Abstract: An ultrasound treatment head and an ultrasound imaging and treatment method using the same are disclosed. The ultrasound treatment head according to an embodiment comprises: a structure including a treatment transducer and an imaging probe positioned at the center of the treatment transducer, the treatment transducer and the imaging probe being physically aligned; a first mechanism for steering the mechanical movement of the entire structure; and a second mechanism for steering the mechanical movement of either the imaging probe or the treatment transducer alone in the structure.

Abstract: Provided is an industrial robot in which a gear for causing a work tool to rotate can easily be retrofitted to a robot without requiring work to adjust backlash.

Abstract: A multi-degree of freedom (DOF) moving stage includes a plurality of joint portions. At least one of the plurality of joint portions has a joint structure including a first flexible member and first and second rigid members, the first and second rigid members being arranged apart from each other with a first gap therebetween such that the first gap exposes a first surface of the first flexible member. Castellated patterns having shapes complementary to each other are respectively provided at a first end portion of the first rigid member adjacent to the first gap and a second end portion of the second rigid member adjacent to the first gap.

Abstract: An alignment device has a support base attached to a conveying device, and a mounting plate to which a gripping member is attached, and the mounting plate is transferably abutted on a fastening holder that is fixed to the support base. A movable ring fixed to the mounting plate has a sliding part that is transferably engaged with the fastening holder. A first holding mechanism arranged between the fastening holder and the mounting plate locks the mounting plate to the fastening holder. A second holding mechanism provided between the fastening holder and the movable ring cancels a first-direction force of the mounting plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cable-based force feedback control apparatus capable of automatically determining the unspecified number and positions of cable haptic apparatus and performing force feedback control based on the determination result and a control method for the apparatus. A force feedback control apparatus and a control method for the apparatus according to the present disclosure may freely change the number and positions of haptic modules, may be installed according to various screen sizes, and may automatically detect the number and positions of the haptic devices, thereby achieving scalability.

Abstract: A method is provided for transporting components using a gripping apparatus. The gripping apparatus includes a body defining a chamber and includes an exhaust at a first end of the body. The gripping apparatus also includes an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The method includes attaching a gripper head to a second end of the body opposite to the first end. The gripper head defines one or more openings and a nest. The method further includes generating an air flow through an inlet of the air conveyor and out through the exhaust. The method further includes applying suction via the one or more openings in the gripper head to locate and releasably hold one of the components with the gripper head at the first location based on the generating step. The method further includes transporting the component from the first location to a second location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible supporting structure that includes a linkage mechanism capable of being bent for adjustment. The linkage mechanism includes at least one row of a linkage plate assembly, and the linkage plate assembly includes at least two linkage toothed plates which are meshed and connected in sequence. At least one end portion of each of the at least two linkage toothed plates is provided with a meshing tooth portion such that a first meshing tooth portion of a first linkage toothed plate is meshed with a second meshing tooth portion of a second linkage toothed plate. The flexible supporting structure is applicable to various products and provides a function of adjusting an angle or a bending degree in a wide range by using linkage between the linkage toothed plates.

Abstract: A planar drive device having a first platform and having a second platform, which platforms are movable in an X-Y plane on a work bench, wherein the first platform has a frame, a transmission and a working platform for the arrangement of a work tool, wherein the transmission permits an adjustment of the distance of the working platform with respect to the X-Y plane, wherein the second platform has a frame and a drive member which is coupled in terms of movement at least indirectly to the working platform such that the distance of the working platform from the X-Y plane is adjustable by changing a distance between the two platforms within the X-Y plane. The work tool can be transferred into at least two different working states by relative movement of the platforms in the X-Y plane.

