Abstract: An industrial robot diagnostic method including performing a condition analysis utilizing at least two selected input signals, wherein each selected input signal indicates a condition related to a property of the industrial robot, performing an analysis of any combination of the selected input signals utilizing a signal modeling of the signals and outputting from the condition analyzer a result being at least one of: a detection of a malfunction of the robot system, an identification of a root cause failure in the robot system and prediction of a potential malfunction in the robot system. Also an industrial robot system utilizing the method.

Abstract: Systems for controlling a droplet microactuator are provided. According to one embodiment, a system is provided and includes a controller, a droplet microactuator electronically coupled to the controller, and a display device displaying a user interface electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the system is programmed and configured to permit a user to effect a droplet manipulation by interacting with the user interface. According to another embodiment, a system is provided and includes a processor, a display device electronically coupled to the processor, and software loaded and/or stored in a storage device electronically coupled to the controller, a memory device electronically coupled to the controller, and/or the controller and programmed to display an interactive map of a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: A robot system includes at least one robot, robot controllers configured to control the robot, and pendants. The robot controllers include robot group control units each having an operating mode storage unit to store operating mode information to select a robot. The pendants include an enabling device to turn on and off drive power to the robot. The robot group control units are connected via an enable-link-signal line. Each robot group control unit is configured to output an enable link signal by operating the enabling device included in a corresponding pendant to transmit the enable link signal via the enable-link-signal line to all of the robot group control units. Each robot group control unit is configured to output a drive-power-on enable signal to turn on and off drive power to the robot in accordance with the enable link signal and the operating mode information.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for determining the pose as the entirety of the position and the orientation of an image reception device. The process is characterized in that the pose of the image reception device is determined with the use of at least one measuring device that is part of a robot. The device is characterized by a robot with an integrated measuring device that is part of the robot for determining the pose of the image reception device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the operation of a robot having a product gripper which is designed to represent at least one approach position of the product gripper for the picking up and/or placing down of a product, in particular of a food product, as a graphical element on a display device. The apparatus is designed so that the respective graphical element can be directly displaced on the display device for the setting of the coordinates of the respective approach position, with the coordinates of the respective approach position being changed automatically in response to such a displacement of the graphical element in accordance with the displacement.

Abstract: A robot system (X-Z) includes a plurality of manipulators (1x-2x, 1y-2y, 1w-2w, 1z-2z) and a portable terminal (3), said terminal being able to connect to the manipulators in wireless mode. The system is conceived so as to enable the terminal (3) to connect to a first manipulator (1x-2x) in a programming mode (Main) and, during the same session, to connect to a second manipulator (1w, 2w) in a monitoring mode (Secondary).

Abstract: The robot control apparatus has an input-output section, a control section including a priority data generation section, a schedule data generation section, an execution command generation section, and a task data dividing section, a map information database, individual information database, a robot information database, and a task information database. The priority data generation section generates priority data for task data, stored in a task control database that that has not been executed. The schedule data generation section generates schedule data by assigning tasks to the robots on the basis of the priority data to generate schedule data. The execution command generation section generates execution commands for causing the robots to execute the tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot that supplies a projector service according to a user's context and a controlling method thereof. The robot includes a user detection unit detecting a user; a user recognition unit recognizing the user; an object recognition unit recognizing an object near the user; a position perception unit perceiving relative positions of the object and the user; a context awareness unit perceiving the user's context based on information on the user, the object and the relative positions between the user and the object; and a projector supplying a projector service corresponding to the user's context.

Abstract: Methods, devices (such as computer readable media), and systems (such as computer systems) for defining and executing automated movements using robotic arms (such as robotic arms configured for use in performing surgical procedures), so that a remotely-located surgeon is relieved from causing the robotic arm to perform the automated movement through movement of an input device such as a hand controller.

Abstract: There is provided a control device for a robot arm which includes an operation procedure information acquisition means for acquiring information on the procedure of a domestic operation, a progress management means for managing information on the progress of the operation, and a control parameter setting means for setting a control parameter for the robot arm based on the operation procedure information and the progress information, whereby the control device controls an operation of the robot arm based on the control parameter from the control parameter setting means.

