Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a robot hand similar to a hand of a human being such that the robot hand naturally and safely grasps an object. The robot hand, including fingers and a palm, is capable of naturally and safely grasping an object, by the tip of each finger performing impedance control while following the optimal path on a Cartesian coordinate system, although the robot hand cannot reach a position ideal to grasp the object due to sensor errors or shape information of the object to be grasped is not correctly recognized. Also, the robot hand is capable of stably grasping the object even when moving or manipulating the object.

Abstract: A robot gripper is provided comprising two robot arms, upper contact parts, and lower contact parts disposed at the ends of each of the two robot arms. The upper and lower contact parts are in contact with a top and a bottom of an article when gripping the article, The upper and lower contact parts are semispherical shaped and have predetermined radii. Sensor units are mounted on the upper contact parts and the lower contact parts. The sensor units measure vertical or horizontal forces applied to the upper contact parts or the lower contact parts when gripping the article. A control unit configured to determine whether the center of gravity of the article is located at a center position between the ends of the arms using vertical and horizontal distances between the ends of the arms and vertical components of the forces measured by the sensor units when gripping the article is provided.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a robot hand that performs an action for gripping an object between plural finger sections provided to be capable of changing a distance between the finger sections. Between the plural finger sections, a palm section movable along a direction in which a base side of the plural finger sections and a distal end side of the plural finger sections are connected is provided.

Abstract: A robot for operating isolation switches while allowing an operator to remain outside of an arc flash zone can include a motor, bidirectional rotatable shaft, gear box, and magnet housings with magnets for engaging with metal. A first arm can be connected to the bidirectional rotatable shaft and can have a gripper. A second arm can connect to the bidirectional rotatable shaft, and can have a threadable member for depressing an interlock on the isolation switches. Stops can prevent the first arm from over-rotating. A magnetically securable controller portion can be in communication with a motor portion and remote switch operator. A remote control device can operate the remote switch operator to control and power the controller portion to operate the motor outside of the arc flash zone.

Abstract: A robot hand has a plurality of fingers including a contact sensing finger that senses contact with an object. A base provided with the fingers detects a resultant reaction force that is the combination of reaction forces from the fingers. When no resultant reaction force is detected, the plurality of fingers are moved toward the object, and when the contact sensing finger comes into contact with the object, a force that drives the fingers is switched to a force corresponding to a grasp force. When the contact sensing finger has not come into contact with the object but a resultant reaction force is detected, the driving of the fingers is terminated and the position of the base is corrected by moving the base in a direction in which the resultant reaction force having acted thereon is not detected any more.

Abstract: A robot hand is provided. The robot hand includes a plurality of holding parts provided to be holdable of a plurality of workpieces, respectively, and a pneumatic drive for protruding one of the holding parts, when the holding part holds one of the workpieces, toward the workpiece with respect to one or more remaining holding parts by pneumatic pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a food item, the apparatus having a chassis, an actuator, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The actuator is connected to the chassis and rotatable about a pivot. The first jaw is connected to the chassis and mechanically linked to the actuator. The first jaw is further adapted to move along a first arc. The second jaw is also connected to the chassis and mechanically linked to the actuator. The second jaw is also further adapted to move along a second arc. Rotation of the actuator about the pivot in a first direction brings together the first jaw and the second jaw, the first and second jaws moving along the first and second arcs, respectively. Rotation of the actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction brings apart the first jaw and the second jaw, the first and second jaws moving along the first and second arcs, respectively.

Abstract: Method and System of removing material from a debris pile which includes blocks of material. The debris pile is characterized to create a static equilibrium diagram illustrating one or more forces acting on each of the plurality of blocks of material. The blocks are ranked according to a number of touch points that each block of material touches another block of material. A block having a least number of touch points is identified. The block is removed from the static equilibrium diagram. It is determined if the block is removable by a robot. It is determined if the pile of debris would be in static equilibrium after removal of the block. The robot is directed to remove the block. Also included is a computer program product.

