Abstract: Magnetic coupling mechanisms for robotic arm end effectors are disclosed. In particular, a magnetic coupling mechanism couples a detachable tool, such as a suction gripper, to a tool changer base of a robotic arm tool of an end effector. Magnetic coupling between the robotic arm tool and the detachable tool allows for breakaway when a sufficient force is applied to the robotic arm tool and/or the detachable tool to separate the two. The decoupling may be achieved via a tool rack. An exemplary system for coupling a detachable tool to a motion device includes a first magnetic ring affixed to a distal end of the motion device, where an inside of the first magnetic ring forms a first hollow chamber; and a second magnetic ring affixed to a proximal end of the detachable tool, where an inside of the detachable tool forms a second hollow chamber.

Abstract: A compliance mechanism for a pick and place robotic system comprising: a motion device, an end effector coupled to the motion device, wherein the end effector comprises a sheath structure, a rod, wherein the compliance mechanism is configured to: when the distal end of the rod is in not contact with an object, causing the distal end of the rod to move responsive to movement of the motion device, and when the distal end of the rod is in contact with an object and the motion device moves toward the object, causing the distal end of the rod to remain stationary by causing the sheath structure to move along a longitudinal direction of the rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary system for orienting an object comprises: a scanner configured to detect a label on the object; an upper conveyor belt; a flipping conveyor belt located at an end of the upper conveyor belt, wherein the upper conveyor belt is configured to transport the object toward the flipping conveyor belt, wherein the flipping conveyor belt is configured to, in a first orientation or position, rotate and exert a frictional force on the object to reorient the object while the object is in contact with the upper conveyor belt, wherein the flipping conveyor belt is configured to, in a second orientation or position, allow the object to drop off the end of the upper conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary apparatus for vacuum-gripping a deformable bag comprises: a primary chamber, wherein a proximal end of the primary chamber is connected to an air flow source, and wherein the primary chamber is configured to, upon an activation of the air flow source, receive a portion of the deformable bag via a distal end of the primary chamber; a secondary chamber surrounding the primary chamber, wherein the secondary chamber is connected to the primary chamber via a plurality of connections to allow for air passage, and wherein the activation of the air flow source causes a lateral wall of the primary chamber to grip the portion of the deformable bag via pressure differential between an inside of the deformable bag and the secondary chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary system for coupling a detachable tool to a motion device comprises: a first magnetic ring affixed to a distal end of the motion device, wherein the motion device and the first magnetic ring form a first hollow chamber; a second magnetic ring affixed to a proximal end of the detachable tool, wherein the second magnetic ring and the detachable tool forms a second hollow chamber extending from a center of the second magnetic ring and the detachable tool, wherein the first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring are configured to automatically couple together via a magnetic field in an aligned manner, and wherein the coupling of the first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring joins the first hollow chamber and the second hollow chamber to allow for a pass-through mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary compliant mechanism comprises: a motion device, wherein a distal surface of the motion device comprises a first plurality of magnetic components; an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises: a second plurality of magnetic components arranged on a proximal surface of the end effector in a same configuration as the first plurality of magnetic components, a rod, and an elongated member extending through a hole in the proximal surface of the end effector, wherein: a proximal end of the elongated member is affixed to the distal surface of the motion device, and the elongated member comprises an end stopper piece configured to prevent a distal end of the elongated member from passing through the hole in the proximal surface of the end effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary apparatus for vacuum-gripping a deformable bag comprises: a primary chamber, wherein a proximal end of the primary chamber is connected to an air flow source, and wherein the primary chamber is configured to, upon an activation of the air flow source, receive a portion of the deformable bag via a distal end of the primary chamber; a secondary chamber surrounding the primary chamber, wherein the secondary chamber is connected to the primary chamber via a plurality of connections to allow for air passage, and wherein the activation of the air flow source causes a lateral wall of the primary chamber to grip the portion of the deformable bag via pressure differential between an inside of the deformable bag and the secondary chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. An exemplary system for orienting an object comprises: a scanner configured to detect a label on the object; an upper conveyor belt; a flipping conveyor belt located at an end of the upper conveyor belt, wherein the upper conveyor belt is configured to transport the object toward the flipping conveyor belt, wherein the flipping conveyor belt is configured to, in a first orientation or position, rotate and exert a frictional force on the object to reorient the object while the object is in contact with the upper conveyor belt, wherein the flipping conveyor belt is configured to, in a second orientation or position, allow the object to drop off the end of the upper conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pick and place robotic systems. A compliance mechanism comprising: a motion device; an end effector coupled to the motion device, wherein the end effector comprises: a sheath structure; a rod, wherein the compliance mechanism is configured to: when the distal end of the rod is in not contact with an object, causing the distal end of the rod to move responsive to movement of the motion device, and when the distal end of the rod is in contact with an object and the motion device moves toward the object, causing the distal end of the rod to remain stationary by causing the sheath structure to move along a longitudinal direction of the rod.