Abstract: The present invention provides a biped (two-footed) walking mobile system, its walk controller, and walk control method therefore, which are to realize enhancing an walk stability, as well as a consumed energy saving. A walk controller (30) of a biped walking mobile system forms a gait data by a gait forming part (33) based on parameters from a gait stabilizing part (32), and drive-controls drive means of respective joint portions (15L, 15R–20L, 20R) of each leg portion based on said gait data. In this case, the walk controller (30) is so constituted as to selectively witch a powered mode to conduct ordinary drive-control and a passive mode to drive-control the drive means similarly with passive joints, whereby drive-controlling respective joint portions.

Abstract: Large machines, especially those having working envelopes in excess of fifteen feet, exhibit unacceptable errors because of thermal expansion and mechanical misalignments between the axes. The errors have traditionally been minimized by enclosing the machine in a thermal enclosure, by careful calibration, or by mounting a laser interferometer on each axis. These solutions are costly, may require frequent recalibration, and do not correct for small rotations of one axis relative to another axis due to wear etc. The present invention uses an interferometric laser tracker or a comparable 3D position sensor to measure the position of a retroreflector attached to the end effector, e.g. a machine head when the machine comes to rest. A computer compares the measured position to the desired position according to the machine media, and adds the appropriate correction with trickle feed media statements to move the machine to the correct position prior to further machining.

Abstract: A positioning data calculating procedure calculates analytically relative rotation angles for the links arranged in series to form an articulated manipulator to locate an object in a desired orientation at a desired position. Coordinate expressions including an x-coordinate expression representing the x-coordinate of a triaxial intersection point, a yz addition coordinate expression representing the sum of the y- and the z-coordinate of the triaxial intersection point, and a yz subtraction coordinate expression representing the remainder of subtraction of the z-coordinate from the y-coordinate of the triaxial intersection point, and including first to third rotation angles corresponding to rotation angles through which the second link is turned relative to the first link, through which the third link is turned relative to the second link, and through which the fourth link is turned relative to the third link as variables are solved.

Abstract: A control device for a legged mobile robot, in which a correction manipulated variable of a desired floor reaction force (desired floor reaction force's moment) is subsequently determined based on an error between an actual state quantity, such as a body posture angle, of the robot 1 and a desired state quantity of the same, and at the same time, a desired movement of the robot 1 is subsequently determined by the use of the correction manipulated variable and a dynamic model. At this time, a friction force component, which defines a frictional force between the robot 1 and a floor such as a translation floor reaction force's horizontal component, is set as a variable to be limited, and an allowable range of the variable to be limited is set.

Abstract: A landing shock absorbing device 18 provided in a foot mechanism 6 of a leg of a robot comprises an inflatable and compressible bag-like member 19 (a variable capacity element) on a bottom face side of the foot mechanism 6. The bag-like member 19 is constructed of an elastic material such as rubber. Air in the atmosphere can flow into and out of the bag-like member 19 by inflow/outflow means 20 provided with a solenoid valve 27 and the like. In a landing state of the foot mechanism 6 and in a state immediately after the foot mechanism shifts from the landing state to a lifting state, the solenoid valve 27 is closed to maintain the bag-like member 19 in a compressed state.

Abstract: A system for estimating a posture angular velocity of a predetermined part, such as a body 3, of a robot by using motion state amounts of the robot, including a desired motion of a desired gait, a detected value of a joint displacement, and a desired value of a joint displacement of a robot 1 having a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) mounted on the body 3 or the like in a case where no slippage is taking place between the robot and a floor, e.g., a state wherein the robot is not in a motion. A drift correction value of the angular velocity sensor is determined on the basis of a difference between the estimated value of the posture angular velocity and a detected posture angular velocity value by the angular velocity sensor, and the detected posture angular velocity value corrected by the drift correction value is integrated to determine an estimated value of the posture angle of the predetermined part.

Abstract: A control system that constantly and accurately controls a control variable so that it remains within an allowable range is provided. The control system in accordance with the present invention estimates a steady-state deviation d in a controlled object as a steady-state deviation estimation value d? on the basis of a control variable y and a final desired value y2. A control variable y in a controlled object based on the initial desired value y1 is estimated as the primary estimation value y1? on the basis of at least the initial desired value y1 and the steady-state deviation estimation value d?. If a primary estimation value y1? is within an allowable range, then a final desired value y2 agreeing with an initial desired value y1 is determined, while, if the primary estimation value y1? is out of the allowable range, then the final desired value y2 is determined on the basis of at least a boundary value of the allowable range.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to compensate for the position-dependent length changes caused by the effect of weight in a variety of closed kinematic chains (K1 . . . Kn), for connecting a stationary first element (E1) to a movable second element (E2). Said aim is achieved, by using a back transformation (??1), which determines a compensation value for each length change (dq1, dq2 . . . dqn), resulting from the application of the weight (Fg) impinging on the movable element (E2) in each kinematic chain.

