Abstract: Disclosure is made of a system for remote transmission of the angular position and force between the master and slave shafts, which includes master and slave synchronous machines (1,2) whose shaft position sensors (9,10) are electrically connected to inputs (11,12) of a unit (13) for assigning orientation of stator magnetic fields of the synchronous master and slave machines and to information inputs (15,14) of a device (16) for assigning the amplitude of stator magnetic fields of master and slave synchronous machines, having its output electrically connected to a control input (21) of a unit (22) producing current in the windings of the synchronous machines, having its setting input (23) connected to the output of the unit (13) for orientation assigning. The outputs of the producing current unit (22) are connected to electrically linked respective windings of the synchronous machines (1,2).

Abstract: There is provided an operation control method for an industrial robot having a plurality of joints, cooperation of these joints allowing a hand or an end effector attached to the hand to perform necessary operation comprising the steps of representing a position and orientation of a hand effecting point relatively determined with respect to the hand or the end effector by a generalized coordinate system suitable for describing the task, deriving respective displacement values of the plurality of joints corresponding to the position and orientation information by using means such as computation, and making the hand effecting point perform necessary operation. For at least one joint among the plurality of joints, displacement is approximately derived by using approximate solution.

Abstract: A velocity control apparatus according to the invention is used in order to acccept feedback data, for velocity control of a servomotor or the like. The disclosed apparatus provides velocity information in the form of discrete data from a pulse coder or the like, and forms a prescribed control command by digitally processing the data in a microprocessor. In a case where the above mentioned data are sampled at a predetermined sampling rate during a processing period so as to accommodate processing by the microprocessor, a lag element results when the data are accepted within the computer as velocity information which causes an inaccuracy in servomotor control. Accordingly, a detection signal forming unit (5) processes the discrete count data as the sum of count data synchronized to the sampling rate which is the processing period subdivided into a fraction, in which fraction the denominator is an integer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulator comprising an end effector (27) displaceable by means of a rod mechanism comprising four arms (11,13,15,17). By means of simultaneously activated individual drives (29,35) for two of the arms (11,15) which are of equal length, which individual drives are integrated in a differential drive, a displacement of the rod mechanism is obtained in a plane at right angles to a main axis (3) about which the two arms (11,15) are rotatable. At the same and oppositely directed angular velocities of the arms (11,15) about the main axis (3), a radial (R) positioning of the end effector (27) takes place, while at the same angular velocities of the arms (11,15) in the same direction an angular (.theta.) displacement of the end effector (27) about the main axis is obtained. The manipulator is particularly suitable for use as assembling robot.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the transfer for fluids, much as oil or gas, e.g. from a platform or buoy located by attachments to the sea bed, but otherwise with complete freedom of movement, due to the action of wind and wave, to a vessel with similarly complete freedom of movement. The equipment includes systems for automatically acquiring a target (10) to which is attached a tage line (11) and a transfer hose line (9), and for automatically transporting that target (10) accurately to a winching system (16) mounted on the said ship. The transfer hose line can be reeled in by the winching system (16) and the fluid transfer hose thus connected automatically to the ship-mounted receiving system. The equipment includes a self-sealing fluid coupling through which fluid flow can take place, and a hose having sufficient length to accommodate the stand-off of the vessel from the platform or buoy.

Abstract: Improved robotic fingers are disclosed. The present invention provides a novel three joint, two actuator robotic finger. The finger disclosed is self-contained, lighter and requires less computational overhead than designs requiring one actuator for each joint, while providing greater versatility than simple grippers. The fingers of the present invention are constructed using a series of pulleys and tendons to couple the motion of two joints. In a preferred embodiment, a novel tendon configuration is disclosed which provides human-like enclosure and grasping capabilities. Also, other useful tendon configurations are disclosed. Robotic hands comprised of a group of one or more of the fingers of the present invention and methods of utilizing them to manipulate objects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A kinematic method to operate a multi-jointed robot to achieve coordinated, speed-invariant motion when the robot's end effector is moved along a predefined path. To accomplish such operation, a total execution time function is defined which is a function of acceleration time, slew time, and deceleration time for the joints. Values for the acceleration time, slew time, and deceleration time are calculated which minimize the total time function subject to constraints on the displacement, the limiting velocity, the limiting acceleration, and the limiting deceleration for the joints. Then, the end effector of the robot is operated such that all joints start moving at the same instant, all joints accelerate for the same period, all joints slew for the same period, and all joints decelerate for the same period.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systematic methods and apparatus for the design of real time controllers. Real-time control employs adaptive force/position by use of feedforward and feedback controllers, with the feedforward controller being the inverse of the linearized model of robot dynamics and containing only proportional-double-derivative terms is disclosed. The feedback controller, of the proportional-integral-derivative type, ensures that manipulator joints follow reference trajectories and the feedback controller achieves robust tracking of step-plus-exponential trajectories, all in real time.The adaptive controller includes adaptive force and position control within a hybrid control architecture. The adaptive controller, for force control, achieves tracking of desired force setpoints, and the adaptive position controller accomplishes tracking of desired position trajectories. Circuits in the adaptive feedback and feedforward controllers are varied by adaptation laws.

