Abstract: A robotic finger assembly can include a base for mounting the finger to a robotic hand, with the base having a motor, and at least three links. The links of the robotic hand are connected to each other and to the base by a series of joints. A joint shaft and a pivot shaft, where the pivot shaft can freely move within its respective joint shaft, is connected to a preceding link. The motor is activated for opening or closing the finger. The finger closes on an object with a distributed force across the links. Grasping also can mean engaging an object like a human hand, by closing the first finger link until it engages the object, then closing the second finger link until it engages the object, then closing the third link until it engages the object. A robotic hand assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spur-gear speed-reduction mechanism unit includes a first spur gear attached to an output shaft of a wrist inner frame driving motor, a second spur gear rotatably supported by a first auxiliary shaft attached to a wrist housing machine frame, a third spur gear rotatably supported by the first auxiliary shaft to be integrated with the second spur gear, a fourth spur gear rotatably supported by a second auxiliary shaft, a fifth spur gear rotatably supported by the second auxiliary shaft to be integrated with the fourth spur gear, a sixth spur gear rotatably supported by a third auxiliary shaft, a seventh spur gear attached to a rotational shaft of the wrist inner frame and engaging the sixth spur gear. A distance between the fourth spur gear and the wrist housing machine frame is smaller than a distance between the first spur gear and the wrist housing machine frame.

Abstract: A method for driving an ultrasonic motor includes setting an upper limit rotation speed that is lower than a rotation speed at a resonance frequency at a lowest temperature of a predetermined operating temperature range and a lower limit frequency that is more than or equal to a resonance frequency at a highest temperature of the operating temperature range, and, when the ultrasonic motor starts, a rotation speed of the ultrasonic motor becomes lower than the upper limit rotation speed and the ultrasonic motor is driven with a driving frequency which is higher than the lower limit frequency.

Abstract: A parallel manipulator is provided. The parallel manipulator includes a base plate, a plurality of motor devices coupled to the base plate, arm modules coupled respectively to the plurality of motor devices, and a support member hinged to ends of the arm modules.

Abstract: An multi-axis transmission includes a frame, a motor, a housing, a first output mechanism, a second output mechanism, and a output control mechanism. The motor is secured to the frame, the motor includes a rotary shaft. The housing is axially slidably attached to the frame. The first output mechanism is secured to the frame. The second output mechanism is rotatably attached to the housing. The output control mechanism is secured to the rotary shaft, the output control mechanism is selected to engage the first output mechanism to output a first movement or to engage the second output mechanism to output a second movement angular with the first moment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot which comprises a robot arm having multiple connecting links that are connected by means of joints, in which at least two adjacent connecting links, respectively, are connected by means of a joint, which is designed as a swivel joint, can be adjusted by means of a motor and is defined in its maximum rotatable adjustment angle by means of a mechanical stop device, which connecting links comprise a stop projection which is connected to one of the two adjacent connecting links, an engaging piece which is connected to the other one of the two adjacent connecting links and a drag stop which can be adjusted by the engaging piece, which drag stop comprises a drag stop body and an annular body which is connected with the drag stop body which is pivoted in an annular groove in an inner wall of a housing component of one of the two adjacent connecting links.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus having a frame, a drive section and an articulated arm. The drive section has at least one motor module that is selectable for placement in the drive section from a number of different interchangeable motor modules. Each having a different predetermined characteristic. The articulated arm has articulated joints. The arm is connected to the drive section for articulation. The arm has a selectable configuration selectable from a number of different arm configurations each having a predetermined configuration characteristic. The selection of the arm configuration is effected by selection of the at least one motor module for placement in the drive section.

Abstract: An articulated mechanical arm includes a passive device designed to compensate for the effects of gravity on at least a first pivot connection which articulates a first member of the arm on a second member of the arm, and constitutes a first degree of freedom of the arm. The passive device includes a drive mechanism and at least one magnetic device. The drive mechanism is designed to transmit to the magnetic device any rotation of the second member relative to the first pivot connection. The magnetic device is designed to produce torque further to the rotation of the second member. The drive mechanism and the magnetic device are also designed such that the torque is retransmitted by the drive mechanism to the first pivot connection, such that the retransmitted torque cancels the moment of force caused by gravity exerted on the articulated mechanical arm, relative to the first pivot connection.

