Abstract: A robot that includes a base that is provided with a flat installation surface member that is disposed on an installation target surface and a columnar member that extends upward from the installation surface member; and a first arm, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable about a first horizontal axis located above the columnar member of the base and that has a motion range below the first horizontal axis. The columnar member has a length that is equal to or longer than the length of the first arm and has a uniform transverse sectional area that is the same as the first arm.

Abstract: A transmission includes a first rotating portion, an eccentric body, a bearing, an external gear, an internal gear, carrier pins, and a second rotating portion. The first rotating portion rotates about a central axis. The eccentric body rotates therewith and a distance from the central axis to an outer surface thereof varies circumferentially. The bearing is provided on the eccentric body. The external gear includes through holes and is provided on the bearing. The internal gear is cylindrical, surrounds the central axis, and is disposed radially outside the external gear. The carrier pins are columnar and inserted into the through holes. The second rotating portion, to which upper portions of the carrier pins are fixed, rotates about the central axis. The external and internal gears have different numbers of teeth. The tooth of the external gear farthest from the central axis meshes with the internal gear. The diameters of the carrier pins decrease upward.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel leg mechanism for quadrupedal locomotion. This design engages a linkage to couple assembly that only requires a single degree of actuation. The topological arrangement of the system produces a foot trajectory that is well-suited for dynamic gaits including trot-running, bounding, and galloping.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing flexible robotic actuators are disclosed. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include a soft robot capable of providing a radial deflection motions; a soft tentacle actuator capable of providing a variety of motions and providing transportation means for various types of materials; and a hybrid robotic system that retains desirable characteristics of both soft robots and hard robots. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter also include methods for operating the disclosed robotic systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic generation of robot control policies include a CAD-based simulation engine for simulating CAD-based trajectories for the robot based on cost function parameters, a demonstration module configured to record demonstrative trajectories of the robot, an optimization engine for optimizing a ratio of CAD-based trajectories to demonstrative trajectories based on computation resource limits, a cost learning module for learning cost functions by adjusting the cost function parameters using a minimized divergence between probability distribution of CAD-based trajectories and demonstrative trajectories; and a deep inverse reinforcement learning engine for generating robot control policies based on the learned cost functions.

Abstract: A system including a controller, and at least two agents that communicatively access the controller. At least one of the agents is a robot. The system includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the agents, and at least one storage device, communicatively coupled to the processor(s), that stores processor-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor(s) to: receive first job set of instructions provided by the controller, for a first agent included in at least two agents; and send, on behalf of the first agent, a sham status message before actual completion of the first job. The processor-executable instructions may, when executed, further cause the at least one processor to: update a data store to reflect the first job set of instructions; and receive for a second one of the at least two agents a second job set of instructions before completion of the first job.

Abstract: To accurately predict a sensor value even in the case where external force is received. A control apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a prediction section (260) configured to, in an actuator including a torque sensor that detects torque generated at a driving shaft, and an encoder that detects a rotational angle of the driving shaft, predict a detection value of the encoder on a basis of a detection value of the torque sensor, or predict the detection value of the torque sensor on a basis of the detection value of the encoder; and a trouble determination section (266) configured to compare a prediction value predicted by the prediction section with an actually measured value of the torque sensor or the encoder to perform trouble determination on the torque sensor or the encoder.

Abstract: The present invention is a movable robot to perform multiple tasks in a real estate construction development, the movable robot comprises a station; a movable; a processor to execute, model and combine a layout of the construction area; a user interface to receive data into a data-storage for storing layouts and instructions; a communication means to communicate with a server and other the movable robot to dynamically report the progress of the instruction, location of the movable robot and a list of future tasks; a scanning system mounted on the station to scan and to overlap the layout on the construction area; a finder system to determine a path and an x-y-z location of a target on the construction area; a movement control system to move the movable robot along the path, and a battery pack to provide power for the movable robot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling a robot.

Abstract: A robot system includes: a robot; a sensor that detects entry of a person into a peripheral region of the robot; and a control device that controls the robot and the sensor. The control device is provided with: a robot control unit that controls the robot; an operating-region prediction unit that sequentially predicts an operating region of the robot up to a predetermined time later; and a detection-region control unit that sets to enabled a detection result of the sensor in a region, of the peripheral region, that includes the operating region, which is predicted by the operating-region prediction unit, and sets to disabled the detection result of the sensor in the other region of the peripheral region. The robot control unit limits the operation of the robot when entry of a person is detected in the region where the detection result of the sensor has been set to enabled.