Abstract: A method for automatic, decentralized coordination of the movement paths of mobile robots in order to prevent collisions and to detect and resolve mutual blockings. According to the method, a robot receives position information from other robots and establishes a coordinating connection with another robot if the position falls below a minimum allowable distance. One of the robots is then chosen as coordinator and the other robot is chosen as partner. The coordinator initiates an algorithm for the prevention of collisions, wherein a time sequence diagram is determined for the motion path segments of the coordinator and the partner. A robot for detecting robots that are mutually blocking one another in a circuit initiates an algorithm for detecting blocking if the robot has not been given authorization to execute its next motion path segment. An algorithm for resolving the blocking is initiated if robots mutually blocking each other in a circuit are detected by the detecting robot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided of detecting tool abnormality in a machine tool. Permissible minimum and maximum values of load current in a real cutting section are determined for a spindle motor and a servomotor during normal operation of the machine tool. The load current of the spindle motor and the servomotor is measured while the machine tool is operated. The load current measured in a real cutting section other than a non-cutting section is extracted by way of filtering the load current measured. A judgment is made as to whether the extracted load current is within a range between the minimum and maximum values. Occurrence of the tool abnormality is confirmed if the extracted load current falls outside the range. This enables the machine tool to detect not only overload condition due to excessive wear of a tool but also non-load condition induced by a tool breakage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to surgical devices, systems, and methods, especially for minimally invasive surgery, and more particularly provides structures and techniques for aligning a robotic surgery system with a desired surgical site. The present invention describes techniques for mounting, configuring and arranging set-up arms for the surgical manipulators and endoscope drive mechanisms of a telesurgical system within an operating theater. The various aspects of the invention improve and optimize space utilization in the conduct of a surgical procedure, especially in the telesurgical systems which provide for concurrent operation by two surgeons using multiple robotic arm assemblies. In one aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for ceiling-height mounting of surgical set-up arms, and in another aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for the mounting of surgical setup arms to the table pedestal or floor below an operating table.

Abstract: An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules, is provided. Motion modules provide an assist upon actuation, and are in communication with computational nodes. Communication links between at least two of the computational nodes carry information between the nodes that actuate a motion module.

Abstract: A toy robot system includes a toy robot and a surface over which the robot can move. The surface is constructed from a number of modules of various types that may be joined together. Each module (except for spacer modules) includes at least one track segment along which the robot may move. Each module is square and each track segment extends from the center of the module to one side. A code readable by the robot is provided at the beginning of each segment so that the robot knows what type of module it is entering, and a code is provided at the center of each module so that the robot can calculate its position.

Abstract: A automation equipment control system comprises a general purpose computer with a general purpose operating system in electronic communication with a real-time computer subsystem. The general purpose computer includes a program execution module to selectively start and stop processing of a program of equipment instructions and to generate a plurality of move commands. The real-time computer subsystem includes a move command data buffer for storing the plurality of move commands, a move module linked to the data buffer for sequentially processing the moves and calculating a required position for a mechanical joint. The real-time computer subsystem also includes a dynamic control algorithm in software communication with the move module to repeatedly calculate a required actuator activation signal from a joint position feedback signal.

Abstract: Provided is an arm structure for a robot which can favorably carry out jobs which are typically performed by humans. By determining the length of the arm and the height of the axis of rotation of the arm in such a manner that a range of rotational motion of the arm in accessing the region can be covered by a range in which the fore-and-aft distance to the tip of the arm can be linearly approximated, even though the trajectory of the arm is approximated by a line, the error in the distance to the object can be limited within a prescribed range, and the practicality and economy of computation can be achieved at the same time.

