Abstract: In a robotic system having a two-axis robotic wrist connected to a reference member, the wrist has a movable member movable relative to the reference member in pitch and yaw. A first serial chain linkage connects the movable member to the reference member and a second serial chain linkage connects the movable member to the reference member in parallel relationship with the first serial chain linkage. The linkages are configured to constrain the movable to spherical movement, and such that the robotic wrist is non-singular, non-overconstrained, and non-overactuated. Actuation of a pair of revolute joints connected to the reference member deflects the movable member in pitch and yaw. The roll angle resulting from deflection in pitch and yaw is that of an intersecting-shaft constant-velocity coupling connecting the reference member to the movable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot having delta kinematics, comprising a tool receiver which has a joint plate connected to a robot base via control arms and a drive for the rotation of a tool received by the tool receiver, said drive being fastened to the joint plate.

Abstract: A robot arm for an industrial robot. The robot arm includes a wrist housing, a wrist, and a turn disc. The wrist is rotatably connected to the wrist housing and the turn disc is rotatably connected to the wrist. A first motor drives the wrist and a second motor drives the turn disc. A first driving rope transmits the motor rotation to the wrist, and a second driving rope transmits the motor rotation to the drive pulley.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial robot, wherein a cable or the like spanned between an end effector and an upper arm has less bending due to a motion of a wrist portion, wherein the cable or the like does not twine around the upper arm, and wherein the cable or the like does not interfere with a peripheral device. A passage opening 25, through which a cable or the like 12 for supplying power, signals or materials to an end effector 9 attached to a rotating element 7 is drawn out of a body 6, is opened at a position, at which the body 6 intersects with a center of a first axis (an R-axis). The cable or the like 12 drawn out of the passage opening 25 is extended to the end effector 9.

Abstract: An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.

Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section, and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a three-axis orientation-changing motion with respect to the movable section. The wrist section includes a first rotary member supported on the movable section and rotatable about a fourth rotation axis different from axes of the three-axis translational motion of the movable section, a second rotary member connected to the first rotary member and rotatable about a fifth rotation axis orthogonal to the fourth rotation axis, and a third rotary member connected to the second rotary member and rotatable about a sixth rotation axis orthogonal to the fifth rotation axis. The third rotary member is provided with an attachment surface to which a tool is attached.

Abstract: A parallel kinematic structure comprises at least two kinematic chains being functionally arranged in parallel. Each of the two kinematic chains has, at a moveable end thereof, at least one degree of freedom, and comprising a passive anti-planar joint arrangement having a translational degree of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom. Each anti-planar joint arrangement has an input section and an output section. At least one of the kinematic chains comprises a planar joint arrangement having at least one of at least one translational degree of freedom and a rotational degree of freedom, the planar joint arrangement having an output section. Further, the planar joint arrangement is adapted for active movements in at least one of its degrees of freedom. The input section of the anti-planar joint arrangement and the output section of the respective planar joint arrangement are coupled.

Abstract: An industrial robot has an arm, a wrist element rotatably interconnected to the arm, a work tool mounted on a distal end of the wrist element, and a motor mounted on the wrist element. An umbilical-member connected to the work tool and a flat cable connected to the motor are disposed to run along the wrist element from the arm side to the work tool or to the motor. A pipe member extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the wrist element is provided inside the arm and the umbilical-member connected to the work tool is passed inside the pipe member. The flat cable connected to the motor is wound around outside of the pipe member, with the flat cable arranged to become slack in a rotating direction of the wrist element.

Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section; and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a rotational motion with respect to the movable section.

Abstract: A cable driven wrist mechanism for a robot arm which executes a rolling motion and a pitching motion. The wrist mechanism includes a first drive body and a second drive body which are independently driven. The wrist mechanism includes first and second rotary bodies which are connected to the first and second rotary bodies. The wrist mechanism further includes a third drive body perpendicular to the first and second drive bodies. At least two cables are connected between the drive bodies and the rotary bodies in a criss-cross manner to transmit forces of the first and second rotary bodies to the third rotary body.

Abstract: A robotic end effector system and method having a plurality of end effectors which are selectively suitable for particular applications on a workpiece. The end effectors include a resident controller adapted to execute tasks specific to the end effector and are rapidly attachable and removable from the robot for easy change over to different workpieces.