Abstract: A programmable robot system includes a robot provided with a number of individual arm sections, where adjacent sections are interconnected by a joint. The system furthermore includes a controllable drive mechanism provided in at least some of the joints and a control system for controlling the drive. The robot system is furthermore provided with user a interface mechanism including a mechanism for programming the robot system, the user interface mechanism being either provided externally to the robot, as an integral part of the robot or as a combination hereof, and a storage mechanism co-operating with the user interface mechanism and the 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 piezoelectric motor includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a third supporting member, and a fourth supporting member configured to support a piezoelectric element, and the respective supporting members are formed with irregularities on contact surfaces thereof. In this configuration, the contact surfaces are prevented from being displaced, and reliable holding of the piezoelectric element and prevention of drive energy loss of a driven member are achieved.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm. The arm includes a long-shaped arm body having a storing section configured of a concave section which is formed to open to a side surface thereof; a driving mechanism which is stored in the storing section and has a motor; and a sealing section airtightly sealing the storing section. The sealing section includes a frame body which has a frame shape along an edge of the opening section opened to the side surface of the storing section and is adhered to the edge with adhesive, and has a plurality of female screws in which a plurality of bolts are screwed, respectively; a cover which is detachably installed on the frame body by the bolts which are screwed in the female screws and covers the storing section in a installed state; and a packing interposed between the frame body and the cover.

Abstract: The articulated multiple-axis robot structure according to the invention has a frame, an arm and a forearm, a shaft (15) for attaching a tool, an actuator commanding the pivoting of a slide-socket (14A), which is rotatable relative to the forearm and translatably connected to the forearm, an actuator commanding the pivoting a nut-socket (14B) that is rotatable relative to the forearm and connected in translation to the forearm and a coupling device capable of securing the sockets (14A, 14B) in rotation. This device comprises a coupling washer (18), arranged between the sockets (14A, 14B) and connected in rotation with a first socket from among the slide-socket (14A) and the nut-socket (14B).

Abstract: An SEA architecture for controlling the torque applied by an SEA that has particular application for controlling the position of a robot link. The SEA architecture includes a motor coupled to one end of an elastic spring and a load coupled to an opposite end of the elastic spring, where the motor drives the load through the spring. The orientation of the shaft of the motor and the load are measured by position sensors. Position signals from the position sensors are sent to an embedded processor that determines the orientation of the load relative to the motor shaft to determine the torque on the spring. The embedded processor receives reference torque signals from a remote controller, and the embedded processor operates a high-speed servo loop about the desired joint torque. The remote controller determines the desired joint torque based on higher order objectives by their impedance or positioning objectives.

Abstract: A traction drive system for an articulated robotic arm. The traction drive system can include an input drive disk, a spider, an array of traction balls, a traction plate, an output drive shaft, a clamping device to load the traction balls, and an absolute rotation position sensor system. The rotation of the output drive shaft can be coupled to the rotation of the input drive disk while the traction balls are frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. The rotational connection can be decoupled when the traction balls are not frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. A rotational position sensor located in proximity to the traction drive can provide absolute rotational position feedback of the output drive shaft.

Abstract: Rotary motion devices (10) are provided. In one embodiment, the rotary motion devices (10) may comprise: a mass (12); a circumferential component (14); a plurality of spokes (16) connecting the mass (12) to the circumferential component (14), at least one of the spokes (16) comprising an electroactive polymer, wherein: the at least one spoke (16) has at least one input electrode and is configured to deflect upon application of an electrical potential across the at least one input electrode, and the rotary motion device (10) is configured such that deflection of the at least one spoke (16) causes the mass (12) to move, thereby causing the rotary motion device (10) to become off balance with respect to gravity, and rotate.

