Abstract: A continuum arm robot comprising: a tool, a tip section comprising a number of sections a manipulatable robotic section having multiple degrees of freedom, a stiffening section comprising a passive core with an inflatable section surrounding the passive core and a valve for allowing a fluid into the inflatable outer; and a passive section comprising a length of flexible conduit, wherein the core of the passive section and the stiffening section contain the cables for manipulating the tip section and the fluid conduit for supplying the fluid to the inflatable outer.

Abstract: A continuum arm robot system comprising at least a first continuum arm robot and a second continuum arm robot, each continuum arm robot being controlled by its own actuator pack, and each actuator pack being coupled to a single control computer, wherein at least the second continuum arm robot comprises a releasable connection mechanism to engage in gripping the first continuum arm robot in a workspace, so as to link the at least two continuum arm robots into a single redundant robotic system with at least the second continuum arm robot providing support for the first continuum arm robot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotary abrasive machining tool, the rotary abrasive machining tool including a hub and a plurality of abrasive segments mounted to the hub, the method including the steps of: mounting each abrasive segment on the hub; machining an abrading edge on each abrasive segment while the abrasive segment is mounted on the hub.

Abstract: An inspection system for mounting on a user's hand. The inspection system comprising: an imaging unit comprising two sub-units, the first sub-unit being configured to provide images from a first point of view and the second sub-unit being configured to provide images from a second point of view; and a measuring unit configured to provide data relating to a physical property measured at a measurement location on the user's hand. The imaging unit has a separation sensor configured to measure the separation between the two sub-units of the imaging unit. A method of inspecting and/or servicing a machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-mounted inspection system, configured to be mounted on a user's hand, comprising: an imaging unit, configured to provide images from at least one point of view located on the user's hand; and a measuring unit, configured to provide data relating to a physical property measured at a measurement location on the user's hand. The measuring unit includes a sensor configured to provide a measurement between two measurement locations, each of the two measurement locations being located on a digit of the user's hand, a tip of a digit of the user's hand, on the phalanges of a digit of a user's hand, on the palm of the user's hand or on the back of the user's hand.

Abstract: A rotary abrasive machining tool (101) is shown. The tool comprises a hub (103) having plurality of axially-oriented radial slots in the outer circumference thereof, and plurality of abrasive segments each of which is located in a respective slot in the hub and which form an abrading surface (102). The abrasive segments comprise a tab for location in a slot in the hub, and an abrading edge defining a plurality of abrasive elements.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprises a tool body having a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first end comprises two or more cutting portions, with each of the cutting portions comprising a cutting edge and a flank surface. Each cutting edge extends radially outwardly from a centre region of the first end to a perimetral edge of the first end, with the cutting edge being angled relative to the longitudinal axis. Each flank surface extends circumferentially from the cutting edge. Each of at least two of the two or more flank surfaces comprises an abrasive portion extending over at least a part of the respective flank surface and each abrasive portion comprises a plurality of abrasive features.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a hyper redundant manipulator, the hyper redundant manipulator including: a plurality of sections comprising a first free end section and a second end section; and a base arranged to receive the plurality of sections in a coiled configuration, the base being coupled to the second end section of the plurality of sections, the method comprising: receiving a trajectory for movement of the plurality of sections; determining an error in position and/or orientation relative to the trajectory for one or more sections of the plurality of sections, the error being caused at least in part by the coiled configuration; and controlling movement of the one or more sections using the determined error to compensate for the error in position and/or orientation of the one or more sections.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one of a first robot and a second robot to collaborate within a system, the first robot and the second robot being physically separate to one another, the method including: receiving sensed data associated with the second robot; determining position and/or orientation of the second robot using the received sensed data; determining an action for the second robot using the determined position and/or orientation of the second robot; and providing a control signal to the second robot to cause the second robot to perform the determined action to collaborate with the first robot.

Abstract: Fixture Apparatus and methods of manufacturing fixture apparatus. Fixture apparatus comprising: a first body to at least partially support an object, the first body including a structure having variable stiffness along at least a first axis of the first body.

Abstract: A pocket (6) is machined into the surface of a component (9) by pressurising a fluid (1) and directing a jet (11) of the pressurized fluid (1) at the surface to be machined. Continuous relative movement is provided between the component (9) and the pressurized jet (11) of fluid (1) during machining. Material is removed from the component (9) in a series of layers, whereby the path of the fluid jet (11) in one of the layers is perpendicular to the path of the fluid jet (11) in the subsequent layer. The fluid jet (11) operates continuously until the required amount of material has been removed from the component (9).

Abstract: A machine tool has a tool holder mounted to a platform, and a plurality of legs for connecting the platform to a workpiece. Each leg has joint systems which allow each leg to rotate relative to the platform and the workpiece and are also actuatable to alter the inter-joint distance. By alterations in the inter-joint distances of the legs the position and orientation of the tool holder relative to the workpiece is controllable. Each leg also has an attachment foot for removably attaching the leg to the workpiece. The provision of separate attachment feet avoids the need for a dedicated base for the machine tool so that it can be used in-situ and in confined and obstructed working environments.

Abstract: A pocket (6) is machined into the surface of a component (9) by pressurising a fluid (1) and directing a jet (11) of the pressurised fluid (1) at the surface to be machined. Continuous relative movement is provided between the component (9) and the pressurised jet (11) of fluid (1) during machining. Material is removed from the component (9) in a series of layers, whereby the path of the fluid jet (11) in one of the layers is perpendicular to the path of the fluid jet (11) in the subsequent layer. The fluid jet (11) operates continuously until the required amount of material has been removed from the component (9).