Abstract: Displacements of respective joints corresponding to respective joint elements (J9 and the like) of a rigid link model (S1) representing a two-legged walking mobile body (1) are sequentially grasped. Also at the same time, values, in a body coordinate system (BC), of an acceleration vector of the origin of the body coordinate system (BC) fixed to a waist (6) as a rigid element, a floor reaction force vector acting on each leg (2), and a position vector of the point of application of the floor reaction force vector are sequentially grasped. With the use of the grasped values, joint moments respectively generated in an ankle joint (13), a knee joint (14), and a hip joint (9) of each leg (2) are sequentially estimated based on an inverse dynamics model using the body coordinate system. The estimation accuracy of the joint moments of the leg can be enhanced by reducing arithmetic processing using tilt information of the two-legged walking mobile body relative to the gravity direction as much as possible.

Abstract: The robot comprises: —a controller (C), including power modules (22) for supplying the motors (10) of the arm (A) of the robot (R), a CPU unit (26), for calculation and processing and connection means (52, B), between the arm (A), the power modules (22) and the CPU unit (26). The connection means (52, B) comprise a single functional bus (B) which connects a control unit (30), associated with the CPU unit (26), firstly to the power modules (22) and, also, to the digital interfaces (14) with the sensors (12) of the arms (A). Said interfaces (14) are either integrated with the arm (A) or located in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, a second multi-axis vacuum motor assembly is provided. The second multi-axis vacuum motor assembly includes (1) a first rotor; (2) a first stator adapted to commutate so as to rotate the first rotor across a vacuum barrier and control rotation of a first axis of a robot arm within a vacuum chamber; (3) a second rotor below the first rotor; (4) a second stator below the first stator and adapted to commutate so as to rotate the second rotor across the vacuum barrier and control rotation of a second axis of the robot arm within the vacuum chamber; (5) a first feedback device adapted to monitor rotation of the first axis of the robot arm; and (6) a second feedback device adapted to monitor rotation of the second axis of the robot arm. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A system for replicating the behavior of a target robotic manipulator with respect to a payload and worksite, has a real-time simulator capturing the dynamics of the target robot manipulator; a mock-up of the payload and worksite; and an emulating robotic manipulator for interacting with said payload and worksite. The emulating robotic manipulator is controlled by the real-time simulator in a control loop to replicate the dynamical behavior of said target robotic manipulator in its environment by matching the impedance of the emulating robotic manipulator with that of the target robotic manipulator.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system has a robot arm holding an instrument for performing a surgical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm and its instrument according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes a filter in its forward path to attenuate master input commands that may cause instrument tip vibrations, and an inverse filter in a feedback path to the master manipulator configured so as to compensate for delay introduced by the forward path filter. To enhance control, master command and slave joint observers are also inserted in the control system to estimate slave joint position, velocity and acceleration commands using received slave joint position commands and torque feedbacks, and estimate actual slave joint positions, velocities and accelerations using sensed slave joint positions and commanded slave joint motor torques.

Abstract: An interactive robot capable of speech recognition includes a sound-source-direction estimating unit that estimates a direction of a sound source for target voices which are required to undergo speech recognition; a moving unit that moves the interactive robot in the sound-source direction; a target-voice acquiring unit that acquires the target voices at a position after moving; and a speech recognizing unit that performs speech recognition of the target voices.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: A machine includes an operator seat and an armrest adjacent the operator seat. The machine may also include a control system, which may include a control handle extending at least partially upward from the armrest. The control system may also include a force feedback device drivingly connected to the control handle and operable to supply feedback force to the control handle. The force-feedback device may include at least one of an actuator or a brake. Additionally, the control system may automatically adjust the magnitude of the feedback force supplied to the control handle by the force feedback device in at least some circumstances.