Abstract: A driving mechanism that relatively displaces first and second links includes a motor, a reduction gear, and a torque sensor including a hollow portion, wherein the reduction gear includes an input shaft that is rotated by drive of the motor, the torque sensor is arranged between the reduction gear and the first link, and the input shaft penetrates through the hollow portion of the torque sensor.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a support structure, a platform, a center serial chain, outer serial chains, motors, a sensor, and a control module. The center serial chain connects a center of the platform to the support structure and includes first joints connected to a linear sliding shaft. The outer serial chains are disposed radially outward of the center serial chain. Each of the outer serial chains includes second joints connecting a bar to the platform and the supporting structure. The motors are connected to the outer serial chains. The sensor is connected to the platform and detects at least one of force or torque applied by a human operator on the platform and generates a signal indicative thereof. The control module controls the motors based on the signal to assist the human operator in at least one of moving or rotating the platform.

Abstract: A gripper that comprises a first receiving plate for receiving a first product portion and a second receiving plate for receiving a second product portion, wherein the receiving plates are movable relative to one another. The gripper further including a first movable stop which is movable relative to the first receiving plate, and a second movable stop which is movable relative to the second receiving plate. The gripper is distinguished by the fact that the first stop and second stop are movable relative to one another so as to move the product portions towards one another when the gripper is closed such that the product portions then may be positioned to overlap one another.

Abstract: Mechanisms or apparatus convert a number of inputs via a number of input members into a number of output movements of an output structure, providing control in three degrees-of-freedom (DOF), for example control over roll, pitch and yaw of the output structure. Inputs may be rotations about a common axis of rotation, for example via a first ring, a second ring, and one or more plates, concentrically array. Rotation of the first ring may control a first DOF, rotation of the first ring may control a second DOF, and rotation of the plate may control all three DOF. Three concentrically arrayed tubular shafts may be employed, providing a through-passage or cable fluid conduit run to accommodate wires, optical fibers, fluid carrying conduits. Such may be particularly advantageous when employed as part of a robot, or other device with a tool or sensor or transducer located at or proximate a distal end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus having a drive unit having a first drive axis rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second drive axis rotatable about a second axis of rotation, the second drive axis being coaxial with and partially within the first drive axis and axially rotatable within the first drive axis. A robot arm has an upper arm connected to the drive unit at the first drive axis, a forearm coupled to the upper arm, the forearm being coupled to the upper arm at a first rotary joint and rotatable about the first rotary joint, the first rotary joint being actuatable by a first band arrangement coupled to the second drive axis, and an end effector coupled to the forearm, the end effector being coupled to the forearm at a second rotary joint and rotatable about the second rotary joint, the second rotary joint being actuatable by a second band arrangement coupled to the first rotary joint. The second band arrangement is configured to provide a variable transmission ratio.

Abstract: A robotic device includes one or more actuators to position an end effector in a plurality of degrees of freedom. A navigation system tracks an actual position of the end effector. A controller identifies a condition wherein the actual position of the end effector contacts a virtual constraint. The controller determines that an anticipated movement of the end effector from an actual position to the home position would cause a collision between the end effector and a virtual constraint and computes a target position of the end effector that avoids the collision. The target position is spaced from the actual position and computed with respect to the virtual constraint. The one or more actuators are controlled to move the end effector from the actual position to target position along the virtual constraint.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a headstock that holds a workpiece, a tool post that is movable in a first axis direction parallel to a workpiece rotation axis and in a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis and holds a tool, an in-machine robot, an opening for communicating the inside and the outside of a working chamber, and a door that opens and closes the opening. The robot includes a root joint fixed in the working chamber and a link unit positioned on a distal end side of the root joint. The root joint is a linear-motion joint extendable in a direction orthogonal to the workpiece rotation axis, and is a linear-motion joint extendable between the length for causing the entire link unit to be positioned inside the working chamber and the length for causing the entire link unit to be positioned outside the working chamber.

