Abstract: The robotic activity system described herein provides for efficient communications between the robotic device and the board without the establishment of a wired or radio-frequency connection. In particular, through the simulation of touch events by the robotic device on the touch display of the board using capacitive elements on the robotic device, information/data may be communicated from the robotic device to the board, including the location of the robotic device relative to the touch display, the orientation of the robotic device relative to the touch display, status information of the robotic device (e.g., battery level, motor voltages, or wheel speed), and/or other similar pieces of information. Since this information is communicated using the conductive elements, a dedicated data connection, including separate radios and/or interfaces, is not needed. This communicated information may be used for conducting an interactive game involving the robotic device and the board or another activity.

Abstract: A method for operating an industrial robot by means of an operating device, including a step of touching a virtual operating element of a touch display of a graphical user interface. A function associated with the operating element is triggered when the virtual operating element is touched, the movement of the industrial robot being carried out relative to a robot coordinate system and the movement on the touch display being carried out relative to a display coordinate system. In order to be able to simply align the coordinate systems of the operating device and of the industrial robot with each other, the display coordinate system is recalibrated after a relative movement of the operating device with respect to the robot coordinate system.

Abstract: In a robot simulator, a central processing unit (CPU) determines whether or not a portion of an operable area set for each of a right-hand system and a left-hand system of a robot overlaps. If it is determined that the portion of the operable area overlaps and that an obstacle is positioned within the operable areas, the CPU color-codes and displays an image of the operable area of each of the right-hand system and the left-hand system reset in adherence to the obstacle in a display. As a result the operable areas in a periphery of the obstacle, differing for each of the right-hand system and the left-hand system, are displayed in a clearly discernable state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot (R), a medical work station, and a method for projecting an image (20) onto the surface of an object (P). The robot (R) comprises a robot arm (A) and a device (18) for projecting the image (20) onto the surface of the object (P), said device (18) being mounted on or integrated into the robot arm (A).

Abstract: A real-time method for controlling a system, the system including a plurality of controlling means each having at least one variable parameter (q) and a controlled element having a trajectory which is controlled by the controlling means, wherein the trajectory is related to the variable parameters by a variable matrix, the method comprising defining a control transfer matrix (K) relating the variable parameters dq to the trajectory dx, and using a feedback loop in which a feedback term is computed that is dependent on an error (e) which is the difference between the desired trajectory (dxd) which can have an arbitrary dimension specified as (m) and a current trajectory (dx).

Abstract: A bracket of a robot demonstrator for supporting a tablet computer is disclosed. The bracket includes a bar linkage assembly, a first clamping member pivoted with the bar linkage assembly, and a second clamping member positioned opposite to the first clamping member and pivoted with the bar linkage assembly. A distance between the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be adjusted via adjusting a length of the bar linkage assembly for clamping and supporting the tablet computer.

Abstract: A robotic arm module includes a chassis having at least one arm pod. At least one arm connected to the chassis is movable between a stowed position within the at least one arm pod and a deployed position extending from the at least one arm pod. Each arm has a gripping mechanism for gripping articles of work. An attachment structure is configured to allow a host robot to grip and manipulate the robotic arm module. An electrical interface is configured to receive electronic signals in response to a user moving remote manipulators. The electronic signals cause the at least one arm to mimic the movement of the user moving the remote manipulators.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a storage section, a display control section, and a work program preparation section. The storage section associates information of work performed by a robot with a template to prepare a work program indicating content of the work, and stores the information in association with the template. The display control section controls a display section to display, in order, setting windows respectively corresponding to work steps of the work. In response to an operator selecting the work, the work program preparation section prepares the work program indicating the content of the work selected by the operator based on the template corresponding to the work selected by the operator and based on setting information that the operator inputs on at least one setting window among the setting windows.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a first storage section to associate information of work performed by a robot with a work program indicating content of the work, and to store the information in association with the work program. A second storage section associates robot identification information for identifying the robot with a coordinate position of the robot, and stores the robot identification information in association with the coordinate position of the robot. A display control section controls a display section to display, in order, setting windows respectively corresponding to work steps of the work. In response to an operator selecting the work, a path preparation section prepares a movement path of the robot in the work based on the work program corresponding to the work selected by the operator and based on information of the coordinate position of the robot to perform the work.

Abstract: System (100) and methods (500) for remotely controlling a slave device (102). The methods involve: using a Hybrid Hand Controller (“HHC”) as a full haptic controller to control the slave device when the HHC (406) is coupled to a docking station (460); detecting when the HHC is or is being physically de-coupled from the docking station; automatically and seamlessly transitioning an operational mode of at least the HHC from a full haptic control mode to a gestural control mode, in response to a detection that the HHC is or is being de-coupled from the docking station; and using at least the HHC as a portable gestural controller to control the slave device when the HHC is de-coupled from the docking station.