Abstract: An electric drive system comprising several electric drives, each of which comprises an electric motor, and a control system which is arranged to control said several electric drives and comprises a first outer controller and a first speed controller. A signal supplied to the input of the first speed controller is generated by using the output signal of said first outer controller, and the first speed controller is arranged to generate an output torque signal at its output. The control system further comprises a torque controller per each electric drive, which torque controller is arranged to control the torque of the corresponding electric motor. A signal supplied to the input of each torque controller is generated by using the output torque signal of the first speed controller.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile robot (10) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode (51) and a random bounce mode (49). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling (45), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control system, and various escape behaviors are used to ensure full coverage.

Abstract: The safety in robotic operations is enhanced and the floor space in a factory or the like is effectively utilized. A virtual safety barrier 50 including the trajectory of movement of a work or tool 7 mounted on a wrist 5 of a robot 1 in operation is defined in a memory. At least two three-dimensional spatial regions S (S1 to S3) including a part of the robot including the work or tool are defined. Predicted positions of the defined three-dimensional spatial regions obtained by trajectory calculations are matched with the virtual safety barrier 50, and if the predicted position of any one of the defined three-dimensional spatial regions based on trajectory calculations is included in the virtual safety barrier 50, a control is effected to stop the movement of the robot arms 3 and 4.

Abstract: A ZMP equilibrium equation stating the relationship of various moments applied to a robot body of a robot, based on desirable motion data made up by trajectories of respective parts, imaginarily divided from the robot body, is generated, and moment errors in a ZMP equilibrium equation are calculated. A priority sequence of the parts, the target trajectories of which are corrected to cancel out the moment errors, is set. The target trajectories are corrected from one part to another, in a sequence corresponding to the priority sequence, to compensate the moment errors.

Abstract: An industrial robot includes a manipulator (1) having a control unit (2) and a portable terminal (3), the unit and the terminal being able to communicate in wireless mode for executing a robot programming session. The unit (2) and the terminal (3) are configured so as to implement a step of mutual logic coupling, which is required so as to enable the programming session, only when the terminal (3) is in a substantially predefined physical position (5) close to the unit (2).

Abstract: A robot program correcting apparatus, which displays three-dimensional models of a robot and a workpiece simultaneously on the screen of a display apparatus, and corrects an operation program for the robot, includes: a unit retrieving a robot operation program and a working position based on at least either a line or a surface computed from touchup points and on a touchup position or points representing a working position specified on the screen; a difference computing unit computing a difference between at least either the line or surface computed from the touchup points and at least either a line or a surface computed from the plurality of points as position information representing the retrieved working position; and a correcting unit correcting the robot operation program by computing the amount of correction based on the difference, thereby reducing the number of steps required when correcting the robot operation program.

Abstract: An actuator assembly including an actuator housing assembly and a single axis of rotation locking member fixedly attached to a portion of the actuator housing assembly and an external mounting structure. The single axis of rotation locking member restricting rotational movement of the actuator housing assembly about at least one axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a first end to the actuator housing assembly about a Y axis and at a 90° angle to an X and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the Y axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a second end to a mounting structure, and more particularly a mounting pin, about an X axis and at a 90° angle to a Y and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the X axis. The actuator assembly is thereby restricted from rotation about the Z axis.

Abstract: There is provided an industrial robot which comprises a manipulator having a tool at the tip end, a robot control unit for controlling the manipulator, and a primary teaching device and subsidiary teaching device for controlling the manipulator through the robot control unit, wherein operation capable of being conducted by the subsidiary teaching device is restricted as compared with operation capable of being conducted by the primary teaching device. By realizing the industrial robot, it is possible to prevent a production line worker from executing a function of the robot which is originally to be executed by a supervisor.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the movements of a plurality of mechanical units. The control system includes a program that includes a plurality of mechanical unit programs. Each program includes movement instructions for at least one of the mechanical units. The control system also includes a plurality of path planners. At least one of the path planners is adapted to receive instructions from more than one of the mechanical unit programs and on basis thereof determine how the mechanical units should move in order to synchronize their movements. The control system further includes switches adapted to switch a mechanical unit program from one path planner to another, whereby the movements of the mechanical units are synchronized when their mechanical unit programs are connected to the same path planner and the movements of the mechanical units are independent when their mechanical unit programs are connected to different path planners.

