Abstract: A compact, lightweight, universal multi-functional tool that can be used on the fly to adjust and repair surfboards and skateboards is disclosed. The tool includes a housing and an adjustment member. The housing comprises an elongated cylindrical member having a first elongated cylindrical member end and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end; a first socket head integrally connected to the first elongated cylindrical member end, the first socket head defining a first hexagonal socket; a second socket head integrally connected to the second elongated cylindrical member end, the second socket head defining a second first hexagonal socket; and a cavity extending horizontally through the first socket head, the elongated cylindrical member, and the second socket head. The adjustment member, configured to be received within the cavity, the adjustment member comprises a first arm; and a second arm, the second arm integrally connected, and perpendicular to, the first arm.

Abstract: A method for achieving a target joint preload includes identifying a thread pitch of a first fastener element used to secure two components together. The first fastener element is passed through the two components and a second fastener element is threaded onto the first fastener element. A tightening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial tightening torque. A loosening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial removal torque. A required tightening torque that is required to be applied to the second fastener element to achieve the target joint preload is calculated using only the thread pitch, the trial tightening torque, the trial removal torque, and the target joint preload.

Abstract: An adjusting-free clamp pliers jaw, the first and second pliers bodies rotating on the base and the first and second pliers bodies being mirror symmetrical, the clamping rim is provided on both the first and second pliers bodies, the extrusion notch is provided on both the first and second pliers bodies, the clamping rims on the first and second pliers bodies are jointly used for clamping a clamp, and the extrusion notches on the first and second pliers bodies are used for jointly pinching off the clamp. The invention brings following benefits that: the clamping rims and the extrusion notches are arranged on the first and second pliers bodies, so that a clamping and breaking of the clamp from the extrusion can are realized and both the crimping and shearing functions can be integrated together without a conversion operation, and an operation of this device is simple, convenient and quick.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fastener driver for driving a fastener into a workpiece. The fastener driver includes a housing and a lever pivotably coupled to the housing and actuable to cause the fastener driver to drive the fastener into the workpiece. The fastener driver also includes fastener puller removably coupled to the housing and operable to remove the fastener from the workpiece. The fastener puller includes a base portion, a removal head, and a pivot region. The removal head is affixed to the base portion and configured to pry the fastener from the workpiece. The removal head has a flat shape. The pivot region is defined between the removal head and the pair of legs. The pivot region is configured to contact the workpiece such that during operation the fastener puller pivots about the pivot region relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A clinch staple mechanism including a pivoting base configured to be pivotally connected to a pneumatic stapling tool. The pneumatic stapling tool is configured to dispense staples each staple having a crown and a pair of staple legs, wherein the crown is disposed in a crown direction. The clinch staple mechanism further includes a clinch arm pivotally connected to the pivoting base at a proximal end of the clinch arm; and a clinch block disposed on a distal end of the clinch arm, wherein the clinch block is configured to bend the staple legs in a direction perpendicular to the crown direction.

Abstract: An impact power tool including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle coupled to the motor for receiving torque from the motor to cause the spindle to rotate, and a reciprocating impact mechanism operable to create a variable pressure air spring within the spindle. The impact mechanism includes a striker received within the spindle that reciprocates along a reciprocation axis in response to the variable pressure air spring, a piston that reciprocates along the reciprocation axis to induce the variable pressure air spring, and a crankshaft configured to convert continuous rotational motion from the motor to reciprocating linear movement of the piston. The crankshaft defines a crank axis perpendicular to the reciprocation axis, and the motor defines a motor axis that is parallel with the reciprocation axis. A center of gravity of the impact power tool is positioned between the motor axis and the reciprocation axis.

