Abstract: Provided are systems, devices, and methods for sensing location and forces. A robotic effector comprising a skin and a core can have a plurality of electrodes integrated in the skin and/or core. Upon interaction with a target object, the robotic effector may determine a total force and/or a location of the force by the target object on the robotic effector. Sensitivity and dynamic range of the robotic effector may improve by changing various configurations.

Abstract: Provided are systems, devices, and methods for sensing location and forces. A robotic effector comprising a skin and a core can have a plurality of electrodes integrated in the skin and/or core. Upon interaction with a target object, the robotic effector may determine a total force and/or a location of the force by the target object on the robotic effector. Sensitivity and dynamic range of the robotic effector may improve by changing various configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to animatronics on entertainment devices such as greeting cards. A shape memory-alloy wire may be coupled to a PCB housed within a greeting card body. The wire may be anchored to a linkage assembly that is swivably, rotably, pivotably, extendably or otherwise movably coupled to the greeting card body. The PCB may be configured to generate a signal to a driving circuit for supplying an electrical current through the wire, the current having a variable amperage that is modified based on the pulse file. The variable amperage causes a change in the temperature of the wire, which causes the wire, and thus the linkage assembly, to contract and expand. The linkage assembly may be coupled to a display body, which may include an animal shape, characters, popular culture images and the like. Movement of the linkage assembly causes the display body to move in an entertaining manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to animatronics on entertainment devices such as greeting cards. A shape memory-alloy wire may be coupled to a PCB housed within a greeting card body. The wire may be anchored to a linkage assembly that is swivably, rotably, pivotably, extendably or otherwise movably coupled to the greeting card body. The PCB may be configured to generate a signal to a driving circuit for supplying an electrical current through the wire, the current having a variable amperage that is modified based on the pulse file. The variable amperage causes a change in the temperature of the wire, which causes the wire, and thus the linkage assembly, to contract and expand. The linkage assembly may be coupled to a display body, which may include an animal shape, characters, popular culture images and the like. Movement of the linkage assembly causes the display body to move in an entertaining manner.