Abstract: A robot alignment system (10) includes a sensor system (12). The sensor system (12) is designed to attach to an end effector of a robot arm (14). A rough alignment target (16) is attached to a work station. A fine alignment target (22) is placed on a work surface of the work station. The sensor system (12) first determines the rough alignment target (16). The robot arm (14) is then moved to detect the fine alignment target (22).

Abstract: A system for manipulating a workpiece in an industrial robot system having a manipulator device for manipulating the workpiece, a tooling adapter coupled to the manipulator device for manipulating the workpiece, and an image referencing system for acquiring image data corresponding to the workpiece without interference from the manipulator device.

Abstract: A haptic pointing device includes a plurality of rigid, elongated proximal members, each connected to a separate rigid, elongated distal member through an articulating joint. The other end of each proximal member is coupled to an actuator such as a motor, causing that member to swing within a separate plane perpendicular to the shaft of the motor in response to a control signal. An end-effector is interconnected to the second end of each distal member through an articulating joint, such that as the actuators move the proximal members, the end-effector moves in space. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes at least three proximal members and three distal members, and the end-effector is coupled to a user-graspable element such as a stylus which retains a preferred orientation in space as the members are driven by the actuators.

Abstract: Process for the automatic determination of an optimal movement program of a robot comprising at least one moving member, a motor associated with the moving member and a control unit capable of activating the motor according to a movement program to move the moving member along a trajectory with a predetermined movement parameter. The process comprises the steps of: acquiring data indicating the load state of the motor and the precision of movement of the robot during the execution of a movement program, comparing the information on the load state and on the precision of movement with predetermined limit values, repeatedly executing the movement program while progressively varying the movement parameter until a measured value of the load state and/or of the precision of movement exceeds a corresponding limit value, and storing as the optimal movement program the last movement program which has been executed without exceeding the limit values.

Abstract: A method for the direct teaching of automatic machinery systems, comprising a plurality of arms and of corresponding actuators for equilibrating the arms against payloads and displacing them to operative positions, when desired, which comprises the steps of: (a) placing the system in a reference configuration, equilibrating its arms, and memorizing for each arm the reference torque to be produced by the corresponding motor to maintain the arm in its reference position; (b) when it is wished to carry out the teaching, placing the system in the Teach mode; (c) applying an external force to an arm of the system in the direction desired for the purpose of the teaching; (d) for each arm, determining the actual torque required to maintain the arm in its reference position in spite of the application of said operator force; (e) calculating a displacement torque as the difference between said reference and said actual torque; (f) causing the motor to displace the arm in the direction of said displacement torque and b

Abstract: The robot control system of the present invention stores the robot's initial state data memory prior to engaging in an operation. During a manual movement operation, the robot is started at a predetermined low speed so that the operator may easily observe its movement and take corrective action thereby improving safety. While the robot is operating at this low speed a recovery command may then be issued by the operator from a recovery command unit when it is observed that the robot is moving inappropriately. Upon detection of the recovery command, a recovery control unit then operates causing the robot to recover its attitude and position as defined by the initial state data stored in memory. However, if a predetermined period of time elapses without a recovery command being issued, then speed of the robot is gradually increased from the predetermined low speed until reaching a predetermined target speed. Thereafter, the robot is manually controlled to operate at a constant speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a teaching method for instructing relative proximity locations to a loading arm that is used for loading objects to be processed in to or out of a support boat, the support boat being provided with a plurality of support portions for supporting the objects to be processed at a predetermined pitch along the length thereof. With this teaching method the loading arm is moved manually into the vicinity of one of the plurality of support portions that is positioned at an uppermost end of the support boat, a support portion positioned at a lowermost end thereof, and at least one support portion other than the two support portions; obtaining three-dimensional coordinates thereof; and these three-dimensional coordinates are stored in a storage portion. The three-dimensional coordinates for each of the others of the support portions are then derived on the basis of these stored values.

