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

Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a control device, and a projection device. The control device is configured to receive area information on an area defining an operation of the robot. The projection device is configured to project the area onto an object adjacent to the robot based on the area information received by the control device.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The support generally comprises an orienting platform, a platform linkage movably supporting the orienting platform relative to the base, and a plurality of manipulators mounted to the orienting platform, wherein each manipulator movably supports an associated instrument.

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

Abstract: The invention is a modular and autonomously reconfigurable manipulator system which introduces a new dimension to the versatility of robot manipulation for diverse tasks. The hardware component is a redundant mechanism which can lock any number of its joints at any relative position to form a particular configuration with a certain number of degrees of freedom and specific values for kinematic, dynamic and control parameters, optimum for a given task to be performed. The process of identifying the optimum configuration for a given task and implementing it on the manipulator is done autonomously through the system software. Therefore, no manual interaction is required to form a new configuration most suitable for a given task. The kinematic, dynamic and control parameters of the system can vary continuously enabling the manipulator to form virtually an infinite number of configurations.

Abstract: A directional position control method uses an instructor device and a controller to control motion of a robot, and a directional-control starter is used to actuate a directional control function. The directional-control starter controls the controller to drive the robot to move according to the instructor direction reference by converting the coordinate of the robot into the coordinate of the instructor. The directional position control method allows the movement direction reference of the robot to be defined manually or automatically, so that the robot can be moved based on the instructor direction reference of the instructor, allowing the operator to operate the robot by intuition without too much discretion, consequently reducing difficulty and error in operating the robot. Besides, the operator can control the robot by staying at the location where the instructor is located, without standing close to the robot, therefore, improving safety of operating the robot.

Abstract: A parallel robot includes a fixed platform, a movable platform, and a plurality of links positioned in parallel between the fixed platform and the movable platform. Each link includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a first ball joint, and a second ball joint. The first connecting member connects to the second connecting member with a prismatic joint. The first connecting member connects to the fixed platform via the first ball joint, and the second connecting member connects to the movable platform via the second ball joint. Each of the first and second ball joints includes a ball member, a socket member, and a resilient pressing mechanism. The ball member couples with the socket member. The resilient pressing mechanism is positioned between the ball member and the socket member, applying compression to cause the ball member to tightly contact the socket member.

Abstract: An object is highly precisely moved by an industrial robot to an end position by the following steps, which are repeated until the end position is reached within a specified tolerance: Recording a three-dimensional image by means of a 3-D image recording device. Determining the present position of the object in the spatial coordinate system from the position of the 3-D image recording device the angular orientation of the 3-D image recording device detected by an angle measuring unit, the three-dimensional image, and the knowledge of features on the object. Calculating the position difference between the present position of the object and the end position. Calculating a new target position of the industrial robot while taking into consideration the compensation value from the present position of the industrial robot and a value linked to the position difference. Moving the industrial robot to the new target position.

Abstract: A parallel-kinematical machine includes at least three length adjusting setting devices that are connected to a positioning head and a base. The positioning head is movable in response to manuvering of the setting devices. At least movable two reinforcing beams are connected to the positioning head via beam rotation bearings having one degree of freedom, and are adapted to slide transversely in the beam bearings with adjustments of the setting devices. Each beam bearing is connected to the base via a beam-universal-joint. The beam bearing of at least one movable reinforcing beam is connected to an inner gyro element mounted in an outer gyro element, and rotatable about inner and outer gyro axes of the inner and outer gyro elements, so as to be partly rotatable about an axis that parallels the longitudinal axis of the movable reinforcing beam.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an exemplary method for measuring latency of display response of a touch screen on a touch screen based device, comprising recording, by a video camera, an interaction with the touch screen, correlating, by a processor in operative communication with the video camera, data retrieved from the recording to the interaction; and determining, by the processor, a latency of the response of the touch screen to the first contact. An interaction may comprise at least a first contact between a member and the touch screen, and a response of the touch screen to the first contact, including at least a first change of a frame of a display of the touch screen.