Abstract: A robot, wherein the operating amounts of the first and second actuators are adjusted according to a torque necessary for maintaining a body member and an end member at specified angles in a mechanism in which the body member (361) and the end member (363) are rotatably connected to each other and first and second wires (366) connected to the end member are advanced and retreated by the first and second actuator (368).

Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.

Abstract: An Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator that transports medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes about a substantially aseptic admixing chamber. In a preferred implementation, a gripper assembly is configured to substantially universally grasp and retain syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes. In an illustrative embodiment, a gripping device may include claws configured to grasp a plurality of different types of IV bags, each type having a different fill port configuration. Embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate a transport assembly to place a fill port of the bag, vial or syringe into register with a filling port such as a cannula located at a filling station, or be equipped with carousel transport systems that are adapted to convey bags, vials, and syringes to the admixture system and deliver constituted medications in bags, vials or syringes to an egress area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe robot system adapted to always and clearly indicate a worker whether an emergency stop operation can be performed by an emergency stop operation section in an unwired portable teaching operation section, thereby to prevent occurrence of a misconception. A portable teaching operation portion 3 includes a display section (13) configured to indicate whether an emergency stop operation to be conducted by an emergency stop operation section (9) can be performed.

Abstract: A mobile robot for sensing and decoding a surface coding pattern on a surface includes a housing, A platform is in the housing. An on-board controller is mounted on the platform and configured for wireless communication with a host computer system. A differential drive system is mounted on the platform and connected to the controller so that the controller can steer the platform relative to the surface. An image sensor is mounted on the platform, arranged to sense the surface coding pattern and connected to the controller to communicate data representing the surface coding pattern to the host computer via the controller.

Abstract: A robot simulation device is provided. It includes a virtual robot working environment in which a virtual robot has a task of transferring a virtual object from a start point to a goal point, the simulation device determining the path of travel. A task simulation is executed in response to the virtual robot working environment and the path of travel. The task simulation determines a robot activity region where the virtual robot can operate and an interference region where the virtual robot encounters obstacles. Thereafter the device creates a desired executed simulation in which the virtual robot can operate without encountering obstacles.

Abstract: A robot joint structure ? is composed of a metacarpal member 30 and a proximal member 40 swingably connected through a hinge 31 to a side end portion of the metacarpal member 30. The proximal member 40 includes a linear guide device 44 for an MP joint having a moving member movable in association with a self swing motion thereof, and by connecting a rod 32a and the moving member through a link mechanism 50, a driving force of an air-cylinder 32 is transmitted to the proximal member 40. On the other hand, a second robot joint structure ? is also provided with linear guide devices 48, 66, 74 and link mechanisms 69, 75, to which a driving force of the air-cylinder 62 is transmitted through a drive shaft 63 in association with a rod 62a. A robot finger is constructed by the first and second robot joint structures. According to such structures, smooth joint motion can be realized, and the robot joint structure and the robot finger having improved gripping force can be provided.

Abstract: A robot system can grasp and take out one of a plurality of workpieces placed in a basket-like container by a hand mounted at the forward end of a robot arm. The workpiece is detected by a visual sensor, and the robot is controlled depending on a position and an orientation of the workpiece. When a problem such as interference or the like occurs, information relating to the problem is stored in a robot control unit or a visual sensor control unit. Information relating to the problem includes a predetermined amount of the latest data retrospectively traced from the time point of problem occurrence, a position which the robot has reached, the target position data, the content of the process executed by the visual sensor, and the detection result. When the problem is reproduced, these data are used to simulate the situation at the time of problem occurrence by using simulation unit. The situation at the time of problem occurrence can also be reproduced by using the actual robot without using the simulation unit.

