Abstract: A method is provided for determining the shape of a surgical linking device that is to be attached to a bony body structure such as the spinal column based on digitized locations of a plurality of attachment elements engaged to the bony structure. The method is implemented by a computer system through a GUI to generate an initial bend curve to mate with the plurality of attachment elements. The initial bend curve may be simplified based on user input to the GUI to reduce the number of bends necessary to produce a well-fitting linking device and may be altered to help obtain the goals of surgery.

Abstract: A method of providing operating parameters of an automation device via a configuration system comprising: detection of a pre-selection of the automation device via a user interface of the configuration system; detection of a target value of a first operating parameter of the automation device via the user interface; calculation of a limit value of a second operating parameter of the automation device in dependence on the target value of the first operating parameter, wherein the dependence of the second operating parameter on the first operating parameter is calculated using a device model of the automation device; and output of the limit value of the second operating parameter via the user interface of the configuration system.

Abstract: A method for identifying a variation factor portion of a springback amount, including: performing press forming analysis under first press forming conditions, and calculating a residual stress distribution in a press formed part; performing springback analysis on the press formed part, and calculating a first springback amount; performing press forming analysis under second press forming conditions, and calculating a residual stress distribution in the press formed part; replacing a value of residual stress in a partial area of the residual stress distribution; performing springback analysis on the press formed part for which the value of the residual stress has been replaced, and calculating a second springback amount; obtaining a difference between the second springback amount and the first springback amount; and identifying a portion in the press formed part that is a factor for variation in springback amount of the press formed part based on the obtained difference.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for creating a robot control program for operating a machine tool, in particular a bending machine, having the steps of generating image material of a machining operation of a workpiece on the machine tool by means of at least one optical sensor; extracting at least one part of the workpiece and/or at least one part of a hand of an operator handling the workpiece from the image material; generating a trajectory and/or a sequence of movement points of at least one part of the workpiece and/or at least one part of a hand of an operator from the extracted image material; and creating a robot control program by reverse transformation of the trajectory and/or the sequence of movement points.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for performing robot planning using a process definition graph. The techniques can include receiving a process definition graph having a plurality of task nodes that represent respective tasks to be performed by a respective robot of a plurality of robots, wherein each task node is associated with a location at which the task will be performed; generating, from the process definition graph, an initial modified process definition graph that adds constraints for respective swept volumes occupied by each task represented by the plurality of task nodes; and generating, from the initial modified process definition graph, a refined process definition graph, wherein the refined process definition graph includes respective motion plans for robots moving between tasks, wherein the motion plans define transitions that avoid the swept volumes occupied by each task represented by the plurality of task nodes.

Abstract: A press brake is provided with a hydraulic cylinder configured to move an upper table and a lower table relative to each other in a vertical direction, and a control unit configured to control a hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic cylinder, in which the control unit manages a predictor of an occurrence of an abnormality in the hydraulic circuit including a first pressure control valve configured to control a back pressure of hydraulic oil on a first port side of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned surface vessels (USV) collect electro-optical images, LiDAR or sonar to create a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud referenced to a geodetic datum. The resulting point cloud is a digital surface representation of the earth's surface. The process of the geospatial cleaning and point cloud compression entails cleaning of the point-cloud surface and to the automated extraction of a set of 3D vector polylines and mass points. The resultant electronic file retains the details of the bare-earth point-cloud with an approximate 10× compression in file size or more.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a processing device and a processing method, with which it is possible to improve processing accuracy. A processing device processes a work piece which integrally includes a plate-shaped first curved-surface section and a plate-shaped planar-surface section that extends from the edge of the first curved-surface section in a bending manner. Furthermore, the processing device includes a first clamp device which includes a contact part that makes contact with the first curved-surface section, and a pressing part that presses the first curved-surface section in the direction of the contact part, and which restricts movement of the first curved-surface section in the plate thickness direction; a second clamp device which is movable in the plate thickness direction of the planar-surface section and supports the planar-surface section; and a machining device which machines the first curved-surface section.