Abstract: A remote control station that accesses one of at least two different robots that each have at least one unique robot feature. The remote control station receives information that identifies the robot feature of the accessed robot. The remote station displays a display user interface that includes at least one field that corresponds to the robot feature of the accessed robot. The robot may have a laser pointer and/or a projector.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tele-operated robot agile lift system is disclosed. The method comprises manipulating a human-machine interface of a master robot located on a mobile platform. The human machine interface is kinematically equivalent to a user's arm with a plurality of support members. A position value and a torque value is measured for each support member. The position value and torque value are communicated to support members of a kinematically equivalent slave arm to position the support members to correspond with a position of the human-machine interface.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a robot system including one or more work facilities, and a central information processor. The work facilities comprise a robot, a robot controller, and a sensor. The robot performs predetermined work. The central information processor includes an information accepting part, an algorithm storage part, an information analysing part, and an analytical information output part. The information accepting part accepts detection information of the sensor of each work facility. The algorithm storage part stores a processing algorithm for the detection information. The information analysing part analyses the detection information accepted based on the processing algorithm stored in the algorithm storage part. Then analytical information output part outputs analytical information of the detection information to the robot controller of a corresponding the work facility. The robot controller controls a movement of the robot based on the analytical information.

Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialog with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.

Abstract: A production apparatus ensures wireless communication without interference. An antenna portion 310 at a robotic arm includes a transmitting antenna portion 311 having a plurality of transmitting antennas 321 to 328 and a receiving antenna portion 312 having a plurality of receiving antennas 331 to 338. A transmitting side switcher circuit 361 changes over a transmitting antenna to be connected to a transmitter 351 among the plurality of transmitting antennas 321 to 328 in conjunction with an attitude information of the robotic arm, and changes an effective direction of a directional characteristic of the transmitting antenna portion 311. A receiving side switcher circuit 362 changes over a receiving antenna to be connected to a receiver 352 among the plurality of receiving antennas 331 to 338 in conjunction with the attitude information of the robotic arm and changes the effective direction of the directional characteristic of the receiving antenna portion 312.

Abstract: A portable operation panel having a vibration motor capable of tactually providing an operator information, wherein a problem due to failure of the vibration motor is solved. An operation panel has a controlling part, a plurality of vibration motors and an inputting part to which an operator can input information, wherein the controlling part controls the behaviors of the operation panel based on the information input into the inputting part. When the vibration motors are operated based on a command from the controlling part, the operation panel at least partially vibrates due to the motion of the vibration motor, whereby the operator tactually feels the vibration. When the operator inputs information into the inputting part for switching the vibration motor while the first vibration motor is in use, a vibration motor to be used is switched from the first vibration motor to the second vibration motor.

Abstract: Method and system for telematic control of a slave device. Displacement of a user interface control is sensed with respect to a control direction. A first directional translation is performed to convert data specifying the control direction to data specifying a slave direction. The slave direction will generally be different from the control direction and defines a direction that the slave device should move in response to the physical displacement of the user interface. A second directional translation is performed to convert data specifying haptic sensor data to a haptic feedback direction. The haptic feedback direction will generally be different from the sensed direction and can define a direction of force to be generated by at least one component of the user interface. The first and second directional translation are determined based on a point-of-view of an imaging sensor.

Abstract: Method and system for telematic control of a slave device. A stiffness of a material physically contacted by a slave device (202) is estimated based on information obtained from one or more slave device sensors (216, 217). Based on this stiffness estimation, a motion control command directed to the slave device is dynamically scaled. A data processing system (204) is in communication with a control interface (203) and the slave device. The data processing system (204) is configured to generate the motion control commands in response to sensor data obtained from the control interface. The system (200) also includes a stiffness estimator (602) configured for automatically estimating a stiffness of a material physically contacted by the slave device based on information obtained from the slave device sensors. A scaling unit (607) is responsive to the stiffness estimator and is configured for dynamically scaling the motion control command.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a robot controller, and a portable remote operating device. The portable remote operating device includes a display unit, an acquiring unit, and a display switching unit, and is connected to the robot controller. The acquiring unit acquires a reception/transmission process and a customized screen, which are created by a user. The display switching unit switches between the customized screen and a previously-prepared standard screen at a predetermined time during the operation of the robot.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot that includes a base defining a vertical center axis and a forward drive direction and a holonomic drive system supported by the base. The drive system has first, second, and third driven drive wheels, each trilaterally spaced about the vertical center axis and having a drive direction perpendicular to a radial axis with respect to the vertical center axis. The robot further includes a controller in communication with the holonomic drive system, a torso supported above the base, and a touch sensor system in communication with the controller. The touch sensor system is responsive to human contact. The controller issues drive commands to the holonomic drive system based on a touch signal received from the touch sensor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving an object. A verbal instruction for moving the object is received. The verbal instruction is converted into text. A logical representation of the verbal instruction is generated. A movement of a robotic system that corresponds to the verbal instruction for moving the object using a model of an environment in which the object and the robotic system are located is identified. A set of commands used by the robotic system for the movement of the robotic system is identified. The set of commands is sent to the robotic system.

