Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic system camera calibration and localization using robot-mounted registered patterns. In one embodiment, an example robotic system may include a robotic manipulator, and a picking assembly coupled to the robotic manipulator, where the picking assembly is configured to grasp and release items, and where the picking assembly includes a housing having a first flat surface. Example robotic systems may include a first calibration pattern disposed on the first flat surface of the housing, a first camera configured to image the first calibration pattern, and a controller configured to calibrate the robotic system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic picking assemblies with different concurrent flow rates. In one embodiment, an example system may include a picking assembly coupled to a vacuum system. The picking assembly may include a first suction cup assembly having a first flow rate, the first suction cup assembly including a first suction cup and a first mesh filter disposed in the first suction cup, a second suction cup assembly having a second flow rate, the second suction cup assembly including a second suction cup and a second mesh filter disposed in the second suction cup, and a third suction cup assembly having the second flow rate, the third suction cup assembly including a third suction cup and a third mesh filter disposed in the third suction cup. The picking assembly may grasp items based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for portable robotic manipulation systems. In one embodiment, an example robot assembly may include a first portion that includes a first robotic arm configured to manipulate objects, a second portion coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a moveable sensor assembly, and a controller configured to control operation of the first robotic arm and operation of the moveable sensor assembly. The robot assembly is portable and configured to operate in fenced or unfenced environments, and may be configured to perform different tasks in different environments.

Abstract: A package imaging system can be configured to utilize unused or idle degrees of freedom associated with a robot to collect identification and modeling information. One or more sensors can be attached to the robot and configured to track a package between a first location and a second location. A final joint of the robot can be configured to cause one or more rotations of the package within the reference frame. The one or more sensors can capture one or more images of the package within the reference frame. Based on the one or more images, the package imaging system can determine a package identity from an identifier associated with the package. The package imaging system can also generate a three-dimensional model of the package by combining the one or more pictures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for concentric suction cup tools with parallel pistons. In one embodiment, an example picking assembly may include a first piston subassembly with a first air cylinder, a first sliding rail that slides relative to the first air cylinder, and a first suction cup. The example picking assembly may include a second piston subassembly comprising a second air cylinder, a second sliding rail that slides relative to the second air cylinder, and a second suction cup, where the first and second piston subassemblies may be configured to independently actuate from a retracted position to an extended position. The example picking assembly may include a first guide plate with a first aperture for the first piston subassembly and a second aperture for the second piston subassembly, a shell that forms a housing for the picking assembly, and an airflow coupler.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for dynamically adjustable suction cups. In one embodiment, an example device may include a backplate, a gear coupled to the backplate and configured to move from a first position to a second position, a first suction cup segment having a first cavity, and a second suction cup segment disposed adjacent to the first suction cup segment, where a first portion of the second suction cup segment is disposed in the first cavity. Movement of the mechanical actuator from the first position to the second position may cause the first portion of the second suction cup segment to slide out of the first cavity, such that a surface area of a suction cup formed by the first suction cup segment and the second suction cup segment increases.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) safety rings. An robotic apparatus may include a moveable component having a longitudinal central axis spanning between a first end and a second end, a transceiver positioned at the first end of the moveable component to emit and receive light, and a reflective surface at the first end of the moveable component. The reflective surface may reflect light signals emitted by the transceiver toward the second end, and may reflect returning light signals toward the transceiver. The robotic apparatus may include at least one processor to determine, based on the returning light signals, that an object is within a distance of the moveable component, and to change an operation of the robotic apparatus based on the object.

Abstract: An end-of-arm-tool attachment deploys gripper arms to help stabilize picked items. The arms rotate around the lower body of the tool and, depending on the size of the item, will either support the item from below or help reduce swinging by applying pressure to the sides/top. When not in use, the arms are stowed on the upper body of the tool to minimize potential for collision and to provide a smaller profile for maneuverability.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool for attachment to a robotic arm, includes a housing, an outer suction cup assembly that includes an outer suction cup located at the distal end of the housing, and an inner suction cup assembly that extends centrally through the outer suction cup assembly. The inner suction cup assembly includes a lower suction tube, an inner suction cup that is positioned at a distal end of the lower suction tube and is in fluid communication with the lower suction tube. The inner suction cup is concentrically located relative to the outer suction cup. The tool includes an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lower suction tube with respect to the outer suction cup.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for toroidal suction grippers. In one embodiment, an example device may include a first annular elastic membrane configured to form an orifice having a toroid geometry, and a first vacuum suction device disposed in the first annular elastic membrane. The first annular elastic membrane may be configured to be actuated to grasp an object.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool includes concentric rings of suction cup assemblies. Each suction cup assembly can be independently extended and retracted. Sensors on each suction cup assembly indicate its fully extended position such that displacement from the fully extended position upon contacting an item is indicated by the corresponding sensor.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool for attachment to a robotic arm, includes a housing, an outer suction cup assembly that includes an outer suction cup located at the distal end of the housing, and an inner suction cup assembly that extends centrally through the outer suction cup assembly. The inner suction cup assembly includes a lower suction tube, an inner suction cup that is positioned at a distal end of the lower suction tube and is in fluid communication with the lower suction tube. The inner suction cup is concentrically located relative to the outer suction cup. The tool includes an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lower suction tube with respect to the outer suction cup.

Abstract: An end of arm tool includes concentric rings of suction cup assemblies. Each suction cup assembly includes a tube for supplying vacuum and a distal suction cup. The suction cup assembly can be longitudinally moveable (that is, in a retraction direction) upon engaging an item. Each ring has a vacuum control. Each ring can have its own action or compliance.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool includes concentric rings of suction cups. The pneumatic actuators control the extension of suction cups, and are actuated in rings. Each suction cup is longitudinally retractable in response to a force applied to an item and has a compliant suction cup. Each ring has a vacuum control. Each ring can have its own compliance.

Abstract: Apparatuses including gripping mechanisms including extendable fingers and methods of manipulating items using the gripping mechanisms are described herein. An example apparatus may include a frame, a pair of carriages coupled to the frame and moveable by one or more drive units, a pair of fingers, and a set of linkages connecting the pair of fingers with the pair of carriages. The one or more drive units are operable to cause the fingers to move towards each other and to move away from each other.