Abstract: An end-effector may be summarized substantially as described and illustrated herein.

Abstract: Computer numerical control (CNC) machines execute a process automatically unless a condition occurs that triggers one or more alarms that terminate the process. Accordingly, CNC laser cutting post-process inspection is usually non-existent or minimal. However, with CNC laser welding it is more common for a visual inspection or automated inspection to be performed to verify that the process was completed. Similar issues occur when single piece parts are required in addition to which executing an offline inspection requires additional complexity in re-working any piece part. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide enterprises and facilities employing CNC laser cutting/welding systems with a means to overcome these limitations. Further, providing intuitive user interfaces allows the user to perform tasks directly through a touch screen interface they are viewing the work piece/piece-parts upon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an object being extracted from or moved among a plurality of objects in a designated area, the plurality of objects equipped with transponders that emit a reply signal encoding an identifier. A set of antennas proximately located to the designated area are controlled to emit interrogation signals that cause the transponders to emit the reply signal in response. Sets of information are obtained regarding the reply signals received by the set of antennas, the reply signals including an indication of a signal characteristic and an identifier particular to the type of the object. The sets of information are analyzed to identify an identifier of the object being extracted based on fluctuations in the signal characteristic relative to the plurality of objects. One or more operations may be performed involving the object based on identification of the identifier.

Abstract: A tool changer at a distal end of a robotic arm may include a proximal engagement plate and a tool may include a distal engagement plate magnetically engaged with the proximal engagement plate. The tool changer may be configured to magnetically engage and disengage with a variety of tools as different tools are needed for operations being performed by the robotic arm. Decisions regarding which tools to couple to the tool changer may be made on-the-fly and based on changing circumstances as the robotic arm is used to operate on objects.

Abstract: A system for singulating objects includes a bin for receiving a collection of objects, a robotic manipulator for grasping objects from the bin, a scale for measuring a weight of the grasped objects, and a computer system for comparing measured weights to acceptable weight ranges to detect double picks. Methods include determining acceptable weight ranges by weighing a plurality of objects.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic gripping systems, and in particular to electromagnetic shielding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices in order to prevent unwanted wireless exchange of data between RFID tags and remote transceivers, such as a RFID readers. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shielding is utilized within a sort station or pick-and-place environment where a robotic gripper is operating.

Abstract: Computer (or computerized) numerical control (CNC) tools are employed globally. Whilst these may be purchased with an initial set of configurations users must establish any other configurations themselves leading to potentially every CNC tool being configured slightly differently for the same process requirement even before considering new materials, tool elements etc. Accordingly, users and manufacturers would benefit from access to updated process parameters for machine tools that reflect scenarios encountered in manufacturing operations that are new or lead to improved tolerances, yields, reducing process time etc. However, users are not going to employ just any set of parameters given to them as these may damage their CNC tool or tool elements. Embodiments of the invention provide a subscription service providing access to verified settings where the verification is performed by the machine tool manufacturer or machine tool element manufacturer.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator includes a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and an actuator that actuates movement of the second stage with respect to the first stage. Movement of the second stage with respect to the first stage passively drives movement of the third stage with respect to the second stage. In some embodiments, the passive driving is achieved using one or more cables. In other embodiments, the passive driving is achieved using rack and pinion components. The robotic manipulator may further include additional stages, wherein movement of preceding stages passively drives movement of succeeding stages.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator system includes a first robotic manipulator and a second robotic manipulator configured to grasp an object. The first robotic manipulator grasps the object a first time and moves the object to the second robotic manipulator. The second robotic manipulator then grasps the object and the first robotic manipulator readjusts its position relative to the object before grasping the object a second time. One or both of the robotic manipulators then move the object a new location before releasing the object at the new location.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic manipulator having one or more contact pads. The contact pads have features therein that are detectable to determine or measure a degree to which they have worn down. Such features may include fluorescent materials, colorful materials, and/or RFID tags. A robotic environment may include one or more sensors to detect such features, and may be configured to generate a signal indicating that one or more contact pads are in need of maintenance.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic gripping systems, and in particular to electromagnetic shielding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices in order to prevent unwanted wireless exchange of data between RFID tags and remote transceivers, such as a RFID readers. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shielding is utilized within a sort station or pick-and-place environment where a robotic gripper is operating.

