Abstract: An intelligent power assisted manual manipulator controllable by operator inputs from an operator for moving an object is provided. The manipulator includes a movable base supporting a lift mechanism for moving the object. The manipulator also includes at least one servomotor for actuating at least one of the movable base and the lift mechanism for moving the object. An operator control mechanism for receiving the operator inputs is supported on the lift mechanism. A plurality of force sensors are disposed between the operator control mechanism and the lift mechanism for sensing said operator inputs and actuating at least one of the at least one servomotor. The movable base includes an overhead rail defining a generally horizontal first axis and a carriage supported on the overhead rail and movable along the first axis. The lift mechanism includes a turret assembly supported on the carriage having a generally vertical second axis, and a generally horizontal third axis.

Abstract: A robot assembly (10) for opening and holding an automotive door including a base (12) movably mounted to a platform (14). An inner robot arm (18) is pivotally mounted to the base. An outer robot arm (20) is pivotally mounted to the inner arm (18). A tool arm (22) is pivotally mounted to the outer robot arm (20). The tool arm (22) includes a shaft (58) presenting a second tool arm axis (A.sub.4) for rotation about the second tool arm axis (A.sub.4). A sphere (90), presenting first, second and third sphere axes (A.sub.5,A.sub.6,A.sub.7), is mounted to the distal end of the shaft (58) for rotatably supporting a magnet tool (118). A pin (104) extends from the sphere (90) for preventing the rotation of the tool (118) about the first sphere axis (A.sub.) which is parallel to the second tool arm axis (A.sub.4). The tool (118) is positioned in a home position relative to the second tool arm axis (A.sub.4) by a biasing spring (70) operatively connected to the shaft (58).

Abstract: A laser robot system including an offset robot. The system includes a laser beam generator for generating a laser beam. The robot includes a pedestal having a vertical first axis and a hollow base support on the pedestal for rotation about the first axis and for receiving the laser beam along the first axis. A single computer-based controller controls the laser beam generator, a drive system of the robot and an air source which is in fluid communication with the base of the robot. The air source pressurizes the laser beam path through the robot, thereby preventing contamination of the beam path. A hollow arm support in the form of a swing block is laterally supported on the base for rotation relative to the base about a horizontal second axis which intersects the first axis. A robot arm is elongated along a third axis which is obliquely angled to and intersects the second axis. The robot arm is laterally supported on the swing block for pivotal rotation therewith relative to the base about the second axis.