Abstract: A Hardware Module for a robotic system includes at least one sensor for measuring an internal property of the Hardware Module, a communication unit for communicating with other Hardware Modules, a data storage unit and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to collect collected data, the collected data including: status data representing the current status of the Hardware Module; and operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module wherein at least part of the collected data is determined from sensor data from the at least one sensor, and the embedded controller is configured to perform at least one of: storing the collected data on the data storage unit; and transmitting the collected data via the communication unit.

Abstract: Cable-driven robotic platform systems and methods of operation are disclosed. The system includes a robotic platform suspended by a system of overhead cables, motorized cable reels and pulleys. A master control computer coordinates operation of the motorized cable system as a function of sensor data captured by navigation sensors on-board the platform so as to move the robotic platform inside an industrial plant. The system is configured to maneuver around pipings and avoid obstacles in the plant in order to maximize the effective workspace that the robotic platform can reach to perform operations including inspection or repair. Additionally, a robotic “wire jacket” device can be attached to suspension cables and configured to crawl along a cable. The wire-jacket can be selectively positioned on a cable to provide an intermediate cable suspension point that improves platform mobility within congested spaces and avoids obstacles.

Abstract: A robotic control system directs a robot to take an object from a human grasp by obtaining an image of a human hand holding an object, estimating the pose of the human hand and the object, and determining a grasp pose for the robot that will not interfere with the human hand. In at least one example, a depth camera is used to obtain a point cloud of the human hand holding the object. The point cloud is provided to a deep network that is trained to generate a grasp pose for a robotic gripper that can take the object from the human's hand without pinching or touching the human's fingers.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a storage that stores first instructional information which serves as a guide to first work operation, an acquirer that acquires second instructional information which serves as a guide to second work operation similar to the first work operation or second work operation related to the first work operation from a different apparatus having the second instructional information, and a work controller that performs the first work operation based on the first instructional information stored in the storage and the second work operation based on the second instructional information acquired by the acquirer.

Abstract: Conventional tele-presence robots have their own limitations with respect to task execution, information processing and management. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tele-presence robot (TPR) that communicates with a master device associated with a user via an edge device for task execution wherein control command from the master device is parsed for determining instructions set and task type for execution. Based on this determination, the TPR queries for information across storage devices until a response is obtained enough to execute task. The task upon execution is validated with the master device and user. Knowledge acquired, during querying, task execution and validation of the executed task, is dynamically partitioned by the TPR across storage devices namely, on-board memory of the tele-present robot, an edge device, a cloud and a web interface respectively depending upon the task type, operating environment of the tele-presence robot, and other performance affecting parameters.

Abstract: A method of mitigating slip conditions and estimating ground friction for a robot having a plurality of feet includes receiving a first coefficient of friction corresponding to a ground surface. The method also includes determining whether one of the plurality of feet is in contact with the ground surface, and when a first foot of the plurality feet is in contact with the ground surface, setting a second coefficient of friction associated with the first foot equal to the first coefficient of friction. The method also includes determining a measured velocity of the first foot relative to the ground surface, and adjusting the second coefficient of friction of the first foot based on the measured velocity of the foot. One of the plurality of feet of the robot applies a force on the ground surface based on the adjusted second coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a dispatching method and device, and a non-transitory readable storage medium, and relates to the field of computer technology. The method of the present disclosure includes: obtaining path condition information within a warehouse; calculating pickup time of each candidate robot of a plurality of candidate robots according to a location of the candidate robot and the path condition information; dispatching a target robot to perform a pickup task according to the pickup time of each candidate robot.

Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided on a stand and includes a control apparatus that controls the robot apparatus. The control apparatus calculates vibration generated on the stand based on model data of the stand and trajectory data of an operation of the robot apparatus and corrects the trajectory data based on the vibration.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes identifying a force and torque for a robot to accomplish a task and identifying context of a portion of a movement plan indicating motion of the robot to perform the task. Based on the identified force, torque, and context, a context specific torque is determined for at least one aspect of the robot while the robot executes the portion of the movement plan. In turn, a control signal is generated for the at least one aspect of the robot to operate in accordance with the determined context specific torque.

