A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

A vehicle and a stop switch apparatus capable of accommodating various unexpected situations in a software operable vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a first operation section that allows operation of the vehicle without software, a second operation section capable of operating the vehicle by using software, a communicator that communicates with an external apparatus, and a stop switch that is provided physically and operable to stop operation of the second operation section without software.

Power system optimization is disclosed. An example power system described herein may include an engine control module that receives measurements associated with sensors, identifies settings associated with control devices, determines that a first set of parameters associated with the one or more control devices is to be optimized according to a first optimization process, iteratively performs the first optimization process until the first set of parameters are optimized, determines that a second set of parameters associated with the one or more control devices are to be optimized according to a second optimization process, iteratively performs the second optimization process until the second set of parameters are optimized, and, after the second set of parameters are optimized according to the second optimization process, configures one of the control devices to operate using an optimized value for the control device determined using the second optimization process.

The working vehicle includes an engine installed in a front portion of a traveling machine body, and a post-processing device configured to purify exhaust gas from the engine. The post-processing device is mounted on an upper side of the engine. The engine and the post-processing device are covered with a hood. A hood shield plate is disposed on a rear surface side of the hood and covers at least the post-processing device from a rear surface. A heat insulating layer is formed between an operating seat disposed on a rear side of the hood and the hood shield plate.

A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

A method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions of a diesel vehicle. In this context, first state variables of the diesel vehicle are measured with the aid of sensors of the diesel vehicle, and using an arithmetic unit, it is ascertained, as a function of the first state variables, if the nitrogen oxide emissions are exceeding a predetermined threshold, or using the arithmetic unit, it is predicted, as a function of the first state variables, if the nitrogen oxide emissions will exceed the predetermined threshold. If exceedance of the threshold is calculated or predicted, then an intervention in the current torque demand of the diesel vehicle and/or an intervention in the current transmission ratio or setting of a transmission of the diesel vehicle is ascertained by the arithmetic unit; the intervention contributing to a reduction in the nitrogen oxide emissions to a value below the threshold.

A control apparatus includes a diesel engine having a throttle valve and a fuel injection valve, an electric driving machine that assists in drive of the engine, and a controller configured to stop the engine automatically when a first condition for automatically stopping the engine is established during an operation of the engine. At this time, the controller is configured to operate the throttle valve to a closing side in response to establishment of a second condition that is established prior to establishment of the first condition, and stop supply of fuel by the fuel injection valve in response to subsequent establishment of the first condition.

Systems and methods to reduce operating expenses of a vehicle based on control of operation of a vehicle system. The system includes a controller. The controller is structured to receive one or more parameters comprising expense data, adjust operating expenses of a vehicle system based on the one or more parameters, and generate a command structured to adjust operation of the vehicle system responsive to the adjustment of the operating expenses.

A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

Methods and systems are provided for reducing carbon buildup in an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises injecting a diesel exhaust fluid into an intake manifold of the engine, routing the diesel exhaust fluid into the exhaust gas recirculation system, and vaporizing the diesel exhaust fluid in the exhaust gas recirculation system. In this way, any carbon deposits associated with an exhaust gas recirculation valve and/or exhaust gas recirculation passage may be reduced, which may increase fuel economy and may reduce undesired emissions.