Abstract: A method for preventing collisions between robots by causing a first robot to stop or pause so that a second robot may safely pass by or perform a specified operation. Once the second robot has completed its operation then the first robot is allowed to resume operation. Each robot automatically stops when it reaches a certain point in its job. The robots communicate with a central controller which allows the robots to resume operation when the central controller has determined that all of the robots have reached their respective correct positions. This prevents collisions between robots which are operating in the same area, especially those robots operating on the same workpiece. This method works with existing robot welders, does not require modifications to the robots, and does not require expensive spatial analysis computer programs, which may not even be available for the type of processor used in a particular robot.

Abstract: A robot position teaching system and method including a robot controller to control a robot, a visual sensor to measure a three-dimensional position, an image processing device to measure a position by processing and analyzing an image recognized by the visual sensor, and a position teaching unit provided with a grasping portion having a size which can be grasped by a hand of an operator, and an index which can visually be recognized by the visual sensor, and is disposed at a distal end of a rod-type body extending from the grasping portion. The operator turns on a moving switch of the position teaching unit such that the robot controller moves the robot toward a position of the index recognized by a camera. When an approach teaching switch of the position teaching unit is turned on after movement of the robot is stopped, data of a current position of the index recognized by the camera is stored as teaching position data.

Abstract: A robot visual-tracking method in which the precision of a tracking movement of a robot is improved using a visual sensor. A count value N (0) of a pulse coder is stored when a sensor detects a workpiece. Then, arrival of the workpiece at a taught photographing position is detected based on an incremental quantity from the count value N (0) of the pulse coder, and the workpiece is photographed by a camera. A deviation is obtained between positions of two points Wa and Wb on the workpiece and the reference positions thereof. When the workpiece arrives at a tracking start position L1, a tracking coordinate system .SIGMA.tr starts to move and tracking operations of the robot are started. In the tracking operation, the robot position is corrected to compensate the detected deviation amount. The robot approaches the workpiece W to meet with it and grips the workpiece W by a hand when the workpiece W reaches a position Q0.

Abstract: Both a pneumatic, linear actuator operating as a slave actuator and a master linear actuator formed by an electric motor driven screw mechanism are linked to drive a load. The high accuracy master linear actuator has a conventional control system which dominates the control of load position or other control variable. A force sensor detects the force applied to the load by the master actuator or the force is calculated by a computer and the sensed force signal is applied to a slave actuator control to cause the slave to apply a supplemental force, typically considerably greater than the master actuator force, to the load as a function of the master actuator force. This obtains the high accuracy characteristic of the master actuator system simultaneously with the high force characteristic of the slave actuator.

Abstract: The teaching procedure is performed so that a relative position of the tool against a workpiece and an attitude of a tool against a ground are maintained constant under a control of a co-acting mode of the manual operation. The position and the attitude of the workpiece and the position and the attitude of the tool are manipulated in response to a co-acting mode signal supplied by a mode changing switch, a robot signal selecting the workpiece handling robot supplied by a robot changing switch and actuating signals supplied by a group of the keys. The manipulation of the position of the tool by the tool handling robot is coordinated with the manipulation of the position and the attitude of the workpiece by the workpiece handling robot maintaining the attitude of the tool against the ground and the relative position of the tool against the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for defining the critical characteristics of a pallet, or tray, used to supply workpieces to an automated, flexible assembly station or workcell. Once the characteristics are described and stored in memory, they may be used to uniquely identify workpieces which are determined to be defective during the automatic assembly operations.

Abstract: The electronic anti-sway system involves two modes, a "LEARN mode" and an "AUTO mode". In the LEARN mode, an experienced operator operates the crane manually while his specific control movements are observed by the inventive system. The movements are stored, along with such parameters as load position as a function of time, and the weight of the load. Preferably, for loads and movement paths which are substantially identical, only the most efficient path produced by the experienced human operator is recorded permanently, less efficient paths being discarded. A library of preferred paths is thus accumulated, preferably with one preferred path for each type of load and source/destination. Thereafter, in the "AUTO mode", an operator may entrust movement of the load to the present system, which causes the load to efficiently and safely traverse an optimum path (with minimum sway) in a minimum period of time. Preferably, various safeguards are provided by the system.