Abstract: Current technologies allow a robot to acquire a tool only if the tool is in a set known location, such as in a rack. In an embodiment, a method and corresponding system, can determine the previously unknown pose of a tool freely placed in an environment. The method can then calculate a trajectory that allows for a robot to move from its current position to the tool and attach with the tool. In such a way, tools can be located and used by a robot when placed at any location in an environment.

Abstract: A problem with current food service robots is making the robots safe to work around food. A solution provided by the present disclosure is a food-safe tool switcher and corresponding tool. The tool switcher can mate with a variety of tools, which can be molded or 3D printed out of food-safe materials into a single-part, instead of constructed modularly. This provides for easier cleaning.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method during execution of a motion plan by a robotic arm includes determining a voice command from speech of a user said during the execution of the motion plan, determining a modification of the motion plan based on the voice command from the speech of the user, and executing the modification of the motion plan by the robotic arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing interactive Gaussian processes for crowd navigation are provided. In one embodiment, a system for a crowd navigation includes a processor, a statistical module, and a model module. The processor receives sensor data. The statistical module identifies a number of agents in a physical environment based on the sensor data. The statistical module further calculates a set of Gaussian processes. The set of Gaussian processes includes a Gaussian Process for each agent of the number of agents. The statistical module further determines an objective function based on an intent and a flexibility for the host and at least two agent of the plurality of agents. The model module generates a model of the number of agents by applying the objective function to the set of Gaussian processes. The model includes a convex configuration of the number of agents in the physical environment.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a destination of a robot. The method includes the steps of: when information on obstruction of arrival at a first destination of a robot is acquired, determining an obstruction area associated with the arrival obstruction information by clustering adjacent areas around the first destination, determining a destination candidate area around the obstruction area with reference to a size of the robot, and determining an area in the destination candidate area, which is specified on the basis of a location of the robot, as a second destination of the robot.

Abstract: An acquisition section 42 acquires a pose at a clock time ti and a pose at a clock time tj for each of plural robots, and acquires structural information. Based on structural information a computation section 44 computes positions of the prescribed part for each of the robots at the clock times ti, tj and at a midway clock times tc. A possibility determination section determines a possibility of interference, based on any overlap between added-margin regions resulting from addition of a prescribed margin to a circumscribing shape containing positions of the prescribed part at the clock times ti, tj, and tc for each of the robots. In cases in which there is a possibility of interference, an end determination section 48 sets tc so as to be a new ti or a new tj, and causes processing of the computation section 44 and the possibility determination section 46 to be executed repeatedly until a spacing between the prescribed parts satisfies an end condition.

Abstract: A robotic system and method for aligning a target to an equipped vehicle for calibration of a sensor on the equipped vehicle includes a vehicle support stand upon which an equipped vehicle is disposed in an established known position for calibration of the sensor, and a robotic manipulator having a multi-axis robotic arm configured to moveably hold a target. The robotic manipulator is configured to position the target into a calibration position relative to the sensor on the equipped vehicle by longitudinal movement of the robotic manipulator relative to the vehicle support stand and by movement of the robotic arm based on the established known position of the equipped vehicle on the vehicle support stand whereby the sensor is able to be calibrated using the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to an end-of-arm-tool that can be used in connection with the automated handling of vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are disclosed. The described systems and methods can include an end-of-arm-tool which may include a load cell coupled to an end effector, such that forces and torques exerted on the end effector are translated onto the load cell. The measurement of forces and torques exerted on the end effector can facilitate determining various information in connection with the aerial vehicle, such as inertial properties or parameters associated with the aerial vehicle, the quality of the engagement between the end effector and the aerial vehicle, as well as diagnostic information in connection with the aerial vehicle. Additionally, the use of a load cell to measure forces and torques exerted on the end effector can eliminate the need to utilize traditional contact sensors typically required on the contact surfaces of an end-of-arm tool.