Abstract: A hexapod platform and a jack that can be used in the hexapod platform are provided. The jack includes a body, a piston capable of translational movement with respect to the body and a rod connected to the piston to follow its translational movement and by means of which the jack applies load. The rod is connected to the piston by means of a ball joint. The hexapod platform comprises six jacks according to the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a robot arm link comprising a base, a first section rotably coupled to the base, a second section pivotably coupled to the first section and a third section attached to the second section and having a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion coupled to the fixed portion for movement between first and second portions, the movable portion having an attachment plate for attachment to another robot arm link. The links can be used to construct an arm with multiples of three degrees of movement. For example, three links are joined together and mounted on a rotation base and terminated with a pivot or wrist joint to provide a total of 11 degrees of movement.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a wrist body, an arm body, a first shaft, a first driving mechanism, a second shaft and a second driving mechanism. The arm body includes an installation wall and a mounting cylinder connecting with an installation portion of the installation wall. One end of the installation wall is connected with the mounting cylinder. The first shaft is received in the mounting cylinder; the first driving mechanism is mounted on the installation wall for driving the first shaft to rotate, The second shaft is received in the mounting cylinder and rotatably sleeves on the first shaft. The second driving mechanism is mounted on the installation wall and spaced from the first driving mechanism for driving the second shaft to rotate.

Abstract: An actuating device includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a base plate, a first joint, and a second joint. The base plate extends between the first joint and the second joint. The first link is mounted to the first joint to allow rotation of the first link relative to the base plate at the first joint. The second link is mounted to the second joint to allow rotation of the second link relative to the base plate at the second joint. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: Electronic device processing systems and robot apparatus are described. The systems are adapted to efficiently pick or place a substrate at a destination by independently rotating an upper arm, a forearm, a first wrist member, and a second wrist member relative to each other through co-axial drive shafts. Methods of operating the robot apparatus are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric element, a first support member, a second support member, a third support member, and a fourth support member that support the piezoelectric element, a elastic portion that presses the first support member and the second support member, a case that comes in contact with the third support member and the fourth support member, and a pressing plate that presses the elastic portion.

Abstract: A substrate handling robot drive comprising a drive chassis for one or more robot arms. A first housing is movable with respect to the chassis and includes at least a first shaft and a first motor subsystem driving the first shaft. A Z-axis drives the first housing. A second housing is movable with respect to the chassis includes at least a second shaft and a second motor subsystem driving the second shaft. A Z-axis drive for the second housing is independently movable with respect to the Z-axis drive for the first housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weight compensation mechanism. A weight compensation mechanism is installed in a link member rotatable in a plurality of directions. The weight compensation mechanism includes a plurality of bevel gears that rotates in harmony with the rotation of the link member. Cam plates are connected to one or more of the bevel gears to be rotated together with the bevel gears. Weight offsetting parts are connected to the cam plates, respectively, and each of the weight offsetting parts compresses an elastic member based on the rotation of the link member and the cam plate to absorb gravitation generated by the weight of the link member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial robot and aims to provide an industrial robot capable of ensuring a long distance from a rotation axis of an arm to a tool mounting portion and accurately positioning the tool mounting portion by a compact structure. In a swing arm 150, the rotation of a tool mounting rotation arm driving motor 311 is transmitted to a pivot shaft 313 via a tool mounting rotation arm driving transmission mechanism 300, the rotation of a tool mounting portion driving motor 411 is transmitted to an intermediate power transmission shaft 422 via a tool mounting portion driving first transmission mechanism 412a, and the rotation of the intermediate power transmission shaft 422 is transmitted to an output power transmission shaft 426 via a tool mounting portion driving second transmission mechanism 412b, thereby rotating a tool mounting portion 170 while being decelerated by a tool mounting portion driving reduction unit 413.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a receiving box, a hollow tube, a first output shaft, and a first driving mechanism. The receiving box defines an assembling hole and a through hole. The hollow tube is assembled within the receiving box with two ends of the hollow tube aligning with the assembling hole and the through hole, respectively. The first output shaft is hollow, and rotatably assembled to the receiving box. The first output shaft is coaxial with the assembling hole of the receiving box and defines a cable passage cooperatively with hollow tube. The first driving mechanism is assembled within the receiving box and is connected with the first output shaft, to drive the first output shaft to rotate relative to the receiving box.