Abstract: A force feedback control system for a backhoe includes a single grip articulated control arm having members and joints therebetween analogous to the members and joints of an articulated backhoe arm connecting an excavation bucket to a backhoe frame. A bilateral closed loop control circuit compares slave position signals from output joint position sensors associated with the backhoe arm joints with corresponding master position signals from input joint sensors associated with the control arm joints and provides command signals to actuators associated with the backhoe joints to move them so that differences in corresponding master and slave position signals are minimized. Backhoe joint load sensors provide load signals indicating resistance to movement of the associated backhoe joints, and the control circuit generates force feedback signals to drive feedback motors associated with the control arm joints to apply toruqes thereto to reflect the resistance to movement of the associated backhoe joints.

Abstract: In a precision operable robot arm comprising four levers pivotally connected with each other into a paralle arranged link form, when one ends of first and second levers aligned vertically, for example, are driven respectively by two motors such that the levers are swung around the alignment axis in a horizontal plane, for example, a work supporting device provided at an outwardly extending end of the fourth lever is also moved in a horizontal plane.A first pulley is fixedly secured to a position aligning with the driving shafts of the two motors, while second and third pulleys, which are integrally rotatable, are rotatably supported by a pivot pin coupling the second and fourth levers, and fourth pulley rotatably supported at the outer end of the fourth lever is fixed to the work supporting device.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly comprising a fluid cylinder having ports disposed at opposite ends thereof communicable with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston disposed in said cylinder having a first rod section extending through an end of said cylinder, extendable and retractable relative to said cylinder, the first piston rod section having an axial bore, a second piston rod section having a guide portion disposed in the axial bore of the first piston rod section and axially displaceable relative the first piston rod section, and means for detachably locking the first piston rod section to the second piston rod section.

Abstract: In a controlling apparatus of a manipulator equipped with a master arm and a slave arm, a processing device is provided for effecting scale conversion calculation of a calculation result representing the position data of the master arm for expansion or reduction, and for outputting the result of this calculation to the slave arm.

Abstract: A system is provided for controling a robot operating in association with a rotary table, including a robot, a rotary table, and a control circuit.

Abstract: Remote manipulation method and system of the master-slave type in which an operation procedure plan is prepared for defining each of a sequence of pieces of work as being performed by manual operation or automatic operation at least on the basis of information on the level of skill of a human operator and the sequence of pieces of work is performed in accordance with the plan, whereby work can be done efficiently with human operator's skill taken into consideration.

Abstract: A joystick controller includes three gravity sensing switches, the outputs of which can be used in the assignment of joystick transducer outputs in six different ways depending on controller orientation. This permits intuitive control of a robot arm in that translational motions can always be effected by moving the joystick in the direction the arm is to move. Thus, a controller which is economical, reliable and intuitive multiplies the functions available from what is basically a two or three dimensional controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring by a coordinate measuring instrument. A detecting element is manually moved along a sample of work to be measured in accordance with a predetermined sequence of measuring steps. A moving path of the detecting element is detected by displacement detectors which produce output signals which are inputted to a command unit incorporated in a robot mechanism for storage. Subsequently, a data processing unit gives a command to carry out an automatic measuring sequence, and the robot mechanism is moved along the stored moving path by its drive system, whereby measurement results for dimensions are calculated on the basis of data acquired during the automatic measuring due to the contact between the detecting element and the work and data stored during the manual set-up phase. The detecting element is uncoupled from the drive system of the robot mechanism during the manual set-up phase.