Abstract: Robot systems including a robot, an on-premise computing device, and a cloud services system are disclosed. An on-premise computing device includes a processor and a non-transitory memory device storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive raw sensor data from a robot, pre-process the sensor data to remove unnecessary information from the sensor data and obtain pre-processed data, transmit the pre-processed data to a cloud services system, receive, from the cloud services system, an object type, an object pose, and an object location of an object corresponding to the pre-processed data, and transmit a signal to the robot based on at least one of the object type, the object pose, and the object location of the object.

Abstract: A robot controller, a measurement system and a calibration method, by which measurement regions for improving positioning accuracy of a robot can be appropriately generated. First and second measurement regions are specified in a movable range of the robot, the calibration of a mechanical parameter of the robot is executed in each measurement region, and calibration results are stored as first and second calibration results. When the difference between the calibration results exceeds a predetermined threshold, a third measurement region is specified between the first and second measurement regions, and the calibration is further executed in the third measurement region. The result of the further calibration is stored as a third calibration result.

Abstract: A measurement system including: reflectors mounted on a robot; a measuring apparatus including a laser head, wherein the measuring apparatus includes a controller, the controller is configured to conduct: a coordinate relationship acquisition process for acquiring a position and a direction of a measuring-apparatus coordinate system with respect to a robot coordinate system by emitting a laser beam from the laser head toward reference reflection portions provided in a base portion of the robot, and based on a reflected light; and a head drive control process which controls a direction of the laser head by receiving coordinate data of the reflector recognized by a controller of the robot, and by making a control command to change the direction of the laser head using the coordinate data which is received and the position and the direction of the measuring-apparatus coordinate system with respect to the robot coordinate system.

Abstract: A robot system includes workpiece phase detection units that detects a phase of a workpiece around an axis in a substantially vertical direction; a robot including a hand that holds the workpiece, and a wrist capable of rotating the hand around a rotation axis in the substantially vertical direction; and a control unit that controls the robot, wherein the control unit controls the robot based on the phase of the workpiece detected by the workpiece phase detection units, in such a way that the workpiece is held and picked by the hand in a reference phase, among a plurality of predetermined reference phases, closest to a current relative phase of the hand and the workpiece and the phase of the workpiece is aligned with a predetermined target phase by rotation of the wrist.

Abstract: To select a picking position of a workpiece in a simpler method. A robot system includes a three-dimensional measuring device for generating a range image of a plurality of workpieces, a robot having a hand for picking up at least one of the plurality of workpieces, a display part for displaying the range image generated by the three-dimensional measuring device, and a reception part for receiving a teaching of a picking position for picking-up by the hand on the displayed range image. The robot picks up at least one of the plurality of workpieces by the hand on the basis of the taught picking position.

Abstract: A robot system includes an automatic transport device, a robot arm that is installed on the automatic transport device, an object recognition sensor that is disposed on the robot arm, an environment recognition sensor, a placement portion that is disposed on the automatic transport device, and a controller, and in which the controller controls the automatic transport device for moving toward a work stand based on a recognition result of the environment recognition sensor and controls the robot arm for transferring a plurality of component kits from the placement portion to the work stand based on a recognition result of the object recognition sensor after controlling the robot arm for taking out the components from a component storage unit based on the recognition result of the object recognition sensor and creating the plurality of component kits on the placement portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pose and force against an object are provided. A method includes receiving a signal from a deformable sensor comprising data from a deformation region in a deformable membrane resulting from contact with the object utilizing an internal sensor disposed within an enclosure and having a field of view directed through a medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The method also determines a pose of the object based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane. The method also determines an amount of force applied between the deformable membrane and the object is determined based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane.

Abstract: Robots having varying touch sensitivity are provided. A robot may include a plurality of deformable sensors with differing levels of depth resolution and spatial resolution for detecting a pose and force associated with an object. Each deformable sensor may have an enclosure comprising a deformable membrane, the enclosure configured to be filled with a medium. Each deformable sensor may further include an optical sensor, disposed within the enclosure, having a field of view configured to be directed toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The robot may also include a first portion and a second portion, each comprising at least one deformable sensor of the plurality of deformable sensors.

Abstract: A robot system includes: a robot that is movable according to an external force applied thereto by a worker; a force detecting unit that is provided in the robot and that detects the magnitude of an external force acting on the robot; a warning part that vibrates the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit; and a stop part that stops the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit.

Abstract: A robot sets a cool point as a movement target point, and specifies route coordinates and coordinates for reaching the cool point. The robot moves to the cool point via the route, which is of a lower temperature. The robot searches for the cool point by referring to a temperature map showing a temperature distribution in a range in which the robot can move. Also, the robot compiles and updates the temperature map by measuring peripheral temperature as appropriate using a thermometer incorporated in the robot.

