Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that are capable of gripping objects. In one implementation, a method involves identifying, by a processing system, an object to be gripped at a first location, commanding, by the processing system, a robotic actuator to move a gripper in a first direction so that the gripper makes contact with the object, wherein one or more teeth in a plurality of fingers associated with the gripper mechanically engage the object, and commanding, by the proceeding system, the robotic actuator to move the gripper in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction, causing the gripper to grip the object.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: An actuator and end effector are controlled according to images from cameras having a surface in their field of view. Vessels (cups, bowls, etc.) and other objects are identified in the images and their configuration is assigned to a finite set of categories by a classifier that does not output a 3D bounding box or determine a 6D pose. For objects assigned to a first subset of categories, grasping parameters for controlling the actuator and end effector are determined using only 2D bounding boxes, such as oriented 2D bounding boxes. For objects not assigned to the first subset, a righting operation may be performed using only 2D bounding boxes. Objects that are still not in the first set may then be grasped by estimating a 3D bounding box and 6D pose.

Abstract: Example intelligent dishwashing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a system includes a light source that is configured to illuminate an article of dishware. An imaging system is configured to capture at least one image of the article of dishware. A processing system is configured to analyze the at least one image to determine a presence of a stain on the article of dishware.

Abstract: An actuator and end effector are controlled according to images from cameras having a surface in their field of view. Vessels (cups, bowls, etc.) and other objects are identified in the images and their configuration is assigned to a finite set of categories by a classifier that does not output a 3D bounding box or determine a 6D pose. For objects assigned to a first subset of categories, grasping parameters for controlling the actuator and end effector are determined using only 2D bounding boxes, such as oriented 2D bounding boxes. For objects not assigned to the first subset, a righting operation may be performed using only 2D bounding boxes. Objects that are still not in the first set may then be grasped by estimating a 3D bounding box and 6D pose.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: Example intelligent dishwashing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a system includes an imaging system configured to capture at least one image of an article of dishware. A processing system analyzes the at least one image to determine a presence and a location of a stain on the article of dishware. Responsive to determining the presence of a stain, a cleaning system is configured to clean the location of the stain on the article of dishware.

Abstract: A system for grasping and retaining dishware during a cleaning cycle. The system includes a grasping element and a receiving surface substantially adjacent to the grasping element. The grasping element grasps the dishware, and the receiving surface receives and retains the dishware during at least one stage of a cleaning cycle. The receiving surface rotates about an axis to convey the dishware to at least two unique locations. A corresponding method is also described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The apparatus includes a magnetic grasping element to grasp dishware having a ferromagnetic component. The magnetic grasping element transitions between at least two states to selectively engage and disengage the dishware. A corresponding system and method are also described herein.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that are capable of gripping objects. In one implementation, a system includes a first finger that includes a plurality of teeth and a second finger that is mechanically coupled to the first finger and includes a plurality of teeth. The first finger and the second finger are configured to move apart when the first finger and the second finger are moved in a first direction against an object. The first finger and second finger are further configured to grip the object when the first finger and the second finger are moved in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.

Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations. A corresponding system and method are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: A system for robotic manipulation of objects having various shapes and sizes. The system includes a robot having an end effector, and an independent tag. The independent tag may have an object attachment interface to grasp an object, and an end effector attachment interface to mechanically interface with the end effector. Upon actuation of the robot, the end effector may move the object via the independent tag. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: A system for automatically magnetically gripping non-magnetic objects. The system includes a robotic arm, a magnetic actuator, and a free magnetic element. The magnetic actuator may be coupled to an end effector of the robotic arm. A non-magnetic object may be placed between the free magnetic element and the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator may magnetically attract the free magnetic element to securely grasp the non-magnetic object therebetween. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that are capable of manipulating fixtures and objects. In one implementation, a system includes a robotic actuator and a processing system configured to generate commands for positioning the robotic actuator. A vision system is configured to process visual information proximate the robotic actuator. The robotic actuator is configured to manipulate a fixture, where the fixture is configured to be placed on a work surface to aid in manipulating an object.