Abstract: Systems and methods provide a user the ability to select three-dimensional virtual objects in a three-dimensional modeling environment using two-dimensional representations of the objects. In broad overview, the invention involves a multidimensional degree of freedom haptic interface that controls a three-dimensional cursor. A user employs the cursor to select an arbitrary point on a three-dimensional virtual object of interest. Through the application of a mathematical transformation, the system displays the cursor at the location of the selected point on the object. The user can manipulate the object by operating the haptic interface. The systems and methods provide the user with the possibility of editing the selected virtual object. In one embodiment, editing includes sculpting the object. When the user releases the object after manipulation is completed, the cursor is relocated to the position the cursor would have had had the manipulations been applied to the cursor directly.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a robot system is provided comprising the steps of commanding the robot system to perform a function in an area, the area having an area layout including at least one area segment. The method further includes accessing by the robot system a stored map of the area layout, the stored map having at least one function task associated with the at least one area segment, localizing a first position of the robot system in the area, determining a function path from the first position of the robot system for navigation of the area and completion of the at least one function task, repeatedly continuously localizing a current position of the robot system while navigating the robot system along the function path, and completing the at least one function task that is associated with the current position of the robot system.

Abstract: The invention proposes a robot apparatus capable of autonomously performing actions in natural ways. The robot apparatus includes a control unit having emotion/-instinct models linked to the actions and deciding a next action by changing the emotion/instinct models based on the input information. A robot apparatus can be realized which autonomously behaves in accordance with the emotional and instinctive states created in itself, and hence which autonomously behaves in a natural way.

Abstract: A robot wherein the condition for a work and a sequence of movements to be performed may be set in connection with positions. In addition to setting a position at which a work is performed, the robot sets the conditions for performance of a work at a set position and of a sequence of movements between set positions. The set conditions may be memorized in connection with the set positions so as to be performed as are read out.

Abstract: A guided tool change procedure is employed in minimally invasive robotic surgery to guide a new tool quickly and precisely, after a tool change operation, back into close proximity to the operating position of the original tool prior to its removal from the surgical site. A first robotic surgical tool is placed at an operating position inside the cavity using a slave manipulator disposed outside the cavity, and the operating position is recorded. The first robotic surgical tool is decoupled from the slave manipulator and removed from the cavity. A second robotic surgical tool is introduced into the cavity. Based on the recorded operating position, a target space is derived for placing the distal end of the second robotic surgical tool in close proximity to the location of the distal end of the first robotic surgical tool in the operating position prior to its removal from the cavity.

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: Systems and techniques are described for distributed control and coordination of autonomous agents in a system. A protocol for distributed control allows autonomous agents to negotiate a group task for the agents, such as locomotion or self-reconfiguration in a robot application, and to synchronize individual agent actions to effect the group task. A protocol for adaptive communication allows autonomous agents, such as physically coupled self-sufficient robot modules, to continuously discover changes in their local topology. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: discovering a local topology, which includes a type of a communication connection to autonomous agents in the reconfigurable network topology, and determining an action based upon a received control message and the determined local topology.

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: System and method for allowing execution of control over robot hardware other than specific robot hardware by using control software that does not have features to be applied to the robot hardware other than the specific hardware designed for control. Execution means 102 for executing control software makes an inquiry about the presence of robot function means 103 requested by control software 101 through the use of interface recording means 104 and robot function searching means 105. If it has been found that the robot function means 103 is present, the execution means 102 requests the robot function means 103 to perform the motion of a robot. If it has been found that the robot function means 103 is not present, the request is skipped, or the request is made to similar robot function means 103. Alternatively, the request is made to alternative robot function means 103.

Abstract: This invention enables realization of an electronic pet with more reality using various types of devices.

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 substrate transfer system comprises plural end-effectors that are placed so as to touch a periphery of a cone having a vertical angle at a 2&thgr; angle with respect to a central axis at an arbitrary &thgr; angle to a horizontal plane, wherein substrates are interchanged and simultaneously transferred where the end-effectors are in a horizontal position. Besides, since the end-effectors are vertically located, the minimum rotational radius of the system that is projected to a horizontal plane, can be reduced. This contributes toward the reduction of an installation area for a substrate processing equipment in which the substrate transfer system is equipped.