Abstract: Robotic gripper fingers are disclosed. A gripper assembly includes a first finger defining a first object engagement face and a second finger defining a second object engagement face. The first object engagement face of the first finger opposes the second object engagement face of the second finger. The gripper assembly also includes at least one actuator in communication with the first finger that is configured to actuate the first finger relative to the second finger. The gripper assembly includes at least one first sensor facing outward from the first object engagement face. The at least one first sensor is configured to detect objects to be manipulated by actuating the first finger relative to the second finger.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a servo housing, a printed circuit board (PCB), a motor, a planetary gear transmission assembly and a plurality of claws rotatably connected to the servo housing. The motor is electrically connected to the PCB. An input end of the planetary gear transmission assembly is connected to an output shaft of the motor, and an output end of the planetary gear transmission assembly includes a helical gear shaft and a number of helical gears that are engaged with the helical gear shaft and the claws. The helical gears correspond to the claws respectively. One end of each of the claws is rotatably connected to the servo housing, and the claws are rotatable toward or away from one another when driven by the helical gears.

Abstract: A passive compliance gripper includes a passive compliance part, a displacement measuring element and a gripper mount. A first end of the passive compliance part is fixed, and a second end of the passive compliance part is configured to be transformed. The displacement measuring element is equipped to the passive compliance part, and measures displacement due to transformation of the passive compliance part. The gripper mount is connected to the second end of the passive compliance part, and has a gripper part gripping a component.

Abstract: An operating device for a handling device, with a gripping section and a coupling for a gripping device, with at least a part of the coupling being at or in the gripping section, so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation, with a reading device for reading out an information carrier with coded data being placed on the side of the griping section facing the coupling, where the reading device is designed to read out an information carrier of a gripping device coupled to the coupling regardless of the rotational position of the coupling.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing dynamic vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a first vacuum source for providing a first vacuum pressure with a first maximum air flow rate, and a second vacuum source for providing a second vacuum pressure with a second maximum air flow rate, wherein the second vacuum pressure is higher than the first vacuum pressure and wherein the second maximum air flow rate is greater than the first maximum air flow rate.

Abstract: The micro-gripper includes a support (301) to which are articulated fingers (304) and an actuating diaphragm (305), adjusting the spacing of the fingers (304). The support being circular, the fingers (304) may be arranged in any number around it, and the diaphragm (305) delimits a chamber with the support (301) assembled to an equipment (18) for distributing fluids, the pressure of which elastically deforms the diaphragm (305) and controls a simultaneous movement of variations in spacings of the fingers (304). If the diaphragm is conical and the fingers link up all around, an independence of the movements of the fingers remains, which is invaluable for correctly gripping objects and avoiding excessive efforts. Application to the gripping of objects, which can be very small and fragile, with a determined and moderate force.

Abstract: A robot control device that controls a robot including a motor, the robot control device comprising: a power converter that is connected to the motor by a power line and converts supplied power to power to be supplied to the motor; a brake that brakes the motor by short-circuiting the power lines, and an inductance element that is provided on the power line and positioned closer to the power converter side than a connection point between the brake and the power line.

Abstract: A robotic device comprising a long-range sonar assembly configured to detect objects between 1000 mm to 9500 mm from the long range sonar assembly. The long-range sonar assembly comprises a flared bell housing and a transducer. The robotic device also comprises a transportation mechanism configured to move the robotic device in various directions in response to instructions from a processing device that is in communication with the ling-range sonar assembly and the transportation mechanism. The processing device may cause the long-range sonar assembly to, via the transducer transmit one or more pulses and receive the one or more pulses as echo pulses having reflected off an object in an environment. The processing device may then cause a transmitter to transmit instructions to the transportation mechanism to move the robotic device in the environment based on the received one or more pulses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method of manufacturing a blade set assembly (16), a blade set assembly (16), and to a hair cutting appliance (10).

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a body with a knife blade storable within the body and one or more magnets coupled to the knife body. The magnets are able to be embedded within the body or embedded with an adapter that is configured to removably couple with the utility knife. In some embodiments, the knife blade folds out from a side of the body and into an operable position. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the knife blade slides out of a top of the body and into the operable position. The utility knife is able to magnetically couple with a base comprising a magnetically attractable surface. The utility knife is securable to the base in a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a substrate with a cut thermal film comprises obtaining an input digital image of a design to be transferred to the substrate; storing the input image in memory; rendering design elements of the design as a single output image; based upon a bleed size value, a maximum number of negative areas, a maximum number of positive areas, and attribute values: resizing the image to include a border for bleed; filling transparent areas of the image with the substrate attribute values; creating a cutting path; creating a mask image; inverting the mask image; modifying the mask image to adjust fill areas around details, to limit negative areas to be less than the maximum number of negative areas, and to limit positive areas to be less than the maximum number of positive areas; creating cutting path data in memory as a vector path outlining the mask image.