Abstract: A multi-spindle gearbox system includes a gearbox, a gear assembly, an output sleeve spindle, and a cable receiving barrel. The gearbox includes a base and a sealing cover covering the base. The sealing cover forms a hollow box space together with the base receiving the gear assembly therein. The base defines an assembly hole therethrough. The sealing cover defines a guiding hole corresponding to the assembly hole of the base. The output sleeve spindle is hollow and cylindrical with one end thereof assembled to the assembly hole of the base corresponding to the gear assembly. The cable receiving barrel is assembled within the gearbox. One end of the cable receiving barrel connects with the assembly hole and the other end of the cable receiving barrel passes through the guiding hole and is exposed to an outer side of the sealing cover.

Abstract: An articulated manipulator includes a base body, a first arm body, a second arm body having a second arm center axis, and a third arm body. A first joint part connects the base body and a first end portion of the first arm body rotatably around a first rotation axis. A second joint part connects a second end portion of the first arm body and a third end portion of the second arm body rotatably around a second rotation axis. A third joint part connects a fourth end portion of the second arm body and a fifth end portion of the third arm body rotatably around the third rotation axis. When the first, second and third arm bodies are all erected with respect to a installation surface, the first rotation axis, the second arm center axis, and the third rotation axis are substantially aligned with each other.

Abstract: Provided is a method of driving a joint device suitably used for a robot joint with improved back drivability. A first motor and a second motor are fixedly connected to a first link. An output shaft of the first motor is coupled to an internal gear of a differential speed reducer. An output shaft of the second motor is coupled to an external gear of the differential speed reducer. A second link is coupled to the internal gear of the differential speed reducer. When the first link and the second link are relatively stopped to keep a joint angle fixed, both of the first motor and the second motor are rotated with a rotational speed larger than zero, and the rotational speed of the first motor and that of the second motor are differentiated to stop the second link.

Abstract: The lower arm assembly for a humanoid robot includes an arm support having a first side and a second side, a plurality of wrist actuators mounted to the first side of the arm support, a plurality of finger actuators mounted to the second side of the arm support and a plurality of electronics also located on the first side of the arm support.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm including a plurality of joints, arm members that form the arm, each arm member supporting a load, actuators that drive the joints and that are supported by the arm members, a load sensor embedded in at least one of the arm members to measure the load applied to the at least one of the arm members, a controller that controls movements of the actuators on the basis of a result of the measurement performed by the load sensor, and a wire hole through which a sensor line extend from a space inside the at least one of the arm members to a space inside the arm, the sensor line connecting the load sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A link mechanism arranged between a fixed base and a movable base. The mechanism includes a drive gear reducer, a first arm, a second arm, a connection base, a first link, and a second link. The drive gear reducer includes a body, an input shaft, a first output shaft, and a second output shaft. The first arm is connected to the fixed base and the body of the reducer. The second arm is connected to the second output shaft and the movable base. The connection base is arranged such that the second arm is between the connection base and the reducer, the connection base is connected to the first output shaft. The first link is connected to the fixed base and the connection base. The second link is connected to the connection base and the movable base.

Abstract: A robot according to an aspect of embodiments includes a motor and a hypoid gear. The motor is provided in a robot arm. The hypoid gear transmits the driving force of the motor to a leading-edge arm coupled to the robot arm to swing the leading-edge arm or to rotate an end effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot having an apparatus for driving an attachable/detachable four-bar link mechanism, comprising: a base frame having a rotating joint for a robot body; a pivot frame which is coupled to the rotating joint and which has a rotating joint; a column frame which is coupled to the rotating joint of the pivot frame, and which has a straight-line joint; a motor arranged in the pivot frame to rotate the column frame; a decelerator attachably/detachably mounted on the rotating joint of the pivot frame or directly on the pivot frame to receive driving force from the motor; and a four-bar link installed between an output shaft of the decelerator and the column frame.

