Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.

Abstract: A controller of a mobile object causes the mobile object to move by a first control amount corresponding to a first velocity absolute value and a first velocity direction. If the controller detects that first information indicating a first velocity of a first communication-partner mobile object is ceased to be received, the controller decides on a second control amount by which the mobile object is to be moved based on the first information that has already been received, the second control amount corresponding to a second velocity absolute value and a second velocity direction. The controller decides on, based on the first control amount and the second control amount, a third control amount corresponding to a third velocity absolute value and a third velocity direction, and causes the mobile object to move by switching from the first control amount to the third control amount.

Abstract: A robot system includes a model storage unit; a model display unit; an input unit for inputting an allowable speed of the robot; a calculation unit for calculating a predicted maximum speed of the robot, based on a trajectory plan of an operation command to be applied to the robot; a speed modification unit for modifying a command speed of the robot such that the predicted maximum speed becomes the allowable speed or lower, when the predicted maximum speed is higher than the allowable speed; and a speed display unit for displaying at least one of the allowable speed, the predicted maximum speed, the ratio between an actual speed of the robot after the command speed is modified and the allowable speed, and the actual speed of the robot, in relation to the robot, in the model of the robot.

Abstract: A robot control system according to the present invention includes a robot control device for controlling a robot, and a control CPU detachably provided on the robot control device, for generating an operation command to operate the robot. The robot control device includes a network controller for communicating with the outside of the robot control device, a servo controller for controlling the robot, and a connector for connecting the control CPU to the network controller.

Abstract: Example systems and methods allow for use of a graphical interface to cause one or more robotic devices to construct an output product. One example method includes causing a graphical interface to be displayed on a display device, receiving input data corresponding to one or more interactions with the graphical interface indicating at least one motion path and at least one sequence of tool actions to execute at one or more points within the at least one motion path for use in construction of an output product, generating a plurality of digital nodes including at least one robot node, at least one motion command node, and at least one tool command node, and providing instructions for the at least one robot actor to move according to the sequence of robot motion commands determined by the at least one motion command node and execute the sequence of tool commands determined by the at least one tool command node to construct the output product.

Abstract: A remotely controlled packable robot features a chassis, right and left main tracks for maneuvering the chassis, and right and left tracked rotatable flipper arms for maneuvering the chassis. An integrated drive assembly is provided for each main track and flipper pair and includes a motor in a housing attached to the chassis for rotating the flipper and a stator and rotor disposed about the motor housing for driving the main track and the flipper track.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an articulated arm, the articulated arm comprising a first rigid link assembly and a second rigid link assembly. The articulated arm can be configured so that the second rigid link assembly rotates in relation to the first link assembly about a rotary axis. The articulated arm can include an actuator for causing rotary movement of the second rigid link assembly in relation to the first rigid link assembly about the rotary axis. The actuator can include a first fluid chamber, and a second fluid chamber. The articulated arm can include a fluid supply assembly for moving fluid into and out of the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A robot controlled by a controller includes a recording part that records sensor information on a sensor, and a transmission part that transmits the sensor information to the controller or an external apparatus.

Abstract: A tablet terminal that establishes a wireless connection with one of a plurality of controllers each having identification information and transmits an operation signal for commanding operation of a robot to the wirelessly connected controller, is configured to prevent the robot from being operated by the operation signal when the identification information of the controller to which the base holding the tablet terminal is connected does not coincide with the identification information of the controller to which the tablet terminal is connected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to receiving a request that includes robot instructions and/or environmental parameters, operating each of a plurality of robots based on the robot instructions and/or in an environment configured based on the environmental parameters, and storing data generated by the robots during the operating. In some implementations, at least part of the stored data that is generated by the robots is provided in response to the request and/or additional data that is generated based on the stored data is provided in response to the request.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for controlling various motions of a tool based on visual indicators. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft and including first and second jaws. The tool can have at least one visual indicator disposed thereon and configured to indicate a size, position, or speed of movement of the tool or components of the tool.

