Abstract: An industrial robot system includes an end effector connectable to a robot arm, a drive assembly, and a controller. The end effector includes a distal housing, a spindle assembly rotatable about a rotational axis, a drill bit rotatable about the rotational axis, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a first light source, a second light source, and a photosensitive array. The first light source produces a first fan of light which is projected as a first line of light on the object surface. The second light source produces a second fan of light, which is projected as a second line of light on the object surface. The photosensitive array detects a first reflection line corresponding to the first line of light and a second reflection line corresponding to the second line of light.

Abstract: An end effector includes a holding unit that holds a screw member to be rotatable around the axis line of the screw member, and a rotary unit that is provided on the axis line, moves linearly along the axis line in a condition of being in contact with the head portion of the screw member held by the holding unit, and rotates the screw member around the axis line by rotation accompanying the linear motion.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a controller of a teleoperated surgical system a first signal indicating that a surgical instrument is in an installed position at a patient side cart of the teleoperated surgical system, receiving at the controller a second signal indicating that the surgical instrument is in a flux connection state, and outputting a signal via the controller to provide feedback indicating that the surgical instrument is in the flux connection state. A system for detecting an operative condition of a surgical instrument of a teleoperated surgical system includes a surgical instrument comprising a housing for coupling the surgical instrument in an installed position at a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system, the housing comprising a connector feature. A flux transmission conduit is engageable with the connector feature to place the surgical instrument in a flux connection state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an extension portion having a surgical tool at an end thereof, and a head portion connected to the extension portion and actuating the surgical tool. In the surgical instrument, the extension portion includes a first extension portion connected to the head portion, a second extension portion having an elbow joint portion that is bending-actuated by a rigid rod that is reciprocated in a lengthwise direction by the head portion, and a connection portion connecting the first and second extension portions at an angle.

Abstract: Methods, devices (such as computer readable media), and systems (such as computer systems) for performing movements of a tool of a medical robot along a single axis that are achieved by electronically limiting the medical robot's movement to produce movement of the tool along the single axis rather than mechanically restricting the medical robot's movement to produce the single axis movement. The tool's movement will be along the single axis even if a user is moving an input device linked to the medical robot in other axes during the single axis movement. In addition, techniques are disclosed for automating the single axis movement such that it can be programmed to stop at a target location and start at or near a second (e.g.

Abstract: In a welding wire storage device for a welding system including a housing with a wire core surrounding the welding wire being arcuately arranged to lie freely in a free space of the housing, one end of the wire core is fixed in an end region of the housing and a measuring means is provided to detect the deflection of the wire core. In order to provide a very simple and compact structure for such a welding wire storage device, the wire core is displaceably mounted in a guide element on the opposite end region, and two coupling mechanisms, for connection with a wire guide hose for the wire core are arranged on the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for machining a work-piece in restrictive access operating position is disclosed. The system includes a robot arm adapted to access the bottom face of the work-piece; a computation means adapted to compute a central line on the bottom face while ascertaining an area of overlap that is accessible from all sides of the work-piece; and a robot controller adapted to sequentially maneuver the robot arm from one side of the work-piece to other side of the work-piece on the bottom face. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous hull robot navigation subsystem for guiding a hull robot on a hull of a vessel independent of external guidance devices includes a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving and maneuvering the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot senses an environmental characteristic. A navigation subsystem onboard the robot is responsive to the sensor subsystem and includes a processor. The processor utilizes the environmental characteristic to determine a position of the robot on the hull.

Abstract: A hull robot is disclosed for operation on a surface of a hull of a vessel. The robot can include a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving and maneuvering the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot can sense an attachment state of the robot to the hull. The attachment state can include at least one of attached and detached. A signal generation subsystem onboard the robot can emit a distress signal when the attachment state is detached.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aircraft component according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes providing a machining system including a controller, at least one sensor, and a tool for machining. The method further includes providing an aircraft component, and machining the aircraft component with the tool based on feedback from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A hull cleaning robot, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, includes a robot body and a drive module within the robot body for maneuvering the robot about a hull. The drive module includes a drive element for holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull. The drive element includes a cleaning function for cleaning the hull of a vessel.

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 method and apparatus for applying sealant. The apparatus may comprise a sealant flow control system. The sealant flow control system may be configured to engage a nozzle of a sealant container to reduce a flow of sealant from the nozzle.

