Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed for controlled material application. An example apparatus includes a pool to carry the application material, a thinning sheet, a roller mounted on an electronically controlled robot arm, machine readable instructions, and controller circuitry to at least one of execute or instantiate the machine readable instructions to direct the electronically controlled robot arm to maneuver the roller to contact the application material in the pool, at least partially submerge the roller in the application material, maneuver the roller to contact the thinning sheet to distribute the application material to surround the roller, and apply the application material to the component by moving the roller across at least a portion of the component.

Abstract: A robotic system for inspecting a part comprises a robot comprising an articulating arm and an end effector, coupled to the articulating arm. The robotic system further includes three or more proximity sensors on the end effector and spaced apart from each other. Each of the proximity sensors is configured to detect a measured distance from the proximity sensor to a surface, such that the end effector is displaced from the surface. The robotic system includes a controller configured to receive measured distances from the proximity sensors. The controller is also configured to orient the end effector to a predetermined orientation based on the measured distances. The controller is further configured to calculate an average of the measured distances. Additionally, the controller is configured to move the end effector to a predetermined operating distance from the surface based on the average of the measured distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce impact of robot collision and/or avoid robot collision are described herein. An example collision detection device includes a housing to be coupled to an automated robot, a sensor in the housing, a relay in the housing, the relay to be electrically coupled to a safety circuit of the automated robot, and circuitry in the housing. The circuitry is to determine a parameter value based a signal from the sensor, compare the parameter value to a threshold value, and, in response to the parameter value satisfying the threshold value, trigger the relay to stop the automated robot.

Abstract: A robotic system for inspecting a part comprises a robot comprising an articulating arm and an end effector, coupled to the articulating arm. The robotic system further includes three or more proximity sensors on the end effector and spaced apart from each other. Each of the proximity sensors is configured to detect a measured distance from the proximity sensor to a surface, such that the end effector is displaced from the surface. The robotic system includes a controller configured to receive measured distances from the proximity sensors. The controller is also configured to orient the end effector to a predetermined orientation based on the measured distances. The controller is further configured to calculate an average of the measured distances. Additionally, the controller is configured to move the end effector to a predetermined operating distance from the surface based on the average of the measured distance.

Abstract: A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

Abstract: A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

Abstract: A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manipulating a sheet includes a base portion, and an elevator portion coupled to the base portion, where the elevator portion is vertically movable relative to the base portion. The apparatus also includes a tilting portion pivotably coupled to the elevator portion, where a virtual plane is parallel to the tilting portion. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one first holder and at least one second holder coupled to the tilting portion, where at least one first holder and at least one second holder oppose each other.

Abstract: A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.

Abstract: A mobile storage and work cart is described that includes a reconfigurable frame, a plurality of casters extending from the reconfigurable frame and operable for moving the cart, and a work surface attached to the reconfigurable frame and forming a top of the cart. The reconfigurable frame is operable to adjust a height of the work surface.

Abstract: A mobile storage and work cart is described that includes a reconfigurable frame, a plurality of casters extending from the reconfigurable frame and operable for moving the cart, and a work surface attached to the reconfigurable frame and forming a top of the cart. The reconfigurable frame is operable to adjust a height of the work surface.