Abstract: A robot includes a first arm that rotates around the first axis, a second arm that rotates around a second axis in a direction different from the first axis, a third arm that rotates around a third axis parallel to the second axis, a first inertia sensor that is installed at the first arm, a second (a) inertia sensor that is installed at the third arm, first to third angle sensors, a posture detection unit that detects the posture of the third arm with the second arm as a reference and derives a feedback gain, and a second drive source control unit that feeds back a second correction component, which is obtained by multiplying a value, which is obtained by subtracting the angular velocity ?A2m and the angular velocity ?A3m from the angular velocity ?A3, by the feedback gain, and controls the second drive source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method which can be used to detect the location of one or more leaks within a pipeline, by passing the device along the interior of the pipeline. The device includes audio detection means to detect the presence of leaks. Surface mounted apparatus is also provided to allow the passage of the device along the pipeline to be monitored and the position of the device with respect to the pipeline to be detected.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, according to some implementations, a system and method for capturing sensor data for gait analysis of a subject using a robot. In an example method, a robot unit receives an instruction to monitor a gait of a subject; initializes a monitoring approach in response to receiving the instructions to begin monitoring the gait of the subject; collecting sensor data capturing movement of the subject along the pathway portion; and generating gait data for gait analysis based on the sensor data. In various embodiments, the monitoring approaches may include an active approach, a passive approach, or a hybrid approach.

Abstract: A robot controller (2) configured to control a robot (1) including a plurality of joints (J1-J6) each rotatable around a rotation axis, the robot controller (2) including: an acquisition unit (21) configured to acquire a rotation angle of each of the plurality of joints (J1-J6); a determination unit (22) configured to determine whether or not the robot (1) has been in proximity to a singular configuration, based on the rotation angle of each of the plurality of joints (J1-J6); and a control unit (23) configured to control the plurality of joints (J1-J6) to be rotated not to rotate simultaneously, when the determination unit (22) determines that the robot (1) has been in proximity to the singular configuration.

Abstract: A path planning method for a robotic floor-cleaning device in which a user's commands are repeated autonomously by the robotic floor-cleaning device at a later time.

Abstract: This system is composed by mechanical telemanipulators, with master-slave configurations, working together with suitable solutions for image acquisition and display, which are able to transmit, with optional magnification, images from the surgical area to the surgeon. Therefore, the surgeon's capacities and comfort are increased by enhancing the surgeon's motor and visual skills as well as the ergonomics while doing different surgical tasks through access incisions on the patient body. Aside from offering improved performance during procedures involving microsurgical techniques, this system also brings safety, intuitiveness, and cost-effectiveness advantages over current alternatives.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus and system for facilitating three dimensional motion of an object within the system. The apparatus and system utilizing a delta style manipulation system having a plurality of guide rails and corresponding gliders. The guide rails having an extended axial body having rigid side wall with a hollow interior cavity. The guide rail further including a key or slot extending through the side wall, the key or slot being parallel to a main central axis of each guide rail. A corresponding glider is provided for each guide rail, each glider having an exterior portion and an interior portion, wherein the exterior portion substantially encompasses the guide rail about an outer surface, and the interior portion being coupled to a driving mechanism which facilitates axial motion of the glider about the guide rail.

Abstract: A robot system includes: an upper body section including one or more end-effectors; a lower body section including one or more legs; and an intermediate body section coupling the upper and lower body sections. An upper body control system operates at least one of the end-effectors. The intermediate body section experiences a first intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on an end-effector force acting on the at least one end-effector. A lower body control system operates the one or more legs. The one or more legs experience respective surface reaction forces. The intermediate body section experiences a second intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on the surface reaction forces. The lower body control system operates the one or more legs so that the second intermediate body linear force balances the first intermediate linear force and the second intermediate body moment balances the first intermediate body moment.

Abstract: System and methods to create an immersive virtual environment using a virtual reality system that receives parameters corresponding to a real-world robot. The real-world robot may be simulated to create a virtual robot based on the received parameters. The immersive virtual environment may be transmitted to a user. The user may supply input and interact with the virtual robot. Feedback such as the current state of the virtual robot or the real-world robot may be provided to the user. The user may train the virtual robot. The real-world robot may be programmed based on the virtual robot training.

Abstract: A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera, monitor, a microphone and a speaker. A communication link can be established with the robot through a cellular phone. The link may include an audio only communication. Alternatively, the link may include audio and video communication between the cellular phone and the robot. The phone can transmit its resolution to the robot and cause the robot to transmit captured images at the phone resolution. The user can cause the robot to move through input on the cellular phone. For example, the phone may include an accelerometer that senses movement, and movement commands are then sent to the robot to cause a corresponding robot movement. The phone may have a touch screen that can be manipulated by the user to cause robot movement and/or camera zoom.