Abstract: A camera is used to take an image of an end surface of a honeycomb structure gripped by a hand. Based on the image, an initial rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around a vertical axis at a reference position where the image has been taken is recognized. An arm turning section is driven to convey the honeycomb structure gripped by the hand from the reference position to above a plugging mask. A rotation angle required to adjust the rotation angle of the honeycomb structure on the plugging mask to a desired final rotation angle is acquired based on the initial rotation angle recognized at the reference position and a rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around the vertical axis associated with the driving of the arm turning section from the reference position to above the plugging mask. The honeycomb structure is rotated based on the required rotation angle.

Abstract: A production plant, particularly for suitcases and trunks, such suitcases and trunks comprising at least two half-shells mutually associated so as to form at least one internal containment compartment. The plant comprises: at least one station for loading at least one half-shell; at least one work island which has at least one dispenser of perimetric gasket seals; at least one storage area for the half-shells; at least one center for mating the half-shells, so as to form substantially the finished product, such as a suitcase and a trunk; at least one station for unloading the finished product.

Abstract: A robotic finger includes a shape-memory alloy and a shape-memory polymer connected to and adjacent to the shape-memory alloy. Heating the shape-memory polymer causes it to soften, heating the shape-memory alloy causes the alloy to bend in the direction of the shape-memory polymer to press the shape-memory polymer against an object to be grasped, and cooling the shape-memory polymer causes it to stiffen and to retain its shape. An opposing member is positioned to cooperate with the finger to grasp an object positioned between the finger and the opposing member. A selectively controllable heat source is capable of applying heat to the finger.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm. A robot hand is disposed at a distal end of the robot arm and grips an object. The robot hand includes an air chuck device including a pair of pistons and an air cylinder. The air cylinder opens and closes the pistons in parallel to one another. A pair of first gripping members are disposed at a first side of the pistons and move close to and apart from one another within a first movable range on a movable plane. A pair of second gripping members are disposed at a second side of the pistons and move close to and apart from one another within a second movable range different from the first movable range on the movable plane. The robot hand pivots relative to the distal end of the robot arm about a pivot axis approximately perpendicular to the movable plane.

Abstract: A workpiece transporting apparatus includes a hand, a rotating portion for rotatably holding the hand, an arm provided in the hand and having one end provided at the rotating portion, and a holding portion provided in the hand and provided to another end of the arm for holding a workpiece, in which a center portion of the holding portion is disposed with a predetermined interval from an axial line extended from a rotational center of the rotating portion toward another end of the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.

Abstract: A tendon-driven robotic gripper is disclosed for performing fingertip and enveloping grasps. One embodiment comprises two fingers, each with two links, and is actuated using a single active tendon. During unobstructed closing, the distal links remain parallel, creating exact fingertip grasps. Conversely, if the proximal links are stopped by contact with an object, the distal links start flexing, creating a stable enveloping grasp. The route of the active tendon and the parameters of the springs providing passive extension forces are optimized in order to achieve this behavior. An additional passive tendon is disclosed that may be used as a constraint preventing the gripper from entering undesirable parts of the joint workspace. A method for optimizing the dimensions of the links in order to achieve enveloping grasps of a large range of objects is disclosed and applied to a set of common household objects.

Abstract: An object is highly precisely moved by an industrial robot to an end position by the following steps, which are repeated until the end position is reached within a specified tolerance: Recording a three-dimensional image by means of a 3-D image recording device. Determining the present position of the object in the spatial coordinate system from the position of the 3-D image recording device the angular orientation of the 3-D image recording device detected by an angle measuring unit, the three-dimensional image, and the knowledge of features on the object. Calculating the position difference between the present position of the object and the end position. Calculating a new target position of the industrial robot while taking into consideration the compensation value from the present position of the industrial robot and a value linked to the position difference. Moving the industrial robot to the new target position.

Abstract: Machines for manufacturing photovoltaic modules and methods for manufacturing photovoltaic modules can include tape handling components.

Abstract: A robot hand having a suction holding unit on one face side holds a plate-shaped work by suction. An outer circumferential edge of the plate-shaped work is held, without contact with a surface of the plate-shaped work, by an outer circumference holding unit provided on the other face side. The robot hand can be used to hold the plate-shaped work yet to be worked by the suction holding unit, and to hold the plate-shaped work having been worked by the outer circumference holding unit. This prevents working debris from being deposited on the plate-shaped work yet to be worked and prevents defective working from occurring. In addition, since the plate-shaped work having been worked is held by the outer circumference holding unit, the robot hand does not make contact with surfaces of the worked plate-shaped work, and, accordingly, no contact marks are formed on the surfaces of the work.