Abstract: A calibration method for a laser processing robot, including: fixing a jig that includes a target-site to a base of the laser processing robot; placing a laser processing tool at a position where a laser beam is scanned with respect to the target-site, the laser processing tool having a function for two-dimensionally scanning the laser beam and a function for receiving the laser beam reflected at an object and for measuring a distance to the object; measuring distances to respective portions of the target-site by scanning the laser beam; calculating a coordinate transformation function for converting a position and orientation of the target-site, which is obtained based on the measured distances to the respective portions of the target-site, into an actual position and orientation of the target-site; and correcting a tool-center-point of the laser processing tool by the coordinate transformation function.

Abstract: A method for characterising the environment of a robot, the robot having a flexible arm having a plurality of joints, a datum carried by the arm, a plurality of drivers arranged to drive the joints to move and a plurality of position sensors for sensing the position of each of the joints, the method comprising: contacting the datum carried by the arm with a first datum on a second robot in the environment of the first robot, wherein the second robot has a flexible arm having a plurality of joints, and a plurality of drivers arranged to drive those joints to move; calculating in dependence on the outputs of the position sensors a distance between a reference location defined in a frame of reference local to the robot and the first datum; and controlling the drivers to reconfigure the first arm in dependence on at least the calculated distance.

Abstract: A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

Abstract: A modular movable robot including a main body, a traveling unit mounted on a lower end of the main body, a module coupling plate which is mounted on an upper end of the main body and on which an object to be transferred is disposed on a top surface thereof, a port module coupled to the top surface of the module coupling plate to fix the object to be transferred, the port module being configured to provide module information to the module coupling plate, a body display unit extending from one end of the module coupling plate, a head display unit rotatably mounted on an upper end of the body display unit, and a control unit configured to receive the module information from the module coupling plate to control at least one of the body display unit or the head display unit on the basis of the received information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile security basic control device (15) of a robot (1), comprising a hand-held housing (16), an emergency stop switching means (17) arranged at the housing (16), a communication device (18) for establishing a link in terms of control between the mobile security basic control device (15) and a robot controller (12) of the robot (1), and further comprising a holder (19) connected to the housing (16), which is designed to mount the mobile security basic control device (15) on a mobile terminal (20). Said mobile terminal has a terminal control system (21) and a multi-touchscreen (22), which is designed to transmit inputs to the terminal control system (21) via the multi-touchscreen (22).

Abstract: An assistive robot system includes a lifting mechanism, a movable arm assembly, a processing device, and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processing device. The processing device transmits a command to the lifting mechanism to cause the lifting mechanism to move the movable arm assembly such that a container is gripped within the movable arm assembly, transmits a first one or more signals to the movable arm assembly to cause the movable arm assembly to extend in a system longitudinal direction such that the movable arm assembly grips the container. The movable arm assembly is positioned at a release location and transmits a second one or more signals to the movable arm assembly to cause the movable arm assembly to extend in a system lateral direction such that the container gripped within the movable arm assembly is released from the movable arm assembly at the release location.

Abstract: Anthropomorphic hand comprising: a palm; a metacarpus; a thumb; four aligned fingers constrained to said palm, each comprising a proximal phalanx, a middle phalanx and a distal phalanx; a motor; a plurality of differential stages which transmit motion from said motor to said aligned fingers and to said thumb: a first stage whose planet carrier is moved by said motor and whose sun gears move planet carriers of a second and a fifth stage, sun gears of the second and fifth stages being integral to the planet carriers of a third and a fourth stage, whose sun gears move four gears having axes coincident with the axes of rotation between the aligned fingers and the palm; sun gears of the fifth stage being configured to rotate said metacarpus and a gear having axis coincident with the axis of rotation between the proximal phalanx of the thumb and the metacarpus.