Abstract: An industrial robot comprising a column housing a first group of coaxial hollow shafts rotatably coupled to a first articulated joint positioned at about 60.degree. to the first group of hollow shafts. A second group of coaxial hollow shafts receives the rotating movement from the first articulated joint and transmits it to a second articulated joint, also arranged in slanted relationship at 60.degree.. A third group of coaxial hollow shafts receives the rotating movement from the second articulated joint and transmits it to a third articulated joint which in turn is connected to an end bush supporting implements or operative tools.The invention is of particular advantage thanks to its high mobility and to the particular orientation in the space allowed to the several articulated joints.

Abstract: Two toroidal magnets are spaced apart form each other by a ferrous spherical spacer. The spacer partially engages openings provided in the two magnet surfaces facing each other. The facing magnet surfaces have the same polarity, repelling each other. The configuration creates a stable equilibrium by conduction of the magnetic flux through the spacer and the repulsive forces at the periphery of the magnets. Four "Hall Effect" sensors are mounted to one of the magnets. These sensors detect minute changes in the device's magnetic field caused by relative rotation or other movement of the magnets. A third magnet may be added for tactile sensor applications, allowing evaluation of the pressure exerted on the device.

Abstract: A vertical milti-articulated robot comprises a base (11) secured to a plane (10) of installation. The base (11) is provided with a turning body (12) which is rotatable relative to a reference position of the base about a first axis (.theta.) perpendicular to the plane of installation within an angular range of nearly 90 degrees to the right and to the left, respectively. The turning body (12) is rotated by a body drive motor (14) about the first axis. An upper arm (16) having a base end and a tip is coupled at the base end thereof to the turning body (12) so as to be rotatable relative to the turning body about a second horizontal axis (W) from a nearly vertical attitude toward the front of the turning body. A forearm (19) having at the front end thereof a wrist assembly (20) is coupled to the tip of the upper arm so as to be rotatable relative to the upper arm about a third axis (U) which is parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A symmetry calibration method for calibrating multi-configuration robots is disclosed. Specific points in the robot envelope are selected and the robot is moved to each point twice using different configurations. A linear measurement is made from an arbitrary fixed surface to a selected point on the robot at each envelope point. The origin for an axis is determined when the measurements for both configurations at the envelope point are substantially equal.

Abstract: A system is provided for controling a robot operating in association with a rotary table, including a robot, a rotary table, and a control circuit.

Abstract: An industrial robot having replaceable modules assembled on a bed (2) housing a drive mechanism therein is composed of blocks (1, 3, 4, 5, 9) which comprise members of compatible common structures that can be selected and assembled as modules. The blocks have engagement portions compatible with those of modules of other specifications. Therefore, different robot specifications can easily be met, and the modules can be replaced with those modules which are effective in a wide range. The blocks of the industrial robot can easily be assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: An industrial robot brake apparatus for braking a mechanism that drives a support shaft supporting an arm in a freely extendable manner is capable of forming a clearance between a fixed brake member, which is for stopping rotation of a screw rod that extends and retracts the support shaft, thereby positioning the working plane of the arm, and a movable brake, thereby facilitating replacement of a belt and inspection of the brake mechanism, such as a brake shoe.