Abstract: A robot may be trained by a user guiding the robot along target trajectory using a control signal. A robot may comprise an adaptive controller. The controller may be configured to generate control commands based on the user guidance, sensory input and a performance measure. A user may interface to the robot via an adaptively configured remote controller. The remote controller may comprise a mobile device, configured by the user in accordance with phenotype and/or operational configuration of the robot. The remote controller may detect changes in the robot phenotype and/or operational configuration. The remote controller may comprise multiple control elements configured to activate respective portions of the robot platform. Based on training, the remote controller may configure composite controls configured based two or more of control elements. Activation of a composite control may enable the robot to perform a task.

Abstract: An interactive system for interacting with a sentient being. The system includes a robotic companion of which the sentient being may be a user and an entity which employs the robot as a participant in an activity involving the user. The robotic companion responds to inputs from an environment that includes the user during the activity. The robotic companion is capable of social and affective behavior either under control of the entity or in response to the environment. The entity may provide an interface by which an operator may control the robotic companion. Example applications for the interactive system include as a system for communicating with patients that have difficulties communicating verbally, a system for teaching remotely-located students or students with communication difficulties, a system for facilitating social interaction between a remotely-located relative and a child, and systems in which the user and the robot interact with an entity such as a smart book.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a grip part which is structured to be separated from an end effector attached to the robot arm. When the grip part is gripped by the user and shifted, the robot arm shifts tracking the grip part. Further, the grip part includes contact sensors, and a tracking control method is switched according to the value of the contact sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training of robotic devices. A robot may be trained by a user guiding the robot along target trajectory using a control signal. A robot may comprise an adaptive controller. The controller may be configured to generate control commands based on the user guidance, sensory input and a performance measure. A user may interface to the robot via an adaptively configured remote controller. The remote controller may comprise a mobile device, configured by the user in accordance with phenotype and/or operational configuration of the robot. The remote controller may detect changes in the robot phenotype and/or operational configuration. User interface of the remote controller may be reconfigured based on the detected phenotype and/or operational changes.

Abstract: An articulated instrument is controllably movable between areas of different work space limits, such as when it is extendable out of and retractable into a guide tube. To avoid abrupt transitions in joint actuations as the joint moves between areas of different work space limits, a controller limits error feedback used to control its movement. To provide smooth joint control as the instrument moves between areas of different work space limits, the controller imposes barrier and ratcheting constraints on each directly actuatable joint of the instrument when the joint is commanded to cross between areas of different work space limits.

Abstract: A remote control station that accesses one of at least two different robots that each have at least one unique robot feature. The remote control station receives information that identifies the robot feature of the accessed robot. The remote station displays a display user interface that includes at least one field that corresponds to the robot feature of the accessed robot. The robot may have a laser pointer and/or a projector.

Abstract: An electronic controller defining an autonomous mobile device includes a self-location estimation unit to estimate a self-location based on a local map that is created according to distance/angle information relative to an object in the vicinity and the travel distance of an omni wheel, an environmental map creation unit to create an environmental map of a mobile area based on the self-location and the local map during the guided travel with using a joystick, a registration switch to register the self-location of the autonomous mobile device as the position coordinate of the setting point when the autonomous mobile device reaches a predetermined setting point during the guided travel, a storage unit to store the environmental map and the setting point, a route planning unit to plan the travel route by using the setting point on the environmental map stored in the storage unit, and a travel control unit to control the autonomous mobile device to autonomously travel along the travel route.

Abstract: A system including a mobile telepresence robot, a telepresence computing device in wireless communication with the robot, and a host computing device in wireless communication with the robot and the telepresence computing device. The host computing device relays User Datagram Protocol traffic between the robot and the telepresence computing device through a firewall.

Abstract: Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state.