Abstract: Underactuated robotic manipulators may include a plurality of links rotatably or rigidly coupled to one another at a plurality of joints. The links may include driven links that are driven to grasp an object to be held, driving links that are actuated by an actuator to drive movement of the driven links, and a plurality of connecting links that couple the driving links to the driven links. Such manipulators may include a plurality of driven links and associated touch points, and a plurality of independent degrees of freedom, and be driven by a single actuator, making them underactuated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an object being extracted from or moved among a plurality of objects in a designated area, the plurality of objects equipped with transponders that emit a reply signal encoding an identifier. A set of antennas proximately located to the designated area are controlled to emit interrogation signals that cause the transponders to emit the reply signal in response. Sets of information are obtained regarding the reply signals received by the set of antennas, the reply signals including an indication of a signal characteristic and an identifier particular to the type of the object. The sets of information are analyzed to identify an identifier of the object being extracted based on fluctuations in the signal characteristic relative to the plurality of objects. One or more operations may be performed involving the object based on identification of the identifier.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic grasping systems, and in particular to an active robotic manipulator that includes a passive grasping component so that the robotic manipulator can grasp a wide variety of objects and simultaneously providing soft grasping features which reduce the risk of damage to objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a robotic gripping system and method that utilizes vacuum suction and finger grasping, wherein the suction and grasping are actuated based on a dynamic collision model. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to generating collision scenes of a surrounding environment which is used to determine possible collisions in a motion path, and which is used to selectively actuate the vacuum suction and/or finger grasping.

Abstract: Computer numerical control (CNC) machines have dramatically changed manufacturing processes including plasma based cutting. Typically, plasma based cutting executes a single continuous process. However, gratings cut from a grating sheet require a number of discrete cuts be made within a grating sheet to cut each element within the grating sheet to isolate the element required from the grating. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide enterprises and facilities employing CNC cutting systems with a means to overcome the limitations of CNC cutting systems when cutting such elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a robot may couple to or form part of an appendage, for example a wrist. The apparatus can include a base, a first platform, a second platform, a first set of linear actuators that moveably couple the first platform to the base and a second set of linear actuators that moveably couple the second platform to the first platform. The apparatus can take the form of dual prismatic platforms. A controller can provide control signals to operate the linear actuators to cause the first platform to translate and rotate with respect to the base and to cause the second platform to translate and rotate with respect to the first platform. Connectors can couple the base to an appendage and couple an end effector to the second platform.

Abstract: An insect trap useful for trapping flying insects, the insect trap comprising an upper housing including at least one horizontal row of light emitting diodes extending across an outer surface of a curved front wall such that light from each of the light emitting diodes is projected outwardly from the upper housing at a different angle than adjacent light emitting diodes in the horizontal row of light emitting diodes, a base housing including an opening through which insects can enter an interior of the base housing, and an insect trapping element facing the opening in the base housing.

Abstract: Computer numerical control (CNC) machines execute a process automatically unless a condition occurs that triggers one or more alarms that terminate the process. Accordingly, CNC laser cutting post-process inspection is usually non-existent or minimal. However, with CNC laser welding it is more common for a visual inspection or automated inspection to be performed to verify that the process was completed. Similar issues occur when single piece parts are required in addition to which executing an offline inspection requires additional complexity in re-working any piece part. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide enterprises and facilities employing CNC laser cutting/welding systems with a means to overcome these limitations. Further, providing intuitive user interfaces allows the user to perform tasks directly through a touch screen interface they are viewing the work piece/piece-parts upon.

Abstract: Computer (or computerized) numerical control (CNC) tools are employed globally. Whilst these may be purchased with an initial set of configurations users must establish any other configurations themselves leading to potentially every CNC tool being configured slightly differently for the same process requirement even before considering new materials, tool elements etc. Accordingly, users and manufacturers would benefit from access to updated process parameters for machine tools that reflect scenarios encountered in manufacturing operations that are new or lead to improved tolerances, yields, reducing process time etc. However, users are not going to employ just any set of parameters given to them as these may damage their CNC tool or tool elements. Embodiments of the invention provide a subscription service providing access to verified settings where the verification is performed by the machine tool manufacturer or machine tool element manufacturer.