Mobile robot guidance by laser beam (sketch) Laser guidance directs a robotic system to a target position by means of a laser beam. The laser guidance of a robot is accomplished by projecting a laser light, image processing and communication to improve the accuracy of guidance. The key idea is to show goal positions to the robot by laser light projection instead of communicating them numerically. This intuitive interface simplifies directing the robot while the visual feedback improves the positioning accuracy and allows for implicit localization. The guidance system serves also as a mediator for cooperative multiple robots.[2] Examples of proof-of-concept experiments of directing a robot by a laser pointer are shown on video.[4] Laser guidance spans areas of robotics, computer vision, user interface, video games, communication and smart home technologies. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. may have been using this technology in PowerBot robotic vacuum cleaners equipped with Point Cleaning™ function since 2014.

[5] Samsung has shown its strong interest in bringing this product to the U.S. market by registering a trademark "Point Cleaning" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on March 5, 2015 (serial No. 86555014). , PowerBot VR9000 with Point Cleaning™ can be purchased online in the USA in 2015. Google Inc. applied for a patent with USPTO on using visual light or laser beam between devices to represent connections and interactions between them (Appl. No. 13/659,493, Pub. [6] However, no patent was granted to Google on this application. Main article: Precision-guided munition § Laser-guided weapons Laser guidance is used by military to guide a missile or other projectile or vehicle to a target by means of a laser beam (Lidar), e.g. beam riding guidance or semi-active radar homing (SARH).[7] This technique is sometimes called SALH, for Semi-Active Laser Homing. With this technique, a laser is kept pointed at the target and the laser radiation bounces off the target and is scattered in all directions (this is known as “painting the target”, or “laser painting”).

The missile, bomb, etc. is launched or dropped somewhere near the target. When it is close enough for some of the reflected laser energy from the target to reach it, a laser seeker detects which direction this energy is coming from and adjusts the projectile trajectory towards the source. While the projectile is in the general area and the laser is kept aimed at the target, the projectile should be guided accurately to the target. Note that laser guidance is not useful against targets that do not reflect much laser energy, including those coated in special paint which absorbs laser energy. This is likely to be widely used by advanced military vehicles in order to make it harder to use laser designators against them and harder to hit them with laser-guided munitions. An obvious circumvention would be to merely aim the laser closer to the target. Countermeasures to laser guidance are Laser detection systems, Smoke screen, anti-laser active protection systems.Neato robotics XV-12 robot vacuum heads to Target in white

Neato Robotics has announced that the cool robotic vacuum cleaner we reviewed not long ago is going to be sold in Target stores around the US exclusively. miele vacuum cleaners bagsThe exclusive version of the XV-12 vacuum is going to be offered in an exclusive Misty White color. vacuum cleaner simplicity reviewsThe version we reviewed was in a gray color. ducted vacuum cleaner hoseThe exclusive color is going to land in Target locations on October 16. The robot vacuum is designed to automatically clean homes on a daily basis. The idea is that the robot can automatically activate itself, then roll around, and suck all the dirt and debris off the floor preventing things from getting messy and keeping them owner from having to bring out the old vacuum.

The vacuum promises to pick up pet hair and pollen to help reduce allergies in the home. The Target device will also have a QR code on the box so that the user can shoot a pic of the code with a reader app and get more details on the vacuum. Our man Chris reviewed the vacuum and said he was impressed with how well it worked. The only downside is the vacuum can’t get right into the corners where dust bunnies hide. The vacuum will sell for $399.99 MSRP in Target.You may wish the whole world was your target market, but narrow it down to those most willing to buy to make money. Paul Tearle/Stockbyte/Getty Images Many entrepreneurs and business owners start a company because they feel there’s a need for their product. The people who need what they offer are their target market, with marketing segments consisting of smaller groups of people within the overall target market. Some products may have no target market or market segment at all, which is not good news when it comes to making sales or growing your company.

Importance of a Target MarketAll products need to appeal to a specific target market, or it’s unlikely you will sell the item. On the other hand, companies that feel the entire world is their target market waste lots of money, because they don’t know the exact types of media their target market pays attention to or to whom they should advertise in the first place. Businesses that understand the importance of identifying their target markets realize that knowing their customers’ backgrounds is an important tool for convincing more people to buy. Finding MarketsBefore you invest money and time into your company, find out if there is a market for your product. If you’ve invented and created a prototype of an unusual product, you need to test the market to see if people are willing to buy it. Ask your family, friends, acquaintances and suppliers of the materials used in your product to find out if they would buy it. Explain the problem or challenge the product resolves to help people better understand how they can use the item.

Keep track of the responses you get to start identifying the traits, also known as demographics, of people who are interested in buying as this helps you find the best markets for your product. Using DemographicsDemographics include traits such as age, family or marital status, location, level of income and level of education. If you sell to businesses, identify the titles of the decision makers, their backgrounds, the type of business they’re in and the budget they need to buy your products. Find out what marketing mediums they use to get information about products, such as the Internet, social networking sites, local publications, trade magazines, radio or television. Then, you’re ready to choose mediums where your target market is most likely to see your message. Improving the OddsIf you value customer loyalty and want more customers, use market segmentation. Segmenting involves breaking down your target market into different groups based on their needs and wants. To find segments, look at common demographics among potential customers such as location, social status, the number of children they have, their personality and the benefits they want in the products you sell.