Abstract: There is provided a display information acquiring unit for acquiring display information on a screen of a touch panel display, a touch pattern estimating unit for estimating a region on the screen likely to be touched by a person and a motion direction of the touch based on the display information, a load estimating unit for estimating a load or a torque to the display based on the estimated region and the motion direction, a stiffness parameter information generating unit for generating information for controlling the arm so that the position and the orientation of the display do not change along the touching direction at the time of touch panel input based on the estimated load or torque, and an arm control unit for controlling a stiffness parameter of the arm based on the generated information.

Abstract: A multisensory interface for a tele-robotic surgical control system. The invention allows the surgeon to use natural gestures and motions to control the actions of end effectors in the robotic surgical apparatus. Multiple feedback mechanisms are provided to allow the physician a more intuitive understanding of what is being controlled, along with a greater situational awareness. Prior art robotic end effectors are inserted into the patient through a small incision—as is already known in the art. The invention presents an improved method of controlling these effectors.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating a mobile robot comprise a range finder for collecting range data of one or more objects in an environment around the robot. A discriminator identifies uniquely identifiable ones of the objects as navigation landmarks. A data storage device stores a reference map of the navigation landmarks based on the collected range data. A data processor establishes a list or sequence of way points for the robot to visit. Each way point is defined with reference to one or more landmarks. A reader reads an optical message at or near one or more way points. A task manager manages a task based on the read optical message.

Abstract: A system for developing distributed robot application-level software includes a robot having an associated control module which controls motion of the robot in response to a commanded task, and a robot task commander (RTC) in networked communication with the control module over a network transport layer (NTL). The RTC includes a script engine(s) and a GUI, with a processor and a centralized library of library blocks constructed from an interpretive computer programming code and having input and output connections. The GUI provides access to a Visual Programming Language (VPL) environment and a text editor. In executing a method, the VPL is opened, a task for the robot is built from the code library blocks, and data is assigned to input and output connections identifying input and output data for each block. A task sequence(s) is sent to the control module(s) over the NTL to command execution of the task.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a work machine system having a work machine and work tool. Operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool are configured by a machine controller based upon the type of work tool attached to the work machine, the operating environment of the work machine, and the location of work site personnel or other observers relative to the machine or work tool. The operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool may then be automatically altered during operation of the work machine system to limit or expand functions of the work machine system in response to changes in the operational environment or movement of personnel or observers relative to the work machine system.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system facilitate efficient creation of virtual places and provide tools for using the virtual places. The virtual places include a virtual real estate listing, newsworthy place and a virtual box seat. Tools are provided including an automatic declutter tool and a staging tool.

Abstract: A motion path search device which searches for a motion path of a movable part of a robot capable of being taught a motion by direct teaching in which the robot is directly moved by an operator includes: a first space identification unit which identifies a space swept through by the movable part of the robot in the direct teaching; a second space identification unit which identifies a space swept through by at least a portion of a body of the operator in the direct teaching; a space combining unit which calculates, as an accessible space, a union of the space identified by the first space identification unit and the space identified by the second space identification unit; and a path search unit which searches for a motion path of the movable part within the accessible space calculated by the space combining unit.

Abstract: A robot includes an angular velocity sensor that detects the vibration of a robot. A control device allows the robot to perform a trial operation and acquires the measurement result measured by the angular velocity sensor during the trial operation as vibration information and analyzes the acquired vibration information based on maker evaluating information that is stored in a database. In the maker evaluating information, vibration information and the operating speed appropriate to the installation situation of the robot at which the vibration information is measured are associated with each other. Then, the robot is operated at an operating speed selected based on the analysis result of the vibration information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to education robotics systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides robotic systems comprising tangible and graphic programming interfaces suitable for use by young children.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot and a remote control station. The mobile robot is controlled by the remote control station and includes a robot monitor, and a robot camera that captures a robot image. The system also includes a medical image device that can be coupled to the robot. The remote control station includes a camera that captures a remote station image, and a monitor that displays the robot image captured by the robot camera in a robot view field, displays the remote station image in a station view field. The robot transmits the robot and medical images to the remote control station such that a larger portion of a network bandwidth is allocated for the medical image than the robot image.

Abstract: A robotic system that is used in a tele-presence session. For example, the system can be used by medical personnel to examine, diagnose and prescribe medical treatment in the session. The system includes a robot that has a camera and is controlled by a remote station. The system further includes a storage device that stores session content data regarding the session. The data may include a video/audio taping of the session by the robot. The session content data may also include time stamps that allow a user to determine the times that events occurred during the session. The session content data may be stored on a server that accessible by multiple users. Billing information may be automatically generated using the session content data.