Abstract: A substrate transporting robot apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to transport a substrate to and from a chamber of an electronic device processing system. The apparatus may include an upper arm rotatable in an X-Y plane, a forearm rotatable relative to the upper arm in the X-Y plane, and a wrist member rotatable relative to the forearm in the X-Y plane, the wrist member including an end effector adapted to carry a substrate. The wrist member may be subjected to independent rotation such that various degrees of yaw may be imparted to the wrist member. In some aspects, the independent rotation is provided without a motive power device (e.g., motor) being provided on the arms or wrist member, i.e., the wrist member may be remotely driven. Systems and methods using the robot apparatus are also provided as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A robot has a structure in which finger joints do not interfere with each other. The robot includes a first actuator driving the finger joint, a first power transmission, a second actuator driving the finger joint, and a second power transmission. The first actuator and the first power transmission are coupled with a wrist joint so that the position of the first actuator and the first power transmission is changed. Accordingly, even if the wrist joint operates, the distance between the first actuator and the finger joint is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A robot is provided in a Cartesian space. The robot is provided with a linear movement rail, a movable body, a swing arm, a linear movement arm. The linear movement rail extends in parallel with the X-axis direction. The movable body is linearly moved in the X-axis direction along the linear movement rail. The swing arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the movable body around an R-axis (which is a swing axis) extending in a horizontal direction which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the second end extends radially from the R-axis. The linear movement arm, which is connected to the second end of the swing arm, moves a wrist unit in the Y-axis direction which is in parallel with the R-axis. A task tool is loaded to the wrist unit.

Abstract: A swivel joint that is placed between a working device and a forwardly/reversely rotatable wrist section provided on a body section of an industrial robot and has a fluid transmission route for interconnecting the wrist section side and the working device side. The fluid transmission route is a hose, and between the wrist section and the working device, the hose is loosely spirally wound with a margin around a shaft section that rotates together with the wrist section. One end of the hose is non-rotatably fixed to the shaft section, and the other end is fixed so as to be movable with movement of the shaft section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacing and positioning an object in a space, having at least three actuating arms that can pivot about a transmission axis. Each arm is connected to a motor unit/transmission unit. A carrier element is provided in order to arrange at least one gripping element for gripping the object. Each actuating arm, on the free ends thereof, has a first articulated axis that is parallel to the transmission axis with first articulated parts arranged at a distance from each other, of a first ball joint. The carrier element has a second articulated axis associated with each actuating arm with first articulated parts that are arranged at a distance in relation to each other, of a second ball joint. The first articulated axis is connected to the second articulated axis by a pair of connecting bars which include terminal second articulated parts.

Abstract: The control unit includes an arm (21) sliding inside of a sheath (20) the angle of which can be varied and which is supported by three tensed cables (25; 26; 27) arranged in a triangle and unwinding with a certain degree of resistance from force feedback motors (16; 17; 18). The wrist (23) of the control unit can be moved according to at least the three degrees of translational freedom, without having to be afraid of encountering the cables; the control unit is simple, inexpensive and possesses a satisfactory degree of stiffness. A friction-creating means, possibly consisting of another tensed cable and dependant on a motor, is placed between the sheath (20) and the arm (21). This unit can be used for telemanipulation, telesurgery, CAD, games, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system to perform a surgical operation. The robotic surgical tool includes a wrist mechanism disposed near the distal end of a shaft which connects with an end effector. The wrist mechanism includes a distal member configured to support the end effector, and a plurality of rods extending generally along an axial direction within the shaft and movable generally along this axial direction to adjust the orientation of the distal member with respect to the shaft. Advancement or retraction of a first rod generally along the axial direction tips the base through a first angle. The addition of a second angle allows the distal member to direct the end effector in essentially a compound angle. The robotic surgical tool may also include provisions for roll movement.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a parallel kinematic manipulator of an object in space. The manipulator includes a stationary platform, a movable platform for carrying the object, and at least three arms connecting the platforms. Each arm includes a first arm part connected to the stationary platform for manipulating the movable platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot, specifically a painting robot, having at least one moveable member which has a conduit for lines which houses at least one line. It is proposed that the line is disposed in the conduit at least partially in a spiral or winding configuration and/or is carried by an axially compliant bellows to allow axial movement of the line with a change in the position of the robot.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a device for sensing an absolute position of an encoded object, comprising: a position tracking module comprising: a track illumination module configured to illuminate the encoded object with one more light beams, and to detect one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object; and an absolute position determinator configured to determine the absolute position of the encoded object based on said one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object.