Abstract: A method of communicating physical human interactions over a communications network can include detecting physical movement of a user, generating data specifying the physical movement, and determining at least one action indicated by the data. The method further can include transmitting the action over a communications network to a receiving system and simulating the action in the receiving system.

Abstract: A control device for a robot arm is designed such that, based on information on a transportation state database in which information on a transportation state of a person operating the arm is recorded, an impedance setting unit sets a mechanical impedance set value of the arm, and an impedance control unit controls a mechanical impedance value of the arm to the mechanical impedance set value thus set.

Abstract: A robot controller capable of automatically preparing a job program for a workpiece configured of a plurality of job elements is disclosed. A plurality of teaching programs for teaching the job for each job element making up the workpiece are stored in advance. Each teaching program has registered therein attribute information including the item number (identification information) and the sequence of application of the teaching program to each workpiece. The robot controller retrieves teaching programs having registered therein, as attribute information, the same item number as the input item number of the workpiece and prepares a main program such that the retrieved teaching programs are called sequentially as subprograms in accordance with the application sequence specified by the attribute information. Further, commands for moving to the job starting position and the job end position are added before and after the main program thereby to complete the main program.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for controlling robotic apparatus having several movable elements or segments coupled by joints. At least one of the movable elements can include one or more mobile bases, while the others can form one or more manipulators. One of the movable elements can be treated as an end effector for which a certain motion is desired. The end effector may include a tool, for example, or represent a robotic hand (or a point thereon), or one or more of the one or more mobile bases. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, movement of the manipulator and the mobile base can be controlled and coordinated to effect a desired motion for the end effector. In many cases, the motion can include simultaneously moving the manipulator and the mobile base.

Abstract: Robot apparatus has a robot 1, a controller 2 for controlling the aforementioned robot 1 to perform working, and a plurality of external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 to be controlled by the aforementioned controller 2. The aforementioned external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 are provided with power switches 4b, 5b and 6b to be operated by an operator 9 so as to turn on/off power supplies thereto, and power supply circuits 4a, 5a and 6a to be operated from the aforementioned controller 2 so as to turn on/off the power supplies. Priority is given to operation using the aforementioned power switches 4b, 5b and 6b over operation from the aforementioned controller 2 as to turning off the power supplies to the external axis devices 4, 5 and 6.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system has a robot arm holding an instrument for performing a surgical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm and its instrument according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes a filter in its forward path to attenuate master input commands that may cause instrument tip vibrations, and an inverse filter in a feedback path to the master manipulator configured so as to compensate for delay introduced by the forward path filter. To enhance control, master command and slave joint observers are also inserted in the control system to estimate slave joint position, velocity and acceleration commands using received slave joint position commands and torque feedbacks, and estimate actual slave joint positions, velocities and accelerations using sensed slave joint positions and commanded slave joint motor torques.

Abstract: A robot system having a manual guide device connected to the robot in wireless data communication with a portable terminal for use in programming the robot.

Abstract: Teaching images are acquired at a plurality of separate teaching points on a running route extending from a running start position to a goal position, respectively, under a first light environmental condition and a light environmental condition different from the first light environmental condition, and the teaching images are stored. A present teaching image serving as a target for a robot body in a running direction at present is selected from the stored teaching images. A driving mechanism is controlled so as to increase the matching degree between the present teaching image and an actual image taken by a camera.

Abstract: There is provided a travel time display device for an industrial robot which can display travel time on the screen such that time taken for moving a work from any designated starting point to any other point can be seen at a glance. The travel time display device includes: a display for displaying on the screen the location of the industrial robot and an area in which the industrial robot can transport the work; a position designator for designating a travel starting point of the industrial robot at an arbitrary position on the display screen; a calculator for setting a plurality of time intervals with respect to necessary travel time from the travel starting point and calculating a travelable area, to be displayed on the display screen; and a display for depicting the travelable areas with a visual discrimination between the travelable areas.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a control apparatus body fixedly installed and connected to a robot and a portable teaching pendant connected to the control apparatus body to operate the robot through the teaching pendant. The teaching pendant includes an imaging device connector for connecting an imaging device to the teaching pendant so as to enable the image picked up by the imaging device to be directly input to the teaching pendant through the imaging device connector.