Abstract: An industrial robot provided with at least six joints and adapted to have at least six degrees of freedom, wherein rotational joints rotatable around axes extending lengthwise of the arm and bending joints swingable around perpendicular axes extending perpendicularly to the lengthwise direction of the arm, thereby enabling the position and attitude control for a wrist at the arm and the obstacle avoiding control to change height of an elbow portion at the arm so as to avoid the obstacle.

Abstract: A multimorphic kinematic manipulator arm is provided with seven degrees of freedom and modular kinematic redundancy through identical pitch/yaw, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints and a wrist roll device at the wrist joint, which further provides to the manipulator arm an obstacle avoidance capability. The modular pitch/yaw joints are traction drive devices which provide backlash free operation with smooth torque transmission and enhanced rigidity. A dual input drive arrangement is provided for each joint resulting in a reduction of the load required to be assumed by each drive and providing selective pitch and yaw motions by control of the relative rotational directions of the input drive.

Abstract: A robotic arm positionable within a nuclear vessel by access through a small diameter opening and having a mounting tube supported within the vessel and mounting a plurality of arm sections for movement lengthwise of the mounting tube as well as for movement out of a window provided in the wall of the mounting tube. An end effector, such as a grinding head or welding element, at an operating end of the robotic arm, can be located and operated within the nuclear vessel through movement derived from six different axes of motion provided by mounting and drive connections between arm sections of the robotic arm. The movements are achieved by operation of remotely-controllable servo motors, all of which are mounted at a control end of the robotic arm to be outside the nuclear vessel.

Abstract: A coordinate conversion system is provided for moving the manipulator arm and hand in repsonse to an input command signal of the 3.times.4 matrix type. The manipulator is provided with a fixed offset between two of the secondary wrist axes so that a stronger wrist configuration is provided which can handle heavier payloads.

Abstract: An industrial robot has a position controller for each one of the axes of the robot and a computer for control of the robot. The computer continuously determines, with the aid of a mathematical model set up in advance, in dependence on the robot configuration and load in question, the mass moment of inertia of the axes, the coupled mass moment of inertia, and the moment caused by gravity. From the relationships between acceleration/deceleration and the drive motor torque for the different axes, the maximum available acceleration/deceleration for the axis is determined while assuming that maximum motor torque prevails for each axis. For each axis this value is compared with the maximum acceleration/deceleration value that may be allowed from the point of view of stability. On the basis of the lower of these values, optimum gain is determined and set in the position controller and/or a path planning parameter.

Abstract: An inserter for vacuum installations has a two-part arm provided with a driving and, a single joint and an end for holding an object. The arm can turn in at least one horizontal plane about a vertical main axis disposed in the area of the driving end, and has at least one motor for moving the arm about the main axis and changing the angle between the parts of the arm at the joint.

Abstract: An electrical robot comprises motors for driving a wrist mechanism mounted on a tip end of an arm. The motors are provided at an intermediate portion of a support beam which is provided on a rotary base and supports the arm.

Abstract: A remotely installed, operated and removed manipulator for steam generator includes a mast, an articulating arm attached to the mast, capable of operating in the bottom or top head of a once through steam generator or the head of a recirculating steam generator. Each embodiment can be remotely installed and removed. The manipulator provides precise access to tubes and can sustain substantial loads, so the apparatus can perform much of the tube work that must be performed inside a steam generator.

Abstract: A dust-free industrial robot of high performance includes an internal air space substantially closed by arms, articulation members, bearings or covers or a combination thereof in a manner to separate the rotating, sliding and contacting portions of structural elements such as the arms, articulation members, bearings and a drive source from the outside air. The air pressure in the internal air space is made lower than that of the outside air to prevent dust produced during the operation of the robot from being scattered to the outside air.

Abstract: A multi-jointed robot of high-speed and high-precision motion with reduced stress is disclosed. This robot has a first arm which is pivotal on a base, and a second arm which is pivotal on the first arm. The first arm is directly moved by a first motor on the base, while the second arm is moved by a double parallel link mechanism driven by a second motor which has two shafts at its both ends and which is supported on the base.

Abstract: A position control system for the movable machine parts of industrial robots, machine tools and the like comprising an actual position transmitter and counter arrangement coupled to each movable machine part. The readings of the counters are transmitted to a computer control, via a serial data bus such as a lightguide bus, which then compares the readings to reference values. Positioning commands for the drives of the movable machine parts are derived from the computer control comparisons and issued to the respective drives.