Abstract: A camera system that can be utilized in robotic surgery is presented. In particular, a method of setting a light level in a camera in a robotic system includes determining a location of at least one instrument end effectors within a field-of-view of the camera; determining a region-of-interest in the field-of-view based on the location of the at least one instrument tip; gathering luminance statistics in the region-of-interest; computing a luminance value from the luminance statistics; and adjusting an exposure in response to a comparison of the luminance value with a target luminance value.

Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.

Abstract: An NC machine tool system includes an NC machine tool (10), a first operation panel (22) and a second operation panel (24) for the NC machine tool, a multi-joint robot (40), a memory (450), and a robot controller (50). The multi-joint robot (40) is disposed above the NC machine tool. The memory (450) stores a wait position return program by which the multi-joint robot (40) is operated. The robot controller (50) controls the multi-joint robot (40) in accordance with the program. Operation panels (22, 24) are respectively provided with switch keys (22c, 24c) operated to execute the wait position return program stored in the memory (450) so as to operate the multi-joint robot (40).

Abstract: An anti-collision device for a plasma vertical cutting gun including a lifting frame of a plasma cutting machine; a connection mechanism; a fixing plate of a cutting gun fixed on the connection mechanism; a concave support plate connected with the lifting frame of the plasma cutting machine; and a proximity switch mounted on the concave support plate. The connection mechanism is mounted between the lifting frame of the plasma cutting machine and the fixing plate of the cutting gun. A contact surface between the connection mechanism and the concave support plate matches. One side of a joint plane between the connection mechanism and the concave support plate is of ferromagnetic materials and the other side is provided with a magnet, thereby attracting each other to realize a magnetic connection. The anti-collision device has comprehensive functions, convenient installation, reasonable structure, and short response time in case of impact.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system is configured with rigid, curved cannulas that extend through the same opening into a patient's body. Surgical instruments with passively flexible shafts extend through the curved cannulas. The cannulas are oriented to direct the instruments towards a surgical site. Various port features that support the curved cannulas within the single opening are disclosed. Cannula support fixtures that support the cannulas during insertion into the single opening and mounting to robotic manipulators are disclosed. A teleoperation control system that moves the curved cannulas and their associated instruments in a manner that allows a surgeon to experience intuitive control is disclosed.

Abstract: In order to suppress fluctuations in specific components of posture angle in a target coordinate system while maintaining the position of the leading edge of the wrist, the velocity of movement of the leading edge of the wrist, and the permissible velocity of the shaft during velocity suppression, an articulated robot which moves while calculating the position in interpolated points on a teaching path, the posture and the angles in each axis is provided, wherein a judgment is made as to whether the velocity of the wrist shaft exceeds a permissible limit, and if the permissible limit is exceeded, a plurality of candidates for angle of the wrist shaft that maintain the velocity within permissible limits are calculated, and the candidate with the minimum fluctuation in the specific component of the posture angle of the weld line coordinate system is selected from said plurality of candidates and made to serve as the angle of the wrist shaft, the angles of other shafts that correspond to this angle are recalculat

Abstract: An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument.

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: A bicruciate-retaining femoral implant component for a knee implant system comprises a first surface comprising two distinct single radii of curvature in a sagittal plane matching a predetermined cylindrical axis of the knee along with a medial surface comprising a first asymmetric geometry substantially congruent with respect to a first native knee geometry and a lateral surface comprising a second asymmetric geometry substantially congruent with respect to the first native knee geometry. In an embodiment, bone resectioning proximate a medial condyle and a posterior condyle for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) comprises using the femoral component after obtaining a pre-operative image of a predetermined region on a knee to be replaced and morphing data collected from the image into a three dimensional model of the knee sufficient to allow modeling software to define a patient specific cylindrical axis.

Abstract: Methods of and a system for providing a visual representation of force information in a robotic surgical system. A real position of a surgical end effector is determined. A projected position of the surgical end effector if no force were applied against the end effector is also determined. Images representing the real and projected positions are output superimposed on a display. The offset between the two images provides a visual indication of a force applied to the end effector or to the kinematic chain that supports the end effector. In addition, tissue deformation information is determined and displayed.

Abstract: It is determined whether the first tool identification information that is output from a robot control device, and that indicates a present tool and the second tool identification information for detecting and identifying a tool attached to the robot are unequal to each other. The position coordinates of the taught reference point in an actual space of the robot occurring at the time when the unequalness therebetween is first detected are set as reference coordinates, and a region that contains the reference coordinates is set as a predetermined region. If the position coordinates of the taught reference point have come to exist outside the predetermined region during a period during which it is determined that the foregoing two pieces of information are unequal, an emergency stop signal for causing the robot to be in a safe state is output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for processing carcasses of livestock such as cattle, pigs and sheep, comprising: at least two dressing tools for performing a dressing process on livestock carcasses, and a robot arm carrying the dressing tool. The invention also relates to a method for processing carcasses of livestock using such a device.