Abstract: A parallel link device whose height can be reduced particularly when a movable-side member is brought closer to a fixed-side member, and in which an amount of stroke of the movable-side member can be increased. Specifically, the parallel link device includes a fixed-side member, a movable-side member, six links, and slide mechanisms. Each of the six links has one end connected to the movable-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom, and the other end connected to the fixed-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom. A connection point of the other end and the fixed-side member is movable with respect to the fixed-side member. Each of the six links has five rotational degrees of freedom and a predetermined length. Each of the slide mechanisms is provided on the fixed-side member and holds the other end of the link movable within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various robotic surgical devices and systems that include first and second elongate bodies, first and second driveshafts disposed through the second elongate body, and an in-line shoulder joint with a robotic arm coupled thereto. In certain implementations, the in-line shoulder joint has a differential yoke and a dual shaft disposed within the yoke lumen.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, multiple tractive elements, a reach assembly, and a lift assembly. The multiple tractive elements are coupled with the chassis and configured to support the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly is coupled with the refuse vehicle. The lift assembly is coupled with the reach assembly. The lift assembly includes a track and a fully-electric grabber assembly. The track includes a straight portion and a curved portion. The fully-electric grabber assembly can ascend or descend the track and includes a carriage, a first grabber arm, a second grabber arm, and an electric motor. The carriage is configured to movably couple with the track. The first grabber arm and the second grabber arm are pivotally coupled with the carriage at opposite ends of the carriage. The electric motor is configured to drive the first grabber arm and the second grabber arm to rotate relative to the carriage.

Abstract: This invention relates to motion generators comprising: an end effector, a stationary support, a first set of elastic elements interconnecting the end effector and the stationary support; a set of tensile members; in which the end effector is supported within the stationary support by the elastic elements; and a set of actuators in which the motion generator further comprises at least six rockers each rocker being pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the stationary support, and each rocker having a free end; the set of tensile members comprising: at least six elongate tensile members, each elongate tensile member having one end connected to a rocker and the other end connected to one of a second set of elastic elements which are fixed; a set of connecting elements connecting each rocker to the end effector and in which each one of the set of tensile members is independently adjustably tensioned by an associated actuator to move the free end of the rocker, which rocker movement causes movement of a connecte

Abstract: A pendular handling system for handling parts in a press line may have two articulated robots arranged on opposite sides with respect to the central vertical plane of the press line, each robot having at least four rotational axes in series between a robot base and a robot wrist, and each robot being mounted with the first axis horizontal and perpendicular to the press line flow direction, a first arm of each robot can swing in a vertical plane in the press line flow direction.

Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes an end effector that is coupled via a dynamic coupling to the programmable motion system, wherein the dynamic coupling provides that at least a portion of the end effector may spin with respect to an other portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A rotary encoder for detecting the angle of rotation of a first rotatable shaft, with a first mark which is coupled with the first shaft, a second mark which is coupled with the second rotatable shaft, a third mark which is coupled with the second shaft, a fixed fourth mark and means for detecting a passage of the third mark though a vicinity of the fourth mark and means for detecting a coincidence of the angles of rotation of the first and the second marks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic rotator (11) for rotating a tool with respect to a crane arm, the hydraulic rotator comprising a first attachment piece (12) for connection to a crane arm and a second attachment piece (13) for connection to a tool; and a stator (14) and a rotor (15), the rotor (15) being rotatably arranged inside the stator (14) to rotate around an axial axis (A), wherein the rotor (15) comprises vanes (18) that are biased to extend radially outwards from said rotor (15), and wherein the stator (14) comprises an inner circumferential surface (25) to receive said vanes (18), which inner circumferential surface (25) comprises at least two chambers (19a) arranged to receive each vane of said vanes (18) to a first extent, and at least two shallow portions (19b) arranged to receive each vane of said vanes (18) to a second extent, which is substantially less compared to said first extent, wherein said inner circumferential surface (25) is arranged to receive at least a tip portion of the vanes

Abstract: A surgical system includes a motor, a first link movable by operation of the motor, a plurality of non-driven, revolute joints coupled to the first link such that the first link separates the plurality of revolute joints from the motor, and an end effector coupled to the first link via the plurality of non-driven, revolute joints.