Abstract: A robot includes a first shaft housing, a second shaft housing rotatably assembled to the first shaft housing, a driver, a cable assembly, a transmission mechanism and a cable pass-through assembly. The driver is assembled within the first shaft housing for driving the second shaft housing to rotate relative to the first shaft housing. The cable pass-through assembly is assembled within the second shaft housing and defines a cable passage hole coaxial with the second shaft housing. The cable assembly passes through the cable passage hole of the cable pass-through assembly and electronically connects with the driver. The transmission mechanism is sleeved on the cable pass-through assembly for transmitting the driving force generated by the driver to the second shaft housing, thereby driving the second shaft housing to rotate relative to the first shaft housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a clutch system for use in controllably transmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The clutch system has a torque transmission fluid that has a viscosity that changes based on the strength of an electromagnetic field passing through the fluid. A number of sensors are placed at different radial locations on the torque transmission disks to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field. Based on the strength of the electromagnetic field, the amount of torque being transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft can be adjusted. Also disclosed is a distributed actuation architecture that uses this clutch system. The distributed actuation architecture allows for the use of a single drive motor in conjunction with multiple instances of the clutch system to actuate a mechanical linkage, such as a robotic arm.

Abstract: A surgical robot with seven degrees of freedom, including various types of joints, offers a hybrid active-passive control for operation both manually and by programmed navigation. One of the degrees of freedom allows the robot to be moved efficiently around the axis of a patient's body to provide ample workspace for surgical procedures in an operating room.

Abstract: A robot according to embodiments includes a speed reducer, a first shaft, a rotary electric machine, a second shaft, and a brake. The speed reducer reduces and outputs rotation to be input into an input unit. The first shaft is connected to the input unit. The rotary electric machine rotates the first shaft. The second shaft is connected to the input unit. The brake regulates the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: An industrial robot may include a main body section, a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a first speed reducer which connects the main body section and the first arm a second speed reducer which connects the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting mechanism which connects the input shaft of the first speed reducer and the input shaft of the second speed reducer, and a second drive motor which drives the third arm. The speed reduction ratio of the first and second speed reducer are set such that the movement loci of a third articulation section which connects the second and third arm are rectilinear. The connecting mechanism connects the input shafts predetermined speed ratio. The second drive motor is mounted on the second arm closer to the tip than where a third articulation section is located.

Abstract: A drive section for a substrate transport arm including a frame, at least one stator mounted within the frame, the stator including a first motor section and at least one stator bearing section and a coaxial spindle magnetically supported substantially without contact by the at least one stator bearing section, where each drive shaft of the coaxial spindle includes a rotor, the rotor including a second motor section and at least one rotor bearing section configured to interface with the at least one stator bearing section, wherein the first motor section is configured to interface with the second motor section to effect rotation of the spindle about a predetermined axis and the at least one stator bearing section is configured to effect at least leveling of a substrate transport arm end effector connected to the coaxial spindle through an interaction with the at least one rotor bearing section.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a circular rack, an elongated first mounting member attached to the rack, and a second mounting member attached to the first mounting member. The first mounting member extends in a radius direction of the rack and moves in a circular trace along the rack. The second mounting member slides relative to the first mounting member along the radius direction, thereby defining a polar coordinate system in a plane defined by the rack to allow the second mounting member to flexibly locate at any desired positions in the plane.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a frame, at least one arm link rotatably connected to the frame and a shaftless drive section. The shaftless drive section including stacked drive motors for rotating the at least one arm link relative to the frame through a shaftless interface, each of the stacked drive motors including a stator having stator coils disposed on a fixed post fixed relative to the frame and a rotor substantially peripherally surrounding the stator such that the rotor is connected to a respective one of the at least one arm link for rotating the one of the at least one arm link relative to the frame causing an extension or retraction of the one of the at least one arm link, where the stacked drive motors are disposed in the at least one arm link so that part of each stator is within a common arm link.