Abstract: An industrial robot comprises a robot body having an operating portion (13), a driving motor (19) for driving the operating portion (13) and the a handle (29). A casing (21) of the driving motor (19) is secured to an outer wall of the robot body by bolts (25), and an output shaft (26) of the driving motor (19) is connected to the operating portion (13). An inner brake device of the driving motor (19) secures the output shaft (26) to the casing (21) when the driving motor (19) is stopped. If the driving motor (19) is stopped by a malfunction or the like, the bolts (25) are taken out and the handle (29) is attached to the casing (21) of the driving motor (19). By operating the handle (29), the output shaft (26) of the driving motor (19) is rotated together with the casing (21) and the operating portion (13) of the robot is moved.

Abstract: A gripping hand for a manipulator which consists of several hollow elements, simulating the human hand, which are linked to one another by articulations, whereby each member has a corresponding, reversibly actuated positioning drive and a sensor. For programming, the sensors detect the movements of the elements which are derived from a human hand inserted in the gripping hand, and the signals from the sensors determine the program which the elements perform, controlled by the relevant positioning drive. The gripping hand is associated with an arm which can be programmed by the movements of the gripping hand, if a human hand describing these movements is inserted in the gripping hand, and this arm can perform movements in three mutually perpendicular axes and rotary movements.

Abstract: An optimum velocity controller having absolute track faithfulness for linear track motions of articulated robots having several axes of motion. If at least one velocity reference value of an axis of motion exceeds an assigned limit, the velocity of the predetermined total motion of the track is reduced. In order to obtain a stable control behavior of the robot, an additional velocity reduction of the track motion is executed for each of the individual axes of motion within predetermined range limits. The boundaries of these range limits are selected according to the respective velocity and/or acceleration of the robot along the track.

Abstract: A multi-axle programmable manipulator is described which includes a corresponding multi-axle training arm for programming the manipulator. A support for the training arm is disclosed which allows the training arm to so be anchored to the manipulator that the first axle of the training arm extends constantly in the extension of the first axle of the manipulator. The displacement of the second axle of the training arm is mechanically compensated to be rotatable about the second axis of the manipulator.

Abstract: A playback industrial robot comprises at least one driving device provided with an electric motor having a motor shaft. The driving device comprises a reduction gear mechanism for reducing a rotational speed of the motor shaft of the motor, an output shaft for operating the robot, a clutch mechanism which is in a disengaged state when the output shaft rotates in a teaching mode so that the reduction gear mechanism does not act as a load, a mechanism for putting the clutch mechanism in an engaged state depending on supply and cutting off of the supply of compressed fluid when the teaching mode is started, and a case for accommodating the motor, the output shaft and the above mechanisms. The clutch mechanism comprises a movable clutch member applied with a rotary force depending on forward and backward rotations of the motor and guide members arranged in parallel to the output shaft at positions separated from a center of the output shaft toward an outer peripheral direction thereof.

Abstract: A playback system grinding robot is disclosed which includes a No. 2 arm attached for ocillation to the head of a No. 1 arm turning around a main axis, a drive arm arranged adjacent to the No. 1 arm so as to drive the No. 2 arm, and abrasive tool attached to the No. 2 arm head axis and pressed perpendicularly downward by a fluid cylinder to be freely turnable in different directions, and possessed of a dual degree-of-freedom of control in the polar coordinate system. A positional data generator for indicating a horizontal movement position of the abrasive tool is also provided as is a memory to store directional data together with positional data in the memory at the time of "teaching", especially to input turnback point data on the tool traveling locus exactly into the memory in accordance with a change of the directional data.

Abstract: Provided is a system for setting a workpiece Cartesian coordinate system in a robot. In teaching the nose position (TCP) of a working member (tool) mounted on the hand of an articulated robot, the user moves the tool mounted on the hand to teach a reference point, any point on a predetermined axis and a third point defining a plane together with the other two points, whereupon a single coordinate system is specified by the position data indicative of these three points P1, P2, P3. A plurality of tool coordinate systems having a fixed relationship to the reference coordinate system of the robot can be set.

