Abstract: Physical features of an object from tactile robotic exploration, including by manipulation of the object with an effector having a tactile sensor that provides measurements representative of physical interaction of the effector and the object. This exploration may include performing a predetermined set of manipulations of the object using the effector. Measurements made during the manipulations are used to form a data representation of physical characteristics of the object, and this data representation is used to control further motion of the object.

Abstract: A retrographic sensor includes a transparent structure, a transparent elastomeric pad, and an at least partially reflective layer. One or more light sources emit light into a side surface of the transparent structure. The light undergoes internal reflection in the transparent structure and is reflected toward a camera oriented toward the transparent structure. The at least partially reflective layer may be semi-specular in some embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a three-dimensional perception and object manipulation robot gripper configured for connection to and operation in conjunction with a robot arm. In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a palm, a plurality of motors or actuators operably connected to the palm, a mechanical manipulation system operably connected to the palm, a plurality of fingers operably connected to the motors or actuators and configured to manipulate one or more objects located within a workspace or target volume that can be accessed by the fingers. A depth camera system is also operably connected to the palm.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a three-dimensional perception and object manipulation robot gripper configured for connection to and operation in conjunction with a robot arm. In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a palm, a plurality of motors or actuators operably connected to the palm, a mechanical manipulation system operably connected to the palm, a plurality of fingers operably connected to the motors or actuators and configured to manipulate one or more objects located within a workspace or target volume that can be accessed by the fingers. A depth camera system is also operably connected to the palm.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a three-dimensional perception and object manipulation robot gripper configured for connection to and operation in conjunction with a robot arm. In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a palm, a plurality of motors or actuators operably connected to the palm, a mechanical manipulation system operably connected to the palm, a plurality of fingers operably connected to the motors or actuators and configured to manipulate one or more objects located within a workspace or target volume that can be accessed by the fingers. A depth camera system is also operably connected to the palm.

Abstract: A retrographic sensor includes a transparent structure, a transparent elastomeric pad, and an at least partially reflective layer. One or more light sources emit light into a side surface of the transparent structure. The light undergoes internal reflection in the transparent structure and is reflected toward a camera oriented toward the transparent structure. The at least partially reflective layer may be semi-specular in some embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a three-dimensional perception and object manipulation robot gripper configured for connection to and operation in conjunction with a robot arm. In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a palm, a plurality of motors or actuators operably connected to the palm, a mechanical manipulation system operably connected to the palm, a plurality of fingers operably connected to the motors or actuators and configured to manipulate one or more objects located within a workspace or target volume that can be accessed by the fingers. A depth camera system is also operably connected to the palm.