Abstract: A first transmission path includes a joint rotation member (13A) provided in a joint (J1) of an arm (Ar) and rotatable around a first axial line (Ax1), and a connection shaft portion (14A) that transmits rotation of an electric motor (11A) to the joint rotation member (13A). A second transmission path includes a joint gear (13B) provided in the joint (J1) of the arm (Ar) and rotatable around the first axial line (Ax1), and a connection shaft portion (14B) that transmits rotation of another electric motor (11B) to the joint gear (13B). Both of the connection shaft portion (14A) and the connection shaft portion (14B) are rotatable around the first axial line (Ax1), and the connection shaft portion (14B) is disposed on the inner side of the connection shaft portion (14A). The joint gear (13B) is kept in engagement with a joint gear (15B) rotatable around a second axial line (Ax2) intersecting with the first axial line (Ax1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various robotic surgical devices and systems that include first and second elongate bodies, first and second driveshafts disposed through the second elongate body, and an in-line shoulder joint with a robotic arm coupled thereto. In certain implementations, the in-line shoulder joint has a differential yoke and a dual shaft disposed within the yoke lumen.

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly includes a robotic arm including a link, a control rope operable with the link, and an attachment section, the control rope extending at least partially through the attachment section. The robotic arm assembly also includes an actuator pack attached to, or positioned adjacent to, the attachment section of the robotic arm, the actuator pack including an actuator, the actuator operable with the control rope and including a motor defining a pivot axis, the motor configured to move about the pivot axis to displace the control rope.

Abstract: A surgical module is supported by manipulators that are removably attached to the surgical module. The surgical module may enable operation of surgical tools by providing an integration between actuating mechanisms of the manipulators and actuating mechanisms of the surgical tools. Alternatively or additionally, the surgical module may enable operation of the surgical tools by providing physical access for deploying surgical tools that are operatively connected to the manipulators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot with a base (3), a pivoting arm (4) which is articulated to the base (3) and which is pivotable about a rotational axis (13), wherein at the free end of the pivot arm (4) a pivotable mounting for a possible support arm (5) may be provided, and at least one drive unit (6, 7) for driving the pivot arm (4) and the possible support arm (5). According to the invention, a first drive unit (6) is coupled to a first four-bar linkage (8), a second four-bar linkage (9) is coupled to the first four-bar linkage (8) in such a way that the pivot arm (4) can be pivoted by the first drive unit (6).

Abstract: A robot arm mechanism capable of structurally eliminating or reducing a singular point posture within a movable range has a plurality of joints. The first joint is a rotational joint that rotates on a first axis, a second joint is a rotational joint that rotates on a second axis, and a third joint is a linear motion joint that moves along a third axis. The first joint, the second joint and the third joint are arranged in order from a base. The first joint is arranged so that the first axis is perpendicular to the base. The second joint is offset with respect to the first joint in a direction (Z axis direction) of the first axis and a direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A base for a parallel kinematics robot including a plurality of gear cavities. Each gear cavity having a first bearing seat configured to receive an output shaft bearing. The base consists of one piece in homogeneous material, and thereby interfaces negatively affecting the accuracy of the robot are omitted.

Abstract: A telescopic differential screw mechanism based 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator system to enable differential length and omnidirectional bending is provided. The telescopic differential screw mechanism based 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator system includes a first circular rotating plate 102, a second circular rotating plate 104, three or more telescopic screw assemblies 106A-C and three or more actuators 108A-C. Each telescopic screw assembly 106 includes a pair of master screws 110, a pair of successive screws 112 and a universal joint 116. The three or more telescopic screw assemblies 106A-C are actuated differentially using the three or more actuators 108A-C to achieve omnidirectional bending with high angular rotations in a range of 0 to 75 degree.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an arm structure includes a base, a first link, a second link, a connecting member, and a gravity compensation mechanism. The first and the second links are rotatable in a vertical direction. One end side of the first link is pivotally attached to the base via a first rotating shaft. One end side of the second link is pivotally attached to another end side of the first link via a second rotating shaft. A length of the first link is same as a length of the second link. The second link rotates around the second rotating shaft. A rotation angle of the second link is twice a rotation angle of the first link. A rotation direction of the second link is opposite to a rotation direction of the first link. The gravity compensation mechanism compensates for torque generated around the first rotating shaft by gravity.

