Provided is a method for controlling, in a space where a plurality of robots autonomously travel, the robots such that each of the plurality of robots can successively pass through a designated region, by identifying the designated region to be passed through by the robots and i) controlling the robots to pass through the corresponding designated region via a first point defined in the designated region or ii) triggering a designated region traveling mode of the robots and controlling the robots to pass through the corresponding designated region in the designated region traveling mode.

Methods and Internet of Things (IOT) systems for smart gas pipeline maintenance based on human-machine linkage are provided. The IoT system includes a smart gas user platform, a smart gas service platform, a smart gas pipeline network safety management platform, a smart gas pipeline network sensor network platform, and a smart gas pipeline network object platform. The method includes determining a first cycle based on data of a pipeline to be maintained, a feature of a maintainer, and/or a feature of a maintenance robot, obtaining, through a maintainer terminal and/or the maintenance robot, first feedback data based on the first cycle, determining, based on the first feedback data and the data of the pipeline to be maintained, a maintenance parameter and sending the maintenance parameter to the maintainer terminal, and generating, based on the maintenance parameter, a control instruction and sending the control instruction to the maintenance robot.

Methods and Internet of Things (IOT) systems for smart gas pipeline maintenance based on human-machine linkage are provided. The IoT system includes a smart gas user platform, a smart gas service platform, a smart gas pipeline network safety management platform, a smart gas pipeline network sensor network platform, and a smart gas pipeline network object platform. The method includes determining a first cycle based on data of a pipeline to be maintained, a feature of a maintainer, and/or a feature of a maintenance robot, obtaining, through a maintainer terminal and/or the maintenance robot, first feedback data based on the first cycle, determining, based on the first feedback data and the data of the pipeline to be maintained, a maintenance parameter and sending the maintenance parameter to the maintainer terminal, and generating, based on the maintenance parameter, a control instruction and sending the control instruction to the maintenance robot.

Methods and Internet of Things (IoT) systems for prediction and maintenance of a smart gas pipeline are provided. A the smart gas pipeline network safety management platform is configured to: determine a first cycle based on data of a pipeline to be maintained, a feature of a maintainer, or a feature of a maintenance robot; obtain first feedback data based on the first cycle; determine a fault level based on the data of the pipeline to be maintained; determine a pre-maintenance risk based on the fault level and the first feedback data; determine, based on the first feedback data, the data of the pipeline to be maintained, and the pre-maintenance risk, a maintenance parameter and send the maintenance parameter to the maintainer terminal; generate, based on the maintenance parameter, a control instruction and send the control instruction to the maintenance robot; adjust the pre-maintenance risk based on a post-maintenance risk.

A localization system comprises: a device; a master unit which wirelessly transmits a first localization signal; a plurality of lateration units distributed about the area within which the device is being localized, wherein each lateration unit of the plurality independently starts its own timer upon its receipt of the first localization signal; and a localization unit. The device receives the first localization signal and responsively wirelessly transmits a second localization signal. Each of the lateration units: independently receives the second localization signal; stops its respective timer responsive to receipt of the second localization signal; and wirelessly transmits a timer count signal to a localization unit. The timer count signal identifies the transmitting lateration unit and a count of its respective timer. The localization unit utilizes the plurality of timer along with respective distances between the master unit and the lateration units to localize the first device via time-of-flight lateration.

A robot comprises a memory, a processor, a body and a drive system which are coupled. The drive system comprises one of auger-based surface interface portions and continuous tread surface interface portions. The auger-based surface interface portions and the continuous tread surface interface portions are interchangeable to adapt the robot to one of different operating conditions and different uses. The processor is configured to: control movement of the robot, via the drive system, to traverse across a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises piled granular material, in response to the drive system being configured with the auger-based surface interface portions; and control movement of the robot via the drive system to traverse across a second surface, which is a solid or semi-solid surface other than the piled granular material, in response to the drive system being configured with the continuous tread surface interface portions.

A method for controlling a flight-capable drone in an elevator shaft of an elevator system uses an elevator system inspection arrangement configured for carrying out the method. The method comprises the following steps: receiving elevator shaft segment information provided by the elevator system that indicates which volume segment of the elevator shaft is currently designated to be off-limits for the drone; and controlling the drone along a flight path automatically determined by the drone, wherein the drone determines the flight path such that the drone travels exclusively outside of the volume segment designated as off-limits for the drone, wherein the drone determines the flight path taking into account the received elevator shaft segment information. By exchanging the elevator shaft segment information with the elevator system, the drone is able to initiate evasive maneuvers in good time in order to prevent collisions with fast-moving components of the elevator system.

A remotely deployed and operated drone-based sealed tank inspector comprises a direct replacement of normal hatch cover which is a sealed hatch cover comprising electrical penetrations, a sealing cable transit, and a predetermined set of eyelets for retention of lifting slings, and is handled using small hoist and parking stand. Drone-based inspections, including ultrasonic (UT) and visual inspections, may be remotely accomplished by deploying the remotely deployed and operated drone-based sealable tank inspector and using it for inspection and testing, including visual inspection, such as those required to be performed inside a sealed, inert-environment tank.

A localization system comprises: a device; a master unit which wirelessly transmits a first localization signal; a plurality of lateration units distributed about the area within which the device is being localized, wherein each lateration unit of the plurality independently starts its own timer upon its receipt of the first localization signal; and a localization unit. The device receives the first localization signal and responsively wirelessly transmits a second localization signal. Each of the lateration units: independently receives the second localization signal; stops its respective timer responsive to receipt of the second localization signal; and wirelessly transmits a timer count signal to a localization unit. The timer count signal identifies the transmitting lateration unit and a count of its respective timer. The localization unit utilizes the plurality of timer along with respective distances between the master unit and the lateration units to localize the first device via time-of-flight lateration.

A robot sized and shaped for reception in a pipe includes a chassis configured for movement of the robot on the pipe, a tool supported by the chassis for movement relative to the chassis, a plurality of sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an encoder and a light detection and ranging sensor (LIDAR) associated with the robot, and a sensor fusion system operable to combine readings from the IMU, the encoder and LIDAR to determine a position of the robot within the pipe.