Abstract: A driver capable of suppressing increase in a load torque of a motor when a striking mechanism is moved by the torque of the motor against a force of a first moving mechanism is provided. The driver includes a striking mechanism 12 movable in a first direction B1 and a second direction B2 opposite to the first direction B1 and a first moving mechanism configured to move the striking mechanism 12 in the first direction B1 to strike a fastener, and the driver further includes a motor, a second moving mechanism 45 rotated by the torque of the motor and configured to move the striking mechanism 12 in the second direction against a force of the first moving mechanism, and torque suppression mechanisms 45A to 45H configured to suppress increase in the torque of the motor when the striking mechanism 12 is moved in the second direction B2.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool having a motor-driven impact mechanism and monostable operating button. A locking switch for the monostable operating button has a sliding direction, an actuating knob, a catch and a sliding block, wherein the actuating knob is able to be moved by the user in the sliding direction from a releasing position to a locking position. The catch is pivotable in a pivoting direction perpendicular to the switching direction between a first position and a second position. The catch is disengaged from the operating button 6 in the first position and the catch engages in the operating button in the second position, arresting the operating button in the pressed position. The catch has, on a side facing in the pivoting direction, a slotted-guide face that is inclined with respect to the sliding direction. The sliding block bears on the slotted-guide face.

Abstract: A clamping grip for a hydraulic tamper has an ergonomic handle and a vertical post having an angled base secured to a clamp. At each distal end of the clamp is an aperture. The ergonomic handle is secured to the vertical post via a ball and socket joint which permits the handle to swivel freely about the vertical post.

Abstract: The portable power chiseling tool has a tool holder, an electric motor, a striking mechanism and an idle strike catcher. The tool holder can receive a tool and retain it movably on a working axis. The striking mechanism includes an exciter piston, a striker, an anvil and a guide for the anvil. The exciter piston is coupled to the electric motor. The guide guides the anvil on the working axis. The idle strike catcher for the anvil has a conical inner surface facing the anvil. The anvil has an associated end face facing in the striking direction. The end face rests against the conical inner surface when the anvil is in its forwardmost position in the striking direction. The end face of the anvil has a first segment and a second segment in the circumferential direction. The second segment is offset in the striking direction relative to the first segment.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a two-speed power transmission for a power tool comprising a planetary gear and a torque responsive gear shift mechanism for directing torque through the planetary gear in a high torque/low speed mode or past the planetary gear in a low torque/high speed mode, and comprising a driving member, a driven member, and a number of coupling elements arranged to intercouple in a first position the driving member and the driven member and in a second position the planetary gear and the driven member, the driving member comprising a number of recesses and axially acting first cam means for cooperation with the coupling elements in the first position forming part thereof. The present specification also relates to power tool comprising such a gear unit and a method for controlling such a power tool.

Abstract: A power tool system includes a removable battery pack a first tool and a second tool. The first tool includes a first base housing that is selectively engageable with the removable battery pack and a first tool portion connected to the first base housing by a first connecting section. The second tool includes a second base housing that is selectively engageable with the removable battery pack and a second tool portion connected to the second base housing by a second connecting section. The second tool base housing houses a second controller that provides a proportional power delivery system for the second tool and second tool base housing also includes a second actuator for providing user control of the second tool.

Abstract: A hand-portable working apparatus has: a working device, at least one handle, and a transport eyelet. The handle is at least partially arranged behind the working device along a longitudinal axis of the working apparatus. At least the handle defines a handle opening, wherein the handle opening extends approximately along the longitudinal axis. The transport eyelet is arranged approximately at or before a front end of the handle opening along the longitudinal axis. At least the transport eyelet defines an eyelet opening, wherein, in an attaching and/or detaching position of the transport eyelet, an eyelet opening normal of the eyelet opening is oriented approximately along a vertical axis of the working apparatus.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a hand-held power tool, including a housing having at least first and second housing components, the pack including at least one cell holder, accommodating at least two battery cells in a parallel/series circuit, the battery cells each including two end faces extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis; and a pack electronics system including contact elements for establishing electrical connection between the pack and a power tool. The cell holder includes sleeve-like insulating walls, corresponding to the battery cells at least in some areas, to prevent electrical contact between the battery cells. A method for manufacturing a pack for a hand-held power tool, the cell holder including sleeve-like insulating walls, having cylindrical cell openings for accommodating the battery cells, the battery cells being pressed into the cell openings so that a form-locked and force-fit connection is established between the cell holder and the battery cells.

Abstract: Side handle for an electric hand-held power tool, wherein the side handle has a grip region designed to be gripped by a user, and a clamping unit, by which the side handle can be releasably fastened to a machine neck of the hand-held power tool, wherein the clamping unit has an operating element, by which the clamping unit is able to be clamped and unclamped, wherein the operating element, when the clamping unit is in the clamped state, is substantially flush with the surface of the grip region. The operating element is preferably in the form of a clamping lever.