Abstract: A method for operating an autonomous moving cleaning apparatus includes the steps of: a microcontroller unit (MCU) provides a digital signal which is processed through an encoding technique to form an encrypted encoding data set; the MCU continuously sends out the encrypted encoding data set; data values in the encrypted encoding data set are converted to high or low voltages to activate a light emission member to generate flicker light; a light receiving member continuously receives a string of reflective light corresponding to the flicker light to form a corresponding high or low voltage which is converted to a corresponding digital signal sent to the MCU to be compared with the encrypted coding data set for decoding; and the MCU controls operations of a servomotor based on decoding correctness and the detected corresponding digital signal. Thus the autonomous moving cleaning apparatus can function steadily without being interfered by external lights.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle for holding a tool, a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member rotatably supporting the spindle, and a drive unit housing connected to a base end of the spindle guide section. The distal end member is fitted to the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude. The spindle guide section includes an outer shell pipe, a rotary shaft, and guide pipe. Within the guide pipe, an attitude altering member is inserted to alter the attitude of the distal end member. A connection device detachably connects the spindle guide section with the drive unit housing.

Abstract: Provided is a charging apparatus for a moving robot including a charging terminal that is connected to a terminal for charging a battery of the moving robot; a power supply unit that supplies a charging voltage for charging the battery of the moving robot; a power switching unit that outputs a detection signal, depending on whether a voltage is applied from the charging terminal or not, and switches a current flow between the power supply unit and the charging terminal in accordance with an input control signal; and a control unit that responds to the detection signal so as to output the control signal.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprises a first clamp including a plurality of magnet devices. Each magnet device includes a permanent magnet and a coil surrounding the permanent magnet. The clamp assembly further comprises a controller for pulsing the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the permanent magnets.

Abstract: Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: Methods, devices (such as computer readable media), and systems (such as computer systems) for performing movements of a tool of a medical robot along a single axis that are achieved by electronically limiting the medical robot's movement to produce movement of the tool along the single axis rather than mechanically restricting the medical robot's movement to produce the single axis movement. The tool's movement will be along the single axis even if a user is moving an input device linked to the medical robot in other axes during the single axis movement. In addition, techniques are disclosed for automating the single axis movement such that it can be programmed to stop at a target location and start at or near a second (e.g.

Abstract: An assembly tool includes a head and an actuator system. The head includes a collar swaging tool that is moveable along a first axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the assembly tool. A sensor system detects a first position of the head within the confined space, and a second position of the collar swaging tool relative to the target object. The actuator system positions the head within the confined space, and the collar swaging tool relative to the target object.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and an apparatus. A described mobile robotic device includes a mobile chassis configured to travel on a transmission line of a power transmission system. The mobile robotic device includes an inspection module physically associated with the mobile chassis and configured to automatically inspect a structure associated with the power transmission system. The mobile robotic device includes a risk-assessment module physically associated with the mobile chassis and configured to assess a potential risk to the power transmission system in response to inspection data provided by the inspection module. The mobile robotic device includes a communication module physically associated with the mobile chassis and configured to output data indicative of the assessed potential risk.

Abstract: An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument.

Abstract: The articulated multiple-axis robot structure according to the invention has a frame, an arm and a forearm, a shaft (15) for attaching a tool, an actuator commanding the pivoting of a slide-socket (14A), which is rotatable relative to the forearm and translatably connected to the forearm, an actuator commanding the pivoting a nut-socket (14B) that is rotatable relative to the forearm and connected in translation to the forearm and a coupling device capable of securing the sockets (14A, 14B) in rotation. This device comprises a coupling washer (18), arranged between the sockets (14A, 14B) and connected in rotation with a first socket from among the slide-socket (14A) and the nut-socket (14B).

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: This processing apparatus includes a tool processing a protruding portion of a sheet member covering a base substrate protruding from the base substrate and a control portion mechanically or electrically detecting a position where the tool comes into contact with the base substrate and acquiring a processing position based on the position where the tool comes into contact with the base substrate.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for machining tenons on turbine buckets of a steam turbine machine is disclosed. The robotic apparatus includes a machining device having a spindle head. A robotic arm is coupled to the machining device and a base member is coupled to the robotic arm. The base member is mounted independently of the machine element. A vision system is provided for locating the tenon on the turbine bucket. A control system is coupled to the vision system, the machining device and the robotic apparatus. The control system is configured to control movement of the robotic apparatus and the machining device based upon vision system data and spatial information about the tenon and the turbine bucket.

