A multifunctional light-duty soft robot includes paired wheel power mechanisms, soft contact mechanisms, buffer spring mechanisms and a middle frame deformation mechanism. Each of the paired wheel power mechanisms includes a wheel frame and a wheel rotatably connected thereto. The wheel frame is internally provided with a power mechanism connected with a wheel axis of the wheel. Each of the soft contact mechanisms includes a flexible cantilever and a soft transmission belt. The two paired wheel power mechanisms are respectively arranged at two ends of each of the flexible cantilevers. The wheel on one of the paired wheel power mechanisms is connected with the wheel on the other of the paired wheel power mechanisms. The buffer spring mechanisms are arranged between the wheel frames and the wheels. The middle frame deformation mechanism includes a connection unit and two movable units rotatably connected to the connection unit respectively.

A multifunctional light-duty soft robot includes paired wheel power mechanisms, soft contact mechanisms, buffer spring mechanisms and a middle frame deformation mechanism. Each of the paired wheel power mechanisms includes a wheel frame and a wheel rotatably connected thereto. The wheel frame is internally provided with a power mechanism connected with a wheel axis of the wheel. Each of the soft contact mechanisms includes a flexible cantilever and a soft transmission belt. The two paired wheel power mechanisms are respectively arranged at two ends of each of the flexible cantilevers. The wheel on one of the paired wheel power mechanisms is connected with the wheel on the other of the paired wheel power mechanisms. The buffer spring mechanisms are arranged between the wheel frames and the wheels. The middle frame deformation mechanism includes a connection unit and two movable units rotatably connected to the connection unit respectively.

A tracked vehicle encompassing: a load subassembly; a drive track that is retained movably on the load subassembly in order to execute a motion along a circulation path of the drive track;

a linear motor, a stator of the linear motor being arranged in stationary fashion with respect to the load subassembly, and a rotor of the linear motor being arranged for motion together with the drive track, and/or the rotor being embodied in the drive track; the rotor having permanent magnets that are arranged in the drive track and are embodied for motion together with the drive track.

Embodiments include a pitch hydraulic system for a dual cabin articulated vehicle. The pitch hydraulic system includes an energy recovery function to harnesses hydraulic energy during vehicle mobility. A directional valve can be activated to allow movement of first and second pitch cylinders into either a “pitch up” or “pitch down” position. The pitch system can alter the stiffness of the unit to improve safety, stability and ride comfort.

A universal removable lateral track extension system includes an extension track assembly removably couplable outboard of an original lateral track at a selected displacement width, the assembly further including a track frame plate, first and second receiver hitches, a drive coupler removably couplable to the corresponding drive sprocket of the tracked equipment, the drive coupler including a drive bearing assembly and connected drive sprocket in line with the extension track track rollers, a drive sprocket coupler and extension axle removably couplable from the drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly, and a continuous track extending around the extension track track rollers and drive coupler.

A smart steering control system a paving or texturing machine receives path elements corresponding to current and future positions of the machine. By comparing the current and future elements, an expected completion time is derived for exiting the current position and entering the future position; the smart steering control system synchronizes adjustments of the machine's steerable tracks from the current path to the future path. The smart steering control system functions as a virtual tie rod, preventing damage, enhancing the traction control and pulling power of the machine, and preserving the operating life of its components.

A smart steering control system a paving or texturing machine receives path elements corresponding to current and future positions of the machine. By comparing the current and future elements, an expected completion time is derived for exiting the current position and entering the future position; the smart steering control system synchronizes adjustments of the machine's steerable tracks from the current path to the future path. The smart steering control system functions as a virtual tie rod, preventing damage, enhancing the traction control and pulling power of the machine, and preserving the operating life of its components.

Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

The present invention relates to a method (M1) performed by a control device (100) for controlling driving operation of an articulated tracked vehicle (V). Said articulated tracked vehicle (V) comprises a drive arrangement (120) for operating the vehicle. The articulated tracked vehicle (V) comprises a first vehicle unit (V1) and a second vehicle unit (V2) steerably connected to the first vehicle unit (V1) by means of a steering device (D) for mutually pivoting said vehicle units (V1, V2). The mutual pivoting comprises roll movement about a roll axis (X). The steering device (D) comprises a roll arrangement (A2) for said roll movement. The method comprises the step of controlling (S1) the roll arrangement (A2) of the steering device (D) so as to control mutual roll movement of said vehicle units (V1, V2). The present invention also relates to a control device for controlling driving operation of an articulated tracked vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.