Abstract: The present invention relates to a single compact robotic food making apparatus that can automatically record culinary dish cooking process as digital recipe and repeat cooking same culinary dish using the digital recorded recipe. The ingredients are loaded into carousel canisters, which are mounted next to heating apparatus. The apparatus includes memory card for storing one or more digital recipe. The digital recipe specifies schedules for dispensing the ingredients from the spice dispenser into carousel canister and from carousel canisters into a cooking utensil, for dispensing liquids, for heating the cooking utensil, for stirring the contents of the cooking utensil. These operations are performed automatically under the control of one or more processor module which is connected to network wirelessly. Cooking utensil and stirrer can be self-cleaned after the cooking process by dispensing cleaning material and water into the cooking utensil and stirring it.

Abstract: A Z slider includes a rotating shaft capable of at least one revolution centered on a rotation axis, in a state Where the rotating shaft supports a measurement head that is connected to a plurality of cables; a ? axis drive motor that causes the rotating shaft, to perform normal rotation in a clockwise direction and reverse rotation in a counterclockwise direction; and an oscillating link that oscillates in a state of contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft is performing normal rotation in the clockwise direction and limits normal rotation in the clockwise direction that is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, and that oscillates in a state of contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft is performing reverse rotation in the counterclockwise direction and limits reverse rotation in the counterclockwise direction that is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A robot joint controlling method includes: receiving a motion command; determining one or more joint servos that are needed to execute the motion command; and determining whether the one or more joint servos are in an occupied state, and if not, executing the motion command so as to control the one or more joint servos to operate accordingly.

Abstract: A controller includes a first transmission unit that transmits identification information designating one servo-motor from among the servo-motors, an operation detection unit that detects an operation aspect of the driving device that is caused by a movement of the drive section driven by the servo-motor which is operated by the drive controller based on the identification information transmitted by the first transmission unit, and a correspondence information generation unit that creates correspondence information indicating which servo-motor among the servo-motors the identification information transmitted by the first transmission unit corresponds to, based on the detected operation aspect.

Abstract: A robotic device including one or more proximity sensing systems coupled to various portions of a robot body. The proximity sensing systems detect a distance of an object about the robot body and the robotic device reacts based on the detected distance. The proximity sensing systems obtain a three-dimensional (3D) profile of the object to determine a category of the object. The distance of the object is detected multiple times in a sequence to determine a movement path of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a robotic arm processing system, comprising: at least one robotic arm, at least one three-dimensional (3D) environment scanning device, and a processing device coupled between the robotic arm and the 3D environment scanning device. The robotic arm performs a processing procedure on at least one workpiece in a working area. The three-dimensional (3D) environment scanning device scans the working area to obtain 3D environment information of the working area. The processing device configures for generating a 3D model of the workpiece and a 3D model of the working area according to 3D environment information of the workpiece and the 3D environment information of the working area. Wherein the processing device generates a working path according to the 3D model of the workpiece and the 3D model of the working area and drives the robotic arm along the working path to perform a corresponding working procedure on the workpiece.

Abstract: A robot control system for controlling a robot including an actuator is provided. The robot control system includes: a collision detector configured to detect a collision occurring between the robot and an external object during movement of the robot, a driving controller configured to control the actuator, a position calculator configured to calculate at least one of collision position coordinate information indicating a collision position where the collision occurs and pushed position coordinate information indicating a pushed position to which the robot is pushed by a collision force generated from the collision, and a restart coordinate setter configured to set the collision position or a position included in a preset moving path of the robot and spaced apart from the collision position as a restart position for restarting a moving operation of the robot, based on a result of the calculation by the position calculator.

Abstract: A system for controlled distribution of components, the system including a vibrating bowl provided with an enclosure having a wall extending right around an axis of revolution of the bowl and in which the components are placed in bulk, and an articulated gripping arm provided to distribute the components to the automatic assembly installation, the vibrating bowl including an ascending helical ramp extending along an internal face of the wall between a base and an upper edge of the vibrating bowl constituting an exit of the ramp, the components being able to travel along this ramp towards a supply platform, particularly a slide, on which at least one component is arranged in advance of its seizure by the articulated gripping arm, the supply platform being connected to the exit and extending above or in the enclosure of the vibrating bowl.