Abstract: A robot is provided which comprises a wafer blade (105) having a pocket (109) therein for receiving a semiconductor wafer, and a retractable protrusion (107) which is movable from a first position in which said protrusion prevents the removal of said wafer from said pocket, to a second position in which said protrusion permits the removal of said wafer from said pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a humanoid robot capable of improving power transmission efficiency of a wire and movement displacement of a wrist joint by modifying the structure of the wrist joint serving as a passage for wires. The humanoid robot includes a robot hand including a power transmission device for transferring gripping force to finger members. The power transmission device includes connection members connecting an actuator to finger joints and guide members for guiding the connection members. The guide members include a first guide member coupled to a robot arm and a second guide member coupled to a hand body. The connection members are alternately wound around the first and second guide members. The gripping force is enhanced whereby a length of the connection members provided between the first and second guide members is constantly maintained even if the second guide member is shifted from the first guide member.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism for an instrument used in minimally invasive medical procedures employs only four drive cables for control of the pitch, yaw, and grip of an effector. To reduce part count, no pulleys are used. Instead, solid surfaces of devises in the wrist mechanism cradle the drive cables and are curved in multiple directions to maintain a fixed moment arm for cable torques and eliminate the need for large cable wrap angles. Further, the stiffness of each of the four drive cables can be controlled for improved clinical performance. In particular, the stiffness of the two drive cables that cause grips to close can be greater than the stiffness of the remaining two drive cables that cause the grips to open. The arrangement can minimize cable slack, improving fidelity of motion.

Abstract: A transmission or backend mechanism for a medical instrument connects four cables to three motorized degrees of freedom. The transmission employs a first drive mechanism attached to first and second cables and a second drive mechanism attached to third and fourth cables, where each mechanism can include a capstan or a lever system that pulls in one cable while simultaneously feeding out another cables. A third drive mechanism has a first pivot about which a portion of the first drive mechanism rotates, a second pivot about which a portion of the second drive mechanism rotates, and a third pivot about which the third drive mechanism rotates. Rotation of the third drive mechanism about the third pivot pulls in at least one of the first and second cables and feeds out at least one of the third and fourth cables.

Abstract: A robot includes a work tool, an arm, a cable, and a third member. The work tool is configured to perform a predetermined work with respect to a workpiece. The work tool is attached to the wrist. The arm supports the wrist and is rotatable around a rotational axis. The arm includes first and second members which are provided substantially in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the arm to form a space between the first and second members. The cable extends through the space and is connected to the work tool. The third member connects the first and second members.

Abstract: A flexible wrist-type element and methods of operation thereof, including variations having an angularly moveable hub housing a rotatable and operable end effector driven via a drive train having one or more universal-type joints and/or other flexible couplings moveable via an input mechanism within a housing.

Abstract: A robot arm for an industrial robot, comprising a first arm part and a second arm part, wherein 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 comprises a tubular member, rotatably journalled in the first arm part, whereby the tubular member is configured to support the robot arm.

Abstract: A guiding device, with high rigidity, for an umbilical member and a robot having the guiding device, by which interference between the umbilical member and another component or external equipment is minimized. The guiding device or an adaptor includes a first plate member fixed to a third wrist element, a second plate member opposing to and parallel to the first plate member, and a connecting member for connecting the first and second plate members. The first and second plate members and the connecting member define a first opening for introducing the umbilical member into the adaptor. The second includes a fixed portion fixed to an end effector and an extended portion extending from the fixed portion and offset from the third wrist axis. A second opening is formed on the extending portion of the second plate member, through which the umbilical member may extend.

Abstract: A coupler to provide controller motion from a robotic manipulator includes a pin having a tip with a spherical bearing surface and a plate supported on the spherical bearing surface of the pin with two degrees of rotational freedom about the center of the spherical bearing surface. The plate has a back surface and an opposing driving surface that bears against a first surface of an inner gimbal of a gimbal assembly of a driven device. The plate includes a pin receiving portion that extends outwardly from the driving surface and away from the back surface. The pin receiving portion includes a spherical receiving surface to receive the spherical bearing surface of the pin. The spherical bearing surface is located at a distance above the driving surface such that the center of the spherical bearing surface coincides with an intersection of the gimbal assembly axes of the driven device.

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: In order to rotate and move an arm of a slave which supports a needle-holder, the rotation and movement of a pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are directly transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder, as sensors for detecting the rotation and movement of the operating section, an X-axis torque sensor, Y-axis torque sensor, Z-axis torque sensor, and a rotation detecting potentiometer (33) are installed thereon. As a result, the rotation and movement of the pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder in optimum proportions through a computing section. Therefore, when the needle-holder is to be finely moved, a subtle motion of the fingers of the hand can be satisfactorily transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a surgical operation device capable of doing minute surgical operations with ease.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of manipulators, such as multiaxial or multiaxle industrial robots. At least one manipulator functions as the reference manipulator and is moved in a plurality of preset poses within its working area at which internal position values are determined as first desired poses. For each desired pose, subsequently a first actual pose of the reference manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. Subsequently at least one further manipulator moves up to specific poses of the reference manipulator as second desired poses and for each of these poses an actual pose of the further manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. On the basis of actual-desired deviations between the thus determined desired and actual poses of the two manipulators, subsequently a parameter model for the further manipulator is established and with it it is possible to compensate simultaneously both its own errors and those of the reference manipulator.