Abstract: A system where a reflector of a laser alignment system is cleaned by a cleaning device that is actuated by an automatic guided vehicle as it passes the reflector. The laser alignment system is used to detect a position of the automatic guided vehicle relative to a location in a manufacturing facility. As the automatic guided vehicle passes the laser alignment system, a projection formed on the automatic guided vehicle will contact an element of a laser cleaning system to actuate the cleaning device over the reflector to clean it.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an indoor firefighting robot which has the capability to climb stairs and negotiate several types of floor materials inside buildings. it can withstand very high temperature up to 700 Celsius for as long as 60 minutes using multiple thermal insulation technique. It can communicate with trapped and injured persons inside the fire scene and can send back video and audio information describing the fire environment inside the building to the controller. It has also an insulated container at the rear with oxygen masks to help victims to breathe safely in the smoke environment in the early stage of the firefighting process. Several of these compact firefighting robots can be launched and can work together inside the room or multiple rooms under fire with assistance of remote control unit. The fire robot can avoid obstacles while trying to rescue injured victims.

Abstract: A robot system comprises a robotic end effector including first, second and third abrasion tools having backing pads in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling a fluid-tight flange coupling between a first and a second conduit component while maintaining the fluid integrity of the coupling. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and grip both of the first and second conduit components. The gripping mechanism is mounted on a lifting frame able to bear the loadings upon the gripped components during a moving operation. The apparatus includes a base frame with a gripping mechanism to receive the flange coupling. The coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling to maintain the fluid integrity of the flange coupling.

Abstract: A robot system includes: an imaging unit including an imaging device and a distance measuring part; and a robot to which the imaging unit is attached. The imaging device preliminarily images a workpiece. The robot preliminarily moves the imaging unit based on the result of the preliminary imaging. The distance measuring part measures the distance to the workpiece. The robot actually moves the imaging unit based on the result of the measurement. The imaging device actually images the workpiece.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section (3) of an elongated configuration, a distal end member (2) fitted to a distal end of the spindle guide section (3) through a distal end member connecting unit (15) for alteration in attitude, a tool (1) rotatably provided to the distal end member (2), a tool rotating drive source (41) for rotating the tool, and an attitude altering drive source (42) for manipulating the attitude of the distal end member. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle (13) then holding the tool (1). The spindle guide section (3) includes a rotary shaft (22) for transmitting rotation of the tool rotating drive source to the spindle and a guide hole (30a). A flexible attitude altering member (31) capable of altering the attitude of the distal end member is reciprocally movably inserted within the guide hole (30a).

Abstract: An automated tool includes a quick change spindle assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, the quick change spindle includes an attachment assembly for interchangeable fastener drivers. A further aspect of the present invention employs release member to actuate a drive member in the spindle assembly causing a retainer to uncouple a fastener driver with the spindle.

Abstract: A base plate for a self-propelled robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank. The base plate includes a bottom surface and a water inlet formed therethrough, and an inlet extension member configured to mount in the water inlet. The inlet extension member is slidably retractable and extendable in a direction that is normal relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inlet extension member and configured to move the inlet extension member upwardly and downwardly in the normal direction relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. The height adjustment mechanism can be adjusted manually. Alternatively, at least one sensor is operably coupled to a controller to automatically control the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system is disclosed that provides a combination of a programmed control, such as active control or passive control, when a high degree of accuracy is required and manual control when a high degree of accuracy is not required, such as during the removal of osteophytes, irregular bone growth and/or soft tissue. Manual resection may be completed by switching from the programmed control mode to the manual control mode and allowing the surgeon free control of the cutting tool. The manual resection may be carried out using some navigational features of the robotic system such as allowing the surgeon to visualize the position of the cutting tool thereby allowing accurate resection of osteophytes, irregular bone and tissue while having the unrestricted freedom to move the cutting tool. The programmed control mode may be reserved for procedures that require a high degree of accuracy, for example, the reaming of a bone and placement of an implant onto the bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant useful in a cementless application is disclosed. The implant may include a curved bone facing surface and one or more pegs or keels. Preferably, the implant is implanted on a bone surface that has been prepared so as to allow for a snap fit between the implant and the bone.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.