Abstract: A powered fastener driver for driving fasteners into a workpiece includes a driver unit and a handle unit selectively and removably attachable to the driver unit. The driver unit includes a housing, a motor, and a first coupler. The handle unit includes a battery receptacle for receiving a battery pack, a trigger, and a second coupler. The first and second couplers selectively engage one another to mechanically and electrically connect the driver unit to the handle unit.

Abstract: A foldable torque tool is provided, including a handle, a driving member and a blocking structure. The driving member is rotatably disposed on the handle. The blocking structure has a first blocking unit and a second blocking unit. The first blocking unit is disposed on the handle. The second blocking unit is disposed on the driving member. When the driving member is in an unfolded position, the first blocking unit is blocked with the second blocking unit, and then the driving member is non-rotatable to a folded position.

Abstract: A tool including a buffer structure adapted to prevent shocks includes a tool head, a first shaft structure, and a second shaft structure. The tool head has a first connection receiving a pivot. The first shaft structure includes a slide. The second shaft structure is disposed on the slide and links with the tool head. The second shaft structure is movable on the slide such that the tool head is moved toward and away from the first shaft structure. The second shaft structure has a second connection receiving the pivot. The tool head is pivotal with respect to the second shaft structure. Further, a resilient member is disposed between the first and the second shaft structures. The second shaft structure is biased by the resilient member.

Abstract: A core drill includes a housing and a battery pack attachable to the housing for powering the core drill. The core drill is configured to be operated while being carried on a drill stand. The core drill is configured to be operated independently of and detached from the drill stand. The core drill is configured to be carried by an operator's hand while the core drill is not being carried on the drill stand.

Abstract: A carrying case for a power tool and a power tool kit are provided. A carrying case for a power tool includes an interior volume defined by a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. The carrying case further includes a plurality of distinct compartments within the interior volume. The distinct compartments are configured to receive a battery-powered power tool, a battery configured to power the battery-powered power tool, and a battery charger for the battery, respectively. The carrying case further includes a battery receiver configured for locking engagement with the battery, wherein the battery receiver is formed on an interior surface of at least one of the front, back, first side, or second side.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an assembling and disassembling-facilitated tool rack. The tool rack includes a base, supporting rods, a top plate, supporting plates and screws. The base is provided with several first threaded holes. Bottoms of the supporting rods are provided with threaded columns. The top plate is provided with first through holes. The supporting plates are provided with second through holes. The supporting plates are clamped between adjacent upper and lower supporting rods. The screws are in threaded connection to the second threaded holes of the supporting rods on the uppermost layer. The top plate is clamped between the screws and the supporting rods on the uppermost layer.

Abstract: A socket organizer for releasably holding socket holders has a plurality of friction fit posts onto which sockets are positioned and held securely.

Abstract: A dual-purpose mechanics creeper includes: a flat board, a first swing arm and a second swing arm pivotally attached to a bottom surface of the flat board. Each swing arm includes a plurality of rollers. When each swing arm is at the first position, it is adjacent to the bottom surface of the flat board. When the swing arm is at the second position, it is perpendicular to the flat board. When the second swing arm is at the second position, it is attached to the first swing arm, such that the second swing arm is obliquely supported between the flat board and the first swing arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a human-machine interaction method, including: detecting and collecting, by a robot, sensing information of a companion object of a target object and emotion information of the target object that is obtained when the target object interacts with the companion object; extracting, by the robot, an emotion feature quantity based on the emotion information, determining, based on the emotion feature quantity, an emotional pattern used by the target object to interact with the companion object, determining, based on the emotional pattern, a degree of interest of the target object in the companion object, extracting behavioral data of the companion object from the sensing information based on the degree of interest, and screening the behavioral data to obtain simulated object data; and simulating, by the robot, the companion object based on the simulated object data.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying chemical liquid may include a gantry, a chemical liquid supply member providing a chemical liquid onto a substrate, and a moving device supporting the chemical liquid supply member and moving along the gantry. The moving device may include a moving member, load supporting members and absorbing members. The moving member may support one side of the chemical liquid supply member and may run over the gantry. The moving member may cover an upper face, a first side and a second side of the gantry. The load supporting members may support a load applied to the moving member and the gantry while maintaining a substantially constant distance between the moving member and the gantry. The absorbing members may absorb an impulsive load or an impulsive force applied to the moving member and/or the gantry when the moving member deviates from a moving path provided by the gantry.