Abstract: An error compensation device comprises at least one photographing module, a comparison module and a compensation module compensation module. The photographing module establish a space coordinate system relative to the object and comprises a first photographer and a second photographer which respectively photograph a first non-deformed laser speckle image on a first surface and a second non-deformed laser speckle image on a second surface, the first surface differs from the second surface by an azimuth. The comparison module respectively compares the first non-deformed laser speckle image before and after the displacement with the second non-deformed laser speckle image to calculate a displacement value between the two surfaces. The compensation module controls the movement of the object according to the displacement value. The error compensation utilizes the displacement of the non-deformed laser speckle image to obtain the absolute error of the object and compensate the error.

Abstract: A method of attaching a tip to a pipette, which is executed in a robot system, includes: making an end effector of a robot hold a pipette; bringing a vicinity portion of a distal end of the pipette into contact with or close to an edge of an opening formed in a base of a tip while tilting an axis direction of the pipette by a predetermined angle with respect to an axis direction of the tip; attaching the tip to the pipette by inserting the distal end of the pipette and the vicinity portion of the distal end of the pipette into the tip while raising the pipette such that the axis direction of the pipette is aligned with the axis direction of the tip; and separating the pipette and the tip attached to the pipette from the predetermined spot.

Abstract: Method, systems, and algorithms are provided to generate and deliver interactive jokes, comedy monologues, comedy dialogues and comedy routines i) to a user/group in-person, via an interactive comedic robot or ii) to the user/group remotely, via an animated robot, chat-bot, or chatter-bot on internet connected television-, or web-, or mobile-, or projector-interface. Methods include creating a database of topics, set-up comments, punch lines and audio- and video-recordings of canned laughter and emotions. Algorithms include the selection and delivery of the topics, the set-up comments, and the punch lines packaged with the canned laughter and emotions. The jokes/comedy are delivered in a synthesized/recorded robotic or human voice representing one or more than one personality of the robot. The disclosed robots are usable for interactive entertainment, companionship, education, training, greeting, guiding and customer service applications as well as for user feed-back, customization, and crowdsourcing.

Abstract: A dust cleaning robot includes: a climbing cleaning robot unit for climbing side surfaces of a dust collection plate to remove dust accumulated on the dust collection plate; and a transfer robot unit operating with the climbing cleaning robot unit mounted thereon to transfer the climbing cleaning robot unit to the side surfaces of the dust collection plate so that the climbing cleaning robot unit is fixed to outer walls of the dust collection plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an automation system. The systems and methods calculate a motion trajectory of a manipulator and an end-effector. The end-effector is configured to grasp a target object. The motion trajectory defines successive positions of the manipulator and the end-effector along a plurality of via-points toward the target object. The systems and methods further acquire force/torque (F/T) data from an F/T sensor associated with the end-effector, and adjusts the motion trajectory based on the F/T data.

Abstract: A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies.

Abstract: A robot is provided which includes a first arm provided with a first holding part having a contact surface formed so as to conform to the shape of an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical workpiece, and a second arm provided with a second holding part formed into one of a plate shape and a bar shape.

Abstract: A telepresence controller is provided for interaction with a remote telepresence session to control haptic interactions between an end effector and the remote telepresence session. Force sensor(s) monitor force(s) applied to an end effector. Position sensor(s) monitor a position of the end effector. The telepresence controller communicates with the remote telepresence session to exchange position data and force data indicative of concurrent haptic movements of the end effector and an object in the remote telepresence session. Magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus(es) have an input adapted to be connected to a power source and configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) therefrom, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus(es) having an output being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA to the end effector by controlled slippage.