Abstract: A parallel link robot includes a housing, a plurality of driving devices, and a plurality of arms. The housing includes arm coupling openings and a receiving opening. The plurality of driving devices are disposed in the receiving opening of the housing. The plurality of driving devices are attachable and detachable from and in a direction above the receiving opening. The plurality of arms are coupled to the respective driving devices through the respective arm coupling openings.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a plurality of arms movable relative each other about a plurality of joints, and electrical motors moving the arms. The robot is also arranged and designed to resist corrosion in a harsh environment. The robot is also mobile and arranged for movement or travel and suitable for maintenance and inspection tasks in an installation for oil and gas.

Abstract: A robot arm for an industrial robot, including a first arm part and a second arm part, where the second arm part is rotatably journalled in the first arm part for rotation about a first axis of rotation, characterized in that the second arm part includes a tubular member, rotatably journalled in the first arm part, so that the tubular member is configured to support the robot arm.

Abstract: A robotic movement system includes at least one orb-based transmission assembly that includes an orb mount structure to or in which a magnet is mounted. At least one motor and a plurality of rollers are also mounted to the orb mount structure. The rollers contact an orb, which is rotated via rotation of the rollers for displacement and rotation of the robotic platform. The orb also includes a magnet having a magnetic attraction to the magnet mounted to the orb mount structure to hold the orb in contact with the rollers. In exemplary embodiments, the robotic movement system can function as a navigation and displacement mechanism for a displaceable robotic system or as a robotic joint for robots or for living beings.

Abstract: A speed reducer includes a ring gear having internal gear teeth, a revolving gear meshing with the ring gear, an eccentric cam relatively rotatably provided in a center of the revolving gear, a first rotating shaft in the eccentric cam, the first rotating shaft driving the revolving gear by rotating the eccentric cam, a through pin inserted into a through hole in the revolving gear, a second rotating shaft connected to the through pin and outputting rotation obtained by the rotation of the revolving gear, and an elastic section between the through hole and the through pin, the elastic section having a greater area of contact with the through pin than with the through hole.

Abstract: A vertical articulated robot includes a base, a turning base, a first upper arm, a second upper arm, a front arm, a wrist assembly, a first motor, a second motor, a third motor, a fourth motor, and a wire body. The wire body includes a first wire portion, a second wire portion, a third wire portion, a fourth wire portion, a fifth wire portion, and a sixth wire portion. The first wire portion extends from the turning base along a third rotation axis and is connected to an outer surface of the first upper arm. The second wire portion extends from the first wire portion along a plane perpendicular to the third rotation axis and is connected to an outer surface of the first upper arm. The third wire portion extends in a U-shape from the second wire portion.

Abstract: An industrial robot includes a hollow chamber rotatably supported by a base, an arm rotatably supported by the hollow chamber, and drive devices provided in the hollow chamber and configured to drive the arm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a weight compensation mechanism installed at a rotatable three-degree-of-freedom link member, wherein a first rotation of the link member is a yaw rotation aligned with the direction of the gravity and second and third rotations of the link member are respectively a roll rotation and a pitch rotation, wherein the second and third rotations are restrained by a plurality of differential bevel gears, and wherein a pair of cam plates is fixed to shafts of a pair of rotary bevel gears in the plurality of differential bevel gears, and a one-degree-of-freedom weight compensator is provided to be connected to the cam plates.

Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided for actuation of an upper arm assembly for a dexterous humanoid robot. The upper arm assembly for the humanoid robot includes a plurality of arm support frames each defining an axis. A plurality of rotary actuator assemblies are each mounted to one of the plurality of arm support frames about the respective axes. Each rotary actuator assembly includes a motor mounted about the respective axis, a gear drive rotatably connected to the motor, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a spring input that is rotatably connected to an output of the gear drive and a spring output that is connected to an output for the joint.