Abstract: Even if the coupling surface of an arm side attachment and a tool side attachment is directed in a direction other than the horizontal direction, the tool side attachment can be automatically separated and detached from the arm side attachment. When exchanging a tool, the worker does not have to forcibly pull out and detach a tool side attachment from an arm side attachment, a tool can be exchanged automatically, and the exchange work can be performed easily in a short period of time. When the cam member 17 is shifted from the unlocking position to the locking position, locking balls 13 which slide on locking inclined tapered surfaces 17a to be shifted to the outside along the radius direction are engaged with engaging inclined tapered surface 23a so as to mutually couple an arm side attachment 3 and a tool side attachment 5.

Abstract: A rotary leadthrough of a robot arm, in particular of a fourth axle of a Delta robot, has a housing and a shaft, located in an axial leadthrough of the housing and supported rotatably in this housing, for connection to the robot arm. The housing has at least two openings for cleaning the axial leadthrough. The shaft at least in a portion of its length, has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the axial leadthrough in that region, so that there is a void between the shaft and the axial leadthrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for swiveling an object around a stationary axis (16) which lies outside the space occupied by the device. The inventive device is characterized by unusually great rigidity. A supporting coupler (5) and a guiding coupler (10) are guided parallel to the frame (1) with the aid of cross-sliding elements. The supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) are connected to a crank (4) by means of one respective revolute joint, the crank (4) guiding the supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) along concentric, non-identical circular paths. The supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) are provided with a second revolute joint located at the same distance from the first revolute joint, i.e. a revolute joint (5b) for the supporting coupler at the output end and a revolute joint (10b) for the guiding coupler at the output end, via which the two couplers (5, 10) are jointly connected to an output member (9).

Abstract: A wrist unit to be arranged in an industrial robot including a control system and a manipulator. The manipulator includes a robot arm and a wrist unit arranged on the robot arm and including a wrist housing arranged for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, a wrist part/tilt pivotally journalled in the wrist housing for rotation about a fifth axis of rotation. A second transmission is configured to transmit rotation form a second drive unit to the turn disc about the sixth axis of rotation where the control system controls the first and second drive units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic device for the positioning and orientation of a platform that is connected thereto by means of articulated support structures forming parallel mechanical links, each in the form of a serial kinematic chain of articulations that are interconnected by support segments. The inventive device (1) is characterized in that it comprises three articulated parallel mechanical links comprising: (i) two opposing, symmetrical and co-planar support structures (4 and 5), and (ii) a third support structure (6) which is located in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane containing the support structures (4 and 5). According to the invention, the articulated links formed by the three supports structures (4, 5 and 6) enable the controlled movement of points belonging to the platform (2) on a surface corresponding to a spherical or ellipsoidal cap and, preferably, essentially to a half-sphere, thereby providing at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial robot which can reduce torque required for driving an object to be moved. By providing a third reduction device and a third driving device separately, the dimension in the third axial direction of the third reduction device can be reduced, thus the distance from a second axis to an end effecter can be decreased. As such, the torque required for a first driving device and a second driving device to rotate and drive the end effecter can be reduced. Accordingly, even when the weight of the end effecter is increased, an increase of the torque required for the first driving device and the second driving device can be suppressed. Therefore, a higher speed operation can be achieved as compared with the conventional industrial robot.

Abstract: A spatial linkage including an inboard gimbal plate that provides a ground for the spatial linkage, an outboard gimbal plate, and three links that couple the outboard gimbal plate to the inboard gimbal plate. Each link has a longitudinal axis and two pivotal couplings disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis. Each link is pivotally coupled to the outboard gimbal plate at a first end of the longitudinal axis and pivotally coupled to the inboard gimbal plate at a second end of the longitudinal axis opposite the first end. The pivotal couplings allow the outboard gimbal plate to move relative to the inboard gimbal plate and preventing relative rotation between the outboard gimbal plate and the inboard gimbal plate.