Abstract: In a robot, an object to be controlled, e.g., a working tool mounted on a robot wrist is purposively moved in accordance with data taught in advance. In case the object is encountered with a shaping or mounting error, a correction is accordingly required. This requirement makes it necessary to generate a desired error vector so that the robot may be moved while correcting the taught data in accordance with that vector. The object can be moved in a manual mode with its location being fixed while changing its position. In case, however, the object is accompanied by the shaping error or the like, not only the position but the location is changed following the position changing operation. The error vector can be arithmetically determined from data concerning such locational change.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot of a so-called agile type which has a lower arm (16) with double-sided journalling in a stand (12) consisting of two separated, upright parts (12a, 12b), the arm (16) being pivotable in the space between the stand parts. A pivot shaft (24) for pivoting the upper arm of the robot via a crank and a parallel link rod from one of the stand parts (12a) and through a lead-in opening (28) in the lower arm (16). From the other stand part (12b) there extends a drive shaft (30), which is substantially coaxially opposite to the pivot shaft (24) of the crank (22) and which is connected to the lower arm (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a servomechanism device such as robot, and more particularly to a position correcting control system for a servomechanism device which is well suited to perform high-precision positioning or high-perfomance operations on the basis of a sensor feedback control system such as force detection feedback control.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically extracting objects individually from containers comprises a stand, beneath which a container having the objects that are to be extracted can be erected; an extractor arm movably disposed on the stand in the area above the container; a device for axially extending and retracting the extractor arm; and a device for guiding the grasping element of the extractor arm to various areas in the container interior. In order to attain reliable emptying of the container, especially in the rim areas and corners, a holding device for the extractor arm is provided, which is connected to the stand via a cardan joint suspension system. A drive mechanism is provided for the longitudinal displacement of the extractor arm relative to the holding device, as are further drive mechanisms for pivoting the holding device in two vertical planes at right angles to one another.

Abstract: An automatic assembly apparatus has a first conveyor for transporting trays carrying parts to be assembled, a second conveyor for transporting pallets on which the parts are to be assembled and which extends parallel to the first conveyor, a stocking station positioned between the first and second conveyors and at which a plurality of the trays can be accommodated, a working station adjacent to the second conveyor, a pusher arm for moving trays from the first conveyor to the stocking station, and a root mounted between the first and second conveyors for carrying the trays from the stocking station to parts supplying stations adjacent the working station, and for assembling, on pallets transported to and from the working station by the second conveyor, parts removed by the robot from trays situated at the parts supplying stations, whereby a plurality of parts can be assemled by a single robot and it is possible to automatically and efficiently assemble the parts even in cases of relatively small scale producti

Abstract: In a robot including a first robot part which pivots with respect to a second robot part about a pivotal axis, a cable routing system includes a multitude of flexible cables which are retained at spaced apart positions by first and second retainers so that the cables are spaced around the outside of a cylinder whose axis coincides with the pivotal axis. A first connector mechanism connects that first retainer to the first robot part so that the first retainer rotates with the first robot part about the pivotal axis during pivoting. A second connector mechanism connects the second retainer to the second robot part so that the second retainer is movable axially toward the first retainer against the biasing action of a spring along the pivotal axis and prevented from rotating about the pivotal axis during pivoting. Each of the retainers includes a slotted disk which separates and guides the cables.

Abstract: An advanced servo manipulator has modular parts. Modular motor members drive individual input gears to control shoulder roll, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, wrist yaw, wrist pitch, wrist roll, and tong spacing. The modules include a support member, a shoulder module for controlling shoulder roll, and a sleeve module attached to the shoulder module in fixed relation thereto. The shoulder roll sleeve module has an inner cylindrical member rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical member, and upon which a gear pod assembly is mounted. A plurality of shafts are driven by the gears, which are in turn driven by individual motor modules to transmit rotary power to control elbow pitch as well as to provide four different rotary shafts across the bendable elbow joint to supply rotary motive power to a wrist member and tong member.

Abstract: An actuator assembly, for industrial robots, including a base member, an articulated arm assembly, and a support member. The support member is provided with a tool holding member, which is actuated pivotably about first and second axes and rotatable about a third axis by the articulated arm assembly.

