Abstract: A robot system (100) includes a slave unit (1) including a slave arm (11) having a working end (11a), a slave arm actuator (13) configured to drive the slave arm, and a slave-side controller (14) configured to control the slave arm actuator based on a slave operating command for defining a target position of the working end, a master unit (2) including a master arm (21) having a manipulation end (21a) into which the content of manipulation is inputted by an operator, and a system controller (3) configured to generate the slave operating command based on the content of manipulation inputted into the manipulation end. When a command corresponding to the content of manipulation is a command corresponding to a limit equivalent range corresponding to a limit of operation of at least one of the slave arm and the master arm, the system controller performs processing to give perception to the operator.

Abstract: A method of grasping and/or placing multiple objects by a gripper of a mobile robot. The multi-grasp method includes determining one or more candidate groups of objects to grasp by the suction-based gripper of the mobile robot, each of the one or more candidate groups of objects including a plurality of objects, determining a grasp quality score for each of the one or more candidate groups of objects, and grasping, by the suction-based gripper of the mobile robot, all objects in a candidate group of objects based, at least in part, on the grasp quality score. The multi-place method includes determining an allowed width associated with the conveyor, selecting a multi-place technique based, at least in part, on the allowed width and a dimension of the multiple grasped objects, and controlling the mobile robot to place the multiple grasped objects on the conveyor based on the selected multi-place technique.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a mobile robot in a loading dock environment are provided. The method comprises capturing, by a camera system of the mobile robot, at least one image of the loading dock environment, and processing, by at least one hardware processor of the mobile robot, the at least one image using a machine learning model trained to identify one or more features of the loading dock environment.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for use in a workplace for monitoring and moving items or objects from one place to another. The robotic apparatus includes a robotic body; a base over which the robotic body is mounted, the base has a plurality of wheels to allow the robotic apparatus to move and rotate; a robotic head; an extensible neck that extends between the robotic body and the robotic head, a pair of robotic arms coupled to the robotic head, wherein each robotic arm has a robotic hand; and a plurality of cameras disposed in the robotic head. The robotic apparatus can increase or decrease the effective length of the extensible neck. The robotic head is rotatably mounted to the extensible neck. The plurality of cameras supports computer vision.

Abstract: A piece of equipment for on-demand food preparation, for instance on an assembly line, that can use an end-of-arm tool to retrieve and deposit food items on a horizontal surface, such as the surface of a conveyor. The end-of-arm tool may include a peel, in which the peel can be translated from a retracted position to an extended position to transfer food items. The piece of equipment may translate the peel quickly into the extended position to facilitate the retrieval of food items from the horizontal surface. The piece of equipment may be rotated to position the robotic appendage and the peel in a desired direction. The peel may include a push bar that may be movable between a withdrawn position and a push position to selectively push items off of the peel.

Abstract: A substrate positioning device includes a holder configured to hold a substrate; and a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the holder. The rotating mechanism includes a rotation shaft fixed to the holder; a bearing configured to support the rotation shaft in a non-contact manner; a base configured to fix the bearing; a first driver configured to rotate the rotation shaft; a damping mechanism comprising a fixed member connected to one of the base and the rotation shaft, and a moving member connected to the other and configured to be slid with respect to the fixed member, the damping mechanism being configured to generate a damping force against a relative motion between the rotation shaft and the base; a locking mechanism configured to lock the moving member; and a second driver configured to micro-drive the damping mechanism to which the moving member is fixed.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a human machine interface, a controller, a robot, and corresponding systems and methods. The human machine interface is configured to control the robot via the controller. The method includes receiving a user input at the human machine interface; and transmitting a control signal to the controller in response to the user input, the control signal being configured to activate a first indication element arranged on the controller to identify the controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and control modules for controlling robot systems are described. A state of a robot body is identified based on environment and context data, and a state prediction model is applied to predict subsequent states of the robot body. The robot body is controlled to transition to predicted states. Transitions to states can be validated, and predicted states updated when transitioning of the robot body is not aligned with predicted states.