Abstract: Welding controller 1 has CPU 1a, ROM1 1b, ROM2 1c and RAM 1d. Programs and data are written into the ROM1 1b and can be rewritten. Sequential welding data is written into the RAM 1d and can be rewritten. A write program for writing programs or data or sequential welding data into the ROM1 1b or the RAM 1d is stored in the ROM2 1c. When a welding control program or data or sequential welding data is input into the CPU 1a from an input device 10 or a computer 12, the CPU 1a executes the write program to write the inputted program or data or sequential welding data into the ROM1 1b or the RAM 1d. Preferably, ROM 1b is an in situ programmable memory, such as a flash memory or EEPROM.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: An optical pressure sensor useable in robotic applications. The optical pressure sensor can be included in a robotic grasping device. The pressure sensor includes a sensor structure having an interior wall and indicia. The indicia, apparent by viewing the interior wall, appearance change in response to pressure on the structure. An image sensor is positioned to view at least a portion of the interior wall, wherein the image sensor is configured to provide images of the indicia as the sensor structure is subject to pressure.

Abstract: A controllable ratcheting apparatus having robotic modules rigidly attached for operation near a mechanical singularity includes a plurality of modular joints and ratcheting means. Each one of the modular joints is capable of locking and unlocking to effect performance of a ratcheting motion as the ratcheting apparatus approaches a mechanical singularity. A plurality of links is connected to the modular joints in such a way as to permit movement of the links while under large external forces as the joint approaches a point of mechanical singularity. A control system directs movement of the modular joints and links.

Abstract: A communication robot includes a speaker. By generating a sound or voice through the speaker, the human is requested to cause a robot to make a certain action. When the human makes an action to the robot, the movement of the robot head or arm assists for the action.

Abstract: A data storage system for remote access to stored data. The innovative system uses a storage library to contain magnetic hard disks and automatically replaces the hard disks upon failure, without human intervention. Failed disks are removed from the library by a robot, deposited from the library, upon which time they are further processed for delivery to the manufacturer, or for disposal. Replacement disk drives are accessed by the robot from within the library to replace the removed storage element. The system's robot is not only moving individual storage elements, but also of moving the access cables connecting the storage elements to the external network. Using this capability, the number of access cables is reduced without requiring added human intervention.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle having a body with two or more powered ground-engaging members, e.g., wheels, rotatably coupled thereto. The vehicle may further include a spring member which may be deflected to a first, stored position from a second, extended position. The robotic vehicle may form part of a distributed, multi-robot system. The robotic vehicles may communicate with each other and/or a remote workstation. In some embodiments, the robotic vehicles may mechanically couple to one another to perform certain tasks.

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 horizontal multi-joint industrial robot has a construction in which rotational driving force is transmitted from rotational driving sources placed in a base through driving force transmitting mechanism placed in arms and connecting parts to each of arms and a robot hand. This construction in which rotational driving sources for arms and robot hand are placed concentratively in the base, eliminates the need for routing electric lines in moving parts, thereby preventing rotational movements of the arms and robot hand from decreasing the reliability, and besides allowing inertial moments to reduce by decreasing weights of the moving parts.

Abstract: An input device for robotic surgery mechanically transmits a grip signal across a first joint coupling a handle to a linkage supporting the handle. The handle is removable and replaceable, allows unlimited rotation about the joint, and may optionally include a touch sensor to inhibit movement of a surgical end effector when the hand of the surgeon is not in contact with the handle.

Abstract: A robot operation teaching method and apparatus includes a three-dimensional measuring system that can measure spatial coordinates corresponding to points designated on camera images, a display able to show a space image from a camera or cameras overlaid by an image of a geometric model corresponding to the space image. A pointing device having at least two degrees of freedom is used to define work trajectories by preparing, in a model space, simple geometric elements corresponding to the actual space image. By using parametric modelling to supply definitions of geometric elements in advance, the geometric elements can be adapted for other tasks by modifying some of the geometric element assignments and parameters associated with the definitions.

Abstract: A legged robot is provided with a plurality of basic motion programs. The legged robot can produce a teaching motion program for performing a series of expressive motions by recognizing and language-processing instructions from a user in the form of voice-input, and extracting and combining at least one basic motion in a time series. More sophisticated and complex teaching programs can be edited by controlling the produced teaching motion programs stored in a database and combining the teaching motion programs with the basic motion programs.