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: Systems and methods for identifying defective individual packaged modules are presented. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having a set of individual module substrates can be received. Further, capturing an image of the PCB and loading a PCB recipe associated with the PCB can be performed. The image of the PCB can be captured by an image capture module that can include one or more cameras. For each individual module substrate, a portion of the image corresponding to the individual module substrate can be compared to the PCB recipe. In addition, it can be determined based on the comparison whether the individual module substrate matches the PCB recipe within a degree of tolerance. In response to determining that the individual module substrate does not match the PCB recipe within the degree of tolerance, a location of the individual module substrate within a map of the PCB can be stored.

Abstract: A sustaining manipulator arm capable of being set on a ground includes a first linkage set. The first linkage set includes a first link, a second link, a first ball joint, a second ball joint, a third link, and a first elastic element. A first end of the first link is connected to a first revolution element, and the first revolution element has a first revolution direction. A first end of the second link is connected to a second revolution element. The second revolution element has a second revolution direction. The first revolution direction and the second revolution direction are the same direction, and the first revolution element and the second revolution element are on a first plane. The first ball joint is set in the first link. The second ball joint is set in the second link. A first end of the third link is connected to the first ball joint. A second end of the third link is connected to the second ball joint, and the third link is parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A system and method for machining a work-piece in restrictive access operating position is disclosed. The system includes a robot arm adapted to access the bottom face of the work-piece; a computation means adapted to compute a central line on the bottom face while ascertaining an area of overlap that is accessible from all sides of the work-piece; and a robot controller adapted to sequentially maneuver the robot arm from one side of the work-piece to other side of the work-piece on the bottom face. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control input for controlling a driving force of an actuator (5), by a control processing of the sliding-mode control using a switching function configured from a first variable component, which is a deviation between an observed value of a secondary power imparted to a secondary element (3) from a primary element (2) via an elastic deformation member (4), and a second variable component which is a temporal change rate of the deviation, so as to converge the first variable component to zero on the switching hyperplane. A gradient of the switching hyperplane is preliminarily determined based on a response characteristics data satisfying a predetermined requirement.

Abstract: Boom drive apparatus for substrate transport systems and methods are described. The boom drive apparatus is adapted to drive one or more multi-arm robots rotationally mounted to the boom to efficiently put or pick substrates. The boom drive apparatus has a boom including a hub, a web, a first pilot above the web, and a second pilot below the web, a first driving member rotationally mounted to the first pilot, a second driving member rotationally mounted to the second pilot, a first driven member rotationally mounted to the boom above the a web, a second driven member rotationally mounted to the boom below the a web, and a first and second transmission members coupling the driving members to driven members located outboard on the boom. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm and a second robot arm rotatably connected to the first. The first robot arm includes a first input shaft and a second input shaft. The second robot arm includes a sleeve and an output shaft partially received in the sleeve. The sleeve of the second robot arm is rotated relative to the first robot arm via a pair of bevel gears. The output shaft is rotated relative to the sleeve via a plurality of bevel gears which cooperatively form a polygon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using multi-axis articulating robot to manipulate plastic molded parts through a series of processing steps on one or more processing machines that are relatively stationary with respect to the parts and/or the robot.

Abstract: A robot cleaner and a method for controlling a robot cleaner are provided. The method may include sensing a stored value of a pulse width modulation (PWM) duty ratio based on a voltage of a battery; comparing a measured value of the PWM duty ratio with the stored value to calculate a difference between the measured value and the stored value; upon determining that the difference between the measured value and the stored value is equal to or greater than a first set value, calculating a distributed value of acceleration on a substantially vertically extending axis of the robot cleaner; and, upon determining that the distributed value of acceleration deviates from a range of a second set values, increasing a force to suction foreign matter.

Abstract: A manipulator for an industrial robot includes a plurality of actuators associated with a plurality of motion axes. An axis sensor is associated with each of the plurality of motion axes. Each axis sensor is configured to determine a single axis value for the corresponding axis of the plurality of motion axes. A redundant sensor arrangement is configured to ascertain an overall manipulator value. A control is configured to balance the overall manipulator value and the single axis values acquired by the axis sensors. A method of controlling the manipulator is also provided. Axis values are acquired by the axis sensors associated with each of the plurality of motion axes. A redundant manipulator value is acquired by the redundant sensor arrangement. The redundant manipulator value and the axis values acquired by the axis sensors are balanced, and a signal corresponding to the result of the balancing is output.