Abstract: A piping for control/drive medium of an industrial robot having at least one robot arm, which is to be supplied from a main body of the robot to a hand device thereof, is composed of a plurality of pipe segments adjacent ones of which are connected by a rotary joint disposed on a joint portion of the robot arm, with a rotary axis of the rotary joint being aligned with a rotary center of the joint portion.

Abstract: A modular robotic remote manipulator is disclosed. The manipulator utilizes a base module, any number of generally identical but appropriately sized articulating modules, extender modules as may be needed, and an end effector module to accommodate the task assigned to the manipulator. The articulating modules are constructed to afford three different motions about three different axes which intersect at a common point lying between the input end and the output end of the module to effect a range of possible motion for the module output which defines an imaginary sphere. This module is also constructed to provide a separate rotary torque through the output coupling to the next module. The couplers for interconnecting the modules utilize toggle operated spool shaped locks. An end effector or gripper employs a rotating shaft and follower connected through a cable and pulley arrangement to operate the gripper jaws.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator provides three degrees of freedom of movement of an end effector or gripper using only motors which are mounted on a frame. Included is a first actuator assembly providing rotation of a first input link about first and second axes. A compound motor provides this rotation about two axes through a differential gear mechanism. A second actuator provides rotation of a second input link about a third axis. The two input links are each connected to an output link, which in turn are connected, with an end effector being disposed on the end of one of the output links.

Abstract: A method for refining an original command signal which is intended to locate a robot at a desired position and orientation (pose) comprising the steps of identifying the actual system parameters of the robot; predicting, through utilization of those actual system parameters the anticipated pose of the robot which would actually be obtained as the result of the original command signal; calculating corrected command signals required to minimize the difference between the predicted anticipated pose and the desired pose; and employing the corrected command signals to place the robot. Preferably, a plurality of desired calibration pose command signals are used in the step of identifying the actual system parameters to place the robot in a plurality of actual calibration poses in the measuring range of at least one pose sensor.

Abstract: A variable compliance manipulator comprising a five linkage structure in which one stationary segment and at least four moving segments are connected with one another through joints each having one degree of freedom, and actuators disposed on two or three of the joints and having a variable-stiffness property, wherein the stiffness of motion of the manipulator in working can be adjusted by detecting and delivering the change in angle of the moving segments to a servo system for controlling the actuators.

Abstract: A digital linear actuator includes a plurality of digital actuator cells each connected to the next in sequential fashion. Each of the digital actuator cells contracts or expands a predetermined amount along an expansion/contraction axis when it is actuated by a corresponding digital signal. Each digital actuator cell includes an inner portion containing a medium which expands or contracts in response to a digital signal. The inner portion is disposed within an outer portion that contracts in the direction of the axis in response to expansion of the inner portion, and expands in the direction of the axis in response to contraction of the inner portion. The device is useful in simulating the behavior of a muscle in a prosthetic device. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which an arm can be extended to and retracted from a snake-like configuration. Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed which effectively simulates a shoulder and arm mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-joint arm robot apparatus comprises a multi-joint arm having a plurality of unit arms coupled in tandem with each other through joints, and a movable support for supporting the proximal portion of the multi-joint arm. The multi-joint arm robot apparatus has motors for controlling joint angles of the joints and a motor for moving the movable support. These motors are driven by a control system. The control system controls the motors to obtain proper joint angles, in such a way that the joints of the multi-joint arm are put into a given path when the movable support is moved a given unit distance.

Abstract: A manipulator for engaging a pouring tube (11) with a discharge gate of a pouring ladle comprises a post (3) and a boom (4), which is adjustably mounted on the post (3) and adapted to carry the pouring tube (11). To provide for a simple sequence of movements and a simple control, the post (3) is pivoted to a base (1) on a horizontal axis (2), the boom (4) is pivoted to the post (3) on an axis (5), which is parallel to the pivotal axis of the post (3), and the post (3) and the boom (4) are pivotally movable about their respective pivotal axes by respective torque cylinders (6).

Abstract: The horizontal movement actuators 3 of an industrial robot arm 2 are deenergized after an initial engagement between a workpiece 8 grasped by a robot hand and a base member 10 disposed on a support table 12 so that any axial misalignment between the workpiece and a hole 11 in the base member is automatically corrected with the guidance of a chamfer 8a, 10b provided on the workpiece and/or the hole.