Abstract: A component mounting system includes a head to revolve multiple suction nozzles in a circumferential direction, a lifting and lowering device configured to lift and lower a suction nozzle at a predetermined revolving position, a storage device configured to store any one of multiple pieces of directionality information in association with identification information of the suction nozzle, and a control device configured to acquire corresponding directionality information from the storage device based on the acquired identification information of the suction nozzle and to perform pickup of the component supplied from the component supply device at the spinning position in accordance with the directionality information.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to 3D-architected soft machines with topologically encoded actuation, and methods of making and using the 3D-architected soft machines.

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a first arm segment and a second arm segment coupled to each other by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis non-parallel to the first rotation axis, and a joint mechanism for articulating the first arm segment relative to the second arm segment about the first and second rotation axes, the joint mechanism comprising: a first driven gear disposed about an axle coincident with the first rotation axis, the axle being fast with a first arm segment of the robot arm; a second driven gear disposed about the second rotation axis and fast with a second arm segment of the robot arm and fast with the first driven gear about the first rotation axis; a first drive gear configured to drive the first driven gear to rotate about the axle, the first drive gear being arranged to engage the first driven gear; a second drive gear for driving the second driven gear to rotate about the second rotation axis; and an intermediary gear arran

Abstract: A robot includes a movable unit displaced in horizontal directions and having a recessed part opening upward in a vertical direction, a connector placed within the recessed part, and a drain part that communicates between a bottom portion of the recessed part and an outside of the movable unit and drains a liquid within the recessed part out of the recessed part.

Abstract: A mobile robotic device is disclosed which includes a plurality of one-dimensional (1D) time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. Each 1D ToF sensor of the plurality of 1D ToF sensors may be mounted at a fixed position and orientation on the mobile robotic device. Each pair of 1D ToF sensors of the plurality of 1D ToF sensors may be fixed at respective positions and orientations relative to each other such that respective cones of coverage of the pair of 1D ToF sensors are non-overlapping.

Abstract: A blade retention mechanism that includes a body and a catch. The catch is configured to engage a bit. A knurled nut is configured to engage the catch and the body such that it is movable. When the nut is moved between a first position and a second position the catch moves between a first position and a second position. A v-groove is formed in the body and is configured to receive and retain a bit when the catch is in the first position.

Abstract: A terminal cutter includes a tool frame having a first cutting member coupled to an upper handle having a first cutting surface for cutting a terminal from a carrier strip and a second cutting member coupled to a lower handle having a second cutting surface for cutting the terminal from the carrier strip. A terminal strip guide assembly is coupled to the upper handle and/or the lower handle offset from the first and second cutting members. The terminal strip guide assembly includes a strip guide having a slot receiving the carrier strip and having a guide surface adjacent the slot. The guide surface is configured to engage the terminal to locate the terminal relative to the terminal strip guide assembly and to control a depth of the carrier strip received in the slot.

Abstract: A processing head for a hair cutting appliance, the processing head comprising a powered blade set comprising a stationary blade and a movable blade, wherein the movable blade is arranged to be moved with respect to the stationary blade to cut hair between teeth of the movable blade and teeth of the stationary blade, a linkage unit supporting the powered blade set, wherein the linkage unit enables a contour following pivoting movement of the powered blade set when the appliance is operated to cut hair, and a razor cartridge that is arranged to be attached to the powered blade set in such a way that the powered blade set and the razor cartridge are pivotably supported by the linkage unit. Also, a combined blade unit and a hair cutting appliance that is equipped with a combined blade unit.

Abstract: A cutting unit of a shaving head of a shaving device, which cutting unit includes an external cutting member and an internal cutting member. In an interconnected condition, a holding force prevents the external and internal cutting members from moving apart. The holding force is at least exerted by a first central portion of the external cutting member upon a second central portion of the internal cutting member, and/or vice versa. The holding force may for example be provided by a snap connection or magnetic attraction between the first and second central portions.