Abstract: A robot system includes a base station and a robot. The base station includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate TCP/IP transmissions over a local wireless protocol, a wired Ethernet connector for communicating TCP/IP transmissions over a local wired Ethernet accessing the Internet, and an access point circuit for transferring TCP/IP transmissions between the local wired Ethernet and local wireless protocol. The access point circuit is limited to a predetermined IP address locked to the robot, a predetermined shell level encryption locked to the robot, and predetermined ports to the Internet open only to the robot. The robot includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate TCP/IP transmissions over a local wireless protocol and a client circuit for transferring TCP/IP transmissions over the local wireless protocol.

Abstract: An augmented reality system including a camera movably located at a local site captures an image. A registering unit generates graphics and registers the generated graphics to the image from the camera to provide a composite augmented reality image. A display device located at a remote site, physically separated from the local site, displays a view including the composite augmented reality image. A communication link communicates information between the local and the remote site. A specifying unit specifies a position and an orientation in the remote site. The registering unit is adapted to register the generated graphical representation to the image in dependence of the specified position and orientation. The camera is arranged such that its position and orientation is dependent on the specified position and orientation.

Abstract: An industrial robot, having an end-effector supporting mechanism for holding an end-effector and accommodating an imaging device of a visual sensor, which is free from the interference with the periphery and capable of taking an image of the working position. A container-shaped adaptor of the end-effector supporting mechanism is attached to a distal end of a wrist flange provided in a robot wrist supported by a robot arm. The adaptor has a first attachment section provided with a first attachment surface to be attached to the wrist flange, and a second attachment section provided with a second attachment surface disposed generally parallel to a wrist flange surface at a position apart from the first attachment section by a predetermined distance along a rotary center axis of the wrist flange. On the second attachment surface, a tool holding member of the end-effector supporting mechanism for holding the working tool is attached.

Abstract: An automatic machine system and its communication control method not stopping the robot action even if wireless communication of a wireless portable teaching/operating unit fails. The automatic machine system comprises a mechanism unit having one or more drive mechanisms, a controller for driving/controlling the mechanism unit, and a portable teaching/operating unit for operating/teaching the mechanism unit. The controller (2) has a controller wireless communication section (24) for wireless communication with the portable teaching/operating unit (3) and a drive section (22) for driving the mechanism unit (1) according to a command signal received at the controller wireless communication section (24) from the portable teaching/operating unit (3).

Abstract: A remote controlled robot with a head that supports a monitor and is coupled to a mobile platform. The mobile robot also includes an auxiliary camera coupled to the mobile platform by a boom. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote control station. By way of example, the robot can be remotely moved about an operating room. The auxiliary camera extends from the boom so that it provides a relatively close view of a patient or other item in the room. An assistant in the operating room may move the boom and the camera. The boom may be connected to a robot head that can be remotely moved by the remote control station.

Abstract: A robot includes: a moving mechanism; a position recognition section that recognizes a current position of the robot within a guide zone having at least one guide location; and a movement control section that moves the robot to each of guide locations in the guide zone by using the moving mechanism, while causing the position recognition section to recognize the current position. The robot further includes a transmission section that transmits, every time the robot moves to each of the guide locations, contents information corresponding to the guide location to a mobile receive terminal held by a person to be guided near the robot.