Abstract: Provided is a robot arm mechanism that conveys and supports a work, which requires neither a traveling axis that demand a high installation accuracy nor a jig for fixedly supporting a work. A robot 1 includes: a parallel link mechanism 6 having a lower link 2 and an upper link 3, in which the lower link 2 and the upper link 3 are coupled with an arm 4 and an auxiliary link 5; a driving portion for driving one joint 12 of the lower link 2 in the parallel link mechanism; a parallel link mechanism 11 having a lower link 7 and an upper link 8 fixed on the upper link 3 in the parallel link mechanism 6, in which the lower link 7 and the upper link 8 are coupled with an arm 9 and an auxiliary link 10; a driving portion for driving one joint 15 of the upper link 8 in the parallel link mechanism 11; and an arm 17 fixed on the lower link 7 in the parallel link mechanism 11 and holding up an object for support.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a strategy for computing the motions of a mobile robot operating in an obstacle-laden environment without requiring prior knowledge of the distribution of obstacles in the environment or knowing the trajectory of a target tracked by the robot. Embodiments provide an algorithm that governs the motion of the observer robot based on measurements of the target's position and the location of obstacles in the environment. The algorithm computes a description of the geometric arrangement between the target and the observer's visibility region produced by the obstacles and computes a continuous control rule using this description. Embodiments employ an escape-path tree data structure to categorize the target's possible modes of escaping from the observer robot's sensors and use the escape-path tree to determine the target's shortest escape path.

Abstract: It is constructed so as to detect a joint movement position of a robot arm by a position detector and a joint movement speed is calculated from change amounts of the joint movement position and elapsed time and is compared with an allowable movement speed and unlocking and locking of a brake are controlled so that the joint movement speed of an arm at the time of brake unlocking becomes within a constant value even when a shape, an attitude and a load condition of the robot arm vary. Therefore, movement work of the arm by the brake unlocking can be performed alone and a robot with high safety can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a long-range, untethered, live, in-pipe inspection system that includes a self-propelled train having a plurality of modules; joint members for interconnecting adjacent modules, data collection components, and wireless communication components for transmitting collected data and receiving control messages. The module-train includes, generally, at least one, and preferably two drive modules, at least one power module and an electronics module. The train may additionally include at least one support module, which may be interposed between the power and electronics modules. In one embodiment of the invention, there are two drive modules, one at each terminal end of the train, two power modules, one adjacent to each drive module, two support modules, one adjacent to each power module, and one central electronics and computing module.

Abstract: A method for detecting shapes that are undesirable for efficient processing and which occur from tolerance conversion by comparing a geometric relationship of shape elements obtained from shape data before tolerance conversion with a geometric relationship of the shape elements obtained from shape data after tolerance conversion. An inappropriate shape is identified when the compared geometric relationships are not the same.

Abstract: A system of self-organizing mobile robotic agents (MRAs) in a multi-robotic system (MRS) is disclosed. MRAs cooperate, learn and interact with the environment. The system uses various AI technologies including genetic algorithms, genetic programming and evolving artificial neural networks to develop emergent dynamic behaviors. The collective behaviors of autonomous intelligent robotic agents are applied to numerous applications. The system uses hybrid control architectures. The system also develops dynamic coalitions of groups of autonomous MRAs for formation and reformation in order to perform complex tasks.

Abstract: A programming platform for generating parts programs for a machine tool or production machine is described. A user inputs an instruction to an interpreter integrated in the programming platform, a simulator then simulates an effect of the instruction, and a display graphically displays to the user the effect of the instruction in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation. A collision monitor monitors the effect of the instruction to determine if a collision between two or more machine elements and/or workpieces and/or tools can be expected. The programming platform hence represents a homogeneous integrated programming environment for generating, simulating and testing of parts programs for machine tools and production machines.

Abstract: An apparatus optimizes arm velocity when the arm is carrying a given payload. More specifically, the apparatus controls the performance of a motor so that the motor can move the arm at an arm maximum velocity when the arm is carrying the given payload. To that end, the apparatus includes an information input to receive motor performance information, and a controller operatively coupled with the information input. The controller is capable of determining the arm maximum velocity from the motor performance information. The controller also is capable of causing the motor to move the arm at the arm maximum velocity.

Abstract: A robot to operate accurately while canceling an affect of pitch-axis, roll-axis, and yaw-axis moments, these moments being applied on the robot body during a leg-moving operation such as walking. First, by calculating a pitch-axis moment and/or a roll-axis moment generated on the robot body at a preset ZMP by set motions of upper limbs, a trunk, and lower limbs, motions of the lower limbs and the trunk for canceling the pitch-axis moment and/or the roll-axis moment are obtained. Then, by calculating a yaw-axis moment generated on the robot body lying at the preset ZMP by the calculated motions of the lower limbs and the trunk, a motion of the upper limbs for canceling the yaw-axis moment is obtained.