Abstract: A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller, which executes instructions for autonomously navigating a robot. The instructions repeat, on each iteration through an event timing loop, the acts of defining an event horizon based on the robot's current velocity, detecting a range to obstacles around the robot, testing for an event horizon intrusion by determining if any range to the obstacles is within the event horizon, and adjusting rotational and translational velocity of the robot accordingly. If the event horizon intrusion occurs, rotational velocity is modified by a proportion of the current rotational velocity reduced by a proportion of the range to the nearest obstacle and translational velocity is modified by a proportion of the range to the nearest obstacle. If no event horizon intrusion occurs, translational velocity is set as a ratio of a speed factor relative to a maximum speed.

Abstract: A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller. The system controller executes instructions for producing an occupancy grid map of an environment around the robot, scanning the environment to generate a current obstacle map relative to a current robot position, and converting the current obstacle map to a current occupancy grid map. The instructions also include processing each grid cell in the occupancy grid map. Within the processing of each grid cell, the instructions include comparing each grid cell in the occupancy grid map to a corresponding grid cell in the current occupancy grid map. For grid cells with a difference, the instructions include defining a change vector for each changed grid cell, wherein the change vector includes a direction from the robot to the changed grid cell and a range from the robot to the changed grid cell.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, a portable operating unit for teaching and manually operating the robot, which operating unit is adapted for wireless communication with the control unit, and an emergency stop unit. The emergency stop unit is arranged movable and the portable operating unit includes a first receiving member for receiving the emergency stop unit.

Abstract: An input device of a teleoperator system can be operatively associated with an image of a surgical worksite. Movement of the image may correspond to movement of the input device so that the worksite image appears substantially connected to the input device. The operator can manipulate the worksite into a desired position, typically by repositioning of an image capture device. Dedicated input devices may be provided for a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of manipulators, such as multiaxial or multiaxle industrial robots. At least one manipulator functions as the reference manipulator and is moved in a plurality of preset poses within its working area at which internal position values are determined as first desired poses. For each desired pose, subsequently a first actual pose of the reference manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. Subsequently at least one further manipulator moves up to specific poses of the reference manipulator as second desired poses and for each of these poses an actual pose of the further manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. On the basis of actual-desired deviations between the thus determined desired and actual poses of the two manipulators, subsequently a parameter model for the further manipulator is established and with it it is possible to compensate simultaneously both its own errors and those of the reference manipulator.

Abstract: Kinematic singular points in a process system are handled. In one embodiment, a numerically controlled (NC) processing system includes materials processing installation having a multi-axis kinematic linkage operable to position a tip portion of the linkage along a predetermined process path. The system also includes a processor having a compensation system operable to detect a singular point in the process path and to improve the accuracy tip portion positioning near the singular point.

Abstract: A robot system and method have been developed which are able to automatically load balls in semi-autogenous grinding mills so as to reduce the time used for maintenance. The robotic system is comprised of a robotic manipulator of at least 5 degrees of freedom, a grip mechanism which allows, in a sequential and programmed way, to take, manipulate and release a ball from a ball holder rack located at one of its sides.

Abstract: A micro-manipulator has grippers for gripping micro-material; an actuator for driving the grippers; a drive amount detection device for detecting a drive amount of the actuator; a power control device for controlling power supplied to the actuator so that a difference in a target drive amount of the input actuator and a drive amount detected by the drive amount detection device is small, after at least the grippers touch the micro-material; a gripping determination device for determining that grippers have gripped the micro-material based on the difference; and a resilience value calculation device for calculating a resilience value that represents a degree of softness of the micro-material by dividing the actuator drive force that is equivalent to the repulsive force of micro-material gripped by the grippers in proportion to power supplied to the actuator via the power control device.