Abstract: There is provided a method for cutting an adhesive film and an adhesive film that are novel and improved and capable of fabricating an adhesive film with a low glass transition point, high quality, and a width of less than 1 mm. According to an aspect of the present invention in order to achieve the above object, there is provided a method for cutting an adhesive film, the method including cutting, under a temperature environment of ?40 to 10° C., an adhesive film that satisfies a condition of the following formula (1) and whose tack value per unit length under room temperature is 3N/cm or more. y??0.27x+11.4??(1) In the formula (1), x is a glass transition point (° C.) of the adhesive film, and y is a tack value per unit length (N/cm) under room temperature of the adhesive film.

Abstract: A continuous motion induction sealer rotary die and vacuum conveyor operates by pulling film thorough a rotary die assembly comprising a die and anvil geared together to rotate against each other cutting film patches from the film and securing them to the anvil surface via a vacuum pressure. The anvil then continues rotating to deposit the film patches onto a vacuum conveyor releasing the anvil vacuum to facilitate the transfer. The vacuum conveyor then conveys the film patches to an induction seal head and directs air pressure under the patch to transfer it to the induction seal head which secures the film patch via vacuum pressure while transferring and sealing the film patch to a container.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing and a motor disposed in the housing. The motor has an axial face and a motor shaft extending from the axial face. The power tool also includes a spindle driven by the motor about an output axis, a motor plate having a central opening defining an inner surface of the motor plate, and a tolerance ring coupled to the inner surface of the motor plate. The tolerance ring has deformable waves. The motor plate is coupled to the motor by engagement of the deformable waves with the motor to take up tolerances between the motor plate and the motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of thermoforming stone slabs are provided, such as by heating a stone slab while forming it to a mold. Curved stone slabs may be produced having low radii of curvature.

Abstract: A mixing drum includes a body defining a head aperture and a discharge aperture opposite the head aperture, a head coupled to the body and extending across the head aperture, a bearing member coupled to the body and defining a bearing surface surrounding the body, and a mixing element positioned within the volume and coupled to the body. The head and the body define a volume configured to contain a fluid mixture. The mixing element is configured to drive the fluid mixture toward the head when the drum is rotated in a first direction. The mixing element is configured to drive the fluid mixture towards the discharge aperture when the mixing drum is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. The head is made from a first material, and the body is made from a second material having a lesser density than the first material.

Abstract: A device for loading, mixing and delivering ingredients includes a measuring bucket pivotably mounted to the free ends of pickup arms pivotably mounted to a mixing vessel including a lid having a depressed basin with an opening formed therethrough. The mixing vessel and the measuring bucket are simultaneously moved with the measuring bucket in a loading position to fill with ingredients. The measuring bucket is moved relative to the mixing vessel from a transport position to an emptying position emptying the ingredients into the mixing vessel. A linkage is pivotably mounted between the pickup arms and the lid to simultaneously move the lid from a closed position to an open position as the measuring bucket moves from the transport position to the emptying position. The ingredients are mixed by mixing paddles inside the mixing vessel, and the mixed ingredients are released from the mixing vessel through an open gate.

Abstract: This invention affords the power drill operator the ability to adjust the flow of water to maximize the cooling and cleaning effect upon the diamond drill bit being used, and after it is set upon the tile surface, no other adjustments are needed, allowing the operator greater safety and precision in using the drill with both hands while greatly extending the life of the expensive diamond studded drill bit.

Abstract: A first tooling die and a second tooling die are movable with respect to each other. The first tooling die and the second tooling die form a die cavity. The first tooling die and the second tooling die comprise a plurality of stacked metal sheets. A plurality of air gaps is defined between adjacent stacked metal sheets. A first smart susceptor material is within the die cavity and connected to the first tooling die. The first smart susceptor material has a first Curie temperature. A second smart susceptor material is within the die cavity and associated with the second tooling die. The second smart susceptor material has a second Curie temperature lower than the first Curie temperature. A flexible membrane is between the second tooling die and the first smart susceptor material. The flexible membrane is configured to receive pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mould production including: preparing a first core made of polystyrene; shaping the first polystyrene core, thereby obtaining a first shaped core; executing a first thermoforming operation to coat the first shaped core with a first thermoformable thermoplastic material, thereby obtaining a first coated structure.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a master model for the production of a mold, comprising: (a) a first part, a second part comprising a textured surface; wherein the first part and the second part are connected.