Abstract: A robot that includes a plurality of roller assemblies. Each roller assembly may include a transmission roller that is spun by a drive mechanism to rotate a drive ball. Rotation of the drive ball propels the robot across a surface. The transmission roller is in continuous contact with the drive ball. Continuous contact between the roller and ball eliminates roller induced wobble in the robot movement, reduces impact forces and resultant stress within the roller assembly and allows for the use of a drive ball that is more complaint than balls in the prior art.

Abstract: A main robot apparatus generates a sound scale command at a command generating state (ST2) to enter into a state of waiting for a reaction of a slave robot apparatus (ST3). When the slave robot apparatus outputs a emotion expressing sound responsive to a sound scale command issued by the main robot apparatus, the main robot apparatus recognizes this emotion expressing sound to output the same emotion expressing sound. In a state of the reaction action (ST4), the main robot apparatus selects an action (NumResponse), depending on the value of the variable NumResponse which has counted the number of times of the reactions to output the action.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that provide a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) for a robot are disclosed. A HAL can reside as a software layer or as a firmware layer residing between robot control software and underlying robot hardware and/or an operating system for the hardware. The HAL provides a relatively uniform abstract for aggregates of underlying hardware such that the underlying robotic hardware is transparent to perception and control software, i.e., robot control software. This advantageously permits robot control software to be written in a robot-independent manner. Developers of robot control software are then freed from tedious lower level tasks. Portability is another advantage. For example, the HAL efficiently permits robot control software developed for one robot to be ported to another. In one example, the HAL permits the same navigation algorithm to be ported from a wheeled robot and used on a humanoid legged robot.

Abstract: A motor controller includes a motor-position detector, a motor driver and a power cable having a pair of electric lines (two lines) which feeds power from the driver to the detector. The detector superimposes serial information about the motor-position to the power cable via windings of a transformer or a coupling capacitor. The serial information is obtained by converting parallel information about the motor-position. The serial information superimposed travels to the driver via the power cable. The driver receives the serial information via windings of the transformer or a coupling capacitor, and converts it to parallel information. The driver drives the motor according to this parallel information. The information necessary for driving the motor is superimposed to the power cable and transmitted through the power cable, so that a number of electric lines between the detector and the driver can be minimized.

Abstract: Surgical robots and other telepresence systems have enhanced grip actuation for manipulating tissues and objects with small sizes. A master/slave system is used in which an error signal or gain is artificially altered when grip members are near a closed configuration.

Abstract: A system and method are described that use impulse radio technology to enhance the capabilities of a robot. In one embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of the robot. In another embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication, position and/or radar capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of a robot in order to, for example, monitor and control the environment within a building.

Abstract: The integrity of control signals used to control a wafer handling robot is monitored by a monitor connected to various points of the robotic control system. The monitor includes a memory for storing data sets representing correct, reference characteristics of the control signals. The monitor samples control signals at various points in the control system and compares these sampled signals with the stored reference characteristics in order to determine whether a signal disparity exists. If a disparity exists, the monitor generates an error.

Abstract: Image data obtained by image-capturing by a pet robot is stored in a memory, and any of conditions whether the memory capacity is scarce, a captured image transfer instruction is made, or the battery capacity of the pet robot is scarce is satisfied, the pet robot is controlled to move to the charging apparatus. When the pet robot arrives at the charging apparatus, the image data is transferred to the charging apparatus. When the completion of transfer of the image data is detected, the image data already transferred is erased depending upon selection by the user.

Abstract: An automatic calibration method and apparatus for robots, particularly robots used in substrate processing systems. The method for calibrating a robot in a processing chamber comprises: determining a useable free-space for the robot in a processing system; determining a distance between a position of a robot end effector and a target position in the useable free-space; and generating a path within the useable space from the position of the robot end effector to the target position using incremental displacements of the robot end effector that minimize the distance between the robot end effector and the target position.

Abstract: A robot controller for teaching a robot with high efficiency. The robot controller including command storage unit (21) where a movement command and a work command are stored, command identifying unit (24) for discriminating between the movement and work commands, unit (22) for making/editing a series of work programs or discrete work programs by a combination of the commands, work program storage units (23) where the work programs are stored so as to control the robot according to the stored program, further including a work section identifying unit (25) for identifying a work section of the work program by way of the command identification unit (24) and work section automatic stopping unit (27) for automatically stopping or suspending the execution of the work program at the work section in a standby state when the work section identifying unit (25) identifies the work section during the execution of the work program.