Abstract: A method and system for an automated modular construction factory is presented. A plurality of pre-cast construction panels, a quality control zone, a transportation system, a general stockyard, a sequencing system, an assembly zone, an assembly system, a transit system, a finishing zone, and a plurality of finishing stations are provided. The pre-cast construction panels undergo quality control under the quality control zone and are transported and ordered to the general stockyard through the transportation and sequencing systems. The panels are then assembled into a constructed room in the assembly zone through the assembly system. The constructed room is transported by the transit system to the finishing zone where the constructed room is furnished and completed by the plurality of finishing stations.

Abstract: Predictive maintenance methods and systems, including a method of applying transfer entropy techniques to find a causal link between parameters; a method of applying quality weighting to context data based on a priori knowledge of the accuracy of the context data; a method of detecting a maintenance action from parameter data by detecting a step and a process capability improvement; a method of managing unattended alerts by considering cost/benefit of attending to one or more alerts over time and assigning alert expiry time and/or ranking the alerts accordingly; a method of displaying components of a complex system in a functional way enabling improvements in system diagnostics; a method of determining the time of an event indicator in time series parameter data; a method of classifying an event associated with a fault condition occurring within a system; and a method of determining whether an event recorded in parameter data is attributable to an external factor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the automatic generation of characterized image data. For this purpose, a visual representation of a component is computed on the basis of existent structure data for the component, wherein the surface properties of the visual representation of the component may be varied based on predefined characteristic properties. Because, in the computation of such visual representations, both the component itself and the underlying characteristic surface properties are known, this information may be used for characterizing the corresponding parts in the visual representation in order to achieve automatic characterization of the computed visual representation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a control server and method for controlling a robot using an artificial neural network, and a robot implementing the same. The robot includes a driver, a processor controlling the driver using an artificial neural network-based algorithm model, and a learning processor learning the algorithm model, where the algorithm model includes a first GAN (generative adversarial network) and a second GAN, the processor generates a plurality of real-like-fake images using a first generator included in a learned first GAN, the learning processor learns a second GAN based on a plurality of random texture rendered images and the plurality of real-like-fake images, and the processor generates a canonical image by inputting a real image to a second generator included in a learned second GAN, and controls the driver using the canonical image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a worksite automation process that involves: generating a first sequence of tasks to build the product according to a model. The process further involves causing one or more robotic devices to build the product by beginning to execute the first sequence of tasks. Further, during the execution of the first sequence of tasks, performing a buildability analysis to determine a feasibility of completing the product by executing the first sequence of tasks. Based on the analysis, determining that it is not feasible to complete the product by executing the first sequence of tasks, and in response, generating a second sequence of tasks to complete the product according to the model. Then, causing the one or more robotic devices to continue building the product by beginning to execute the second sequence of tasks.

Abstract: A bending machine has an automated profile bending process for providing controlled management, regulation of the controlled management, correction of the automated profile bending process, and application of 3D cameras to the bending machine. The bending machine includes a first camera fixed to a first holder and a second camera fixed to a second holder. The bending machine further includes rollers for applying the holders to the bending machine to provide a three-dimensional view of a portion of the bending process. The bending machine even further includes a computer for controlling the bending process, and the bending process includes a profile defined dimensionally and in space relative to the bending machine.

Abstract: Methods to accurately determine the maximum bending moment Mb for a spot weld are provided. The methods include subjecting a test coupon including a spot weld, to a coach peel test and monitoring the test coupon using digital image correlation in order to determine the bending moment arm length at peak force. The bending moment arm length at peak force is multiplied by the peak force value to provide an accurate maximum bending moment for the spot weld. The calculated maximum bending moment Mb is used in a combined force based spot weld failure calculation to predict failure of a spot weld under a combined loading condition.

Abstract: An interface receives analyzed energy usage data, the analyzed energy usage data comprising information determined by one or more home automation devices. A processor applies optimization recommendation rules to the energy usage data. The processor determines an optimization recommendation, the optimization recommendation based on the analyzed energy usage data and the optimization recommendation rules. Upon a determination of the optimization recommendation, the interface further operable to communicate the optimization recommendation to a user.