Abstract: The present invention involves a cover for a moveable spraying device of a robot which is formed from a polymer with enhanced residue retention properties. The polymer may be processed to increase the surface energy of the polymer. For example, the polymer may be subjected to a corona treatment in order to increase its surface energy. The corona treatment process may be performed on the polymer as received, prior to cutting or otherwise manipulating the polymer. Also, the polymer may be embossed to provide the enhancement. To assemble the polymer into a robot cover, the polymer as received may be cut into individual sections for assembly. The sections may then be assembled to one another by heat sealing the sections together. The heat sealing provides a bond between the individual sections of polymer that secures the individual sections together to create the robot cover.

Abstract: Provided is a manipulator with at least one camera capable of observing an end effector from a direction suitable for work. A rotating portion rotatable coaxially with the end effector is provided to a link adjacent to a link located at a manipulator tip end. At least one camera for recognizing a work piece as an object is arranged on the rotating portion through a camera platform. An actuator for controlling a rotation angle of the rotating portion is driven according to a rotation angle of the link located at the manipulator tip end, and thus the camera is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a plane where the end effector can move when the end effector performs a grip work. In an assembly work, the rotating portion is rotated such that the camera is arranged in a direction parallel to the plane where the end effector can move.

Abstract: A robot includes a base a movable platform, a plurality of control arms, a first actuator, a plurality of second actuators, and a rotation mechanism. The plurality of control arms are rotatably connected to the base and the movable platform respectively. The second actuators are configured to respectively drive the control arms to swing. The rotation mechanism includes a shaft rotated by the first actuator. The shaft is rotatable relative to the base and the movable platform is positioned around at least two axes. The at least two axes include two axes substantially perpendicular to each other. The shaft is slidable relative to the base.

Abstract: A biomimetic mechanical joint for generating a variable torque between support members of a biomimetic robotic device, including a base support member, a rotary support member rotatably coupled to the base support member, and a variable-radius pulley operably coupled between the base support member and rotary support member. The variable-radius pulley comprises a sheave body having a variable radius and one or more tendon grooves formed in the circumferential outer surface. The mechanical joint further includes one or more flexible tendons and antagonistic actuator pairs, with each actuator pair being coupled to one or more tendons and configured to operate the tendon around the variable-radius pulley in either direction to create a variable torque between the base and rotary support members.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, a connecting arm, and an end arm. The support arm is rotatably assembled with the connecting arm along a first axis, and is located at one end of the connecting arm. The end arm is rotatably assembled to the other end of the connecting arm along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, such that the connecting arm is rotatably assembled between the support arm and the end arm.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures includes a robot manipulator for robotically assisted handling of a laparoscopic instrument having a manipulator arm, a manipulator wrist supported by the arm and an effector unit supported by the wrist, wherein the manipulator arm provides three degrees-of-freedom by means of a first joint, a second joint and a third joint, each having an associated actuator, for robotically positioning the wrist, the wrist providing two degrees-of-freedom by means of a fourth joint and a fifth revolute joint having an associated actuator, for robotically setting the yaw angle and the pitch angle of the effector unit respectively; the effector unit includes a laparoscopic instrument actuator and provides one degree-of-freedom by means of a revolute sixth joint having an associated actuator for robotically setting the roll angle of the LIA which includes a seat, with an associated coupling mechanism for mounting an instrument stem adaptor to the ef

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical manipulator including a manipulator arm, an end-effector held by the robotic arm, surgical tools held by the end-effector and manipulator joints, particularly right-angle drive devices for transmitting rotational motion in one axis to a perpendicular axis.

Abstract: Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: An industrial robot system including a workcell including a load area and a process area. A detector detects when a human enters the load area. A manipulator is located in the workcell. At least one positioner is adapted to hold a workpiece and to change the orientation of the workpiece about at least one axis while the manipulator processes the workpiece. A station exchanger is movable about an axis and adapted to move, upon command, the manipulator or the positioner between the load and process area. Each of the axes is provided with a motor and a drive unit. An axis controller is adapted to switch between executing a first task in which the axes of the positioner and the station exchanger are commanded to a standstill, and a second task in which the axes of the positioner and the station exchanger are allowed to move.

