Abstract: Robots capable of accommodating dynamic replacement of end effectors load and run software that allows the end effector to be operated without change to the main control program. The driver may be dynamically linked and run during program execution when the corresponding end effector is detected. Typically, the robot controller will store a library of drivers, and load the appropriate driver when a new end effector is detected.

Abstract: In various embodiments, safe robot operation is achieved by combining commercial, off-the-shelf, safety-rated components with the inherent safety-design mechanism of the robot to provide various allowable power levels to robotic actuators and thereby limit the forces and/or speeds generated by robotic appendages driven by the actuators.

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: 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: Robots capable of accommodating dynamic replacement of end effectors load and run software that allows the end effector to be operated without change to the main control program. The driver may be dynamically linked and run during program execution when the corresponding end effector is detected. Typically, the robot controller will store a library of drivers, and load the appropriate driver when a new end effector is detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate cables to pass through moving, space-constrained joints and conveying power and/or signals to various robotic joint-associated elements utilize a unitary and flat laminated cable slack within the joint to accommodate the relative motion between mechanical elements of the joints. In various embodiments, the cable has multiple insulated sub-cables; each sub-cable is insulated and physically separable from all other sub -cables. Some of the sub-cables are separated from the cable and electrically connected to joint-associated components for conveying signals and power thereto without mechanically interfering with relative motion between mechanical elements of the joint.

Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing precise robotic operations without the need for special or task-specific components utilize, in one implementation, a spatial adjustment system, physically separate from the robotic manipulator, supports the target workpiece and works in concert with the robotic manipulator to perform tasks with high spatial precision.

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: An arcuate metal element for detecting a rotary force and generating a deformation in response thereto.

Abstract: Awareness of a device, such as a robot, to proximate humans (or other moving object) is manifested by a visual signal aligned with—i.e., aimed at—the human. For example, an illumination system may take the form of a closed or partial ring around which lighting elements may be selectively activated.

Abstract: Redundant robotic manipulators may be constrained in their motions during operation in a gravity-compensated mode by applying, in addition to gravity-compensating torques, constraining torques to one or more of the joints. The constraining torques may urge the manipulator to a specified canonical posture, and may be modeled by virtual springs attached to the constrained joints.

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: 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: Representative embodiments of a system for braking a cyclically rotating motor upon a power failure include (i) charge-storage circuitry for storing charge and converting the stored charge to an output voltage upon power failure; (ii) one or more passive electrical elements for conducting current induced by motor rotations; and (iii) voltage-actuated circuitry connected to the passive electrical element and the charge-storage circuitry for braking the motor during each half-cycle of motor rotation. The circuitry is inactive until actuated by the charge-storage circuitry upon power failure.

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: Sensors associated with a robot or sub-system thereof (e.g., a series elastic actuator associated with a robot joint) may be monitored for mutual consistency using one or more constraints that relate physical quantities measured by the sensors to each other. The constraints may be based on a physical model of the robot or sub-system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, safe collaboration between a robot and humans is achieved by operating the robot continuously at or below a first threshold speed at which any collisions with a person's arms do not cause harm, and, upon detection of the person's torso or head within a danger zone around the robot, reducing the speed to or below a second threshold at which any collisions with the person's torso or head do not cause harm.