Abstract: A medical master/slave manipulator is excellent in operability and capable of reducing burden on the operator. The medical master/slave manipulator includes a master unit provided with an operation control portion, a slave unit provided with a working device, an interlocking mechanism interlocking the slave unit with the master unit, an orientation difference measuring mechanism for measuring the orientation difference between the orientation of the master unit and that of the slave unit, and a control mechanism for controlling the slave unit to adjust the orientation of the slave unit to that of the master unit so that the orientation difference is reduced to zero in a transient master/slave operation mode in which an operation mode changes from an unrestricted operation mode to a master/slave operation mode.

Abstract: A robot controller executes an operating program, calculates a position and posture of a robot, and sends the position and posture information to a personal computer (PC). At the PC side, on the basis of this position and posture information, animation display information of a work cell including the position and posture of the robot is created and then sent to a teaching pendant. In the teaching pendant, the animation display information is received, and an animation image is displayed on a display section. Until the operating program is terminated, this operation is performed so that an operating animation of the robot is displayed on the display section of the teaching pendant.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a coupling device for coupling a tooling arm to a robotic arm assembly. The coupling device includes a sensing mechanism which monitors relative distances within the coupling device in order to detect displacement in the coupling device. The coupling device also includes an adjustment method for setting the level of force required to execute a breakaway between the items being coupled, while providing a minimum magnetic holding force great enough to assure that robotic arm accelerations and de-accelerations can not cause the inertia or momentum to dislodge the tooling arm from the robotic arm assembly.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robot (32) includes the steps of selecting an initial configuration from at least one of a first, second, and third sets to position a TCP at a starting point (44) along a path (33) and selecting a final configuration different than the initial configuration to position the TCP at an ending point (46). Next, the TCP moves from the starting point (44) while maintaining the initial configuration, approaches the singularity between a first point (48) and a second point (50), and selects one of the axes in response to reaching the first point (48). The angle for the selected axis is interpolated from the first point (48) to the second point (50). After the interpolation, the angles about the remaining axes are determined and positions the arms in the final configuration when the TCP reaches the second point (50) and moves to the ending point (46) while maintaining the final configuration.

Abstract: A multiple axis modular controller and a method of operating the controller in a system comprising input devices receiving indications of system conditions and output devices performing tasks affecting the system conditions. The controller includes input connectors connectable to the input devices and output connectors connectable to the output devices. A processor executes a series of sequential commands of an application program. A command can be executed in response to completion of one sequential command of the series of sequential commands regardless of a next sequential command in the series of sequential commands or in response to a specified input received at one of the input connectors or in response to a specified output sent to one of the output connectors. The processor does not execute the command, minimizing processor delays.

Abstract: Then an end effecter is used to operate a heavy object, a large bending moment may act on arms of a manipulator to bend them. Consequently, an operating section cannot precisely control positions. Thus, according to the present invention, three arms 14 are attached to a base section 11, each of the arms 14 being composed of a first link section 15 having one end connected to a rotating shaft 12 on the base section 11 and a second link section 17 connected to the first link section 15 via another rotating shaft 16. These arms 14 support an operating section 19. The second link section 17 is connected to the rotating shaft 16 and to the operating section 19 using universal joints 18a and 18b. Direct acting driving means 13 is composed of a driving shaft 13a and a driving source that advances and retreats the driving shaft 13a. The driving shaft 13a is driven to advance and retreat to move the operating section 19 to a desired position.

Abstract: A medical robotic system with a handle assembly that is used to control a medical instrument. The handle assembly and medical instrument have five degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom may provide greater dexterity than medical robotic systems of the prior art with four or less degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom reduces the size and complexity of the instrument.

Abstract: Haptic rendering of three-dimensional soft bodied objects for virtual interactions implemented by forming a three dimensional occupancy map of voxels, forming the surface of and bounding an object, forming a multi-dimensional coordinate system, defining minimum and maximums distances of one voxel neighboring voxels defining multi-dimensional maximum offsets that an occupied point can maintain relative to its center, detecting when the minimums or maximums of distance and/or offsets are violated, and in response thereto adjusting to satisfy minimum and maximum for distance and offsets, and repeating the detecting and adjustment steps for the entire occupancy map until there are essentially no violations.