Abstract: An optimum velocity controller having absolute track faithfulness for linear track motions of articulated robots having several axes of motion. If at least one velocity reference value of an axis of motion exceeds an assigned limit, the velocity of the predetermined total motion of the track is reduced. In order to obtain a stable control behavior of the robot, an additional velocity reduction of the track motion is executed for each of the individual axes of motion within predetermined range limits. The boundaries of these range limits are selected according to the respective velocity and/or acceleration of the robot along the track.

Abstract: An electric industrial robot comprises a movable robot assembly (10) forming therein an airtight chamber, and an electric drive unit for driving the robot assembly. The electric drive unit comprises a plurality of motors (36-41). The respective casings (36a-41a) of the motors are disposed within the airtight chamber (30) of the robot assembly. Electric cables (57-62) connected to the motors, respectively, are led through the airtight chamber into a fixed pipe (67) connected to the robot assembly. The interior of the motors and the interior of the airtight chamber are kept at a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure outside the robot assembly.

Abstract: In an industrial robot of a type having an arm made of a pentagonally connected links, of which an uppermost link is secured to a stationary member so as to be swingable around its axis, the uppermost link is rotated by a first motor, while second and third motors are provided nearby the uppermost link for operating upper links connected to the uppermost link swingably. A wrist base is pivotally connected to the lower ends of lower links to be swingable in a plane defined by the lower links and fourth and fifth motors are also provided nearby the uppermost link for driving, through belts and pulleys, a cross-shaped member pivotally connected to the wrist base and a wrist casing pivotally connected to the wrist base so as to swing around axes perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: An industrial robot assembly comprises a support body including a station portion and a vertically translatable portion. A tapered arm member is mounted to the translatable portion of the support for rotation about a first vertically oriented axis, and an angle lever is mounted to the tapered arm member at a point spaced from the first axis for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A first electric motor is operatively connected to the arm member for rotating that member about the first axis, while a second electric motor is operatively connected to the angle lever for rotating that lever about the second axis. A translatable and rotatably component for carrying grippers or another workpiece-manipulating element is mounted to the angle lever at a point spaced from the second axis. A third electric motor and a lifting drive are operatively coupled to the holder component for translating the component and for rotating that component about a third axis, respectively.

Abstract: A technique is provided for calibrating a SCARA type robot (10) comprised of a first rotatable link (20) and a second link (32), rotatably connected at one end to the first link, and carrying a tool (40) at the other end thereof. The calibration technique relies on the fact that SCARA robots are controlled using a kinematic model, which, when accurate, allows the links to be placed in both a first and second angular configuration at which the tool (40) carried by the second link remains at the same position. To calibrate the kinematic model, the links are placed in the first configuration to locate the tool above a fixed datum point (60). Then, the links are placed in the second angular configuration to nominally locate the tool again in registration with the datum point. The error in the kinematic model is computed from the shift in the position of the tool from the datum point when the links are switched from the first to the second angular configuration.

Abstract: An industrial robot assembly comprises a support body including a station portion and a vertically translatable portion. A tapered arm member is mounted to the translatable portion of the support for rotation about a first vertically oriented axis, and an angle lever is mounted to the tapered arm member at a point spaced from the first axis for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A first electric motor is operatively connected to the arm member for rotating that member about the first axis, while a second electric motor is operatively connected to the angle lever for rotating that lever about the second axis. A translatable and rotatable component for carrying grippers or another workpiece manipulating element is mounted to the angle lever at a point spaced from the second axis. A third electric motor and a lifting drive are operatively coupled to the holder component for translating the component and for rotating that component about a third axis, respectively.

Abstract: A programmable automatic assembly system is provided which may be employed to assemble small parts. Each assembly station includes cooperating manipulator arms which are programmable to assemble parts on a centrally located work table. Improved facilities are provided for teaching the manipulator arms at each station, these facilities including a computer which assists the teaching operator in setting up the programs required for assembly of small parts to close tolerances. Each manipulator arm includes closed loop teach facilities for maintaining the arm at a previously located position during the teaching mode of operation. The computer is employed as a teach assist facility in performing a number of tasks during the teaching operation which are extremely difficult for the operator to perform manually. All of the assembly stations may be controlled during playback from a common disc storage facility so that the control circuitry and memory storage facilities at each manipulator are minimized.