Abstract: A robot movement control device is connected to a communications network in a remote location relative to a robotic device that is also connected to the communications network. The robot movement control device is an electronic device with a video display for displaying a real-time video image sent to it by a camera associated with the robot. A robot movement control overlay is displayed in the field of the real-time video image at the robot control device and robot control commands are generated by selecting locations within the boundary of the movement control overlay which include speed and directional information. The control commands are sent by the robot control device over the network to the robot which uses the commands to adjust its speed and direction of movement.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system has a robot arm holding an instrument for performing a surgical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm and its instrument according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes a filter in its forward path to attenuate master input commands that may cause instrument tip vibrations, and an inverse filter in a feedback path to the master manipulator configured so as to compensate for delay introduced by the forward path filter. To enhance control, master command and slave joint observers are also inserted in the control system to estimate slave joint position, velocity and acceleration commands using received slave joint position commands and torque feedbacks, and estimate actual slave joint positions, velocities and accelerations using sensed slave joint positions and commanded slave joint motor torques.

Abstract: A mobile robot provides telecommunication service between a remote user at a remote terminal and a local user in proximity to the mobile robot. The remote user can connect to the mobile robot via the Internet using a peer-to-peer VoIP protocol, and control the mobile robot to navigate about the mobile robot's environment. The mobile robot includes a microphone, a video camera and a speaker for providing telecommunication functionality between the remote user and the local user. Also, a hand-held RC unit permits the local user to navigate the mobile robot locally or to engage privacy mode for the mobile robot. When NAT or a firewall obstructs connection from the remote terminal to the mobile robot, an Internet server facilitates connection using methods such as STUN, TURN, or relaying.

Abstract: A robotic device is manually driven along a perimeter of a Region Of Interest (ROI) or along a Path Of Interest (POI) for future autonomous operation. An Initial Point (IP) is established by identifying a unique machine recognizable feature, for example, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag located at the IP. The robotic device is then manually driven along the perimeter or along the path and sensors carried by the robotic device collects data to characterize the ROI or POI. The sensors may include sonar, vision systems, laser, or radar devices for measuring relative positions of a wall, stairs, or obstacles. Wheel odometry may be used to track distances traveled and data fusion exercised to combine the odometry data with the sonar and/or laser measurements to model the ROI or POI. Characterization is performed by collecting points along a wall, fitting a line to the points, and finding the intersections of consecutive lines.

Abstract: A robot system for use in surgical procedures has two movable arms each carried on a wheeled base with each arm having a six of degrees of freedom of movement and an end effector which can be rolled about its axis and an actuator which can slide along the axis for operating different tools adapted to be supported by the effector. Each end effector including optical force sensors for detecting forces applied to the tool by engagement with the part of the patient. A microscope is located at a position for viewing the part of the patient. The position of the tool tip can be digitized relative to fiducial markers visible in an MRI experiment. The workstation and control system has a pair of hand-controllers simultaneously manipulated by an operator to control movement of a respective one or both of the arms. The image from the microscope is displayed on a monitor in 2D and stereoscopically on a microscope viewer. A second MRI display shows an image of the part of the patient the real-time location of the tool.

Abstract: This method controls an automatic finishing machine using a robot with a tool through a model storage step, a data acquisition step, a calculation step, an error derivation step, a correction step and a machining step. In the model storage step, shape data of an unfinished work or data of a three-dimensional model is stored in a memory. In the data acquisition step, the tool is brought into contact with the unfinished work W, thereby obtaining measurement data. Then, in the calculation step, actual-position data on a comparative object point is calculated based on the measurement data. Subsequently, in the error derivation step, a data difference between the calculated actual-position data and position data on the comparative object point in the three-dimensional model is obtained. Thereafter, in the correction step, teaching data indicative of the position of the tool corresponding to the shape data of the three-dimensional model is corrected, based on the data difference.

