Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage devices, for robot navigation using 2D and 3D path planning. In the disclosed method, a robot accesses map data indicating two-dimensional layout of objects in a space and evaluates candidate paths for the robot to traverse. In response to determining that the candidate paths do not include a collision-free path across the space for a two-dimensional profile of the robot, the robot evaluates a three-dimensional shape of the robot with respect to a three-dimensional shape of an object in the space. Based on the evaluation of the three-dimensional shapes, the robot determines a collision-free path to traverse through the space.

Described in detail herein is an automated fulfilment system including a computing system programmed to receive requests from disparate sources for physical objects disposed at one or more locations in a facility. The computing system can combine the requests, and group the physical objects in the requests based on object types or expected object locations. Autonomous robot devices can receive instructions from the computing system to retrieve a group of the physical objects and deposit the physical objects in storage containers.

Provided are non-uniform light-emitting lidar (light detection and ranging) apparatuses and autonomous robots including the same. A lidar apparatus may include a light source configured to emit light, an optical unit arranged on an optical path of light emitted from the light source and configured to change an optical profile of the light to be non-uniform, and a 3D sensor configured to sense location of an object by receiving reflection light from the object.

An example method includes determining, by a controller of an image capture system, a plurality of sets of exposure parameter values for one or more exposure parameters. The plurality of sets of exposure parameter values are determined at an exposure determination rate. The method further includes capturing, by an image capture device of the image capture system, a plurality of images. Each image of the plurality of images is captured according to a set of exposure parameter values of the plurality of sets of exposure parameter values. The method also includes sending, by the controller of the image capture system to an image processing unit, a subset of the plurality of images. Each subset of images is sent at a sampling rate, and the sampling rate is less than the exposure determination rate.

A method for determining a shape of a lumen in an anatomical structure comprises reading information from a plurality of strain sensors disposed substantially along a length of a flexible medical device when the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen. When the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen, the flexible medical device conforms to the shape of the lumen. The method further comprises computationally determining, by a processing system, the shape of the lumen based on the information from the plurality of strain sensors.

Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.

Generally, a sterile adapter for use in robotic surgery may include a frame configured to be interposed between a tool driver and a surgical tool, a plate assembly coupled to the frame, and at least one rotatable coupler supported by the plate assembly and configured to communicate torque from an output drive of the tool driver to an input drive of the surgical tool.

An optical triangulation sensor for distance measurement is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light source for the generation of structured light, an optical reception device, at least one attachment element and a carrier with a first groove on a lateral surface of the carrier, wherein the light source and/or optical reception device is at least partially arranged in the first groove and is held in place on the carrier by the attachment element.

A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover provided below the top cover, traveling parts provided in the bottom cover, a suction module provided in the bottom cover to suck in foreign materials on the ground, a recessed part firmed to be recessed inward between the top cover and the bottom cover, and a first sensor located in the recessed part.

Grasping of an object, by an end effector of a robot, based on a grasp strategy that is selected using one or more machine learning models. The grasp strategy utilized for a given grasp is one of a plurality of candidate grasp strategies. Each candidate grasp strategy defines a different group of one or more values that influence performance of a grasp attempt in a manner that is unique relative to the other grasp strategies. For example, value(s) of a grasp strategy can define a grasp direction for grasping the object (e.g., “top”, “side”), a grasp type for grasping the object (e.g., “pinch”, “power”), grasp force applied in grasping the object, pre-grasp manipulations to be performed on the object, and/or post-grasp manipulations to be performed on the object.