construction implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by extending and rotating risers and booms to accommodate different building heights or sub-level heights at a worksite. A conveyor system is optimized for removing dirt from or delivering material to the robotic arm. This invention can be applied to automating construction jobs including surveying, land preparation, excavation, foundation, masonry, framing, and additive fabrication.