Abstract: A support arm for a clamping and/or centering element of a gripper frame for holding three-dimensional components includes an adjustment mechanism, such as a ball that can pivot or a cylindrical pin that slide and rotate, held in a clamping and release unit with clamping jaws that can be radially clamped and are configured as shells engaging on opposing halves of the ball or the cylindrical pin and whose separation distance can be set by a means of adjustment. A radially directed compression force can be applied to the clamping jaws by a ring-shaped hydraulic force generator that is arranged about the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic and laparoscopic insertion through a cannula of a trocar into an insufflated body cavity or lumen includes a bending member in an elongate shaft that acts to rotate an end effector about an articulation pivot joint. A proximally directed camming surface (e.g., gear segment, cam recess) aft of a pivotal attachment of the end effector to a proximal frame ground of the elongate shaft interacts with a bending member whose proximal end is ground to the proximal frame ground. Differential fluidic actuators or mechanical cam bars deflect a distal end (e.g., rack, cam point) of the bending member to effect articulation. Thereby, the end effector may act upon tissue that would otherwise be obscured, such as behind an organ. The articulated end effector also advantageously allows an endoscope to be positioned behind the end effector without being blocked by the instrument shaft.

Abstract: To facilitate an integrating operation and to make fabricating cost inexpensive. An idle gear for transmitting rotation of an input gear of a drive motor to a cylindrical gear is rotatably supported by an input side end portion of a specific one crank pin, and therefore, the idle gear may simply be supported by the crank pin, further, a length in an axial direction of the cylindrical gear brought in mesh with both of the idle gear the input gear is sufficiently to a degree of being more or less longer than a distance between remote side ends of the two gears.

Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a pivot holder and a plurality of pivoting links with the pivoting links rotatably coupled to both the base support and to members of the pivot holder to rotate about axes which extend in different directions for each of these rotatable couplings in a link, typically in accord with specific geometrical arrangements, and in different directions from similar axes in another of such links. The foregoing various rotatable couplings are provided by insertable bearings or bushings in the supports and links. The pivoting links have larger portions thereof outside of the interior of the manipulator parts of which can extend outside in different directions. Such systems can incorporate a variety of force imparting members to control movements of various ones of the pivoting links or pivot holder members.

Abstract: A linkage system which offers high rigidity and good assemblability and producibility, and enables parts such as rotary transmission components and actuators to be readily installed. A linkage system includes an input member disposed on an input side, an output member disposed on an output side, and three or more link mechanisms, each link mechanism consisting of end links rotatably coupled to the input member and the output member, respectively, a center link rotatably coupled to the end links on the input side and the output side, and four revolute joints by which the end links are rotatably coupled to the input and output members, and to the center link. The link mechanism being geometrically identical with respect to a center cross-sectional plane relative on the input and output sides. Each of the revolute joints of the link mechanism includes bearings that support at both ends of the revolute joint.

Abstract: A robot provided with a robot mechanism including a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being movable relative to each other; and a laying structure for laying an umbilical member in the robot mechanism. The robot includes the umbilical member laid to extend between the first member and the second member; a movable clamp member movably provided in the first member to clamp the umbilical member; and a connecting member for connecting the movable clamp member to the second member in a correlatively movable manner. The connecting member transmits a force generating due to a movement of the second member relative to the first member to the movable clamp member, so as to move the clamp member in the first member.

Abstract: A wrist assembly is provided for securing an end effector to a robotic arm. The wrist assembly comprises a first portion (205, 207) containing a slot for releasably engaging an end effector (231), and a second portion (203) which is attached to the first portion. The orientation of the first portion with respect to the second portion is adjustable to impart a leveling effect to the end effector.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner assembly comprises a headstock apparatus that is configured to rotate a workpiece A headstock interface assembly is configured to secure the workpiece to the headstock apparatus and comprises a bearing configured to enable pitch, yaw and roll movement of the headstock interface assembly relative to the headstock apparatus. The workpiece positioner assembly further comprises a tailstock apparatus configured to support the workpiece in cooperation with the headstock apparatus. The tailstock apparatus comprises a tailstock interface assembly that is configured to secure the workpiece to the tailstock apparatus. The tailstock interface assembly further comprises a tailstock bearing configured to enable axial movement of the workpiece relative to the tailstock apparatus.

Abstract: In an umbilical member processing mechanism of a robot, a working tool managing unit umbilical member (50) for supplying at least one of the power, the signal and the material to a working tool managing unit (34), is guided from a rotary barrel in the longitudinal direction of an upper arm on a side face of the upper arm (14) located on the opposite side to the side attached to the rotary barrel (12) and then guided onto a front side (18b) of a front arm (18). Next, the working tool managing unit umbilical member (50) is connected to the working tool managing unit (34) through a side of the front arm located on the opposite side to the side on which the upper arm is attached. Further, the working tool managing unit umbilical member is connected to the working tool managing unit being relayed by an umbilical member junction portion (39) attached to a side or a front side of the front arm.