Abstract: A system and related systems for detecting and diagnosing fault of a robot is provided. The method comprises: performing simulations according to robot control commands; calculating discrepancy between actual performance of robot based on the control commands and the results generated by the simulation, wherein a presence of discrepancy is indicative of fault; performing diagnostic exercises according to the discrepancy to identify a cause of the fault.

Abstract: A method for path planning for a plurality of vehicles in a mission space includes determining, with a processor, information indicative of a first local graph of a first vehicle; receiving, with the processor over a communication link, information indicative of a second local graph from a second vehicle; assembling, with the processor, information indicative of a global graph in response to the receiving of the second local graph; wherein the global graph includes information assembled from the first local graph and the second local graph; and wherein the global graph indicates connectivity of objectives for each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles in the mission space.

Abstract: A human assistance device has a rate gyro, first accelerometer, and second accelerometer disposed on a mobile body for sensing a physical state of the mobile body to provide a physical state measurement. The human assistance device can be a prosthetic, orthotic, and robotic device. An ATAN2 function is performed on an output of the first accelerometer and an output of the second accelerometer. An output of the rate gyro and an output of the ATAN2 function is filtered to provide a filtered physical state measurement. The filtered physical state measurement is applied to a reference function to generate a reference command to control a non-gait motion of an actuator in the human assistance device. The reference command controls the human assistance device, for example to provide a shifting foot position while seated, with a natural, biological motion, without an artificial or mechanical appearance.

Abstract: A spherical shaped robot with a drive mechanism and a weight drive mechanism is provided. If a distance from the robot to an object is less than a predetermined value, the robot executes a pivot turn mode. In the pivot turn mode, the robot controls the drive mechanism to stop linear movements of the robot, controls the weight drive mechanism to tilt the weight to a first side representing one of the right hand side and left hand side of the robot, controls the drive mechanism to cause a forward movement of the robot with the weight tilted to the first side, controls the drive mechanism to stop the forward movement of the robot, controls the weight drive mechanism to tilt the weight to a second side different from the first side, and controls the drive mechanism to cause a backward movement of the robot with the weight tilted to the second side.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a humanoid robot, comprises a rigid structure linked to the humanoid robot, a deformable outer shell, and a shock-absorber; the shock-absorber consisting of a flexible cellular structure comprising a set of cells emerging in a main direction, and being secured to the rigid structure at a first end in the main direction, and linked to the deformable outer shell at a second end opposite the first in the main direction. Advantageously, the outer shell is also linked directly to the rigid structure by means of at least one absorbent fixing of silent block type. The invention relates also to a humanoid robot, and in particular the head of a humanoid robot, comprising such a shock-absorbing device.

Abstract: A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system can include one or more surgical arms coupleable to a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Abstract: A robot control system includes: plural robots that are disposed in a region; a generating unit that divides the region into plural small regions and generates disposition position information for specifying disposition positions of each of the plural robots in the region based on a value indicating a use possibility of a robot in each small regions; and a disposition unit that disposes the plural robots in the region in accordance with the disposition position information generated by the generating unit.

Abstract: The trajectory planning system for integrating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, trajectory planning device, trajectory planning method, and computer program thereof are provided. The aforementioned trajectory planning device includes a determining module. The determining module configures the related processing speed or processing acceleration based on type of the processing segment so as to provide a processing setting. Furthermore, the aforementioned trajectory planning device determines the processing segment whether the linear or circular segment and plans the tangent or normal acceleration of related processing segment so as to optimize the processing setting and finish the high order processing trajectory planning.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes an actuation shaft, a tool assembly, and a drive assembly. The tool assembly includes a suture needle and a pair of jaws transitionable between open and closed positions. Each jaw includes a needle engaging blade slidably supported thereon. Each needle engaging blade is transitionable between an extended position in which the needle engaging blade engages the suture needle and a retracted position in which the needle engaging blade is disengaged from the suture needle. The drive assembly includes first, second, and third electrical actuators. The first actuator is operatively coupled with the actuation shaft to cause axial displacement of the actuation shaft. The axial displacement of the actuation shaft causes opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The second and third actuators are operatively coupled with the needle engaging blades to provide axial displacement of the needle engaging blades.