Abstract: An adjustable jig for a sheet metal brake including a first arm configured to mount to the brake, and an adjustable backstop affixed on the first arm. The adjustable backstop is set at an adjustable first distance from a front face of the brake when the first arm is mounted to the brake. A first adjustable front stop can be configured to engage the first arm and retain an adjustable first front stop position relative to the first arm. A second adjustable front stop can be configured to engage the first arm and retain an adjustable second front stop position relative to the first arm. The first and second front stops are independently adjustable relative to the first arm. A sheet metal brake with an adjustable jig. A method for bending sheet metal with a sheet metal brake and an adjustable jig.

Abstract: A testing system for use in conducting testing of a structure, and a method for configuring a testing system are provided. The testing system includes a testing device that includes a presentation interface, a user input interface, a memory device and a processor coupled in communication with the presentation interface, the user input interface, and the memory device. The processor causes the testing device to present to a user, prior to a test session, at least one demonstrative instruction for conducting a test session using the testing device, and at least one test instruction for use while the user is conducting a test session using the device.

Abstract: A system and method for bending a surgical rod using an automated bending system includes receiving an indication of a plurality of line segments defined on the rod and an indication of an angle measurement to be formed between at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments. Bending parameters to perform on the rod to form the angle measurement between the at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments are determined and operation of the automated bending system is controlled using the bending parameters to create an angle having the angle measurement between the at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments.

Abstract: Provided are a highly-versatile plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining apparatus, plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining method, and plate-like-workpiece twisting and shaping method that can give a freely-chosen twisted shape or curved shape to a plate-like workpiece with a simple, highly-versatile configuration without having to prepare a die member and that can also be applied to an integral skin. A twisting and retaining apparatus includes at least two support points that are contactable with a first surface in a twisting range of a plate-like workpiece; a plurality of pressing points that are similarly contactable with a second surface in the twisting range and that flank a line connecting the at least two support points in plan view of the plate-like workpiece; and an advance-retract driving apparatus (support unit, pressing unit) that causes at least the support points or the pressing points to advance and retract in a thickness direction of the plate-like workpiece.

Abstract: A machine tool for bending a workpiece by clamping the workpiece with a die and a punch is configured to: distinguish a material characteristic of the workpiece as an actual value and a nominal value; determine an actual material characteristic during an machining operation and re-calculate an operation target value suitable for the workpiece; and bend the workpiece by operating the punch in accordance with the suitable operation target value thus re-calculated.

Abstract: The manufacturing method object of the invention comprises the following stages: A) stacking strips of prepreg material on a laminating tool (14), so that an angled laminated part (2) is obtained comprising a central section (2a) contained in a first plane (12), at least one side section (2b) contained in a second plane (13), and at least one bending axis (5) between the central section (2a) and the at least one side section (2b), so that, the first plane and the second plane form an angle ?; B) forming of the angled laminated part (2) comprising bending along the bending axis (5) the, at least, one side section with respect to the central section (2a), obtaining a formed part (6); C) curing, of the formed part (6).

Abstract: System and method for automatically bending a surgical rod are provided. The system includes a linear movement device configured to axially feed the surgical rod, a rotational movement device configured to rotate the surgical rod as it is axially fed, and a bending device including a roller to impose bending forces against the rod. The rod is free from contact with the bending device after it is axially fed past the roller.

Abstract: A precision configuration system includes a plier device having clasp members, a heat transfer clamp member, a bending force transducer, and a temperature controller. One clasp member has a single jaw tooth that contacts and heats a component, for example, a wire positioned by a component holder and accommodated within a receptacle defined between double jaw teeth of the other clasp member. The heat transfer clamp member includes a heating coil that generates and transfers heat to the single jaw tooth. The bending force transducer controls magnitude and direction of bending forces applied by the plier device to precision bend and reshape the component at one or more bending points on the component based on force commands received from a component configuration computer system. The temperature controller controls the generation and transfer of heat to the single jaw tooth to facilitate temperature controlled, precision bending and reshaping of the component.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to generate a lofted sheet metal model. User input is accepted that obtains two input profiles. A triangulated lofted shape is generated that transitions between the two profiles. The triangulated lofted shape is adjusted to reflect a manufacturing process. A manufacturable lofted sheet metal shape is then generated based on the adjusted triangulated lofted shape.

