Abstract: A robot includes a body coupled to a wheel assembly and a container retrieval device. The wheel assembly has a plurality of wheels and a drive mechanism arranged to move the body along a first set of parallel rails and along a second set of parallel rails. The container retrieval device includes an extendable and retractable grapple arranged to selectively secure an engagement feature positioned between a rim and a bottom surface of a container. The grapple thus allows the robot to lift multiple containers in a single lift.

Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a torso, a left arm assembly coupled to the torso and having a first reference line, a left wrist coupled to the left arm assembly and including at least a rotational axis, and a left end effector coupled to the left wrist. The left end effector is configured to move about the rotational axis and includes a finger assembly with a second reference line and at least two degrees of freedom, and a thumb assembly with at least three degrees of freedom. A first angle is formed between the first and second reference lines when the left wrist is in a first configuration, and a second angle is formed when the left wrist is in a second configuration. Both the first and second angles are greater than 70 degrees, and the difference between the first and second angles is greater than 150 degrees.

Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a torso, a left arm assembly coupled to the torso and having a first reference line, a left wrist coupled to the left arm assembly and including at least a rotational axis, and a left end effector coupled to the left wrist. The left end effector is configured to move about the rotational axis and includes a finger assembly with a second reference line and at least two degrees of freedom, and a thumb assembly with at least three degrees of freedom. A first angle is formed between the first and second reference lines when the left wrist is in a first configuration, and a second angle is formed when the left wrist is in a second configuration. Both the first and second angles are greater than 70 degrees, and the difference between the first and second angles is greater than 150 degrees.

Abstract: A robot includes a body coupled to a wheel assembly and a container retrieval device. The wheel assembly has a plurality of wheels and a drive mechanism arranged to move the body along a first set of parallel rails and along a second set of parallel rails. The container retrieval device includes an extendable and retractable grapple arranged to selectively secure an engagement feature positioned between a rim and a bottom surface of a container. The grapple thus allows the robot to lift multiple containers in a single lift.

Abstract: A compact lightweight robotic end-effector has a large range of possible applied force. The end-effector includes one or more underactuated appendages, where each appendage is driven by a single motor connected to a driving cable wound throughout the appendage. The driving cable may be a flat cable or a cable with another non-circular cross section. The driving cable may be wrapped through a series of pulleys and/or bearings within the appendage to reduce frictional losses. The design of the pulley path may allow a desired mechanical response by the appendage, and the mechanical response may be optimized for a grasping process.

Abstract: A compact lightweight robotic end-effector has a large range of possible applied force. The end-effector includes one or more underactuated appendages, where each appendage is driven by a single motor connected to a driving cable wound throughout the appendage. The driving cable may be a flat cable or a cable with another non-circular cross section. The driving cable may be wrapped through a series of pulleys and/or bearings within the appendage to reduce frictional losses. The design of the pulley path may allow a desired mechanical response by the appendage, and the mechanical response may be optimized for a grasping process.