Abstract: A method of making a cutting element for use on an earth-boring tool may include forming the cutting element including a cutting table formed from a superabrasive polycrystalline material. The method may further include polishing a cutting surface of the cutting table by pulsing a laser onto the cutting surface of the cutting table. The cutting element may include a superabrasive polycrystalline cutting table including a cutting surface substantially free of micro-anomalies in the superabrasive material.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a robot within an environment comprising: i) receiving, from a 3D scanner, data relating to at least a portion of the environment for constructing a 3D point cloud representing at least a portion of the environment; ii) comparing the 3D point cloud to a virtual 3D model of the environment and, based upon the comparison, determining a position of the robot; then iii) determining a movement trajectory for the robot based upon the determined position of the robot. Also provided is a control apparatus and a robot control system.

Abstract: A tool for machining an object including a first part including a rotatable member that is rotatable to cause rotation of a machine tool, a second part, a joint coupling the first part and the second part to enable relative movement between the first part and the second part, and a sensor to sense an object to be machined.

Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a cavity of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a first end, a second end, a first cavity extending between the first end and the second end, and an aperture at the second end; a member positioned within the first cavity of the first tube and adjacent the aperture of the first tube, the member being configured to enable an action to be performed; a plug coupled to the second end of the first tube; and an actuator configured to move the first tube relative to the object between a first position in which the plug seals the member from the cavity of the object, and a second position in which the member is exposed to the cavity of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a cavity of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a first end, a second end and a first cavity extending between the first end and the second; a member positioned within the first cavity of the first tube and configured to enable an action to be performed; a heat pipe including a first end, a second end, and a second cavity extending between the first end and the second end, the first tube being positioned within the second cavity of the heat pipe; and an actuator configured to move the first tube relative to the heat pipe.

Abstract: A tool for machining an object including a first part including a rotatable member that is rotatable to cause rotation of a machine tool, a second part, a joint coupling the first part and the second part to enable relative movement between the first part and the second part, and a sensor to sense an object to be machined.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a robot within an environment comprising: i) receiving, from a 3D scanner, data relating to at least a portion of the environment for constructing a 3D point cloud representing at least a portion of the environment; ii) comparing the 3D point cloud to a virtual 3D model of the environment and, based upon the comparison, determining a position of the robot; then iii) determining a movement trajectory for the robot based upon the determined position of the robot. Also provided is a control apparatus and a robot control system.

Abstract: A tool for machining an object comprising: a first part including a rotatable member, the rotatable member being rotatable to cause rotation of a machine tool; a second part; a joint coupling the first part and the second part to enable relative movement between the first part and the second part; and a sensor to sense an object to be machined.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling determination of a shape of at least a portion of a continuum robot, the apparatus comprising: a flexible cover defining a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a cavity for receiving at least a portion of a continuum robot therein; and a first elastic strain sensor coupled to the flexible cover and being configured to provide a first output signal associated with movement of the flexible cover.

Abstract: A continuum robot comprising: a first segment defining a first end and a second end, the first segment including a first actuator coupled to the second end and configured to control movement of the second end relative to the first end; and a first elastic strain sensor coupled to the first segment and positioned between the first end and the second end, the first elastic strain sensor being configured to provide a first output signal associated with the movement of the second end relative to the first end.

Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a cavity of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a first end, a second end and a first cavity extending between the first end and the second; a member positioned within the first cavity of the first tube and configured to enable an action to be performed; a heat pipe including a first end, a second end, and a second cavity extending between the first end and the second end, the first tube being positioned within the second cavity of the heat pipe; and an actuator configured to move the first tube relative to the heat pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a cavity of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a first end, a second end, a first cavity extending between the first end and the second end, and an aperture at the second end; a member positioned within the first cavity of the first tube and adjacent the aperture of the first tube, the member being configured to enable an action to be performed; a plug coupled to the second end of the first tube; and an actuator configured to move the first tube relative to the object between a first position in which the plug seals the member from the cavity of the object, and a second position in which the member is exposed to the cavity of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining a component of a gas turbine engine, the apparatus including: a flexible pipe having a first end and a second end and defining a conduit for receiving a fluid; one or more first actuators arranged to enable the first end of the flexible pipe to be re-positioned relative to the second end of the flexible pipe; a turbine positioned adjacent to the first end of the flexible pipe, the turbine being arranged to receive fluid from the conduit of the flexible pipe; and a tool head coupled to the first end of the flexible pipe, the tool head including: a fastener arranged to fasten to a tool and to receive torque from the turbine.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling movement of robotic machinery relative to an object, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to: control a first magnetic transmitter to provide a first magnetic field, the object being positioned at least partially within the first magnetic field; receive a first signal from a first magnetic field sensor mounted at a first location on the robotic machinery; determine a control signal for controlling the robotic machinery to move relative to the object using: the received first signal; stored data of the structure of the object; and a target location; and provide the control signal to the robotic machinery to cause at least the first location of the robotic machinery to move relative to the object.

Abstract: A tool for machining an object comprising: a first part including a rotatable member, the rotatable member being rotatable to cause rotation of a machine tool; a second part; a joint coupling the first part and the second part to enable relative movement between the first part and the second part; and a sensor to sense an object to be machined.