Abstract: When determining coordinates of a point of an object (2) in a reference system of coordinates and the orientation of the object in the space in a measuring position assumed by the object, the object is moved from a start position having known coordinates and a known orientation to a measuring position while detecting this movement. Said coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this detection and about the start position. Furthermore, the acceleration and retardation of the object are measured during the movement, and the coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this measurement.

Abstract: A humanoid robot including upper limbs, lower limbs, and a trunk. Hip joints which connect the lower limbs and the trunk each possess degrees of freedom provided in correspondence with a hip joint yaw axis, a hip joint roll axis, and a hip joint pitch axis. The humanoid robot is a leg-movement-type robot which walks on two feet. By arbitrarily offsetting the hip joint yaw axes in a roll axis direction, the effects of the movement of the center of gravity occurring when the mode of use of the robot is changed are accommodated to in order to flexibly balance the weights of the upper and lower limbs. The waist is made more compact in order to form a humanoid robot which is well proportioned and which makes it possible to prevent interference between the left and right feet when the direction of a foot is changed. Accordingly, a robot which moves naturally and in a way sufficiently indicative of emotions and feelings using fewer degrees of freedom is provided.

Abstract: A critical resonant frequency (fres) of the axes of a moving machine element is damped as effectively as possible with the aid of a jerk limitation. Good damping in the case of a desired frequency is achieved when the longest possible time (TrLim) which can be traveled with a maximum permissible jerk (rLim) is selected such that 1/TrLim coincides with the lowest natural frequency (fres) of the participating axes. This finding is implemented by adapting the path dynamics such that the TrLim=aMax/rLim yielded by the prescribed dynamics limiting values is varied by reducing the maximum jerk (rLim) to achieve good damping results for the lowest natural frequency (fres) of the participating axes.

Abstract: A robot touch shield device comprising a shell supported by at least one shell support member mounted on a base member, and a sensor device for sensing an exterior force applied to the shell, the sensor device having a base sensor portion having a center and a vertical member, the base sensor portion affixed on the base member, the vertical member affixed on the shell, the vertical member positioned over the center of the base sensor portion, wherein the exterior force applied to the shell translates the shell relative to the base member, the base sensor portion senses a displacement of the vertical member relative to the center of the base sensor portion and produces an output representing at least one of a direction of the exterior force applied and the degree of the exterior force applied.

Abstract: A manipulator for an environment with hygienic requirements, comprising a stationary element (1) with a plurality of drive means (2), and arms (3) attached to the drive means, which arms, via a respective linkage (4), support a movable element (5). The drive means (2) are enclosed in an enclosure (6) which encloses a gaseous coolant which, by a forced flow, takes up heat from the motors of the drive means.

Abstract: The robot system including a 6-axis robot has a swingable arm for transferring a workpiece between first and second positions, a wrist on a distal end of the arm, that is driven to rotate around a predetermined axis, and a transfer device at the wrist. The transfer device has a link mechanism having first and second links and holding means attached to a distal end of the second link. A proximal end of the first link is attached to the wrist so as to rotate around the predetermined axis. A distal end of the first link and a proximal end of the second link are rotatably connected to each other. In accordance with a swinging motion of the arm, the first link rotates in a first rotational direction with respect to the arm and the second link rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with respect to the first link, so as to transfer the workpiece along a straight line linking the first and second positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for teaching robot station location relative to a work piece apparatus includes an attachment that can be temporarily coupled to the apparatus and positioned in known relationship to the robot station location. A plurality of positional sensors are mounted on the attachment ring, the sensors each configured to produce a signal when a work piece carried by a robot arm is positioned a predetermined distance from the sensor. A signal receiver is configured to receive signals from the sensors and to indicate which of the sensors has produced the signal. The indication may be the activation of an LED display that indicates to an operator what the next movement of the robot arm should be in order to center the work piece with respect to the robot station location.

Abstract: A robotic system for a robot includes a programmable controller coupled to the robot and a teach pendant coupled to the programmable controller. The teach pendant is adapted to control the robot and includes a processor capable of operating the teach pendant and a display coupled to the processor. The teach pendant also includes a web browser. The web browser is adapted to accept input data in a standard format and display the input data on the display.

