Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector configured for grasping an object, the end-effector including a suction cup assembly configured to engage the object, and a contact limit sensor configured to detect a pressure associated with the engagement between the suction cup assembly and the object, wherein the contact limit sensor transmits contact information when the contact limit sensor detects the pressure exceeding a contact threshold, a sensor unit monitoring contact information received from the contact limit sensor, and a controller, coupled to the sensor unit, configured to execute an operation for controlling the end-effector to limit movement of the end-effector toward the object based on the contact information received.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a beam detector includes a first aperture plate including a first passage hole, a second aperture plate including a second passage hole that allows a single detection target beam passing through the first passage hole to pass therethrough, and a sensor detecting a beam current of the detection target beam passing through the second passage hole. The second aperture plate includes an electrically conductive material, a plurality of third passage holes are formed around the second passage hole, and the plurality of third passage holes allow light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a transport robot to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. The robotic system receives image data representative of a group of objects. Individual target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple target objects.

Abstract: A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.

Abstract: A system and related methods for operating a robotic system with a routing mechanism is disclosed herein. The routing mechanism may surround external components that extend across a link and connect to an end effector. The routing mechanism may include guides, brackets, or a combination thereof configured to maintain the external components along a predetermined path relative to the link, the end effector, one or more corresponding joints, or a combination thereof during movement of the link and/or the end effector.

Abstract: A system and related methods for operating a robotic system with a routing mechanism is disclosed herein. The routing mechanism may surround external components that extend across a link and connect to an end effector. The routing mechanism may include guides, brackets, or a combination thereof configured to maintain the external components along a predetermined path relative to the link, the end effector, one or more corresponding joints, or a combination thereof during movement of the link and/or the end effector.

Abstract: Robotic systems with griping mechanisms, and related systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the robotic system includes a robotic arm and an end-of-arm tool coupled to the robotic arm. The end-of-arm tool can include a housing, a vacuum-gripping component, and a clamping component. The vacuum-gripping component can be operably coupled to a lower surface of the housing to apply a suction force to an upper surface of a target object. The clamping component can include first and second clamping elements. The first clamping element projects at least partially beneath the lower surface of the housing and is movable along a lateral axis to engage a first side surface of the target object. Similarly, the second clamping element projects at least partially beneath the lower surface of the frame and is movable along the lateral axis to engage with a second side surface of the target object.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to operation of a robotic system to transfer an object from a source to a destination. The robotic system may implement one or more motion plans or portions thereof to operate a picking robot to grip and lift the object and place a transfer tray under the lifted object. The robotic system may further implement the one or more motion plans or portions thereof to place the object on the transfer tray and laterally displace the transfer tray and the object thereon toward the destination. The robotic system may operate a placement mechanism to transfer the object from the transfer tray to the destination.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a transfer robot to grasp and transfer objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a robotic gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum to grasp a target object. The gripper assembly can be configured and/or operated according to one or more physical characteristics of targeted objects and/or corresponding scenarios.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a transfer robot and a multi-surface gripper to grasp and transfer objects is disclosed.

Abstract: End effectors for use with a robotic object-gripping system, and related systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a first mounting structure, a force sensor coupled to the first mounting structure, a second mounting structure coupled to the force sensor, and a gripper assembly coupled to the second mounting structure. The force sensor is beneath the longitudinal plane and is configured to measure forces along a vertical axis. The end effector also includes a first bracket coupled to the first mounting structure and a second bracket coupled to the second mounting structure. The first and second brackets are configured to connect to the connection tubes to isolate the connection tubes, and any forces therein, to a longitudinal direction between the first bracket and the second bracket, thereby reducing the noise on the force sensor from the connection tubes during operation.

Abstract: A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.

Abstract: An object gripping assembly and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the object gripping assembly includes a first carrying plate with a first mounting track extending along a first axis and two or more second carrying plates movably carried by the first mounting track. Each of the two or more second carrying plates can include a second mounting track extending along a second axis at least and extendable gripping components movably carried by the second mounting track. A first pitch adjusting component can be operably coupled the two or more second carrying plates to controllably change the pitch of the two or more second carrying plates along the first mounting track. A second pitch adjusting component can be operably coupled to the extendable gripping components on a corresponding second carrying plate to controllably change the pitch of the extendable gripping components along the second mounting track.

Abstract: A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic system to use two or more tools to manipulate objects. The robotic system may coordinate planning processes and/or plan implementations based on grouping the objects.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a transport robot to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. The robotic system receives image data representative of a group of objects. Individual target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple target objects.

Abstract: A system and related methods for operating a robotic system with a routing mechanism is disclosed herein. The routing mechanism may surround external components that extend across a link and connect to an end effector. The routing mechanism may include guides, brackets, or a combination thereof configured to maintain the external components along a predetermined path relative to the link, the end effector, one or more corresponding joints, or a combination thereof during movement of the link and/or the end effector.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a transport robot to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. The robotic system receives image data representative of a group of objects. Individual target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple target objects.

Abstract: A robotic system is provided. The robotic system may include an end-effector configured for grasping an object, a sensor unit monitoring contact information received from the contact limit sensor, and a controller, coupled to the sensor unit. The end-effector may include a suction cup assembly for engaging the object, and a contact limit sensor for detecting a pressure associated with the engagement between the suction cup assembly and the object, wherein the contact limit sensor transmits contact information when the contact limit sensor detects the pressure exceeding a contact threshold. The controller may execute an operation for controlling the end-effector to limit movement of the end-effector toward the object based on the contact information received to prevent damage to the object.

Abstract: A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.