Abstract: A gripping assembly includes a gripping mechanism for engaging an object and an adhesive assembly coupled to the gripping mechanism. The adhesive assembly includes an adhesive sheet and an engagement mechanism operable between an active state and an inactive state. The engagement mechanism deforms the adhesive sheet to contact the object when operated in the active state.

Abstract: Provided are a gripper and a robot. The gripper includes a case, a plurality of gripping assemblies respectively assembled to the case, and a driving assembly configured to move the plurality of gripping assemblies. Each gripping assembly is provided with a fingertip at an end portion, and fingertips of the gripper are configured to cooperate with each other for grasping. Each gripping assembly further includes a gear set and a gear carrier rotatably connected to the case. The gear set includes a fixed gear, an intermediate gear and a fingertip gear engaged in sequence. The fixed gear is fixedly connected to the case, and the fingertip gear is fixedly connected to the fingertip. The intermediate gear and the fingertip gear are mounted to the gear carrier and respectively rotatably connected to the gear carrier. The driving assembly is configured to rotate the gear carrier.

Abstract: A robot hand operation device through which an operator inputs an operation instruction to move a robot hand including at least three fingers includes: a main body portion held by the operator; and joysticks each being corresponded with each of the fingers of the robot hand to be operated and provided in the main body portion in a number that is the same as that of the fingers. When the operator operates each of the joysticks, the operation instruction to move the finger corresponded with the each of the joysticks is inputted, and when the operator does not operate each of the joysticks, the operation instruction to move the finger corresponded with the each of the joysticks is not inputted.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a robot hand including a hand base to which first and second finger connection portions are connected, and a finger moving portion to move the first and second finger connection portions with respect to the hand base such that a distance between a first finger and a third finger increases or decreases. A rotation axis rotating the hand base passes through a midpoint between fingertips of the first finger and the third finger while the first finger and the third finger are perpendicular to the hand base. the robot arm includes a forearm and a wrist joint to connect the robot hand to the forearm rotatably with two rotational degrees of freedom or one rotational degree of freedom. The forearm is rotatable around a forearm rotation axis that passes through the forearm and is the rotation axis that allows the hand base to be rotated.

Abstract: Fingers for robotic grasping devices, robotic grasping devices equipped therewith, and associated methods. Such a finger includes a flexible beam mechanism having an axis extending through a proximal end and a distal end, and a slider movably mounted on the beam. Moving the slider along the axis of the flexible beam mechanism changes the stiffness of the finger.

Abstract: A robot torso 100, in particular for a legged robot, comprising a housing wall 1 with an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one unit integrated into the housing wall 1. The at least one unit is selected from the list consisting of a cooling unit 200 for cooling a heat source 11 inside the torso 100, a sensor unit 300, or a face sensor unit 400. The at least one unit comprises a heat source arranged inside the torso 100 and thermally coupled to the housing wall 1, and a heat sink arranged outside the torso 100 and thermally coupled to the housing 1 wall for cooling the heat source. The housing wall 1 is essentially hermetically sealing the torso 100.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protective covering for a robot hand axis of a robot, in particular in a painting robot. The protective covering according to the disclosure has a protective sheath for at least partially enclosing the robot hand axis. Furthermore, the protective covering according to the disclosure has a proximal protective sheath fastening for fastening the protective sheath to a fastening point on a proximal component of the robot hand axis or on the robot arm of the robot. Furthermore, the protective covering according to the disclosure has a distal protective sheath fastening for fastening the protective sheath to the tool. The disclosure provides that the proximal protective sheath fastening and preferably also the distal protective sheath fastening allows a rotational movement of the protective sheath relative to the fastening point on the proximal component of the robot hand axis or on the robot arm of the robot.

Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products in a sterile environment, including at least two stations of a line for preparing pharmaceutical products and automatic transport means for containers of pharmaceutical products, wherein the machine includes a robot positioned inside the machine and robot control means, the robot being a robotic arm which includes movement means for accessing the stations of the machine.