Abstract: A remote controller enables a user to manipulate behavior of a robot so that the robot does not stray away from a given area and also avoids contact with an object. If a route designated by the user satisfies a stable movement requirement, a first command signal is transmitted from the remote controller to the robot. By doing so, it is possible to move the robot according to the designated route. On the other hand, if the route designated by the user does not satisfy the stable movement requirement, the first command signal is not transmitted from the remote controller to the robot. Therefore, it is possible to stop the robot from moving according to the designated route, and further to avoid the situation where the robot strays away from the designated region, or comes into contact with the object.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a robot and a remote control station. The robot includes a binaural microphone system that is coupled to a speaker system of the remote control station. The binaural microphone system may include a pair of microphones located at opposite sides of a robot head. The location of the microphones roughly coincides with the location of ears on a human body. Such microphone location creates a mobile robot that more effectively simulates the tele-presence of an operator of the system. The robot may include two different microphone systems and the ability to switch between systems. For example, the robot may also include a zoom camera system and a directional microphone. The directional microphone may be utilized to capture sound from a direction that corresponds to an object zoomed upon by the camera system.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods employ at least some communications between peripheral controllers, for example vision controller, conveyor controller, camera controller and/or inspection controller, that is independent of a robot controller or robot motion controller. Such may include a parallel communications path.

Abstract: An industrial robot includes a manipulator (1) having a control unit (2) and a portable terminal (3), the unit and the terminal being able to communicate in wireless mode for executing a robot programming session. The unit (2) and the terminal (3) are configured so as to implement a step of mutual logic coupling, which is required so as to enable the programming session, only when the terminal (3) is in a substantially predefined physical position (5) close to the unit (2).

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a remote controlled robot system that includes a robot view field that displays information provided by a robot and an observer view field that display observer information about one or more observers that can receive the robot information. The interface has various features that allow a master user to control the observation and participation of the observers.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot with a robot camera and a battery plug module, and a remote control station that transmits commands to control the mobile robot. The system also includes a battery charging module that mates with the mobile robot battery plug module, and an alignment system that aligns the battery plug module with the battery charging module. The battery modules may also be aligned with the aid of video images of the battery charging module provided to the remote station by a camera located within the battery plug module.

Abstract: A method for detecting a casting curve for a controller of a robot guiding a pouring spoon includes the steps of manually pouring a smelt from the pouring spoon using a remote control apparatus, detecting and storing at least one time characteristic, and making available the at least one stored time characteristic for use in the robot controller. The at least one time characteristic includes at least of a first time characteristic of a movement of the robot and a second time characteristic of weights of the poured smelt during the pouring. In addition, a method for casting cast parts using a robot having a pouring spoon and a robot controller is disclosed as is a robot system.

Abstract: A robot program correcting apparatus, which displays three-dimensional models of a robot and a workpiece simultaneously on the screen of a display apparatus, and corrects an operation program for the robot, includes: a unit retrieving a robot operation program and a working position based on at least either a line or a surface computed from touchup points and on a touchup position or points representing a working position specified on the screen; a difference computing unit computing a difference between at least either the line or surface computed from the touchup points and at least either a line or a surface computed from the plurality of points as position information representing the retrieved working position; and a correcting unit correcting the robot operation program by computing the amount of correction based on the difference, thereby reducing the number of steps required when correcting the robot operation program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for developing a metadata-infused software program for controlling a device, such as a robot. A first library of software segments with metadata and a second library of script documents are provided. A part program wizard uses a script document selected from the second library to display queries on a screen of an interface device. Using input information received in response to the queries, the part program wizard selects and combines software segments from the first library to produce the metadata-infused software program. The metadata identifies the selected software segments and includes statuses of the selected software segments. A graphical representation of the metadata infused software program is displayed on the screen and conveys the statuses of the software segments. A deployment wizard is utilized to teach data points for the metadata-infused software program.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling avoiding collisions in a workcell containing multiple robots is provided. The system includes a sequence of instructions residing on a controller for execution thereon to perform an interference check automatic zone method. The interference check automatic zone method includes the steps of: determining a first portion of a common space that is occupied during a movement of a first robot along a first programmed path; determining a second portion of the common space that is occupied during a movement of a second robot along a second programmed path; comparing the first portion and the second portion to determine if an overlap exists therebetween; and moving the first robot and the second robot in response to whether or not the overlap exists.