Abstract: A sensor element includes a piezoelectric substrate made of a trigonal single crystal and an electrode arranged on the piezoelectric substrate. The substrate surface of the piezoelectric substrate includes an electrical axis of crystal axes. An angle ? formed by the substrate surface and a plane including the electrical axis and an optical axis of the crystal axes is 0°<?<20°.

Abstract: A moveable linkage for a parallel mechanism includes a swing arm, a four-link structure rotatably connected to the swing arm, and a plurality of pivotal shafts. The four-link structure includes a first connection shaft, a second connection shaft, a first link bracket and a second link bracket. Each of the first and second link brackets includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portions of the first and second link brackets overlap and rotatably connect two ends of the first connection shaft by the pivotal shafts. The second end portions of the first and second link brackets overlap and rotatably connect two ends of the second connection shaft by the pivotal shafts.

Abstract: A method is provided for distributing tension among tendons of a tendon-driven finger in a robotic system, wherein the finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons. The method includes determining a maximum functional tension and a minimum functional tension of each tendon of the finger, and then using a controller to distribute tension among the tendons, such that each tendon is assigned a tension value less than the maximum functional tension and greater than or equal to the minimum functional tension. The method satisfies the minimum functional tension while minimizing the internal tension in the robotic system, and satisfies the maximum functional tension without introducing a coupled disturbance to the joint torques. A robotic system includes a robot having at least one tendon-driven finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons, and a controller having an algorithm for controlling the tendons as set forth above.

Abstract: Embodiments may disclose a vision system for detecting a defect, including a conveyer belt configured to move at least one bottle through the vision system; a light emitting diode (LED) backlight configured to silhouette any dark contamination on a surface or inside the at least one bottle; a robot with a bottle gripper tooling, the robot configured to pick up the at least one bottle and rotate the at least one bottle; at least one camera configured to take pictures of the at least one bottle while the at least one bottle is being rotated; and a flipper arm configured to stop or allow the at least one bottle to move to a position where the robot picks up the at least one bottle.

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: A robot system includes a robot having a movable section, an image capture unit provided on the movable section, an output unit that allows the image capture unit to capture a target object and a reference mark and outputs a captured image in which the reference mark is imaged as a locus image, an extraction unit that extracts the locus image from the captured image, an image acquisition unit that performs image transformation on the basis of the extracted locus image by using the point spread function so as to acquire an image after the transformation from the captured image, a computation unit that computes a position of the target object on the basis of the acquired image, and a control unit that controls the robot so as to move the movable section toward the target object in accordance with the computed position.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which estimates a three-dimensional position-and-orientation of a measuring object using an imaging apparatus capable of capturing a two-dimensional image and a range image, includes a data storing unit configured to store verification data for estimating a position-and-orientation of a measuring object, a two-dimensional image input unit configured to input a two-dimensional image captured by the imaging apparatus in a first position-and-orientation, a range image input unit configured to input a range image captured by the imaging apparatus in a second position-and-orientation, a position-and-orientation information input unit configured to acquire position-and-orientation difference information which is relative position-and-orientation information in the first position-and-orientation and the second position-and-orientation, and a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the position-and-orientation difference information, a position-and-orientation of the mea

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to estimate a position and orientation of a measuring object using an imaging apparatus includes an approximate position and orientation input unit configured to input a relative approximate position and orientation between the imaging apparatus and the measuring object, a first position and orientation updating unit configured to update the approximate position and orientation by matching a three-dimensional shape model to a captured image, a position and orientation difference information input unit configured to calculate and acquire a position and orientation difference amount of the imaging apparatus relative to the measuring object having moved after the imaging apparatus has captured an image of the measuring object or after last position and orientation difference information has been acquired, and a second position and orientation updating unit configured to update the approximate position and orientation based on the position and orientation difference

Abstract: A robot program adjusting system (11) adjusting an operating program of a robot arm having a plurality of axes including an overload identifying means (12) for successively reading operational instructions from said operating program of said robot arm to run simulations and thereby identify an axis where overload is acting from said plurality of axes, an additional operation generating means (13) for generating an additional operation for an axis other than the axis identified by said overload identifying means (12) to lighten the load of said identified axis, and a program adjusting means (15) for adjusting the operating program of said robot arm based on the additional operation generated by said additional operation generating means (13), whereby the load acting on an axis with a large load can be lightened without trial and error.