Abstract: A back and body hair cutting device has: a hair cutting part; and an elongate handle part. The handle part may be sized to permit a user to remotely manipulate the hair cutting part into contact with all areas of a back of the user. The hair cutting part may be a multidirectional cutting device, for example if the hair cutting part has a multi-directional motorized blade that is structured to define a plurality of directions of skin travel and configured to cut hair when advanced over a skin surface in each of the plurality of directions of skin travel.

Abstract: A showerless razor is disclosed that has a deformable handle containing a liquid where the liquid is dispensed through a dispensing port located near a shaving blade. The liquid is dispensed by means of squeezing or otherwise deforming the handle of the showerless razor. The showerless razor can be easily refilled with a refill bag containing a liquid where the liquid in the refill bag is transferred to the handle of the showerless razor by compressing the refill bag such that the liquid passes into the handle of the showerless razor through a refill valve located in the deformable handle.

Abstract: A razor blade is proposed. The razor blade may include a substrate that has a substrate tip formed at an end portion and includes a first substrate facet and a second substrate facet extending from the substrate tip to both sides. The razor blade may also include a coating that is joined to the substrate and has a coating tip formed at an end portion and includes a first coating facet and a second coating facet extending from the coating tip to both sides and corresponding to the first substrate facet and the second substrate facet, respectively. The substrate may further include a third substrate facet extending from one end of the first substrate facet. A line tangential to the first substrate facet and a line tangential to the third substrate facet may not be parallel to each other.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include a knife assembly that includes a knife member having a blade portion and a tang portion. The knife assembly also including a handle member configured to be slidable from a knife position. At least a portion of the blade portion extends out of the handle member, to a storage position and the blade portion is substantially concealed by the handle member.

Abstract: A gear slicing tool and a manufacture method thereof are provided. The gear slicing tool includes a gear slicing tool body having concave and/or convex parts formed on a tool surface of the gear slicing tool body and a composite film layer disposed on the tool surface. The composite film layer includes a metal film layer, a transition film layer, and a functional film layer. A material of the metal film layer includes a metal. The transition film layer includes a first film layer and a second film layer. A material of the first film layer includes a nitride of the metal. A material of the second film layer includes a nitride of an alloy of the metal and aluminum. A material of the functional film layer includes a nitride of an alloy of the metal, aluminum, and silicon.

Abstract: Provided herein is a paper cutter, including: a paper cutter housing which includes an accommodating space for accommodating a roll of paper to be cut, where a side wall of the paper cutter housing further includes two parallel guide rails, a holding portion is arranged on an outer wall of the paper cutter housing, and a pressure direction of the holding portion is capable of being perpendicular to a plane formed by the two parallel guide rails; and a paper cutting device which is connected to the side wall of the paper cutter housing and includes a cutter assembly, where the cutter assembly includes an object picking member and a cutter, and a direction corresponding to a cutting edge of the cutter is opposite to a paper feeding direction of the paper to be cut.

Abstract: A cloth replacement apparatus includes a frame body, a robotic arm, a replacement module, a clamping-pulling module, and a supply module. The robotic arm includes a wiping head. The replacement module includes a base body. The base body has a receiving portion. The wiping head is selectively received in the receiving portion. The clamping-pulling module is movably disposed on the frame body. The supply module includes a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is movably disposed on the frame body.

Abstract: A method, for segmenting a part (10) comprising a plurality of thin elements (12) separated by interstices (30), the thin elements being in the form of thin walls (14) having a thickness of less than 1 millimetre and/or thin strands having a cross-section of less than 4 square millimetres, comprises the following steps, in order: a) filling the interstices located between the thin elements of the part to be segmented with a filling material, b) segmenting the part into a plurality of portions by segmenting said thin elements, and c) removing the filling material from the segmented portions.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting-off pieces from an elongated workpieces, in particular a tube, having a proximal side, a distal side and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal side. The cutting device includes a cutting unit having a blade coupled with a blade drive. The blade is reversibly movable via the blade drive between retracted and advanced blade positions. The cutting device includes a proximal support structure arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis proximal of the blade and is configured to guide a distal part of the workpiece to be movable in parallel to and aligned with the longitudinal axis. The cutting device includes a feeder unit including a suction gripper configured for suction-coupling with the elongated workpiece. The feeder unit includes a suction gripper drive, coupled with the suction gripper, configured for moving the suction gripper parallel to the longitudinal axis in a reversible manner.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a cutter configured to cut a web including at least accumulated fibers and a ball screw mechanism configured to move the cutter in a transportation direction of the web, and the cutter, when the web is being transported, cuts the web in a direction intersecting the transportation direction while being moved in the transportation direction of the web by the ball screw mechanism.