Abstract: A force measuring sensor is provided. The force measuring sensor includes: a wire; a signal generator having one side fixed to one end of the wire; and a signal processor configured to convert and process an analog signal received from the signal generator into a digital signal, in which the wire is configured to penetrate an internal space formed in the signal generator, and the analog signal is generated by a change in thickness of a component of the signal generator caused by a change in tension of the wire.

Abstract: Robots and sensor systems may be used to inspect facilities or other infrastructure and detect gas leaks. A process may include obtaining path information indicating a path for the robot to travel, and locations along the path to inspect with the sensor system. The robot may move along the path and may determine, based on information received via a location sensor, that the robot is at a first location of the locations indicated by the path information. In response to determining that the robot is at the first location, the robot may adjust the sensor system based on first orientation information associated with the first location. An image or video may be recorded via the sensor system.

Abstract: Provided is a process including: obtaining a first set of one or more images generated via an optical gas imaging (OGI) camera and a second set of one or more images generated via a second camera, wherein the first set and the second set correspond to a first location of a plurality of locations in a facility; classifying, via a convolutional neural network (CNN), the first set of one or more images according to whether the one or more images depict a gas leak; and storing a result of classifying the first set in memory.

Abstract: Provided is a machine tool hand including a body portion that is mounted so as to be attachable to and detachable from a spindle of a machine tool, and that is provided with a flow path connected to a coolant-liquid supply path formed in the spindle; and two or more hand members that are attached to the body portion such that at least one of the hand members is pivotable about a prescribed axis, and that are capable of gripping an object therebetween by being closed. The flow path is provided with discharge ports via which a coolant liquid supplied from the coolant-liquid supply path is discharged toward surfaces of the hand members that are exposed to an outside, and a pressure of the coolant liquid causes an opening operation or a closing operation of the hand members.

Abstract: A quick-change system includes a first exchange tool designed as gripper jaws, a second exchange tool, a first receiving part, and a ball catch. The first receiving part includes a first receiving opening for receiving a one of the first exchange tool or the second exchange tool. The ball catch is for temporarily fixing the one of the first exchange tool or the second exchange tool on the first receiving part. The ball catch includes a sleeve that is closed on one side and a spring-mounted press ball arranged in the sleeve. The one of the first exchange tool or the second exchange tool has a ball-receiving opening, and the press ball can be manually engaged and disengaged in the ball-receiving opening.

Abstract: A gripper head assembly is for a robotic gripping system and includes an actuator. The actuator includes: an actuator body having an attachment region configured to attach the actuator body to the gripper head; a drive element having a mounting section for a tool; a drive having a connector configured to receive an input; the drive being configured to move the drive element upon receiving the input; the drive element defining a through passage; the through passage having a first port for receiving at least one of negative pressure and positive pressure; and, the through passage having an outlet at the mounting section configured to supply the tool with the at least one of negative and positive pressure.

Abstract: A robot joint including a first part and a second part arranged to have a relative movement in between, and a joint gap spacing the first part and the second part from each other, wherein the robot joint includes an inflatable seal accommodated in the joint gap to provide a fluid-tight sealing of the joint. The disclosure also relates to a robot including the robot joint, a system including the robot and a method for sealing a joint gap of a robot joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a robotic arm for use in robotic-assisted surgery, including a mobile shuttle that includes a support member for mounting the robotic arm that extends at least partially over a gantry of an imaging device. Further embodiments include a mounting apparatus for mounting a robotic arm to a base or support column of an imaging device, to a patient table, to a floor or ceiling of a room, or to a cart that extends over the top surface of the patient table.