Abstract: A robot includes an operator and a processor. The operator is configured to cause a robot to operate. The processor acquires adornment information indicating an adornment that is applied to the robot, the adornment information being obtained based on a captured image of the robot. The processor controls the operator to perform an operation corresponding to the acquired adornment information.

Abstract: A system and method for personalization of an interaction between a social robot and a user. The method includes: collecting, by at least one of a plurality of sensors, a first set of sensory data indicating a current state of the user; determining, based on the first set of sensory data, whether at least one predetermined goal to be achieved by the user has not yet been achieved; if not, selecting a first operational schema from a plurality of operational schemas having a highest priority score; performing the first operational schema; collecting, by one or more of the plurality of sensors, a second set of sensory data from the user, wherein the second set of sensory data is indicative of a user's response to the first operational schema; and determining an achievement status of the at least one predetermined goal based on the user's response.

Abstract: Provided is a strain sensor which includes: a linear bearing including a first member and a second member which are supported such that the first member and the second member are relatively movable only in an axial direction of a predetermined axis; a connecting member including fixed portions, which are respectively fixed to the first member and the second member, and a strain generation portion which connects the fixed portions with each other; and a strain detecting element disposed on the connecting member so as to be capable of detecting strain in at least a moving direction.

Abstract: There is provided an end effector that is attached to a tip end of a robot arm for providing dispensation using a pipette and a chip attached to the pipette. The pipette includes a press button configured to draw a liquid into the chip or to discharge the liquid drawn into the chip from the chip as the press button is pressed and operated. The end effector includes a holding part for holding the pipette, a motor, and a swing part that presses and operates the press button as the swing part is driven and swung by the motor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inserting seedlings into soil plugs. The method includes: a) automatically identifying a target seedling located in a pick-up area using seedling detection apparatus; b) pick-up up the target seedling with an automated seedling handling apparatus; c) transporting the target seedling to an insertion area; d) providing a first soil plug in the insertion area to receive the target seedling, the first soil plug having a first plug end, a second plug end longitudinally spaced apart from the first plug end and a longitudinal slit extending from the first plug end toward the second plug end; e) spreading the slit in the first soil plug; f) inserting a root portion of the seedling into the slit while a stem portion of the seedling is positioned outside the first soil plug; and g) stripping the target seedling from the handling apparatus whereby the seedling remains received within the slit in the first soil plug.

Abstract: A robot includes at least one cover member disposed on outside in a direction of an axis of a second wrist unit that rotatably supports a tipmost first wrist unit, to which a tool is fixed, around a predetermined axis. The cover member includes a recessed part obtained by recessing at least a part of an outer peripheral edge around the axis in the direction of the axis. A fastener is provided to fix a plate that holds a linear-shaped item in a direction along the axis between the recessed part and the fastener.

Abstract: A robot includes one or more joints. At least the one joint includes: a first joint member and a second joint member disposed so as to be relatively rotatable around a predetermined axis; a reducer that relatively rotatably supports the first and second joint members around the axis on one side in a direction of the axis of the first joint member; and a bearing that supports the first and second joint members relatively rotatably around the axis and relatively movable in a direction along the axis on another side in the direction of the axis of the first joint member, the first and second joint members include respective flange surfaces perpendicular to the axis and facing each other in the direction of the axis, and each of the flange surfaces includes a screw hole or a through hole for closely adhering the flange surfaces by fastening of a bolt.

Abstract: A main isolator 2 (main aseptic device) includes a main connection part 6 having an opening O through which a work space W is externally opened, and an internal opening and closing member 22 configured to open and close an internal opening 21a of the main connection part 6 on the work space W side. A manual incubator 3 (first auxiliary aseptic device) includes a first auxiliary connection part 7 connectable with the main connection part 6 of the main isolator 2, and an automatic incubator 4 and a housing container 5 (second auxiliary aseptic devices) each include a second auxiliary connection part 8 smaller than the first auxiliary connection part 7. In addition, an external blockage member 9 configured to externally block the opening O of the main connection part 6 is provided.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed, auto-retracting utility knife that can safely remain in the user's hand while performing non cutting tasks. This invention allows a person to continue with the jobs they were performing by having the ability to use both hands and not having to set the utility knife down between manual tasks, thus saving time and increasing efficiency. An auto-retracting blade decreases the risk lacerations and other hand/wrist injuries to the user and others during routine use of the knife.