Abstract: A cutting device configured to be disposed on a transportation path along which a web including at least accumulated fibers is transported includes: a cutter configured to cut the web; and a movable needle configured to stick into the web to hold the web when the web is cut.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a cutting room in which a cutting object is cut, a gripping portion to selectively grip one of a cutting tool that cuts the cutting object and a dummy pin that does not cut the cutting object and is in the cutting room, a spindle to rotate the gripping portion around an axis line, a contact body that is in the cutting room and can contact the dummy pin gripped by the gripping portion, a position adjuster to change a relative positional relationship between the gripping portion and the contact body, and a controller including a dummy pin cleaning controller to execute dummy pin cleaning by rotating, when the dummy pin gripped by the gripping portion is brought into contact with the contact body, the dummy pin together with the gripping portion by the spindle.

Abstract: A sheet material processing tool (14), especially a cardboard or paper processing tool, is described. It comprises a carrier frame (26), having a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction (P) for a sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28), a first lateral frame member (32) connecting corresponding first ends (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30) and a second lateral frame member (34) connecting corresponding second ends (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30). Furthermore, a first multi-purpose interface (54) is provided for selectively connecting a first tool element for processing the sheet material to the carrier frame (26). Additionally, a sheet material processing station is presented. It comprises a support structure, wherein a sheet material processing tool(14) is connected to the support structure.

Abstract: A band saw template jig configured to be used with a band saw for cutting a desired pattern in a work piece by guiding an attached template at a desired offset. The band saw template jig includes at least a base, at least one support shaft, a guide arm, and a guide end. The base is adapted to be secured onto a work surface using at least one securement member. The at least one support shaft operably engages with the base. The guide arm and guide end are collectively movable along the at least one support shaft and are adapted to be secured at a desired height on the at least one support shaft. The guide end is configured to allow a band saw blade to be positioned inside of the guide end for setting the desired offset between the work piece and the template attached with the work piece.

Abstract: A system and process for producing a factory-finished engineered wood-based siding, cladding or panel (e.g., manufactured with wood veneer, strands or fibers). An overlay with a finish coating, not a primer coating, is applied to the engineered wood strand mat prior to applying heat and pressure in a press. The post-press product is cut to form panels, with an edge coating applied to color match the finish coating. The factory-finished product avoids the need to apply a final finish coating of paint on the panel face at the job site after installation, or at a separate, secondary facility post-press.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of making a three-dimensional article. The method includes a) inkjetting a sol through a nozzle having a diameter of 10 to 70 micrometers to form droplets of printed sol; b) solidifying the printed sol to form a portion of the three-dimensional article; and c) repeating steps a) and b) to form the three-dimensional article having a specified geometry. The sol includes i) 5 to 40 percent by volume of metal oxide particles, based on the total volume of the sol; ii) a solvent; iii) a surface modifying agent; and iv) optionally a polymerizable component. The metal oxide particles have an average particle size of 20 nanometers or less and of 1/100 to 1/10,000 of a diameter of the nozzle. The method enables high resolution additive manufacturing of an object having differences in one or more optical or mechanical property over a small area or volume of the object.

Abstract: A device for applying clay to a surface, in particular for producing models, including a housing with a connection piece for a clay supply hose and with a clay dispensing opening. A disk, which is rotatably seated in a clay dispensing flange opening in a clay-tight manner and is driven by a motor, has the dispensing opening and otherwise closes off the flange opening, and has an elevated portion on its exterior.