Abstract: The present invention has a communication connection means (21) which mutually connects communicatably control units (Ca, Cb) for individually controlling operations of robots (Ra, Rb) to constitute a network, input means (37a, 37b) which are respectively installed in the control units and input operation instructions of the robots, and timing signal generation means (69a, 69b). The control units are selectively set to any one of an independent function execution mode, a master function execution mode, and a slave function execution mode, and among the control units, the control unit (Ca) to perform a master operation is set to the master function execution mode, and the residual control unit (Cb) is set to the slave function execution mode, and by correcting a minimum interruption period (Ts(b)) of the slave side control unit (Cb), a control time (ta11, ta12, ta13) to the master robot (Ra) of the master side control unit (Ca) is delayed by a predetermined time (T) to perform the cooperative operation.

Abstract: A robot system and method for the repair and/or inspection of cast surfaces in an automated comprising a robotic manipulator of at least 4 degrees of freedom and a gripping mechanism which allows taking a repair device from a tool holder rack located at one of its sides and moving it through a defined path to a repair and inspection area, where a repair process will be carried out in a sequential and programmed way to a number of cast faces to be defined. Additionally, the system allows carrying out an inspection process of the surfaces in a sequential and programmed way through the use of a vision system by taking from a tool holder rack or carrying an advanced vision system for the inspection of surfaces.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile robot is provided with a base body 53 and a plurality of link mechanisms 52 and 54 connected thereto. A sensor 90 for detecting external forces is provided on a predetermined portion (knee) between the base body 53 and a distal portion (foot) 58 of the link mechanism (leg) 52. In a motion posture in which a robot 61 has a predetermined portion (knee) in contact with the ground, the displacement of at least a joint 55 between the base body 53 and the predetermined portion (knee) is controlled so as to bring an external force (floor reaction force) detected by the sensor 90 close to a desired external force. In a state wherein a portion other than a distal portion of a leg or arm of the robot 61 is in contact with a floor or the like and subject to an external force, the external force acting on the portion other than the distal portion of the leg or arm is properly controlled, thereby maintaining a stable posture of the robot 61.

Abstract: A direct drive robotic manipulator is provided which includes a plurality of segments that are rotatably coupled with respect to one another. A plurality of spindles connects the segments for relative rotation therebetween, and a plurality of direct drive assemblies is further coupled to the plurality of spindles. Each direct drive assembly encloses an end of a spindle and comprises a rotor assembly to which the spindle is attached for manipulating the spindle. A positional measurement apparatus may also be included at each direct drive assembly to ascertain an angular disposition of a segment relative to an adjoining segment.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a plurality of manipulators with a large number of control units associated with the manipulators in such a way that each control unit controls at least one manipulator, are characterized in that an operating device accesses several control units for controlling the manipulators. Thus, it is possible according to the invention to operate even very closely juxtaposed manipulators without any crossing and interlacing of the connecting channels between the operating devices and control units which would prevent a reliable association in operation. The invention also makes it possible for only one operator to operate cooperating robots.

Abstract: A robot apparatus in which the storage capacity necessary for holding motion data is diminished in representing the emotion by motions exploiting the body resources. In demonstrating component behaviors of the robot apparatus, the basic posture, as the posture at the start time of one or plural movements forming a component behavior, is changed to express the emotion. Specifically, the robot apparatus includes variations for expressing the emotion for the basic posture (basic posture for the emotion). The respective resources are actuated from the basic posture for the emotion and reversion is made again to the basic posture to demonstrate the emotion.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for detecting a state of a space; a robot for executing a handling job for an article; an article identifying part for identifying, when an article is handled by a movable body, the article in response to a detection result obtained by the sensor; and an article handling subject identifying part for identifying an article handling subject that handles the article. When the movable body that handles the article is the robot, the article handling subject identifying part identifies a subject having issued a job instruction to the robot as the article handling subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of an orienting/positioning system comprising comprising at least a sensor and an actuator for controlling an orienting and/or positioning action adapted to change an input space of the sensor. A first step evaluates pre-action output information of the sensor in order to detect a pre-action position of a manipulating device in the input space of the sensor. A second step decides on a targeted post-action position of the manipulating device in the input space of the sensor. A third step defines a command for the actuator by mapping any deviation of the pre-action position and the targeted post-action position in the input space of the sensor to actuator control coordinates using a predefined mapping function. A fourth step orients/positions the manipulating device according to the defined command in order to carry out the orienting/positioning action. A fifth step detects a real post-action position of the manipulating device in the input space of the sensor.