Abstract: A medical system that allows a medical device to be controlled by one of two input devices. The input devices may be consoles that contain handles and a screen. The medical devices may include robotic arms and instruments used to perform a medical procedure. The system may include an arbitrator that determines which console has priority to control one or more of the robotic arms/instruments.

Abstract: An autonomous multi-platform robot system (100, 1100) for performing at least one functional task in an environment is provided. The system includes at least one navigator platform (110, 1110) providing mapping, localization, planning, and control functions for itself and at least one other platform within the environment and at least one functional robot platform (120, 1120) in communication with one or more navigator platforms for performing one or more functional tasks. In one embodiment, one or more navigator platforms (1110) are stationary and include sensors (202) for sensing information about the environment. In another embodiment, one or more functional robot platforms (1120) include sensors (304) for sending information about the environment. In still another embodiment, the system includes one or more stationary platforms (124) with sensors (310) for sensing information about the environment.

Abstract: A method for programming of a robot application comprising an industrial robot having a robot coordinate system, a tool having a tool coordinate system and a work object (3) to be processed by the tool. The application is programmed by means of a position-measuring unit (15) adapted for measuring positions relative a measuring coordinate system (db). The programming method comprises: selecting an object reference structure (25) on the object, defining a mathematical model for the object reference structure, defining an object coordinate system (o2), providing measurements by the position-measuring unit on the surface of the object reference structure, determining the object coordinate system in relation to the measuring coordinate system (db) by best fit between said measurements and said mathematical model of the object reference structure.

Abstract: A walking platform that achieves automatic self-stabilization includes a motor within the mid-region of the platform that is in communication with a crankshaft. The crankshaft has a connecting rod that is rotatably attached to it. The connecting rod, in turn, has a pole that is rotatably attached to it. There is a foot attached that is capable of supporting the weight of the platform. The motor is powered by a battery that causes the components of the platform to simulate a walking motion. This battery is attached to the lower portion of the platform in order to lower the center of gravity of the platform. The platform also includes at least one levered component that is rotatably attached to the platform, allowing it to pivot freely and dampen oscillations produced by the walking platform.

Abstract: A legged mobile robot possesses degrees of freedom which are provided at roll, pitch, and yaw axes at a trunk. By using these degrees of freedom which are provided at the trunk, the robot can smoothly get up from any fallen-down posture. In addition, by reducing the required torque and load on movable portions other than the trunk, and by spreading/averaging out the load between each of the movable portions, concentration of a load on a particular member is prevented from occurring. As a result, the robot is operated more reliably, and energy is used with greater efficiency during a getting-up operation. The robot independently, reliably, and smoothly gets up from various fallen-down postures such as a lying-on-the-face posture, a lying-on-the-back posture, and a lying sideways posture.

Abstract: A modular multi-axis robot that can be configured to operate with two, three, four, five or six axes of movement and in various combinations of rotational and translational motion. The modules that make up the robot are fully detachable, interchangeable and are functionally independent with respect to each other. This allows the robotic apparatus to provide a flexible and custom solution for many different applications.

Abstract: An adaptable, servo-control system for force/position actuation generally includes an electric linear actuator and a controller. The controller interfaces with the electric linear actuator and with a number of I/O signals that are independent from the electric linear actuator. The controller interface to the independent I/O signals is transparent to the manner in which the I/O signals are produced. Rather the controller simply looks for the status of the I/O that is preferably received into the controller by hard-wiring or field bus I/O messaging such as from a industrial robot or programmable logic controller. The controller utilizes the I/O signals to select a number of parameters to generate a motion profile for closed loop-controlled, position actuation or force actuation of the electric linear actuator.

Abstract: Bendings &Dgr;&agr;, &Dgr;&bgr;, and &Dgr;&thgr; are determined by the torques about the axes of coordinate systems disposed to respective joints and by spring constants. Parameters &agr;, &bgr;, and &thgr;0 are determined by adding an amount of twist to corrected D-H parameters &agr;s, &bgr;s, and &thgr;0s when twist is “0”. A rotational angle &thgr;′ (&thgr;st) is determined from a target position x by executing inverse kinematics using the parameters &agr;s, &bgr;s, and &thgr;0s (step S6). Further, a position x′ is determined from the rotational angle &thgr;′ by executing forward kinematics using the parameters &agr;, &bgr;, and &thgr;0, and the difference &Dgr;x between the target position x and the position x′ is determined. The difference is corrected, and a new target position x is set.