Bossa Nova Robotics Ip, Inc.

Carnegie Mellon University

Bossa Nova Concepts, LLC

Bossa Nova Robotics

Sarjoun Skaff

Brett Zubiate

Amir Degani

Howie Choset

Stephen Vincent Williams

Garrick Kremesec

Matthew Brekken

Marios Savvides

Alexander Fink

Simant Dube

Howard Choset

Uzair Ahmed

Sreena Nallamothu

Jonathan Davis Taylor

Nikhil Mohan

Brendan Mcleod

Christian Carlberg

Carlos Ramos

Ran Tao

Jussi Timonen

Daniel Shope

Juan Pablo Gonzalez

Rachael Putnam

An automated inventory monitoring system includes an image capture module able to create an image of an aisle of a retail store. Product images and shelf label and peg label images are identified in the image and products are associated with product labels based on the positioning of the products with respect to the labels. Based on the association between labels and products, out-of-stock products are detected and reported to the retail store.

System and method for determining out-of-stock products

An automated inventory monitoring system includes an image capture module able to create an image of an aisle of a retail store. Images of products labels are identified in the image and classified as shelf labels or peg labels. For shelf labels, an area of the shelf is defined and associated with the shelf label. Images of products are identified in the image and products on the shelf within an area associated with a shelf label are associated with the shelf label. Products located below a peg label are associated with the peg label. Based on the association between labels and products, out-of-stock products, plugs and spread may be detected and reported to the staff of the retail store.

System and method for associating products and product labels

An image capture system for tracking target objects includes a movable base that supports one or more image capture modules, each of the image capture modules including a camera module, a first light module and a second light module. The camera module is mounted on a first plane of a mount bracket, the first light module is mounted on a second plane of the mounting bracket, and a second light module is mounted on a third plane of the mounting bracket. The first and second planes define a first angle, the first and third planes define a second angle, and the second angle is larger than the first angle. An output of the first light module and a light output of the second light module is selected based on an operating condition of the camera module.

Systems and methods for image capture and shelf content detection

Mobile robot for object detection

A method for monitoring a shelf includes the steps of moving a camera with multiple focus capability alongside a shelf. A series of shelf images are captured by the camera, with images of at least two different focal lengths being captured. Images having the same focal length can be merged to form at least two panoramic images suitable for further evaluation or review.

Shelf-viewing camera with multiple focus depths

A system for building a product library without requiring a planogram includes an image capture unit operated to provide images of items. Taking data from a shelf label detector and depth map creation unit, a processing module can be used to compare detected shelf labels to a depth map, define a product bounding box, and associate the bounding box with an image provided by the image capture unit to build image descriptors. The system can include one or more autonomous robots for supporting and moving the image capture unit and other components.

System and method for locating, identifying and counting items

A camera system for inventory monitoring includes a movable base that supports multiple cameras. The multiple cameras are directed toward inventory to take a series of pictures along aisle of a retail store or warehouse. A processing module connected to the multiple cameras is used to stitch together the pictures, and along with depth information and product identification information, construct a real time or near real time inventory mapping of products positioned on aisle shelves. This information can be transferred to remote locations to simplify and speed product ordering, and assist in maintenance of appropriate product stock levels.

Multiple camera system for inventory tracking

A manually assisted robot inventory monitoring method provides for detecting and reading shelf labels using an autonomous robot. Bounding boxes around possible products in a panoramic image can be taken with at least one camera associated with the autonomous robot. Products in the bounding boxes are automatically identified, with those that are not being later manually identified.

Planogram assisted inventory system and method

An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Articulated device with visualization system

An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Apparatus for positioning a device

A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis.

Statically stable biped robotic mechanism and method of actuating

The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Method of generating a propagation gait for a robot

A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Sarjoun Skaff