Abstract: A tooling fixture suitable for use in infiltrating a fibrous preform with a flow of reactant gas includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness therebetween, and a plurality of holes extending through the thickness of the tooling fixture. The plurality of holes includes a first hole having cylindrical geometry with a first pair of dimensions comprising a first length and a first diameter, a second hole having cylindrical geometry with a second pair of dimensions comprising a second length and a second diameter, and a third hole having cylindrical geometry with a third pair of dimensions comprising a third length and a third diameter. At least one dimension of the first pair of dimensions is different from at least one dimension of the second pair of dimensions, and at least one dimension of the second pair of dimensions is different from at least one dimension of the third pair of dimensions.

Abstract: A mandrel suitable for supporting an airfoil preform includes a first piece extending along a longitudinal axis of the mandrel, and a second piece in physical contact with the first piece at first interface region and extending along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The first piece is formed from a first material, and the second piece is formed from a second material.

Abstract: A mixer vehicle includes a mixer drum, a sensor, and a controller. The mixer drum is configured to rotate to mix a material within the mixer drum. The sensor is configured to obtain values of one or more properties of the material within the mixer drum. The controller is configured to receive the one or more properties of the material, and receive a user request to discharge the material within the mixer drum. The controller is configured to determine if the material requires additional mixing to obtain accurate values of the one or more properties of the material or to sufficiently mix the material, and limit discharge of the material from the mixer drum in response to a determination that the material requires additional mixing to obtain accurate values of the one or more properties of the material or to sufficiently mix the material.

Abstract: A cutting machine according to the present invention comprises: a cutting frame; a cutting shaft which, if the direction in which the cutting machine moves is said to be the front and the direction opposite thereto is said to be the rear, is arranged on the front of the cutting frame, and a cutting blade inserted to the cutting shaft; a middle frame which is positioned below the cutting frame and supports same; a first track part provided on one side of the cutting machine in order to move same, and a second track part provided on the other side of the cutting machine; and a track frame positioned below the middle frame and the sides of which are connected to the respective track parts, wherein the front end of the middle frame is positioned to be lower than the rear end thereof so that the middle frame is slanted in a first preset angle, and the cutting frame is positioned above the middle frame, fixes the rear end, and can be provided so that the cutting shaft and the cutting blade can move vertically.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a used resin includes adding 0.03 wt % to 0.3 wt % of an amine compound-based VOC capturing agent to the used resin, performing melt-mixing, capturing at least formaldehyde and acetaldehyde among VOCs contained in the used resin by the VOC capturing agent, and vaporizing and removing volatile odor substances contained in the used resin by decompression.

Abstract: A strand manufacturing apparatus capable of reducing variations among diameters of resin strands without stopping the operation of an extruder is provided. A strand manufacturing apparatus includes a die in which an outflow hole for discharging a resin material contained in an extruder as a string-shaped resin strand is formed, an adjustment valve configured to adjust opening of the outflow hole, an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of the resin strand extruded from the outflow hole, a diameter acquisition unit configured to acquire a diameter of the resin strand in the image, and an opening adjustment unit configured to adjust the opening by driving the adjustment valve based on the diameter of the resin strand acquired by the diameter acquisition unit.

Abstract: Provided is a mold core structure, which is arranged on a mold.

Abstract: Described herein is a mold in the shape of a dental arch produced by additive manufacturing from a polymerizable resin. The mold includes: an upper portion configured in the shape of a set of teeth; an intermediate portion having a hollow cavity formed therein; a planar base surface portion, the hollow cavity extending through the base surface portion; and a plurality of drain channels extending from the hollow cavity upward through the upper portion, the drain channels configured for draining of residual polymerizable resin from the hollow cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for composite molding, and the method includes additively manufacturing a mold shell that includes a part forming cavity. The method includes filling at least a portion of the mold shell with a strengthening agent. The method includes hardening the strengthening agent to form a mold, and laying-up a composite material on the part forming cavity. The method includes curing the mold to form a composite part.

