Abstract: A compensating element having first and second modules is disclosed. A locking mechanism which can be switched between a first and a second operating state is provided. The first module is connected firmly to the second module in the first operating state. The first operating state defines a zero position between the first and the second module. The first and the second module are connected to one another in the second operating state by a spring mechanism in such a way that they are movable relative to one another. The compensating element has a midaxis, and the first and the second module are arranged at least partially next to one another in the direction of the midaxis. A measuring system is also disclosed with which the relative position between the first and the second module can be measured. The first or second module includes an externally visible luminous surface. A luminous state of the luminous surface is dependent on the relative position measured by the measuring system.

Abstract: A method is for operating a manipulator that has a movement device, a compensating device, and a tool. In the method, a relative displacement of the compensating device, with respect to a target position, is sensed during setting-up and is taken into account in a subsequent control of the manipulator.

Abstract: A compensating element having a first and a second assembly, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which can be switched over between a first and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the first assembly is connected fixedly to the second assembly and, in the second operating state, the first and second assemblies are connected to each other via a spring mechanism in such a manner that they are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes an electric motor that can be used to switch over between the first and the second operating state. A locking ring is or is not braced against at least three balls depending on its rotational position with respect to a center axis. The locking ring is connected in terms of rotary drive to the electric motor via a torsion spring which is elastic with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A compensating element having a first and a second assembly, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which can be switched over between a first and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the first assembly is connected fixedly to the second assembly and, in the second operating state, the first and second assemblies are connected to each other via a spring mechanism in such a manner that they are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes an electric motor that can be used to switch over between the first and the second operating state. A locking ring is or is not braced against at least three balls depending on its rotational position with respect to a center axis. The locking ring is connected in terms of rotary drive to the electric motor via a torsion spring which is elastic with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A method is for operating a manipulator that has a movement device, a compensating device, and a tool. In the method, a relative displacement of the compensating device, with respect to a target position, is sensed during setting-up and is taken into account in a subsequent control of the manipulator.

Abstract: A compensating element having first and second modules is disclosed. A locking mechanism which can be switched between a first and a second operating state is provided. The first module is connected firmly to the second module in the first operating state. The first operating state defines a zero position between the first and the second module. The first and the second module are connected to one another in the second operating state by a spring mechanism in such a way that they are movable relative to one another. The compensating element has a midaxis, and the first and the second module are arranged at least partially next to one another in the direction of the midaxis. A measuring system is also disclosed with which the relative position between the first and the second module can be measured. The first or second module includes an externally visible luminous surface. A luminous state of the luminous surface is dependent on the relative position measured by the measuring system.