Abstract: A robot gripper is provided comprising two robot arms, upper contact parts, and lower contact parts disposed at the ends of each of the two robot arms. The upper and lower contact parts are in contact with a top and a bottom of an article when gripping the article, The upper and lower contact parts are semispherical shaped and have predetermined radii. Sensor units are mounted on the upper contact parts and the lower contact parts. The sensor units measure vertical or horizontal forces applied to the upper contact parts or the lower contact parts when gripping the article. A control unit configured to determine whether the center of gravity of the article is located at a center position between the ends of the arms using vertical and horizontal distances between the ends of the arms and vertical components of the forces measured by the sensor units when gripping the article is provided.

Abstract: A hand includes: a pair of supporters; first and second gripping claws which are supported inside of the pair of supporters, respectively, so as to grip a bolt; an oscillating mechanism which oscillates the first and second gripping claws on an oscillatory axis crossing a longitudinal direction of each of the supporters, so as to change the orientation of a tip of each of the first and second gripping claws; and a bolt rotating mechanism for rotating, on the axis of the bolt, the bolt gripped by the first and second gripping claws.

Abstract: A system, for planning a grasp for implementation by a grasping device having multiple grasping members, comprising a processor and a computer-readable storage device having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform multiple operations. The operations include generating, for each of the multiple grasping members, multiple planar polygon representations of a three-dimensional object model. The operations also include transforming a planar polygon, of the multiple polygons generated, to a frame of a link of multiple links of a subject member of the multiple grasping members, forming a transformed polygon, being a cross-section of the object model taken along a member-curling plane of the subject member. The operations further include sweeping, in iterations associated respectively with each link of the subject member, the link from a fully-open position for the link to a point at which the link contacts the transformed planar polygon.

Abstract: An integrated grip arm for transfer reticles and carrier boxes is disclosed for improving throughput, yield and reliability of transport equipment. The integrated grip arm comprises a plurality of grippers to accommodate a plurality of reticles and carrier boxes without the need of separate arm or gripper changes. The integrated grip arm can further comprise sensor or means to select the right gripper for the right reticles or carrier boxes.

Abstract: The positional displacement detector includes a contact member, a prohibition member, and a vibration detector. The contact member is configured to make contact with the object and deform with a positional displacement of the object. The prohibition member is configured to make contact with the deformed contact member to prohibit a deformation of a magnitude equal to or more than a predetermined magnitude from being caused to the contact member. The vibration detector is configured to detect a vibration generated when the contact member has made contact with the prohibition member.

Abstract: A robot system capable of purposely withdrawing a workpiece into a hand, and capable of sequentially and effectively taking out the workpiece, even when workpieces are randomly located. A hand has a base part attached to the front end of a robot arm, at least two fingers pivotally attached to base part, and a roller device arranged at a front end of each finger. The roller device is a rotating belt device having a small motor arranged in the finger, a driving roller driven by the motor via a drive transmitting means, and a driven roller rotated with the driving roller via a belt.

Abstract: A compliant underactuated grasper includes a base and a plurality of fingers. At least one of the plurality of fingers includes: a proximal phalanx; a proximal joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the base; a distal phalanx; a distal joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a member for moving the phalanges. At least one of the proximal joint and the distal joint includes a flexure joint having a first compliance in a first direction and a second compliance in a second direction, the second compliance being stiffer than the first compliance. The distal phalanx includes: a rounded end face; and a lifting portion including a lifting edge adjacent the rounded end face. The member acts in parallel to the first direction. The grasper further includes at least one actuator associated with the member. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A grasper includes a base, a finger, a tendon cable and a magnetic breakaway mechanism. The finger has a proximal end connected to the base by a proximal joint. The tendon cable is configured to move the finger relative to the base. The magnetic breakaway mechanism releasably couples the finger to the base.