Abstract: A demolding device that removes a thin-walled part from a mold, the thin-walled part being tubular and having a partially open wall, the demolding device including: contour units that are located in a circumferential direction of the thin-walled part and each of which includes a contact structure that contacts an outer surface of the thin-walled part and moves in a thin-walled surface outward direction extending away from the outer surface of the thin-walled part; and a puller that engages with edges of the partially open wall of the thin-walled part and that applies a load to the thin-walled part, the load including a force component acting in the circumferential direction of the thin-walled part. In response to application of the load from the puller to the thin-walled part, each of the contour units moves the contact structure to keep the contact structure in contact with the thin-walled part.

Abstract: Described herein are post-coating, in-mold coating and transfer coating methods for producing a coating on a substrate by using a liquid coating composition including at least one binder and at least one naturally occurring pigment. Also described herein is a coating produced by the methods. The coatings produced in this way not only have a high-level optical appearance and good tactile qualities but also outstanding mechanical resistance, flexibility and weathering stability. The methods can therefore be used to particularly good effect in those sectors imposing equal demands on optical quality, mechanical stability and flexibility of coating layers being present on the substrate. With particular preference, the methods are appropriate for application in the footwear industry, in particular in the coating of shoe parts, such as soles, composed of flexible foam substrates or in the production of shoe uppers based on leather or synthetic materials.

Abstract: Provided are expandable beads containing a base material resin containing a thermoplastic resin, and having a heat shrinkage rate when heated at Tsp+10° C. for 5 minutes of 30% or less, where Tsp is a softening point of the base material resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for solid-state expansion of a biopolymer, e.g., polylactic acid, which can be used to manufacture reduced-density thermoplastic materials with improved physical and thermal properties. By incorporating multiple stages of heating into the process as a means to regulate heat flux, unprecedented control of microstructure and crystallinity can be achieved. Thermoplastic sheets with the distinct cellular characteristics implied by the process disclosed herein were found to be thicker and stronger than materials prepared by conventional processes. Thermoforming sheets with such characteristics enabled the production of light-weight thermally-stable, compostable products that resist warping, and are thus suitable for a range of industrial applications.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an injection member that pushes a molding material and an injection drive source that moves the injection member. A control device of the injection molding machine includes an injection control unit that controls a stop process for stopping a movement of the injection member and a holding pressure process for controlling a pressure acting on the molding material from the injection member, a pressure monitoring unit that monitors an actual value of the pressure in the stop process, and a timing setting unit that sets a timing when the stop process is to be switched to the holding pressure process on the basis of the actual value of the pressure in the stop process and a value offset from a set value of the pressure at a time of start of the holding pressure process to a high pressure side by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a molding device, an inspection device configured to inspect a molded product and a control device that includes a storage unit, and a reception unit configured to receive a change content of a parameter included in a standard molding condition. The control device executes a first control of forming the molded product under a second molding condition in which the parameter is changed based on the change content, a second control of forming the molded product under a third molding condition in which the same parameter is changed, a third control of associating the second molding condition with an inspection result of the molded product formed under the second molding condition and storing the association, and a fourth control of associating the third molding condition with the inspection result of the molded product formed under the third molding condition and storing the association.

Abstract: A molding management system includes: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire first abnormality information, second abnormality information, and third abnormality information; and a first output unit configured to output first warning information. The second abnormality information and the third abnormality information include information on an injection molding machine in the first abnormality information and information on a type of an abnormality in the injection molding machine in the first abnormality information. The first acquisition unit acquires the second abnormality information after acquiring the first abnormality information and before a first period elapses therefrom, and acquires the third abnormality information after acquiring the first abnormality information and after the first period elapses therefrom.

Abstract: This injection molding system can correct a change in position of a movable mold due to a mold clamping force adjustment mechanism, and is provided with: an injection unit that injects a resin into a cavity formed by a movable mold and a fixed mold; a mold clamping unit that retains the movable mold and the fixed mold to be openable and closable and has a mold clamping force adjustment mechanism that adjusts mold clamping forces of the movable mold and the fixed mold; a handling unit that performs at least one of the assisting operations of an operation of extracting a molded article from the movable mold and an operation of inserting an insert component into the movable mold; and a control system that controls the injection unit, the mold clamping unit, and the handling unit.