Abstract: Within examples, elastomeric apparatuses for use in manufacture of a composite component, and methods for altering a surface rigidity of an elastomeric apparatus for use in manufacture of a composite component are described. In one example, an elastomeric apparatus comprises an elastomer housing, and a plurality of magnets within the elastomer housing at predetermined positions to provide surface rigidity to the elastomer housing based on one or more alignments of certain magnets of the plurality of magnets due to magnetic forces. An increase in temperature causes a loss in one or more of the magnetic forces of one or more of the plurality of magnets resulting in a reduction of stiffness of the elastomer housing at corresponding predetermined positions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a 3D printing method and a 3D printing apparatus using the same. The 3D printing method includes the following steps: feeding a material using a printing parameter, wherein the printing parameter includes a target temperature and a target feeding rate; adjusting the printing parameter to change the heat energy provided to the printing filament per unit length; determining whether the target feeding rate matches the actual feeding rate according to the adjusted printing parameter to obtain a determination result; obtaining a correspondence relationship between the plurality of target temperatures and the plurality of target feeding rates according to the adjusted printing parameters and the determination results; and setting the printing parameter to print according to the obtained correspondence relationship.

Abstract: A method for producing a glove includes a step of forming a dip-molded layer by dip-molding a latex composition containing a latex of a carboxyl group-containing conjugated diene rubber (A) that does not have an isoprene-derived monomer unit, and a metal compound (B) including a divalent or higher metal, and a step of irradiating the dip-molded layer with radiation.

Abstract: A column or other elongate molded part is molded using an elongate tubular mold having a closed end, an open end, and a flexible sidewall. After the column or other molded part is formed, it is extracted from the mold by pulling the column or other molded part axially through the open end of the mold. The column may be extracted using an expandable plug that is inserted into the interior of the column or other molded part through the open end of the mold. The expandable plug, if used, may be expanded to engage and seal against an inner surface of the elongate molded part. A pressurized gas is introduced into the interior of the elongate molded part through the plug to expand the mold before pulling the column through the open end of the mold.

Abstract: An assembly for use on an aircraft wing having an aircraft skin and a fuel tank, the assembly comprising a metal access door for accessing the fuel tank, a metal retainer ring for engaging the wing and the access door. Fasteners removably couple the access door to the retainer ring. A lip, which may be on the wing surface, is configured to receive a perimeter of the access door when the access door is coupled to the retainer ring. A polyurethane elastomeric gel gasket having a metallic skeleton is configured to lay between the access door and a lip of the metal wing surface. Under compression, the polyurethane will deform and squeeze out the edges and flatten so as to provide metal-to-metal contact between the access door and the lip.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid microcellular injection molding method includes the following steps. Preheating: the feed pipe is preheated to a hot melt temperature of polymer. Feeding: the polymer is poured into the hopper and enters the feed pipe. A metering screw is rotatably received in the feed pipe for forwardly pushing the hot molten polymer when being rotated. Injecting SCF: the SCF is injected into the feed pipe and mixed with the hot molten polymer into a homogeneous monophasic fluid. Quantitative discharge and depressurization: the monophasic fluid flows across a first gear pump and a second gear pump mounted on the front end of the feed pipe. Discharging and molding: the monophasic fluid actuated by the first gear pump and the second gear pump is injected and molded by the die head fixed to the discharge end of the second gear pump.

Abstract: There is provided an insulation foam in a tubular form, comprising at least one seamless layer of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) closed-cell physical foam. The tubular foam can favourably be used to thermally insulate tubes that convey water, refrigerants or other fluids, in particular, copper tubes for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) applications, as well as plastic tubes for use in domestic plumbing systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) closed-cell physical foam in seamless tubular form, an insulation foam material using the same and a polymer blend for its manufacturing.

Abstract: A press for molding expanded thermoplastic polymers, comprising at least one portion comprising a fixed plane with a first chamber and a movable plane with a chamber, the fixed plane and the movable plane comprising at least one male mold part and at least one female mold part, which form at least one cavity upon closure; the fixed plane of the at least one portion comprises, in a second chamber obtained inside the first chamber, a duct for dispensing steam inside the second chamber, adapted to superheat the at least one male mold part and/or the at least one female mold part, and a duct for dispensing water inside the second chamber, adapted to cool the at least one male mold part and/or the at least one female mold part, and a condensation discharge duct.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a transaction card. The disclosed methods and apparatuses may be used to form a transaction card frame within a mold. The transaction card frame may include one or more recessed portions formed within a first surface of the transaction card frame. The one or more recessed portions may be configured for affixing one or more electronic components.