Abstract: A cutting device is disclosed. The cutting device has a housing and a carriage that is movably disposed in the housing, the carriage being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting device also has a cutting member that is removably disposable in the carriage and a cover member that is removably attachable to the housing. The housing has a locking member. When the carriage is in the extended position and the cover member is attached to the housing, the locking member locks the cover member to the housing. When the cutting member is disposed in the carriage in the extended position, the cutting member is retained in the housing by the locked cover member.

Abstract: A cutting device is disclosed. The cutting device has a housing and a carriage that is movably disposed in the housing, the carriage being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting device also has a cutting member that is removably disposable in the carriage, a cover member that is removably attachable to the housing, and an urging member that operably connects the carriage and the housing. The housing includes a locking member. When the carriage is in the extended position and the cover member is attached to the housing, the locking member locks the cover member to the housing. The urging member urges the carriage to move from the extended position toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A bent knife is provided including a handle, a cutting head, and an engaging mechanism configured to removably couple a blade to the cutting head. The blade end of the handle can be tapered up the handle to a predetermined distance. The cutting head can include a housing coupled to a base. The housing can include a recess that can be configured to hold the blade between the housing and the base. The base can include a substantially flattened and a bent portion of the blade end portion of the handle. The bent portion of the base can include a curved portion or an angled bent portion. The engaging mechanism may include a pin configured to fit within a pin hole on the housing and within a reentrant opening on the blade and a leaf spring configured to fit within a depression on the recess. In addition, a method for assembling a bent knife is described herein which can include bending a tube to form a base end and a handle end.

Abstract: An integrally formed rigid razor blade made of martensitic stainless steel includes a cutting edge portion, a base portion, and a bent portion. The cutting edge portion extends along a cutting edge portion axis and has a cutting edge at one end. The base portion extends along a base portion axis. The bent portion is intermediate the cutting edge portion and the base portion. The blade has a concave face and an opposed convex face. An average radius of curvature of the concave face of the bent portion is between 0.4 millimeters and 1 millimeter.

Abstract: A shaving aid dispensing razor assembly for convenient shaving includes a tube that defines an interior space. The tube has a first end that is closed and a second end that is open. Each of a plurality of cutting modules is selectively couplable to the second end of the tube so that the cutting module is in fluidic communication with the interior space. A shaving aid is positioned in the interior space. The tube is configured to be grasped in a user's hand to position a respective cutting module next to a skin surface that is to be shaved. An actuator that is coupled to the tube is positioned to motivate the shaving aid through the second end and the cutting module to apply the shaving aid to the skin surface. The user is positioned to motivate the cutting module across the skin surface to shave the skin surface.

Abstract: An automated food slicing device is provided. The automated food slicing device may automate the cutting, packaging, and/or labelling of food items such as delicatessen food items. The automated food slicing device may also have a computerized input that allows a user to provide inputs regarding selected options which the slicing device will follow to provide a customized food product.

Abstract: A Carl punch system for a vehicle seat cover. A guide (104) is installed above the upper surface of a base (102). A controller (106) is installed on the outer surface of the base (102) to control the Carl punch system according to a predetermined program. A Carl punch means (108) is disposed on the central upper surface of the base (102) to punch a seat cover to produce vent holes with a pattern desired by a user in the seat cover. A press (110) is vertically slidably installed on the guide (104) and electrically connected to the controller (106) so as to press the Carl punch means (108) disposed on the central upper surface of the base (102) according to a control signal from the controller (106). The Carl punch system has improved productivity and workability.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet manufacturing apparatus that is capable of manufacturing a sheet having a predetermined color, the apparatus including: a plurality of resin cartridges that store a plurality of colored resins, respectively; a resin supply unit that supplies a resin from one or the plurality of resin cartridges to a predetermined raw material in a predetermined step of manufacturing a sheet; and a controller that selects a resin cartridge, which is a supply source of a resin, when the resin supply unit supplies the resin, and performs setting related to a supply amount of a resin for each of the selected resin cartridges, based on setting related to a color of a sheet to be manufactured.