Abstract: A shaving blade assembly (10) comprises a plurality of parallel blades (20) including a first blade (20) and a first rack-and-pinion mechanism (50) with a rack (51) coupled to the first blade (20) to actuate the first blade (20) in a first direction (M) orthogonal to a cutting edge (21) of the first blade (20). The shaving blade assembly (10) may be part of a razor (100,100?) and the position of the first blade (20) may be adjusted in the first direction (M) using a method comprising a step of actuating the first blade (20) in the first direction (M) through the rack-and-pinion mechanism (50).

Abstract: A handle for a shaver includes a handle body extending along a longitudinal axis of the handle; a connector for attaching a cartridge to the handle rotatable with respect to the handle body around a rotational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and an elastic tongue extending parallel with the longitudinal axis of the handle, when in a neutral position. The connector includes a cartridge end and a tongue end opposite to the cartridge end, the cartridge end of the connector being adapted to engage with the cartridge. The elastic tongue includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic tongue is fixedly attached to or integral with the handle body. As the connector rotates the second end flexes towards a first extreme flexed position or a second extreme flexed position, the flexed elastic tongue biases the connector towards the rest position.

Abstract: A safety razor is provided having a blade head capable of having an adjustable angle relative to a grasping handle and an adjustability of tension of a pivot to the blade. The blade head is connected by an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the blade head that is substantially enclosed within a conduit formed within the grasping handle. The blade head is angularly adjustable between an angle >95° from a linear centerline of the handle to about 22° from the linear centerline of the handle. A blade head adapter may be further provided to allow for attachment and use of alternate existing blade head cartridges.

Abstract: A functional polymeric cutting edge structure and methods for manufacturing cutting edge structures using polymeric materials are provided. A razor blade for use in a razor cartridge or a blade box for assembly in a razor cartridge frame may be formed using the present invention.

Abstract: A power operated rotary knife including an annular rotary knife blade supported for rotation in a blade housing. The rotary knife blade including a body and a blade section extending from the body. The body includes an outer wall including an arcuate surface having an upper region extending from a first upper end portion to a second intermediate portion and a lower region extending from the second intermediate portion to a third lower end portion. A plurality of gear teeth extend downwardly from the upper end of the body, each of the plurality of gear teeth including an outer peripheral face forming a portion of the upper region of the arcuate surface of the outer wall. The body outer wall includes a bearing surface having a lower bearing face in the lower region of the arcuate surface and an upper bearing face in the upper region of the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A hand-held rotary cutter assembly for cutting material includes a blade receptacle having a first surface having an indentation formed therein. An edge guide is received in the indentation. The edge guide includes a continuous linear edge. A blade engages the edge guide. The edge guide and the blade are configured to move simultaneously and linearly from a first position to a second position. A segmented portion of the blade extends outwardly from the continuous linear edge of the edge guide.

Abstract: Discussed is an including a transfer unit transferring an electrode sheet having a plurality of notching grooves formed in a side surface thereof to a cutting point via a measuring point, wherein, when a front notching groove which is disposed at a front end in the electrode sheet is passing through the cutting point, a notching groove disposed in a rear end of the front notching groove is configured to pass through the measuring point; a detection unit at the measuring point to detect the notching groove passing through the measuring point and generating a notching groove detection signal; and a cutting unit at the cutting point to cut the electrode sheet according to the notching groove detection signal generated by the detection unit.

Abstract: A vertical slicer includes a frame having a cover plate with a central opening and a hopper positioned over the opening. A carriage having a deck and a main cutting blade is attached to a spring-loaded plunger for reciprocating vertical movement within the frame. A tray collects food items cut by the main blade, which can be selectively adjusted to change a slicing thickness. A locking switch is configured to lock the plunger and carriage in a lowered locked position.