Abstract: A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a surgical instrument into engagement with a grip actuator of a teleoperational activation system. The surgical instrument includes movable jaws, and the surgical instrument is received in a prearranged gripping configuration with the jaws gripping a surgical accessory. The method includes generating a first control signal for manipulating the surgical instrument while maintaining the surgical instrument in the prearranged gripping configuration. The method further includes generating a second control signal for manipulating the surgical instrument to move from the prearranged gripping configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A clamping device comprising: a distal end side stationary blocks which are provided on a side of a distal end of a workpiece retaining base, and in which stationary tilt faces tilting downwardly to a central direction of the workpiece are formed; a proximal end side stationary blocks which are provided on a side of a proximal end of the workpiece retaining base, and in which upward stationary tilt faces tilting downward toward the central direction of the workpiece are formed and a movable block which is arranged at a position proximal to the proximal end side stationary blocks, and is capable of advancing to or retracting from a side of the distal end side stationary blocks with the workpiece being held between the blocks, and in which a downward movable tilt face tilting upwardly toward the central direction of the workpiece is formed.

Abstract: A tendon-driven robotic gripper is disclosed for performing fingertip and enveloping grasps. One embodiment comprises two fingers, each with two links, and is actuated using a single active tendon. During unobstructed closing, the distal links remain parallel, creating exact fingertip grasps. Conversely, if the proximal links are stopped by contact with an object, the distal links start flexing, creating a stable enveloping grasp. The route of the active tendon and the parameters of the springs providing passive extension forces are optimized in order to achieve this behavior. An additional passive tendon is disclosed that may be used as a constraint preventing the gripper from entering undesirable parts of the joint workspace. A method for optimizing the dimensions of the links in order to achieve enveloping grasps of a large range of objects is disclosed and applied to a set of common household objects.

Abstract: An imaging probe includes a first nub protruding from an elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing a procedure of the object or subject to position the imaging probe in connection with a region of interest of the subject or object to image the region of interest with the probe. The imaging probe further includes at least one other nub located on and protruding from the elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing the procedure to facilitate grasping the first nub by the robot apparatus.

Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engine piston installation in which robots are used for the entire engine piston installation process. A first robot equipped with a stuffing gripper and force control picks up a piston with a connection rod, detects the piston ring presence, squeeze the rings, find the engine cylinder bore, and stuffs the piston into the cylinder bore. A second robot can be used to load and unload the engine block, hold the block and position it to the location, and indexes the crankshaft into the proper orientation for each cylinder bore. A set of tools either fixed on a stationary station or on a third robot is used to guide the piston connecting rod, transport and place on the connecting rod cap, and fasten the cap onto the connecting rod. The piston connecting rod guiding process may be omitted in piston stuffing for some types of engines.

Abstract: A minimal access tool includes a frame arranged to be attached to an arm of a user, a tool shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tool shaft proximal end is connected to the frame. The tool further includes an input joint having a first end connected to the frame and a second end arranged to receive user input, the input joint including a virtual center-of-rotation (VC) mechanism which provides a center of rotation that generally coincides with a wrist joint of the user. An output joint is connected to the tool shaft distal end, where the output joint is coupled to the input joint via a mechanical transmission connected therebetween to correlate motion of the input joint to motion of the output joint.

Abstract: A device for changing the rotational angle position of a pneumatic tire relative to a rim, on which the pneumatic tire is fitted to the rim, includes a manipulating device with a gripper adapted to be rotated by a positionable rotary drive mechanism and having radially adjustable gripper fingers with oppositely facing lift-off devices. Via the gripper it is possible to load a wheel into a clamping fixture, and following unseating of the tire beads from the clamped rim the pneumatic tire can be rotated relative to the rim through a computed angular difference.

Abstract: A device for use in the semiconductor industry includes a robotic arm whose end effector includes at least two prongs designed to hold a substrate carrier. A pushing member located between the prongs can move independently of the prongs and is configured to exert force against the substrate carrier while the prongs are retracted from the substrate carrier, after the substrate carrier has been brought to its intended position. In this manner, the position of the substrate carrier is maintained at its intended position as the prongs are retracted. Each of the prongs may include a claw or gripping member for grasping the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A robot is used to pick parts from a bin. The robot has a compliant apparatus and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool(s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin.

Abstract: An integrated grip arm for transfer reticles and carrier boxes is disclosed for improving throughput, yield and reliability of transport equipment. The integrated grip arm comprises a plurality of grippers to accommodate a plurality of reticles and carrier boxes without the need of separate arm or gripper changes. The integrated grip arm can further comprise sensor or means to select the right gripper for the right reticles or carrier boxes.