Abstract: A device that uses a motor may quickly and safely stop the motor using a rapid braking system. For example, the device may stop to avoid collision with an object, upon determining a failure of an internal component, upon receipt of a command, and so forth. Responsive to a signal to stop, the motor is disconnected from the battery. A braking circuit is activated that dissipates, in a controlled fashion, power produced by continuing motion of the motor. When the voltage produced by the motor's continuing motion drops below a threshold, a stop circuit shorts the terminals of the motor, causing the motor to resist further rotation. When the stop condition no longer applies the signal to stop is removed resulting in the motor being reconnected to the battery, the braking circuit being deactivated, the stop circuit opens the short between the terminals of the motor, and normal operation resumes.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile robot may include a body provided with a driving unit, a body display unit positioned on an upper side of a front portion of the body, extending vertically, and provided with a display on a front surface thereof, a supporter extending vertically inside the body display unit and having a lower end supported by the body, and an interface module supported by the supporter and electrically connected to the display.

Abstract: A controller of a robot includes an operation device for an operator to perform an operation of manually changing a position and an orientation of the robot. The operation device includes a movable part configured to perform a pushing operation, a pulling operation, and a tilting operation in a predetermined direction, and an operation detection unit configured to detect the operation of the movable part. The processing device includes a manual control unit that controls an inching operation that changes the position and the orientation of the robot by a predetermined minute amount. The manual control unit determines whether or not the inching operation is performed based on the magnitude of the force with which the movable part is operated.

Abstract: In a teaching method for an industrial robot having a hand on which a conveyance object is to be mounted, the teaching method includes a positioning member attaching step in which a positioning member for determining a position of a conveyance object to be mounted on the hand in a horizontal direction is attached to an upper face side of the hand and, after that, a teaching step in which the hand is moved to a predetermined position to perform teaching for the industrial robot, and after that, a positioning member detaching step in which the positioning member is detached from the hand. When the conveyance object is mounted on the hand in a state that an end face of the conveyance object is contacted with the positioning member, the conveyance object is disposed at a normal mounting position on the hand.

Abstract: An encoder device including a position detection unit for detecting position information of a moving part; a magnet having a plurality of polarities along a moving direction of the moving part; and an electric signal generation unit for generating an electric signal, based on a magnetic characteristic of a magnetosensitive part, the electric signal generation unit having the magnetosensitive part whose magnetic characteristic is changed by a change in magnetic field associated with relative movement to the magnet, wherein the magnetosensitive part is disposed so that the magnetosensitive part is spaced apart from a side surface of the magnet in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction and a length direction of the magnetosensitive part is orthogonal to tangential directions of at least some of magnetic field lines of the magnet.

Abstract: In a robot system provided with an articulated arm, information showing whether or not an operator holds one or more of a plurality of arms of the articulated arm. An operator's holding state of the arms are determined based on the detected information. Based on results of the determination, the rotation of motors provided at axes (joints) is controlled for selectively controlling a constrained state which constrains the rotation of the axes and release of the constrained state.

Abstract: A manufacturing process adopting the reconfigurable robotic manufacturing cells that can work conjointly and yet have the capabilities to be reconfigured to disconnect from other cells and handle multiple tasks. The reconfigurable robotic cell is not dependent on any other robotic cells to complete work in progress.

Abstract: A robot includes a first member and a second member, the first member includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall disposed to face each other, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion, a drive section having a motor body, a drive pulley and a flange, a joint section having a driven pulley and a belt, the first protrusion and the second protrusion having support sections that support both end portions of the flange, a separation distance between the support sections being shorter than a length of the flange in which the flange protrudes, and missing sections configured such that a separation distance between the missing sections is longer than the length of the flange in the direction in which the flange protrudes, both end portions of the flange passing through the missing sections.

Abstract: A parallel link mechanism includes three or more link mechanisms that couple a fixed base and an end-effector base. The end-effector base has a facing surface facing the fixed base. The link mechanisms each include a proximal-end joint, a proximal link, an intermediate joint, a distal link, and a distal-end joint. The proximal-end joint is rotatably coupled to the fixed base. The proximal link is coupled to the proximal-end joint. The intermediate joint is provided to the proximal link. The distal link is rotatably coupled to the proximal link via the intermediate joint. The distal-end joint rotatably couples the distal link to the end-effector base. The point of intersection at which the extensions of the axes of rotation of the proximal-end joints, the extensions of the axes of rotation of the intermediate joints, and the extensions of the axes of rotation of the distal-end joints intersect is the center of rotation of the end-effector base.

Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object without a power source includes a receiver and at least one grabber assembly secured to the receiver. The grabber assembly includes first and second arms with proximal end portions and distal end portions, hooks disposed at the distal end portions, and a mechanical linkage disposed near the proximal end portion of the first arm and the second arm. The mechanical linkage kinematically couples the first arm to the second arm. Displacement of the first arm or the second arm against the object causes movement of the mechanical linkage and thus movement of the second arm or first arm, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for realizing a dynamic running gait of a biped robot on a rough terrain road, which sets a state machine for an entire running cycle to perform a balance control and movement trajectory planning of the robot in each state. At the time that the robot switches from the in-air phase into a landing phase, a SLIP model is used to control the posture balance and landing cushion; and when the robot is stable after landing, an LIP model is used to control a center of mass of the robot to a set height. An in-air phase of the robot in running is generated through movement trajectory planning and state switching of a supporting leg and a swinging leg to realize a running of the robot.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and systems are disclosed for a robotic manipulator system including a robotic manipulator, a controller, one or more sensors, and a support structure. The support structure may be non-planar and/or deformable and may be designed to support an object on an upper surface. The one or more sensors may be directed towards the support structure and object. The controller and/or another computing device in communication with the controller may determine geometry of the support structure and may know or determine a compression value of the support structure. Using the compression value and/or geometry of the support structure, the controller may cause the robotic manipulator to grasp the object from the support structure and move the object to a new location.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, state detection sensors to, a timekeeping unit, a learning control unit, a determination unit, an operation device, and an input unit, and an additional learning unit. The determination unit determines whether or not the work of the robot can be continued under the control of the learning control unit based on the state values detected by the state detection sensors to and outputs determination result. The additional learning unit performs additional learning of the determination result indicating that the work of the robot cannot be continued, the operator operation force, work state output by the operation device and the input unit, and timer signal output by the timekeeping unit.

Abstract: An impedance control method as well as a controller and a robot using the same are provided. The method includes: obtaining joint motion information and joint force information in the joint space of a robotic arm and an actual interaction force acting on an end-effector, and calculating actual motion information of the end-effector in the task space based on the joint motion information; calculating a corrected desired trajectory using environment information and a desired end-effector interaction force, and calculating the impedance control torque based on the joint force information, the actual interaction force, the actual motion information, and desired end-effector information including the corrected desired trajectory and determining a compensation torque based on a nonlinear term in a constructed dynamics equation so as to perform a joint torque control on the robotic arm based on the impedance control torque and the compensation torque.

Abstract: Provided are a manipulation system and a driving method of the manipulation system capable of performing manipulation efficiently and suitably while suppressing damage to a minute object at the time of manipulation regardless of the degree of skill and technique of an operator. A sample stage configured such that a minute object is placed thereon, a first manipulator including a first pipette for holding the minute object, a second manipulator including a second pipette for operating the minute object that is held on the first pipette, an imaging unit for imaging the minute object, and a controller that controls the sample stage, the first pipette, the second pipette, and the imaging unit are provided.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) follows a user who may move among other people, change orientation, or move in and out view of a camera on the AMD. A predicted location of the user may be determined based on a previous location and previous movement. A proximity value is determined by the distance between a location in physical space of a user and the predicted location. An image from a camera is processed to determine a user depicted in the image and generate a feature vector (FV) of that depiction. A gallery of FVs of the user as viewed from different angles, poses, and so forth is stored. A similarity value is determined between a FV of an unidentified user in an image and the FVs in the gallery. The user may be identified using the proximity value and the similarity value.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for autonomous body interaction system is provided. A system and method for a robot interacting with a human or other soft or deformable body is provided for the purpose of active application of pressure to specific points or regions of the body. The system and method conducts at least one of: localizing the position of the body, detecting the configuration of the body, identifying the surface region(s) of the body, predicting the underlying anatomy of the body, assessing the state of the body, preparing a plan for manipulation of the body, and executing a predetermined and/or dynamically updated plan on the body.