Abstract: Wall saw having a locking device (41). A saw blade flange (25) of the wall saw is adjustable by the locking device (41) between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein, in the locked state, the saw blade flange (25) is connected to the drive spindle (33) for rotation therewith, and, in the unlocked state, is adjustable in relation to the drive spindle (33). In the unlocked state of the saw blade flange, the drive spindle is blocked in the direction of rotation of the saw blade and is designed to be rotatable about the axis of rotation in a counter direction directed counter to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: Method and device for the extrusion of thermomechanically deformable materials, as well as a compact screw extruder. The configuration of the material infeed in a screw extruder, has a significantly smaller length-diameter ratio than known solutions from the fields of injection moulding and additive manufacturing and a crushing tool, located in the funnel-shaped infeed region of the vertically arranged screw extruder which prevents the rotational movement of the material in the funnel, and also thereby forces movement in the conveying direction of the screw extruder in combination with the gradient of the screw flanks. In addition, a portion of the coarse material is crushed, whereby the bulk material density is increased in the region of the screw and less air must be pressed out of the material in the region of the plasticization and homogenization zone.

Abstract: A method for recycling a transfer product having at least one carrier film, wherein a transfer ply is arranged detachably at least partially on the at least one carrier film, and wherein the following steps are carried out in the method, in particular in the following order: a) shredding (10) the transfer product, by means of a shredder or a shredding device, into transfer product shreds, in particular carrier film shreds, preferably wherein the transfer product is present wound onto a roll, b) compressing (30) the transfer product shreds, in particular carrier film shreds, into a compact product or extruding (31) the transfer product shreds, in particular carrier film shreds, into an extrusion product.

Abstract: Techniques for converting plastic bags to a recyclable form are described. In some implementations, a device includes an outer container having an outer lid, an inner container situated within the outer container having an opening, and one or more heating elements. The inner container has an inner lid configured to cover the inner container's opening, and the outer lid of the outer container is configured to close over the inner lid. In response to a user input to the device, a conversion cycle is initiated in which electric power is supplied to one or more heating elements so that the one or more heating elements raise the inner container's internal temperature to a target temperature and maintain the inner container's internal temperature at a minimum of the target temperature for a predetermined conversion time sufficient to convert one or more plastic bags within the inner container to a recyclable plastic block.

Abstract: A method is for recycling a roll of artificial turf. The method includes the steps of processing the roll of artificial turf to yield a mixture of a quantity of infill and a quantity of synthetic fibers, the quantity of infill having rubber, sand, and debris, passing the mixture through one or more screens to extract a percentage of the quantity of synthetic fibers from the mixture and yield a first remaining mixture, and substantially separating the first remaining mixture into pieces of rubber of a first volume, pieces of rubber of a second volume greater than the first volume, sand, debris, and the remaining percentage of the quantity of synthetic fibers.

Abstract: Provided are a manufacturing method of a plate precursor having a plurality of needle-like protrusions and a manufacturing method of a microneedle array, which make it possible to manufacture a plate precursor within a short period of time. A manufacturing method of a plate precursor having a needle-like protrusion includes: a preparation step of preparing a cutting tool including at least one blade conforming to an external shape of the needle-like protrusion, and a base material; and a cutting step of cutting the base material by rotating the cutting tool about a tool axis of the cutting tool and revolving the cutting tool around an axis of the needle-like protrusion to be formed on the base material to form the needle-like protrusion having a shape conforming to a shape of the cutting tool.

Abstract: Silicone compositions are described for the production of negative molds that include a silicone elastomer. The molds can be used in the production of molded articles.

Abstract: A method of heat treating post-tensioning strand wedges that enhances efficiency, repeatability and safety is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of post-tensioning strand wedges, transporting each post-tensioning strand wedge to a heating assembly having a first induction heater, heating each post-tensioning strand wedge using the first induction heater of the heating assembly to form a heated post-tensioning strand wedge in a plurality of heated post-tensioning strand wedges, and delivering the plurality of heated post-tensioning strand wedges to perform a series of actions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dip-coating method as a method of coating an outer surface of a target mold including steps of: preparing and putting a supporting liquid in a container; applying a coating material to the target mold; dipping the target mold in the supporting liquid; shaking the target mold surrounded by the coating material in the supporting liquid; curing the coating material surrounding the target mold in the supporting liquid; and taking out the coated target mold from the supporting liquid.