Abstract: A device and method for judging the presence or absence of an abnormal clearance between paring elements of a passive joint of a robot. The device has sections configured to: calculate a score for each motion path, wherein the score is increased when the paring elements of an objective pair collide with each other and is decreased when the paring elements of the other pair collide with each other; generate a robot motion for moving the robot along the motion path having the score not lower than a predetermined threshold; measure a drive torque or a current value of a motor when the robot is moved according to the generated robot motion; calculate an index value based on a magnitude of variation of the measured drive torque or current value; and judge as to whether the abnormal clearance exists in the objective pair, based on the index value.

Abstract: A horizontally articulated robot includes a base, a first arm provided at the base, and a control device controlling the first arm, in which at least a part of the control device is located inside the base.

Abstract: A structure of a robot includes: a first member having a hollow portion in the vicinity of a horizontal axis; a second member rotatably supported on a side surface of the first member and having a hollow portion in the vicinity of the horizontal axis; a drive motor producing power for rotating the second member; and a speed reducer reducing the rotation speed of the drive motor and transmitting the rotation to the second member. The speed reducer includes: an output hypoid gear formed of a ring gear disposed coaxially with the horizontal axis and fixed to the first member; an input hypoid gear engaged with the output hypoid gear; and a transmission mechanism transmitting rotation from the drive motor to the input hypoid gear while reducing the speed. The drive motor, the input hypoid gear, and the transmission mechanism are supported in the second member in an accommodated state.

Abstract: A connection module includes a shaft member that can be rotated in place and can be lifted up and down, two wires arranged side by side and spirally wound on the shaft member, and an holder block connected with the bottom end of the shaft member and the bottom end of each wire such that the holder block drives the two wires to expand or to contract along the axial direction of the shaft member or to spiral in the axial direction of the shaft member when the holder block is driven by the shaft member. Thus, the connection module of the present invention can simplify the conventional complicated wiring mode, thereby saving operation space and reducing the risk of line breakage.

Abstract: A snake-like robot includes a first link having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the first distal end and the first proximal end. A second link has a second proximal end, a second distal end operatively coupled to the first proximal end, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the second proximal end and the second distal end. Rotation of the first link relative to the second link alternatively performs the following effects: elongation of the robot; pivoting of the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis; and rotation of the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A press brake includes paired fixation links, upper link arm, lower link arm and paired raised-lowered links, which form a parallel link mechanism configured to allow an operation panel to be raised and lowered. The press brake includes a spring configured to generate torque depending on a height position of the operation panel in an opposite direction to torque generated by weight of the operation panel; and a torque hinge configured to maintain a posture of the parallel link mechanism by absorbing a torque difference between the torque generated by the weight of the operation panel and the torque generated by the spring.

Abstract: A parallel link robot includes a plurality of drive units and link units each driven by the corresponding drive unit. Each of the drive units includes a motor, a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the motor to the link unit, and a housing that holds the motor. The housing includes a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and an opening through which the link unit extends. The first connection portion of one of the drive units and the second connection portion of another of the drive units are connected to each other, while the second connection portion of the one of the drive units and the first connection portion of another of the drive units are connected to each other.

Abstract: A robot includes a first arm rotatable around a first axis and a second arm having an extending direction. The first arm includes a first base and a first extending portion. The first base includes a first through hole passing through the first arm along the first axis. The first extending portion extends from the first base along the first axis. The second arm includes a second base and a second extending portion. The second base includes a connection portion connected to the first extending portion such that the second arm is rotatable around a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The second base includes a second through hole passing through the second arm along the extending direction. The second extending portion is provided opposite to the connection portion in the extending direction and extends from the second base along the extending direction.