Abstract: To automatically perform an attachment work of a material supply to a target object, a robot system includes a robot provided with a body, a first arm provided for the body and having a plurality of joints, a second arm provided for the body separately from the first arm and having a plurality of joints, and hand units respectively provided for the first arm and the second arm. The robot holds one of a plurality of types of workpiece components using the hand units of the first arm and the second arm at the same time, and the remaining type of the workpiece components is held and carried by the hand unit of the first arm or the second arm.

Abstract: A tendon tensioning system includes a tendon having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator, and a motor controller. The actuator may include a drive screw and a motor, and may be coupled with the proximal end of the tendon and configured to apply a tension through the tendon in response to an electrical current. The motor controller may be electrically coupled with the actuator, and configured to provide an electrical current having a first amplitude to the actuator until a stall tension is achieved through the tendon; provide a pulse current to the actuator following the achievement of the stall tension, where the amplitude of the pulse current is greater than the first amplitude, and return the motor to a steady state holding current following the conclusion of the pulse current.

Abstract: Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques.

Abstract: Fingers for holding a target project from shift members, and shift in accordance with the movement of the shift members shifted in predetermined axial directions by a shift mechanism to hold the target. Sliding members for shifting the shift members in the predetermined axial directions project from the shift members, and guide the shift members by sliding. According to this structure, a robot hand becomes smaller in size by decreasing the clearances between the fingers (moving the shift members closer to each other). Thus, the robot hand can hold a small target object within a small work space even though the robot hand conducts a parallel shift of the fingers.

Abstract: Methods for filling packagings with at least one medication includes receiving filling instructions for an order and operating an automated packaging station to fill a plurality of packagings making up an order. Operating the automated packaging station includes positioning a plurality of cassettes containing the medications needed for the order onto a feeder base at a single filling location, and moving each of the plurality of packagings to the filling location. The operation also includes actuating at least one of the cassettes at the feeder base simultaneously and according to the filling instructions when each packaging is located at the filling location. Automated packaging stations operable to perform the above filling instructions are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic arm includes: an arm having one or more joints; an arm securing unit provided at at least one of the one or more joints and configured to secure, by electrostatic adhesion, a positional relationship between two parts coupled by each of the at least one of the one or more joints; and a control unit configured to turn on and off the electrostatic adhesion of the arm securing unit.

Abstract: A robot (12) is used to pick parts from a bin (40 in FIG. 1). The robot has a compliant apparatus (42) and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool (s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices (FIG. 16, 17) which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the operation of a robot having a product gripper which is designed to represent at least one approach position of the product gripper for the picking up and/or placing down of a product, in particular of a food product, as a graphical element on a display device. The apparatus is designed so that the respective graphical element can be directly displaced on the display device for the setting of the coordinates of the respective approach position, with the coordinates of the respective approach position being changed automatically in response to such a displacement of the graphical element in accordance with the displacement.

Abstract: A device for constructing an assembly of building components includes an articulating arm unit and a gripper/nailer mounted on an end of the articulating arm unit. The gripper/nailer includes a gripping unit for grasping building components and positioning them in a predetermined arrangement and a nailing unit for inserting a fastener to secure the building components together.

Abstract: The systems and methods are directed to mechanical arms and manipulators, and more particularly, to optical distance sensors in use for approach, grasping and manipulation. The system may include a manipulator having an arm and a multi fingered end-effector coupled to the distal end of the arm. The end-effector may include an optical proximity sensor configured to detect the distance to an object prior to contact with the object. The end-effector may include an optical proximity sensor configured detect a measurement of force applied to the object by the manipulator post contact with the object. The measurement of force may be a range of force measurements including a minimum, a maximum and a measurement between or within the minimum and the maximum.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to a robotic finger digit including a distal finger joint coupled between a distal finger part and a middle finger part, a middle finger joint coupled between the middle finger part and a proximal finger part and an extend tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to an actuation device. In certain aspects, the robotic finger can further include a flex tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to the actuation device, wherein the actuation device is configured to move the extend tendon and the flex tendon substantially the same distance in order to flex and/or extend the robotic finger digit.