Abstract: Folding avoidance in skeletal stroke application is provided. In some embodiments, folding avoidance in skeletal stroke application includes identifying a destination path for a source artwork and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the destination path, in which the source artwork is mapped onto the destination path; determining a contiguous region along the destination path including a subset of ribs; in which each of the subset of ribs in the contiguous region crosses another rib in the contiguous region that is not necessarily an adjacent rib; and adjusting each of the subset of ribs in the contiguous region so that each of the ribs no longer crosses another rib in the contiguous region to provide a modified subset of ribs. Accordingly, the source artwork can then be adapted to fit along the destination path using the adjusted ribs.

Abstract: A method of programming control of a forming machine which has a plurality of controllable machine axes includes displaying an axis selection menu with graphical symbols for machine axes of the forming machine; receiving an input for selection of a machine axis to be programmed; displaying an axial movement menu containing options for the input of movement parameters for definition of a course of movement of the axial movement of the selected machine axis; receiving inputs for definition of movement parameters; displaying an axial movement coordination menu containing options for input of coordination parameters for definition of a coordination of courses of movement of the axial movements of machine axes; receiving inputs for definition of values for coordination parameters.

Abstract: A method produces a bent part by two- or three-dimensional bending of an elongate workpiece, in particular a wire or tube, in a bending process wherein at least one portion of the workpiece is moved into an initial position in the region of engagement of a bending tool by one or more feed operations by the coordinated activation of the movements of driven machine axes of a bending machine numerically controlled by a control device and is formed by bending in at least one bending operation with the aid of a bending tool. The movements of the driven machine axes are generated according to a movement profile predeterminable by the control device of the bending machine and include at least one oscillation-relevant movement leading to an oscillation of the free end portion of the bent part. During an oscillation-relevant movement, a compensating movement, reducing the generation of oscillation and/or damping the oscillation, a machine axis is generated in at least one compensation time interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine controller comprising a sensor module (4), an evaluation module (9) and a control module (5), and the sensor module (4) has a convertor which converts a mechanical variable acting on the sensor module (4) into a proportional electric characteristic variable, and the evaluation module (9) is connected via a first signal connection (8) to the sensor module (4) and via a second signal connection (11) to the control module (5). The evaluation module (9) generates a signal profile from the detected electric signal by means of an analysis of potential and/or change, which is compared with at least one reference signal profile stored in a memory means of the evaluation module (9) by means of a comparison module of the evaluation module (9), from which the control signal is generated. Furthermore, at least one of the two signal connections (8, 11) is based on a wireless design.

Abstract: A control system for use with a machine having a moving tool arranged to move through a known path of movement. The control system includes a means for detecting the location of objects in or adjacent the path of the tool (12) and a processing and control means arranged to determine the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and a leading edge (22) of the tool (12). The control system includes at least one mode of operation in which the processing and control means controls movement of the tool (12) such that the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and the leading edge (22) of the tool (12) is maintained within minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface forming method for a metal plate. Nonlinear finite element analysis of elasto-plastic large deformation is performed on the metal plate. The metal plate to be worked is formed so as to have a three-dimensional target curved surface on the basis of the analysis results using a plurality of forming punches connected to a hydraulic apparatus. The curved surface formation method is very useful when the metal plate is worked for small quantity batch production.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a work using a punch mounted onto an upper table and a die mounted onto a lower table by operation of a ram consisting of the upper table or the lower table includes: a machining information determining means for determining bending sequences, tools, tool layouts, and work positions, based on product information; a tool management database for accumulating numbers of uses of each tool that actually bent the work along with operation of the ram, based on the determined work positions, tools and tool layouts; a number of uses of tool detecting means for detecting number of uses of each mounted tool, referring to the tool management database; and a displaying means for displaying number of uses of relevant predetermined tool, when the detected number of uses of each tool becomes equal or approximate to a durable number of uses, or when a display command signal from a worker side is input.