Abstract: An actuation pressure to actuate one or more hydraulic actuators may be determined based on a load on the one or more hydraulic actuators of a robotic device. Based on the determined actuation pressure, a pressure rail from among a set of pressure rails at respective pressures may be selected. One or more valves may connect the selected pressure rail to a metering valve. The hydraulic drive system may operate in a discrete mode in which the metering valve opens such that hydraulic fluid flows from the selected pressure rail through the metering valve to the one or more hydraulic actuators at approximately the supply pressure. Responsive to a control state of the robotic device, the hydraulic drive system may operate in a continuous mode in which the metering valve throttles the hydraulic fluid such that the supply pressure is reduced to the determined actuation pressure.

Abstract: Providing a first movement including rotating a first arm about a rotational axis of a robot drive; rotating a second arm on the first arm, where the first and second arms form a robot arm, where the first and second arms are the only arms of the robot arm, where the robot arm has an end effector rotationally fixed to the second arm, and where the end effector is configured to support a substrate thereon for transporting the substrate by the robot arm; and controlling the rotating to provide a path of the end effector such that the end effector does not contact the substrate during the rotating. Providing a second movement including rotating the arms to provide an at least partially straight linear path of a center of the substrate relative to the rotational axis of the drive robot when the substrate is on the end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for determining the direction of a false Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite signal transmitter. False GNSS satellite signals can be used malevolently to take control of a rigid body such as a vehicle or ship that is using GNSS satellite signals for navigation. The GNSS device according to the invention computes a plurality of range differences, where each range difference is the difference between a range from a first GNSS satellite to a first GNSS antenna, and the range from the first GNSs satellite to a second GNSS antenna. Each of the plurality of range differences is correlated to a rotation angle of a baseline vector extending from the first GNSS antenna to the second GNSS antenna. The rotation angles and their corresponding range differences can be used to indicate the direction of the false GNSS satellite signal transmitter.

Abstract: An example method may include determining a requested yaw for a body of a robot, where the biped robot comprises a foot coupled to the body via a leg. The robot may then detect, via one or more sensors, a yaw rotation of the body with respect to a ground surface, where the foot is in contact with the ground surface. Based on the detected yaw rotation of the body, the robot may determine a measured yaw for the body. The robot may also determine a target yaw for the body, where the target yaw for the body is between the measured yaw for the body and the requested yaw for the body. The robot may then cause the foot to rotate the body to the target yaw for the body.

Abstract: A control apparatus is a control apparatus that controls a first manipulator including a detection acquisition unit that acquires information from a first detection unit detecting that at least one of a living organism and an object is located within a first range, a velocity acquisition unit that acquires a velocity of a second manipulator different from the first manipulator, and a control unit that controls a velocity of the first manipulator to be equal to or less than a first velocity, wherein the control unit controls the velocity of the first manipulator so that a relative velocity between the first manipulator and the second manipulator may be equal to or less than a second velocity when the detection acquisition unit acquires the information.

Abstract: This disclosure covers various concepts to use for obtaining measurement of tension in catheter pullwires to improve controllability of a robotic surgical system.

Abstract: In a coupled control mode, the surgeon directly controls movement of an associated slave manipulator with an input device while indirectly controlling movement of one or more non-associated slave manipulators, in response to commanded motion of the directly controlled slave manipulator, to achieve a secondary objective. By automatically performing secondary tasks through coupled control modes, the system's usability is enhanced by reducing the surgeon's need to switch to another direct mode to manually achieve the desired secondary objective. Thus, coupled control modes allow the surgeon to better focus on performing medical procedures and to pay less attention to managing the system.

Abstract: An adaptive learning interface system for end-users for controlling one or more machines or robots to perform a given task, combining identification of gaze patterns, EEG channel's signal patterns, voice commands and/or touch commands. The output streams of these sensors are analyzed by the processing unit in order to detect one or more patterns that are translated into one or more commands to the robot, to the processing unit or to other devices. A pattern learning mechanism is implemented by keeping immediate history of outputs collected from those sensors, analyzing their individual behavior and analyzing time correlation between patterns recognized from each of the sensors. Prediction of patterns or combination of patterns is enabled by analyzing partial history of sensors' outputs.