Abstract: An industrial robot having a controllably movable arm is taught position data for controlling the movable of the arm. A support member is provided on the arm and has a through-hole therein. First, an optical magnifying devices inserted into the through-hole for aligning the arm in a proper position so as to teach the position data to the industrial robot. Thereafter, the optical magnifying device is removed from the through-hole, and a manipulating device is inserted into the same through-hole. The manipulating device is movable together with the arm according to the taught data for sequentially manipulating workpieces.

Abstract: A robotic cell, or work area, especially useful for education. The cell has a plurality of interchangable work surfaces for mounting objects that the robot manipulates. Students, researchers, or other workers can thus set up separate experiments that need not be torn down each time a different user begins work with the cell. The cell has safety switches that encourage a user, when near the robot, to keep a hand on the robot so as not to be accidentally injured by the robot's motion. There is also a dead man switch effective to disenable the robot entirely, after a short time delay. The cell has a pneumatic control circuit that enables a user to position the robot's gripper arm at positions intermediate of fully up and fully down.

Abstract: A process for controlling an industrial robot in which most data for controlling the robot can be supplied using a preset process without moving the robot and only data for regions in which very precise control is required need be prepared by actually moving the robot. A programming unit is provided separate from but connectable to a robot control unit. The programming unit is used to compile and transfer completed programs to the robot control unit for controlling the movements of the robot. To program the robot control unit, the programming unit and robot control unit are connected as an on-line system. Then, data describing a desired path of movement is inputted to the programming unit as a series of coordinates in Cartesian form. In regions where very precise control is required, the coordinates describing the desired path of movement are corrected using small corrective motions of the robot. The inputted data and the corrected coordinates are displayed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an industrial robot wherein velocities of the actuators for the robot are based on the velocity of a robot hand moving along a predetermined path of travel. When the velocity of any single actuator exceeds its ability, the velocities of the actuators are revised so as to bring the velocities of all the actuators within their abilities, thereby revising the velocity of the robot hand along its path of travel. Calculation of the velocity of each actuator may be carried out based on the position and posture of the robot hand and a Jacobian matrix.

Abstract: There is provided a device for programming motions and operational forces or torques of a robot, and a device for carrying out the method. The device includes a handle grip-sensor unit which includes a known sensor of forces and/or torques of the type which defines a load pick-up plate connected via spokes to a peripheral ring and via upright supports to a rigid base part. The peripheral ring is connected to an inner wall of a hollow body whose outer wall is shaped to match the contours of the human hand. The base part is rigidly connected either to an inertial platform or to an end link of the robot. The output of the sensor is connected to link driving means of the robot via a data-processing unit which converts the output signals from the sensor into data corresponding to forces or torques applied by the operator to the handgrip-sensor unit.

Abstract: A welding robot controlling method for controlling a welding robot having a welding torch which has a tip thereof directed toward a teaching direction and sensor which intermittently generates a locus correction signal for the tip of the welding torch, comprising, (1) giving the locus correction signal as a resultant vector of an arbitrary number of two-dimensional vectors on a plane which intersects a welding line direction, (2) correcting a locus by controlling the three basic axes of the robot in a direction of a resultant vector which is composed of a predetermined length vector of which direction is parallel to a line connecting two teaching points and which passes through a tip of the welding torch and the locus correction vector, when the locus correction signal is generated, (3) controlling the three basic axes of the robot such that the tip of welding torch moves on a line which is parallel to the line connecting the two teaching points, until a subsequent locus correction signal is again given after

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a hand of an industrial robot are disclosed wherein the hand is driven at a predetermined speed along a polygonal path defined by a plurality of straight lines which interconnect a plurality of point coordinates taught to the robot. The straight lines are continuously interconnected by a parabola at predetermined locations in the vicinity of the centers of the straight lines, wherein the hand is continuously moved along the parabola from a straight line to the next straight line, and wherein the parabola is generated by dividing a span between two predetermined positions through arithmetic linear interpolation technique in a manner in which points located between the predetermined positions are defined on a straight line interconnecting the two predetermined positions.