Abstract: A method produces a bent part by two- or three-dimensional bending of an elongate workpiece, in particular a wire or tube, in a bending process wherein at least one portion of the workpiece is moved into an initial position in the region of engagement of a bending tool by one or more feed operations by the coordinated activation of the movements of driven machine axes of a bending machine numerically controlled by a control device and is formed by bending in at least one bending operation with the aid of a bending tool. The movements of the driven machine axes are generated according to a movement profile predeterminable by the control device of the bending machine and include at least one oscillation-relevant movement leading to an oscillation of the free end portion of the bent part. During an oscillation-relevant movement, a compensating movement, reducing the generation of oscillation and/or damping the oscillation, a machine axis is generated in at least one compensation time interval.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the shape of a surgical linking device that is to be attached to a bony body structure such as the spinal column based on digitized locations of a plurality of attachment means engaged to the bony structure. The method is implemented by a computer system through a GUI to generate an initial bend curve to mate with the plurality of attachment means. The initial bend curve may be simplified based on user input to the GUI to reduce the number of bends necessary to produce a well-fitting linking device and may be altered to help obtain the goals of the surgery.

Abstract: Provided is an article design support system featuring enhanced degree of freedom in terms of designing articles (for example, an article of furniture). A part space P surrounding a part incorporated in a cell space S is correlated with the cell space S, which is formed by a frame constituting a unit. The position (dimensions) of the part space P in the cell space S is defined by part space data specifying a relative position and relative dimensions using the cell space S as a reference. The position (dimensions) of a part in the part space P is defined by part (element) data specifying a relative position and relative dimensions using the part space P as a reference.

Abstract: A method is provided for guaranteeing generation of 2D sketches based upon a 3D sheet metal part shape created by any type of sheet metal feature operation. The method includes performing a sheet metal feature operation to create the 3D sheet metal shape. The 3D sheet metal shape will have multiple flanges. Then an editable 2D sketch is created for each flange by obtaining geometric parameters of the 3D sheet metal shape, and linking the parameters with the appropriate generated sketch. The constraint parameters can include line segment lengths and angles between selected adjoining two line segments of the 3D sheet metal shape.

Abstract: A new type of method and system for designing duct work is disclosed. This system may be implemented using a computer. The system may be designed such that specific information regarding the room, the appliance, and/or other information is input into the computer. Using this input information, along with information that is stored in a database, the system will output a design for the duct work that may include both a cut sheet (for cutting out the duct work) as well as a three-dimensional representation of the duct work that is displayed on a computer.

Abstract: A spring-forming control system and its control method for a spring forming machine in which the spring-forming control system uses a host computer to provide graphical spring parameter setting, program modification, and dragline-method program modification graphical interfaces that are selectively switchable on a display monitor. After setting of spring processing parameters through the spring parameter setting interface, a trial production is done subject to a spring parameter auto-generation software built in the spring-forming control system, and then the production is started if the trial meets the requirements, or the spring processing parameters are modified through the spring parameter setting interface, program modification interface, or dragline-method program modification interface if the trial does not meet the requirements, and then a further trial production is performed till the shaped spring meets the requirements.

Abstract: With a method according to the invention for free bending, a workpiece to be machined, such as a sheet metal plate, is brought into contact with a bending edge of a lower die. A bending punching tool is moved opposite to the lower die, such that the sheet metal plate is bent by the punching tool in terms of generating a predetermined target bending angle across the bending edge. In this case, the achieved bending angle is measured at least after a first bending process and the bending force to be applied and the measuring curve resulting therefrom are determined during the bending process as a function of the traverse path of the bending punching tool.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional CAD-system for adding data about a drafting direction of a die to three-dimensional data about the part to be formed by that die, and a cost calculation system for calculating the cost of the part based on that drafting direction data. A three-dimensional model generation unit of a CAD system generates: a three-dimensional shaped model of a given part based on information coming from an input operation unit. A drafting direction data setting unit establishes drafting direction data when the input operation unit is operated to designate the drafting direction of the die for press molding, injection molding or the like of the part in question. A projected area calculation unit calculates a projected area S of the part on a plane perpendicular to the drafting direction of the applicable die on the basis of the three-dimensional model of that part and the drafting direction data involved.