Abstract: An electronic pet with more reality using various types of devices. Specifically, a virtual electronic pet 202 and a pet-type robot 204 change the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct as the internal state of the electronic pet (information included in pet characteristic information 203) in accordance with surrounding information and internal information, and act in accordance with the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct. Transmission/reception of the internal state of the electronic pet (pet characteristic information 203) is made possible among the virtual electronic pet 202, the pet-type robot 204, and a personal computer 201. Thus, the action of the electronic pet is implemented by each device in accordance with the internal state of the electronic pet changed by another equipment.

Abstract: Acceleration/deceleration control is performed on the basis of a designated jerk control such that a maximum absolute value Jmax of jerk value, which is differential value of acceleration, is made not larger than a predetermined value when a commanded quantity of servomotor movement is smaller than a minimum quantity Smin of motor movement which is required to allow the movement of the servomotor to reach a predetermined maximum velocity Vmax and a predetermined maximum acceleration Amax.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle capable of traveling over various terrain and traversing obstacles. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a cylindrical body having two or more drive wheels coupled to the ends thereof. The wheels are selectively powered to propel the vehicle. The vehicle may further include a spring member which may be deflected to a first, stored position from a second, extended position. The spring member may be quickly released from the first, stored position such that it strikes the terrain with sufficient force to lift and propel the vehicle over or onto a proximate obstacle or object. Robotic vehicles of the present invention may also include one or more sensing devices operable to collect information. Electronics may further permit autonomous, semi-autonomous, and/or remote control of the vehicle. In still other embodiments, the robotic vehicle forms part of a multi-robot surveillance team.

Abstract: A Cartesian robot comprises a base member disposed along an x-axis, a transverse member moveably mounted to the base member, and disposed along a y-axis transverse to the x-axis. The robot has a y-carriage for a measurement probe moveably mounted to the transverse member along the y-axis. The x, y, and z axes define a Cartesian coordinate system. The robot includes an innovative structure that achieves high precision with respect to the z-axis by providing a planarized and stable reference surface along the y-axis (vertical axis). The position of the y-carriage with respect to a z-axis is a predictable function of the measured position of the y-carriage on the reference surface, and rigid-body tilt of the reference surface. High accuracy and precision are achieved by utilizing a granite slab for providing the planarized reference surface disposed along the y-axis for the transverse member.

Abstract: A legged mobile robot in which sensors which can measure contact pressure are provided so as to be distributed at corresponding portions of whole body of the robot in order to determine the state of contact with the external world. In addition, modules which use shock-absorbing members for reducing shock are provided at the corresponding portions of the whole body of the robot. These modules cover their corresponding portions of the robot in order to further function as external parts for protecting the robot from shock. The modules can be constructed so as to be removable from the body of the robot, and may include batteries for supplying electrical power to terminal parts such as sensors. The invention provides a robot which can operate while being subjected to external forces as a result of coming into contact with an obstacle or other external objects, and which makes it possible to reduce shock which is produced when the robot comes into contact with an external object.

Abstract: A robot device 1 has a sensor 101 for detecting information of a user, a user identification section 120 for identifying one user from a plurality of identifiable users on the basis of the information of the user detected by the sensor 101, and an action schedule section 130, an action instruction execution section 103 and an output section 104 as action control means for manifesting an action corresponding to the one user identified by the user identification section 120.

Abstract: A robot for performing substantially autonomous movement includes a processing device, a memory, and a mobility structure controlled by the processing device. The processor directs the robot to move with any predetermined safe area having a boundary and a reference point. Optionally, the robot also exhibits features of social interactivity by accepting an input from a human, selecting dynamic content from a data base wherein the dynamic content is responsive to the input, and presenting the human with a response corresponding to the dynamic content selection.

Abstract: A walking-type robot device and its learning method are disclosed, wherein the robot device is caused to perform walking that accords with the parameters for controlling the walking, the walking is evaluated, and the parameters are updated so that the very evaluation is enhanced. Besides, a walking-type robot device is provided with a controlling means for controlling the robot so as to cause it to perform walking that accords with parameters which prescribe the driving phase of each leg of the time of walking, an evaluating means for evaluating the velocity of the walking, and a parameter updating means for updating the parameters so that the evaluation of the walking by the evaluating means is enhanced.

