Abstract: A method for an external force to drive a moving piece in a mechanical joint. The joint comprises a stationary piece, a moving piece, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism comprises a servomotor, a driver, and an encoder. The servomotor is connected to the moving piece. When the joint is stationary, the servomotor is in a torque mode and outputs a resistance-reducing torque having a direction which changes with time. An external force is used to drive the moving piece so that the moving piece moves with respect to the stationary piece. The driver determines the movement direction of the moving piece according to an output of the encoder. If the moving piece is moving in a positive direction with respect to the stationary piece, the servomotor is controlled to stop outputting the resistance-reducing torque or to output an assistance torque enabling the moving piece to have a positive directional movement trend.

Abstract: A manually taught robot which may include a main controller, at least one joint comprising two arms and a drive mechanism with a servo motor, a driver, and an encoder. The main controller is electrically connected to the drivers and an output of each encoders. Additionally, a method for manually teaching a robot may include the steps of the robot entering into a torque mode and moving according to a desired track, the main controller storing output values from the encoders, the servo motor resetting into a positional or speed mode controlled by the driver controls and the operational output values of each encoder changing at the end of each operation period.