Abstract: A bending apparatus is provided with a ram start-up device so as to be movable in a lateral direction. A controller moves the ram start-up device to a point in front of positioning points of abutments corresponding to points of selected edges of a workpiece. The bending apparatus includes a foreign object detector that detects the entry of a foreign object into a region of movement of the ram start-up device. A controller prevents the ram start-up device from moving when the entry of the foreign object is detected.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for direct sheet metal unforming comprising selecting a planar face on a part design; identifying a plurality of linear bends associated with said planar face; calculating a plurality of bend parameters corresponding to each of said linear bends; and converting said part design having said linear bends to a sheet metal partand appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: A numerical control arrangement, comprising a sheet metal data file defining a part blank having a plurality of position elements from a processed design file; a machine controller comprising tool-related operations and control data from said sheet metal data file defining a plurality of position elements, the operations and position elements being associated with machining tasks; and a machine controlled by said machine controller to form a sheet metal part and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to optimize punching instructions. An example method disclosed herein obtains a tool bed layout, the tool bed including a description of a plurality of tool punch parts, each tool punch part further including tool definition information; obtains a component layout, the component including a description of a component having at least one feature requiring a punching operation; validates the component layout; advances the component to a position of optimum depth; determines a hit score at the position of optimum depth; and repeats the component advancing and the hit score determination until all of the at least one feature of the component is assigned to a tool punch part.

Abstract: A system and method for designing stamping tools that produce parts of desired dimensions. The system and method compensate for post stamping deviations from the desired dimensions in the shape of the tools used to produce the parts. The compensated tools result in nearly ideal parts.

Abstract: An automatic dotting machine (100) includes a feeding device (10) for unloading workpieces (200) one by one with the same interval, a conveying device (40) for conveying the workpieces to a predetermined dotting region, a sensor unit (70, 251) for detecting whether the workpieces reach the predetermined dotting region, a programmed control unit (30) for controlling the whole process of the dotting and receiving signal detected by the sensor unit and then sending out a command, a sliding device for moving the workpieces to a predetermined dotting position after receiving the command of the programmed control unit, a positioning device for clamping and positioning the wokpieces to the predetermined position to be dotted, and a punching device (24) for punching dents on the workpieces after the workpieces are positioned at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A method is provided of embedding tooling control data within a mechanical fixture design to enable programmable logic control verification simulation. The method includes the steps of constructing at least one of a mechanical fixture design, a workcell design, and a controls design. The method also includes the steps of executing a virtual programmable logic control (VPLC) simulation with a VPLC verification simulator to verify the at least one of the mechanical fixture design, the workcell design, and the controls design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a part. A digital model of the part is formed. A digital design of a tool usable to create the part is formed. The tool is created using an additive manufacturing process and the digital design of the tool. The tool is usable in a press machine to manufacture the part.

Abstract: A control system for use with a machine having a moving tool arranged to move through a known path of movement. The control system includes a means for detecting the location of objects in or adjacent the path of the tool (12) and a processing and control means arranged to determine the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and a leading edge (22) of the tool (12). The control system includes at least one mode of operation in which the processing and control means controls movement of the tool (12) such that the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and the leading edge (22) of the tool (12) is maintained within minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: There are provided a method for producing a die for press brake easily and a die. Three-dimensional models of an upper die 10 and a lower die 20 are prepared based on the data of a work W10. The lower die 20 is divided into plate-shaped die elements 201 to 20n, and each element is subjected to three-dimensional laser beam machining. The die elements are fastened to complete the lower die. The upper die is also produced by the same process.