Abstract: A biologically inspired, multi-segmented robot is provided, wherein the biologically inspired, multi-segmented robot employs a logic-based technique to control mobility, rather than a mobility control technique that relies on complex mathematical models. The robot is biologically-inspired in that it employs certain artificial, anatomical and neuro-physiological features that are similar to features found in actual biological systems, including a host of artificial joints and muscle-like actuators. These anatomical and neuro-physiological features exhibit certain built-in, mechanical constraints, which provide mechanical feedback that is similar to the type of feedback that is inherent in genuine biological systems. In addition, the robot employs one or more sensors which are capable of measuring the status (e.g., the position) of the robot. A controller then uses the sensor data to activate functional groupings of the muscle-like activators to control mobility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a robot including a motor having a rotation shaft, an arm part having one end connected to the rotation shaft and interlocking with a rotation of the motor, a position controller controlling the motor, and a main controller generating a speed command profile for controlling the motor, based on the inputted motion command of the arm part and transmitting the profile to the position controller, comprising a step of generating the speed command profile controlling a speed of the motor so as to allow the arm part to have an acceleration profile in uniform speed. With this configuration, the slipping of a workpiece can be prevented and further increasing the motion speed while the arm part is traveling, by making the motion speed of the arm part constant.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: A robotic inspection system for gas turbine combustion components includes an exterior manipulator for visual inspection of the exterior surface of the impingement sleeve, an interior manipulator for visual inspection of the interior of the transition piece body and an annulus manipulator for inspecting the side weld seams of the transition piece body. The exterior manipulator includes an arcuate segment extending about the annular spaced impingement sleeves and a robotic subassembly including a linear rail and an upper arm and forearm mounting an inspection head pivotally coupled to one another for visual inspection of the top, bottom and side external surfaces of the impingement sleeve. The interior manipulator mounts to the open end of the combustion casing and includes an arm mounted for universal pivotal movement to the mount, actuators for pivoting the arm and motors for extending and rotating an inspection head about pan and tilt axes within the interior of the transition piece body.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling a remote robot responsive to the integrated sensory perceptions, natural body movements, inertia and gravitation of an operator/user who is himself responding to a three dimensional virtual world of visual and sensory conditions responsive to the environment at the remote site where the robot is operating. The user requires no training, special commands or devices to direct the robot because the user has the perception of actually being at the remote location, handling remote objects he sees and feels in his hands, walking, climbing, viewing and feeling the remote world.

Abstract: With a robot and a control method for it, information is read in from the outside, based on which a particular object is detected, and it is judged upon detecting the object whether or not the object satisfies given conditions, based on the judgment results of which a robot generates predetermined actions. Thus, a robot can be realized that acts naturally like a living thing. Consequently, its entertaining quality for human beings can be increased greatly.

Abstract: A robot is provided, wherein it is possible to reduce incorrect identification in the case of executing face identification in a place where lighting variations are large such as in a house and in a place where there exists a lighting environment that is bad for identification. A face area of a person is detected from an image picked up at an imaging device and stored, and a face detecting and identifying device identifies a person using face image information stored before then. An identification result reliability calculating device calculates, using information from the imaging device, whether or not a present lighting state is suitable for face identification. When the result of calculation indicates that the lighting state is not suitable for face identification, the robot is moved by a moving means. Thereby, incorrect identification can be reduced.

Abstract: A robot calibration system for calibrating a robot and a method of determining a position of the robot to calibrate the robot are disclosed. The system includes an electrical ground defining a return for an electrical circuit. The robot, which is electrically connected to the ground, includes an arm having a tool surface operating within a robot workspace. The system also includes an electrical supply and a detection device. The electrical supply defines a source for the circuit and provides a charge and a reference voltage to the system. The detection device communicates with the electrical supply to detect variations in either the charge, the reference voltage, or both. The system further includes a calibration object. The calibration object is electrically insulated from the ground and is electrically connected to the electrical supply.

Abstract: With a robot and a control method for it, information is read in from the outside, based on which a particular object is detected, and it is judged upon detecting the object whether or not the object satisfies given conditions, based on the judgment results of which a robot generates predetermined actions. Thus, a robot can be realized that acts naturally like a living thing. Consequently, its entertaining quality for human beings can be increased greatly.

Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, two arms, two legs, several sensors, an audio system, a light assembly, and a video device. The sensors located throughout the body of the robot combined with an edge detection sensor allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video device allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes which allow the robot to operate autonomously. The robot may operate autonomously in an automatic mode, a security mode, a greet mode, and a monitor mode. Further, the robot can be manipulated remotely.