Abstract: A robot includes a force detector, and a drive part that changes a position relationship between a marker and an imaging part. In the case with calibration processing of specifying a coordinate relationship as a correspondence relationship between a reference coordinate system with reference to a position of the marker and a robot coordinate system as reference of control of the drive part based on images of the marker captured by the imaging part in a plurality of the position relationships, the drive part is controlled to have anisotropy based on the coordinate relationship and a detection value of the force detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Abstract: Multirobotic management can involve communications between a command or leader robot and one or more client or follower robots through a cloud computing system. In an example implementation, a leader robot can receive first sensory data captured by a first follower robot and second sensory data captured by a second follower robot, determine a command function based on at least one of the first sensory data and the second sensory data, and communicate with at least one of the first follower robot and the second follower robot based on the command function.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a body, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg has a proximal end jointed to the body, a distal end, and a first foot located on the distal end. A first maximum working envelope is associated with the first foot, where the first working range is inscribed within a first maximum working envelope. Likewise, the second leg has a proximal end jointed to the body in-line with the first leg, a distal end, and a second foot located on the distal end. A second maximum working envelope is associated with the second foot, where the second working range is inscribed within a second maximum working envelope. The vehicle thus defines a single-track multi-legged vehicle where the first leg and the second leg are attached to the body one behind the other, substantially parallel to a major axis of motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for wireless communication in an ecosystem of wireless devices interconnected for assisting a vehicle, or a vehicle and trailer in maneuvers which includes at least one radio frequency (RF) system configured to operate as part of a vehicle system, a trailer system or combination thereof, or as an independent unit with wireless connectivity to the vehicle and/or trailer system or other independent unit to form the ecosystem of wireless devices interconnected. The RF system includes a transceiver for the wireless connectivity with extended range ultra-wide band capabilities wherein each RF system includes: at least one vehicle RF system, at least one trailer RF system and at least one independent RF unit system.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of deploying sensors by a robot in a geographical region. The robot receives a first instruction including information corresponding to the geographical region and a second instruction indicating one of a first manner and a second manner of deploying sensors. The robot computes a path to traverse the region in a plurality of steps, each step of the plurality of steps having a predetermined magnitude. The robot traverses until a stopping condition is satisfied. The robot deploys sensors at each traversed step size and further receives from each deployed sensor, information indicating absence of sensors in a neighboring area of the deployed sensor. Additionally, the robot repeats the traversing and deploying of sensors in the neighboring area to provide full coverage.

Abstract: According to a robot programming apparatus, a position and a posture of a tool is determined based on a machining path formed by projecting an operation pattern onto a workpiece model. The robot programming apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a workpiece and the tool interfere with each other at any point, except for a machining point of the tool, and a position and posture correction unit configured to correct at least one of the position and the posture of the tool so that the workpiece and the tool do not interfere with each other at any point, except for the machining point of the tool.

Abstract: A robot system enabling a single teaching console to be used to easily teach a plurality of robots. The robot system includes a plurality of robot controllers connected through a network and a single teaching console. The teaching console is configured to be able to selectively communicate with any one of the robot controllers. The robot controller is configured so as to send a connect request to the teaching console when it is judged that the state of the robot has been switched to the teaching phase or maintenance phase. The teaching console is configured to respond to a connect request from the robot controller and switch destinations to enable communication with the robot controller.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and accompanying method for directing the movement of an object on an interactive surface through a defined path. The system includes an object embedded with a unique identification code (UID), a movement module, and a distinct pattern of capacitive tabs near the surface of the object that makes contact with the interactive surface, an interactive surface configured to recognize the UID, location and orientation information of an object placed on the interactive surface, and a processor operatively linked to the interactive surface and configured to direct, track and correct the movement of the object along a defined path on the interactive surface by tracking the UID, location and orientation of the object continuously and throughout the movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.

Abstract: The purpose is to perform a teaching work of a dual-arm robot instinctively and easily. A dual-arm robot including two arms made of a plurality of links coupled to each other with joint shafts, and two instructing parts provided to tip ends of the two arms, respectively, and configured to indicate coordinate points in space and to be grippable by a teacher, and a control device configured to acquire the coordinate points indicated by the teacher moving the two instructing parts directly and simultaneously with both hands as teaching points, and teach the dual-arm robot operation corresponding to the acquired teaching points.