Abstract: A robot cleaner has a camera to generate an image of a cleaning area, a controller to prepare a cleaning map based on the image and to drive a robot cleaner, and a communicator to transmit the image and cleaning map to an external device and to receive a control command from the external device. The image and map may be transmitted over a local or wide area network, and the external device may be a computer, television, smart phone, portable phone, or other type of wireless access device.

Abstract: Adaptive controller apparatus of a robot may be implemented. The controller may be operated in accordance with a reinforcement learning process. A trainer may observe movements of the robot and provide reinforcement signals to the controller via a remote clicker. The reinforcement may comprise one or more degrees of positive and/or negative reinforcement. Based on the reinforcement signal, the controller may adjust instantaneous cost and to modify controller implementation accordingly. Training via reinforcement combined with particular cost evaluations may enable the robot to move more like an animal.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic gripper and a grasp controller. The gripper, which has a sensory matrix that includes a plurality of sensors, executes selected grasp poses with respect to a component in the corresponding method to thereby grasp the component in response to a grasp command signal from the controller. The controller has a touch-screen or other interactive graphical user interface (GUI) which generates a jog signal in response to an input from a user. Sensory maps provide calibrated limits for each sensor contained in the sensory matrix for the selected grasp pose. The controller transmits the grasp command signal to the gripper in response to receipt of the jog signal from the GUI. The GUI may display a jog wheel having icons, including a hub corresponding to a neutral pose of the robotic gripper and icons corresponding to grasp poses arranged around a circumference of the jog wheel.

Abstract: A system for developing distributed robot application-level software includes a robot having an associated control module which controls motion of the robot in response to a commanded task, and a robot task commander (RTC) in networked communication with the control module over a network transport layer (NTL). The RTC includes a script engine(s) and a GUI, with a processor and a centralized library of library blocks constructed from an interpretive computer programming code and having input and output connections. The GUI provides access to a Visual Programming Language (VPL) environment and a text editor. In executing a method, the VPL is opened, a task for the robot is built from the code library blocks, and data is assigned to input and output connections identifying input and output data for each block. A task sequence(s) is sent to the control module(s) over the NTL to command execution of the task.

Abstract: One exemplary user interface for a medical robotics system may include a control panel and one or more sliders that may be slidably carried by the control panel to actuate one or more motors for moving a surgical instrument of the medical robotics system. The sliders may be configured to actuate the motors to move the surgical instrument along a respective one of a plurality of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A patient-side surgeon interface provides enhanced capabilities in using a minimally invasive, teleoperated surgical system. The patient-side surgeon interface has components within the sterile surgical field of the surgery. The components allow a surgeon to control teleoperated slave surgical instruments from within the sterile surgical field. The patient-side surgeon interface permits a surgeon to be in the sterile surgical field adjacent a patient undergoing surgery. Controlling minimally invasive slave surgical instruments from within the sterile surgical field permits minimally invasive surgery combined with direct visualization by the surgeon. The proximity to the patient allows the surgeon to control a teleoperated slave surgical instrument in tandem with controlling manually controlled instruments such as a laparoscopic instrument. Also, the surgeon, from within the sterile surgical field, can use the patient-side surgeon interface to control at least one proxy visual in proctoring another surgeon.

Abstract: A program changing device includes a sequence interchanging unit for interchanging plural teaching points in a teaching sequence such that total movement time of a robot becomes smaller than that when the robot is moved in line with an initial teaching sequence of the teaching points, a calculating unit for calculating difference amounts between the initial teaching points and a trajectory of the robot that is obtained by executing an after-interchanged operational program by simulation, a position adjusting unit for adjusting positions of the teaching points of the after-interchanged operational program until the difference amounts become equal to or smaller than a predetermined allowable value, and a teaching point changing unit for changing the adjusted teaching points to be the initial teaching points when cycle time of the after-interchanged operational program including the adjusted teaching points is longer than initial cycle time.

Abstract: A master-slave manipulator includes a remote manipulation device, a slave manipulator, and a control unit. The remote manipulation device as a master gives an operating command corresponding to a plurality of degrees of freedom. The slave manipulator includes a plurality of joints corresponding to the degrees of freedom. The slave manipulator includes a redundant joint among the joints. The control unit controls operations of the joints in accordance with the operating command. The control unit calculates an orientation change of the remote manipulation device from the operating command at predetermined time intervals and selects and drives one of the joints in redundancy relationship among the joints in accordance with the orientation change.

Abstract: An event execution method and system for a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal is provided for enabling a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal or a character displayed in the mobile terminal to execute an event on behalf of the mobile terminal and share experience points of the character displayed in the mobile terminal. The event execution system includes a mobile terminal and a robot synchronized with the mobile terminal.