Abstract: A method and device for removal of a molded sample from a mold with minimal or no damage to the molded sample. The device includes a drill configured for perforating a wall of the mold with the formation of a through aperture, a shroud passageway through or adjacent the drill, and a passageway from a source for pressurized fluid leading to the shroud passageway. The shroud passageway is configured whereby fluid such as air is applied therethrough simultaneously with perforation operation of the drill. Air directed through the aperture is pressurized and comes into effective contact with the molded sample whereby the molded sample is prevented from being more than minimally contacted with the drill and caused to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A set of hollow clay-brick blocks having rectangular dimensional sizes of 23?×12?×23?, 23?×12?×12?, 23?×12?×10?, 11.5?×12?×10.5?, 23?×12?×11? or 23?×12?×11?, and each brick block has at least one of exterior side that is ceramiclly glazed.

Abstract: A concrete mixer including a mixing tub having an annular side wall and a bottom wall, a main frame configured to rotatably support the mixing tub, where the main frame includes a telescoping member that is capable of extending between a first length and a second length, and a base frame supporting the main frame. The base frame includes a first leg having a first wheel to enable transport of the concrete mixer, and a second leg having a foot to prevent the concrete mixer from rolling away.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting head (2) that includes sets of bearings comprising fixed bearings (31, 32) and an adjustable bearing (33) that act on races (11, 12) of a monoguide profile disposed on different planes. Each adjustable bearing (33) is mounted on a rocker (4) having a first end (41) rotatably mounted on a shaft (5) fixed to the cutting head (2), and a second end (42) that presses against an elastic element (6) situated between the second end (42) of the rocker (4) and the case of the cutting head (2), the elastic element (6) determining the pressure of the bearings (31, 32, 33) against the races (11, 12) of the monoguide profile (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for optimizing a match between the color of an in-line part manufactured by a plastic product production machine and the color of a reference part by adjusting the concentration of masterbatch in the mixture of raw material fed to the plastic product production machine. The optimization of the color is based on interlaced spectra of the in-line part and reference part obtained using the same spectrometer, thereby eliminating the requirement for high accuracy spectrometer calibration and allowing a controller of the system to determine the rates at which the base masterbatches are added to the raw material in real time on the manufacturing floor while the plastic product production machine is being operated to manufacture in-line parts.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic moulding compound by means of an extruder (10), which comprises at least one feed zone (20), at least one mixing section (30), at least one venting section (40) and at least one discharge zone (50), wherein in the at least one feed zone (20) a water-containing first component and a second component are supplied, in the at least one mixing section (30) the thermoplastic moulding compound is mixed and contained water is evaporated, in the at least one venting section (40) water vapour is removed from the moulding compound and in the at least one discharge zone (50) the moulding compound is discharged. At least one of the mixing housings (31, 32) is kept at a temperature that is equal to or lower than the temperature of the moulding compound within the mixing section (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polyolefin recyclates, in particular HDPE recyclates. In a specified sequence, color-mixed polyolefin-containing groups are washed at a low temperature, washed at an increased temperature in an alkaline medium, flake-sorted, and treated at an increased temperature in order to remove migration materials. By virtue of the aforementioned method, polyolefin recyclates can be obtained with a substantially improved degree of purity compared to hitherto commercially available recyclates, said recyclates being usable in the production of novel consumer product packaging. Additionally, unpleasant odors connected to known polyolefin recyclates due to the decomposition products of migration materials formed during the extrusion process are largely prevented.