Abstract: A workpiece is quickly fixed and released without using a driving device. A workpiece fixing tool includes: a pair of grip members that are disposed so as to face each other in a substantially horizontal direction and that can open and close in an opposite direction in which the grip members face each other, the grip members gripping a workpiece therebetween in a closed state; and urging members that urge the pair of grip members in closing directions. The pair of grip members have inclined faces facing each other, the inclined faces forming an angle with respect to each other such that a distance therebetween in the opposite direction in which the inclined faces face each other gradually decreases from upper side to lower side.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a robotic arm comprising a first arm unit, a second arm unit, a third arm unit, a first drive system, a second drive system and a third drive system. The first arm unit is connected to the second arm unit, and the second arm unit is connected to the third arm unit. The first, second and third drive systems cause the second arm unit to move relative to the first arm unit and cause the third arm unit to move relative to the second arm unit.

Abstract: A robot includes one or more joints. At least the one joint includes: a first joint member and a second joint member disposed so as to be relatively rotatable around a predetermined axis; a reducer that relatively rotatably supports the first and second joint members around the axis on one side in a direction of the axis of the first joint member; and a bearing that supports the first and second joint members relatively rotatably around the axis and relatively movable in a direction along the axis on another side in the direction of the axis of the first joint member, the first and second joint members include respective flange surfaces perpendicular to the axis and facing each other in the direction of the axis, and each of the flange surfaces includes a screw hole or a through hole for closely adhering the flange surfaces by fastening of a bolt.

Abstract: A first gear pair includes a first pinion on an input shaft and a first ring gear on an intermediate shaft. A second gear pair includes a second pinion on the intermediate shaft and a second ring gear on an output shaft. A first case that stores the first gear pair is coupled to a base member in a rotatable manner around an input shaft rotational axis. A second case is coupled to the first case in a rotatable manner around an intermediate shaft rotational axis.

Abstract: An exemplary drive apparatus may include a roller assembly and a roller support. The roller assembly may have a first continuous surface, a second continuous surface, an open configuration for receiving an elongate member, and a closed configuration for securing the elongate member in the roller assembly. The roller assembly imparts axial motion to the elongate member along the first continuous surface, which maintains contact with the elongate member during the axial motion. The roller support rotates the roller assembly about the second continuous surface, which maintains contact with the roller support during rotational motion. The roller assembly and roller support to impart axial and rotational motion, respectively, independently of one another.

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the first rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the second rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along

Abstract: A robotic instrument comprising an arm extending between a robot arm connection and an attachment for an end effector, the arm comprising: a first arm part; a second arm part distal of the first arm part; and a joint whereby the first and second arm parts are coupled together, the joint permitting the first and second arm parts to rotate relative to each other about at least two mutually offset axes; a control rod attached to the second part of the arm at a location spaced from the first and second axes, the control rod extending distally of that location along the first arm part; and a drive mechanism for driving the control rod to move relative to the first arm part and thereby alter the attitude of the second arm part relative to the first arm part.

Abstract: An article handling device is provided. In one embodiment, a system for article handling is provided. The system has first and second article handling devices that each have one or more gripping assemblies arranged around their periphery. The gripping assemblies are selectably movable between an open position and a closed position based on the relative position of the first and second article handling devices.

Abstract: A parallel kinematics robot includes a base and an end effector movable in relation to the base. A first actuator is attached to the base and connected to the end effector via a first kinematic chain including a first drive arm, a first rod, a first joint between the first drive arm and the first rod, and a second joint between the first rod and the end effector. A second actuator is attached to the base and connected to the end effector via a second kinematic chain including a second drive arm, a second rod, a third joint between the second drive arm and the second rod, and a fourth joint between the second rod and the end effector. A third actuator is attached to the base or to the first drive arm, and connected to the end effector via a third kinematic chain including a first gear wheel and a second gear wheel, the first and second gear wheels being journalled in bearings to the end effector and intermeshing with each other.