Abstract: A robot control device includes an operation mode change-over switch for switching between a first operation mode for prohibiting an operator from approaching a predetermined area around a robot when power is supplied to a drive motor for driving the robot and a second operation mode for allowing the operator to approach the predetermined area around the robot even when power is supplied to the drive motor, and an electromagnetic contactor for switching the connection and disconnection of the power supply line to the drive motor. The robot can be stopped in case of emergency by using the electromagnetic contactor to disconnect the power supply line. The apparatus further includes an emergency stop control unit. The emergency stop control unit issues a disconnection command to the electromagnetic contactor, when the switching between the first and second operation modes is sensed, and automatically confirms whether or not the power supply line is disconnected.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a lower half body module of a bipedal walking robot which is excellent in practicality in the point that it is possible to transport a heavy load, and which is excellent in the degree of freedom in designing in the point that it is possible to mount or incorporate an upper half body having a large weight. Therefore, this is why legs of the lower half body module are constituted by a parallel link mechanism to sustain a large load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot for use inside an open abdominal cavity during minimally-invasive surgery. The robot may include various sensors, imaging devices or manipulators.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot (1), each leg (2) has at least a first joint (16) and a second joint (18, 20) located below the first joint in the gravitational direction, and the actuator that drives the second joint (54, 56) is located at least one of a position same as that of the first joint and a position (28) above the first joint in the gravitational direction. With this, it becomes possible to lighten the weight of the ground-contacting ends of the legs and thereby provide a legged mobile robot enabling reduction of the inertial forces occurring in the legs during moving, particularly during high-speed moving.

Abstract: A method is employed to eliminate undesired velocity reversal in a motion profile. A start speed, a start acceleration, a speed limit, an acceleration limit, a deceleration limit, an acceleration jerk limit, and a deceleration jerk limit are programmed for the motion profile. A critical jerk value needed to avoid velocity reversal associated with the motion profile is calculated. The critical jerk value is compared to the programmed deceleration jerk limit. The larger of the critical jerk value and the programmed deceleration jerk limit is set as a computed maximum deceleration jerk limit for use with the motion profile. In this manner, the computed maximum deceleration jerk limit will never be lower than the critical jerk and undesired velocity reversal is eliminated.

Abstract: A case packing robot comprising a two dimensional articulated robot suspended from the top of a Cartesian gantry-type frame enclosure. All drive motors are fixed to the Cartesian gantry-type enclosure and all packing operations take place within the confines of the gantry frame structure that defines the operating envelope. Such a “hybrid” robot uses an open framework and all slanted or slantable surfaces that are easily sanitized thus providing all of the sanitary advantages of the most desirable articulating robots while supplying many of the operational and maintenance advantages of a Cartesian gantry-type robot, especially the ability to reach down into a packing container.

Abstract: An industrial robot having: an arm, a wrist element rotatably interconnected to the arm, a work tool mounted on a distal end of the wrist element, and a motor mounted on the wrist element; wherein an umbilical-member connected to the work tool and a flat cable connected to the motor are disposed to run along the wrist element from the arm side to aid work tool or to the motor, characterized in that a pipe member extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the wrist element is provided inside the arm, the umbilical-member connected to the work tool being passed inside the pipe member, the flat cable connected to the motor being wound around outside of the pipe member, with the flat cable slacked in a rotating direction of the wrist element.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving the center of gravity of a robot, and a system and method using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a weight conveyor with a conveyed weight weighing a predetermined amount and disposed within the main body of the robot. The conveyed weight is conveyed in a predetermined direction to move the center of gravity of the robot, thus allowing a non-driven caster of the robot to surmount obstacles in its path and not become stuck while the robot is moving.