Abstract: A method of assembling a mould for a wind turbine blade (20) includes providing a mould half (42, 44) having a mould shell (50, 54) with a first mould shell section (70, 80) and a second mould shell section (72, 82); positioning the shell sections and the at least second adjacent one another along an interface (74, 84); adjusting the relative positions of the shell sections, and securing the relative positions of the shell sections in order to maintain a smooth transition across the interface.

Abstract: A replica master mold 10 comprises: a base material layer 11; and a surface shape body 12 formed on the base material layer 11 and having a fine irregular pattern, wherein a softening temperature of the surface shape body 12 is higher than a softening temperature of the base material layer 11.

Abstract: Glove stripping apparatuses for fully stripping a partially stripped elastomeric dip-moulded glove from a dip-moulding former comprises a gripper having first and second gripping members movable relative to each other, an abutment, an open space, and an actuation system. Also, production lines for producing elastomeric dip-moulded gloves, methods for fully stripping gloves from dip-moulding formers, and production line processes.

Abstract: A release agent for vulcanized rubber molding is provided which has excellent mold releasing properties and washability. This release agent for vulcanized rubber molding contains an alkylene oxide adduct (A) of an active hydrogen group-containing compound having four active hydrogen atoms in the molecule, wherein the aforementioned alkylene oxide adduct (A) of an active hydrogen group-containing compound has a number average molecular weight of 5000-30000, and contains 50-95 mass % of an oxyethylene group.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array for in-situ monitoring directed self-assembly of a self-assembling material is provided. The capacitive sensor array includes a bottom electrode plate including a plurality of bottom electrodes that are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another, template structures located on the bottom electrode plate, wherein the template structures define trenches therebetween, each of the trenches exposing at least one of the plurality of bottom electrodes; and a top electrode plate assembled on the bottom electrode plate, wherein the top electrode plate includes a plurality of top electrodes that are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another, the top electrodes facing and intersecting, but electrically isolated from, the bottom electrodes.

Abstract: A controller is configured to adjust, by increasing or decreasing an amount of a lubricant mixed with the powdery material, an amount of a lubricant applied to an inner circumference of a die bore and tips, or a time to mix the lubricant to be mixed with the powdery material and the powdery material, in accordance with whether or not the molded product has defectiveness, a pressure applied to the lower punch pushing the molded product out of the die bore, a temperature of the die bore, the upper punch, or the lower punch, a temperature of the powdery material, or a humidity of the powdery material.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a movable molding surface with molding cavities, a pressure shoe with a stationary outer surface that defines in cooperation with the molding surface a pressure zone, and a resin source configured to introduce molten resin into the pressure zone to be forced into the molding cavities by pressure in the pressure zone. The molding surface is movable with respect to the pressure shoe to introduce molding cavities to the pressure zone to be filled with resin while the outer surface of the pressure shoe and the molding surface define in between an entrance gap of decreasing width upstream of the pressure zone. The outer surface of the pressure shoe is spaced from the molding surface in the pressure zone to define a minimum gap at which the outer surface of the pressure shoe has a slope parallel to the molding surface.

Abstract: A childproof container apparatus, system and method. The apparatus, system and method may include a container body having therewithin a cavity; a cap capable of providing access to the cavity when opened; a collar about the container body and capable of impeding access to the cap; and at least one safety feature suitable, upon actuation, to allow the collar to slide to remove the impedance to accessing the cap. The container may further include a tamper evidencing feature at least partially physically associated with the cap. The at least one safety feature may include a plurality of tabs, or one or more buttons.

Abstract: A micro moulding machine and process for forming small plastic parts for the medical device industry. The machine adds heat in two steps to a precision sized plastic pellet and then displaces the entire pellet volume into the mould cavity. A substantial amount of heat is added to the pellet by forcing it through an orifice very near the gate of the mould. The pneumatic pressure to drive the pellet through the orifice is controlled to regulate the amount of heat introduced into the pellet.