Abstract: A spacecraft carrier is disclosed. The carrier has a large internal volume for housing at least one spacecraft. The carrier can be used as a repair and maintenance facility in space for spacecraft. Manned and unmanned devices can be stored, repaired and resupplied. The carrier can also transport a number of spacecraft to other locations allowing for an efficient coordinated movement of many spacecraft.

Abstract: A method for simulating a movement zone of a robot having at least one data processing installation, simulating at least one movement path of the robot, comprises providing a number of selectable points on the at least one movement path of the robot, calculating a braking path for each of the selectable points, calculating a virtual movement zone based on the braking paths and a maximum position reachable by the robot for the respective at least one movement path, and carrying out the simulation of functions of the robot off-line using a software module.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a touch panel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a robot hand that is to be positioned over a touch panel under test. The robot hand moves toward and away from the touch panel. A first testing finger and a second testing finger are coupled to the robot hand. As the robot hand moves toward the touch panel, the first testing finger is to contact the touch panel to simulate a one finger touch, and the second testing finger is to subsequently contact the touch panel to simulate a two finger touch. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A robot controller includes an input unit that receives operation instruction information, a database that stores grasp pattern information, and a processing unit that performs control processing based on information from the input unit and information from the database, and the input unit receives first to N-th operation instructions as operation instruction information, the processing unit loads i-th grasp pattern information that enables execution of the i-th operation instruction and j-th grasp pattern information that enables execution of the j-th operation instruction as the next operation instruction to the i-th operation instruction from the database, and performs control processing based on the i-th grasp pattern information and the j-th grasp pattern information.

Abstract: A high throughput parcel unloading system includes a robotic arm arrangement, including a cluster of robotic arms having grouping mechanisms. A conveyor system is also provided onto which parcels are placed by the robotic arm system. An image recognition system determines the position and arrangement of parcels within a container, and a control system is configured to receive image information from the image recognition system and control operation of the robotic arm system and conveyor system.

Abstract: A manipulator includes at least one camera capable of observing an end effector from a direction suitable for work. A rotating portion rotatable coaxially with the end effector is provided to a link adjacent to a link located at a manipulator tip end. At least one camera for recognizing a work piece as an object is arranged on the rotating portion through a camera platform. An actuator for controlling a rotation angle of the rotating portion is driven according to a rotation angle of the link located at the manipulator tip end, and thus the camera is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a plane where the end effector can move when the end effector performs a grip work. In an assembly work, the rotating portion is rotated such that the camera is arranged in a direction parallel to the plane where the end effector can move.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a wire which is movable back and forth, a driven wire both ends of which are connected to the wire, an idle pulley, a guide pulley, a driven pulley which is movable back and forth, and an end effector coupled to the driven pulley. The driven wire passes from a terminal along a first side on the idle pulley and extends to a second side opposite to the first side, and then passes along the second side on the driven pulley. The driven wire is then wound around the driven pulley and passes along the first side on the driven pulley and then the second side on the idle pulley, and finally returns to the terminal, thereby making up an 8-shaped configuration path. The driven wire is crossed between the idle pulley and the guide pulley.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating quick and accurate placement of a pole in a post hole for building pole buildings and for holding the post in such position during backfilling, tamping and/or concrete placement in the post hole. A post clamping device holds the post during a time when other adjusting aspects of the present invention can be used to move a post up or down, from side to side in at least two directions, tipping in any direction and rotation about a vertical axis of the post.

Abstract: A handling device for hoods of an aluminum production cell by fused bath electrolysis, including a positioning device and a hood-gripping device. The positioning device includes a vertical guide device, a mobile support mounted on the guide device so that it can be moved in at least a vertical direction during use, an articulated arm, a first framework mounted on the articulated arm so that it can pivot about a first rotation axis A substantially horizontal during use, a motor to make the first framework pivot about the first rotation axis A, a second framework mounted on the first framework so that it can be moved along the first translation axis B that is substantially horizontal during use, and means of displacing the second framework along the first translation axis B. The hood-gripping system is fixed to the second framework and includes a set of gripping devices designed to grip a set of hoods at a number of fixing points.