Abstract: In a computerized device for processing a robot control program, at least one local area of a robot path of a robot is displayed at a display screen, the robot path containing a support point that is to be modified. The display screen also shows the support point, as well as a path course therethrough and at least one direction also proceeding through the support point perpendicularly to the path course. An input device allows a user to modify the path course by modifying the position of the support at the display screen.

Abstract: There is provided an industrial robot which comprises a manipulator having a tool at the tip end, a robot control unit for controlling the manipulator, and a primary teaching device and subsidiary teaching device for controlling the manipulator through the robot control unit, wherein operation capable of being conducted by the subsidiary teaching device is restricted as compared with operation capable of being conducted by the primary teaching device. By realizing the industrial robot, it is possible to prevent a production line worker from executing a function of the robot which is originally to be executed by a supervisor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable robot system comprising a robot provided with a number of individual arm sections, where adjacent sections are interconnected by a joint, the system furthermore comprising controllable drive means provided in at least some of said joints and a control system for controlling said drive means. The robot system is furthermore provided with user interface means comprising means for programming the robot system, said user interface means being either provided externally to the robot, as an integral part of the robot or as a combination hereof and storage means co-operating with said user interface means and said control system for storing information related to the movement and further operations of the robot and optionally for storing information relating to the surroundings.

Abstract: A unified framework is provided for building common functionality into diverse operator control units. A set of tools is provided for creating controller configurations for varied robot types. Preferred controllers do one or more the following: allow uploading of configuration files from a target robot, adhere to common user interface styles and standards, share common functionality, allow extendibility for unique functionality, provide flexibility for rapid prototype design, and allow dynamic communication protocol switching. Configuration files may be uploaded from robots to configure their operator control units. The files may include scene graph control definitions; instrument graphics; control protocols; or mappings of control functions to scene graphics or control inputs.

Abstract: A robotic system that can be used to treat a patient. The robotic system includes a mobile robot that has a camera. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote station that has a monitor. A physician can use the remote station to move the mobile robot into view of a patient. An image of the patient is transmitted from the robot camera to the remote station monitor. A medical personnel at the robot site can enter patient information into the system through a user interface. The patient information can be stored in a server. The physician can access the information from the remote station. The remote station may provide graphical user interfaces that display the patient information and provide both a medical tool and a patient management plan.

Abstract: In a mobile robot control system, it is configured to input at least one of the desired position and orientation of the robot at a time when the robot reaches the desired position by manipulation of the operator, to control the motion of the robot based on the inputted desired position and orientation, and to display a first image indicative of the inputted desired position and orientation by numeric values or language including at least the numeric values and a second image indicative of the inputted desired position and orientation by graphics on a display. With this, the operator can check the desired position and orientation of the robot with both of the numeric values and graphics. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the operator from manipulating erroneously and operate the robot to be moved or turned as desired by the operator.

Abstract: EMH presents an unique gear-pulley arrangaments controlled by two individuals DC. Motors, and two remote control units (RCU). A single input from a foot pad, does start the grabbing motion. A mechanical sensor decodes the pressure applied for the fingers upon the objects and cut the power supply from the motor. The electronic circuit is designed to control the grabbing motion, close/open in alternating cicle. Wrist motion is controlled by a second RCU installed back, between the shoulder blades of the patient. A right side RCU's continue input, does start wrist motion to the left direction until required/max. 180°. Releasing input, stop wrist motion. A left side RCU's input, does start wrist motion in opposite direction. EMH is of easy assembling, wireless and of simple design. Many components were minimized to improve maintenance and reduce costs. EMH is aimed to help limb people in poor countries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for providing continuous analysis and display of the variability of multiple patient parameters monitored by multiple beside monitors (106a-106c) for each patient (102). Each monitor is connected to a patient interface and to a patient data storage unit (115) and a processor (113). Each monitored patient parameter is measured in real-time. Data artifacts are removed, and variability analysis is performed based upon a selected period of observation. Variability analysis yields variability of the patient parameters, which represents a degree to which the patient parameters fluctuate over time, to provide diagnostic information particularly useful in the detection, prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).