Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a drive section and a first movable arm assembly. The drive section includes a first motor. The first motor includes a stator and a passive rotor. The first movable arm assembly is connected to the first motor. The substrate transport apparatus is configured for the first movable arm assembly to be positionable in a vacuum chamber with the passive rotor being in communication with an environment inside the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a first arm and a second arm respectively supported at their base end portions by a body and the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a first joint and a second joint; and a fork including its base end portion supported by the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a third joint. The first arm includes a first enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with an upper surface positioned higher than an upper surface of the base end portion of the first arm. The second arm includes a second enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with a lower surface positioned lower than a lower surface of the base end portion of the second arm. The first and the second enlarged portion are at least partially overlapped with each other horizontally.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator device used in a plurality of sites of a multi-shaft driving mechanism such as a multi-shaft manipulator, a robot arm, a leg structure and a snake-shaped robot. A torque sensor 14 is connected to a bearing 17 such as a cross roller bearing through a mount part. As illustrated, the torque sensor 14 is driven by an outer ring relative to a stationary part case 19 of an actuator device 10. An attachment surface of an output shaft frame 20 is arranged in a position offset from the bearing 17 on a side of the stationary part case 19. An entire length of the actuator device 10 in an output shaft direction does not change also after the output shaft frame 20 is attached and an occupied space does not increase.

Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement structure capable of being used in a waterproof application, wherein a hollow portion may be independently used for wiring of a work tool, while the motion of an umbilical member for the work tool may be stabilized. A bent hollow member has a first flange attached to a first opening. Between the first flange and a first wrist element, a liquid-tight first seal member is disposed. At a second opening formed on the back side of a forearm base part, a second flange is arranged at a rear end of an I-shaped pipe, and a liquid-tight second seal member, similar to the first seal member 82, is disposed between the second flange and the rear end surface of the base part. The bent hollow member is rotatably connected to the I-shaped pipe via a bearing and an oil seal.

Abstract: A process turning disc connectable to an output shaft of a motor configured to rotate the process turning disc about a first center axis of the process turning disc. The process turning disc being configured to guide a cable or hose. A first flange is connectable to an end part of a robot arm. A second flange is connectable to a tool element. The flanges are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate connecting member. The connecting member is connected to the flanges. The connecting member provides a passage between the flanges. The passage is configured to receive and guide the cable/hose. The passage has an inlet side for the cable/hose and an outlet side for the cable/hose. A robot arm including the process turning disc, a robot including the robot arm and a method that utilizes the process turning disc.

Abstract: A tendon tensioning system includes a tendon having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator, and a motor controller. The actuator may include a drive screw and a motor, and may be coupled with the proximal end of the tendon and configured to apply a tension through the tendon in response to an electrical current. The motor controller may be electrically coupled with the actuator, and configured to provide an electrical current having a first amplitude to the actuator until a stall tension is achieved through the tendon; provide a pulse current to the actuator following the achievement of the stall tension, where the amplitude of the pulse current is greater than the first amplitude, and return the motor to a steady state holding current following the conclusion of the pulse current.

Abstract: A hybrid robotic manipulator adapted to move objects includes a base and a waist mounted on the base. The waist is configured to rotate on the base. The hybrid robotic manipulator further includes a pair of arms mounted on the waist. Each arm includes an upper arm, a forearm serially coupled to the upper arm at an elbow, and a wrist configured to couple the pair of arms at a distal end through a pair of connecting elements. The wrist further includes an end-effector mounted thereon and configured to grip the object and move the object to a desired position.

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

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly includes a first segment, a second segment, a first driving device, a first transmission mechanism, a second driving device, and a second transmission mechanism. The second segment is rotatably connected to the first segment. The first driving device drives the second segment to rotate about a first axis relative to the first segment via the first transmission mechanism. The second transmission mechanism includes a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear. An output shaft is fixed to the second bevel gear, and the output shaft is capable of rotating about a second axis. Each of the second segment, the output shaft, and the second bevel gear defines a guiding hole, and the guiding holes are aligned in the second axis.

Abstract: A computer program product and an apparatus for preparing a moving program for controlling the operation of a working robot which can move a known working apparatus relative to a workpiece and which can perform desired work on the workpiece. Movement information of the working apparatus may be input to a text entry screen on a character basis. Movement information of the working apparatus may also be input via a figure entry screen as a path on a two-dimensional plane in correlation with height information. The movement information that is input on the text entry screen is output in real time as the path on the two-dimensional plane and the height information thereof on the figure entry screen. The movement information that is input on the figure entry screen is output in real time to the text entry screen on the character basis.

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

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

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

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a third supporting member, and a fourth supporting member configured to support a piezoelectric element, and the respective supporting members are formed with irregularities on contact surfaces thereof. In this configuration, the contact surfaces are prevented from being displaced, and reliable holding of the piezoelectric element and prevention of drive energy loss of a driven member are achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing communications with robots. In some implementations, a computer network, where operators interface with the network to control movement of robots on a wireless computer network includes a network arena controller and a plurality of robot controllers. The network arena controller is configured to provide firewall policies to substantially secure communication between robot controllers and the associated robots. Each controller is included in a different robot and configured to wirelessly communicate with the network arena controller. Each robot controller executes firewall policies to substantially secure wireless communication.

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

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted SCARA robot includes: a base, a first arm that is connected to the lower side of the base via a first coupling part centering around a first articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the first articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a second arm that is connected to the lower side of the first arm via a second coupling part centering around a second articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the second articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a working shaft that is mounted on the second arm, a second articulated shaft motor and a second articulated shaft reducer for driving the second arm, and a working-shaft rotation motor that rotates the working shaft. The second articulated shaft reducer is provided on the second coupling part, and the working-shaft rotation motor is arranged directly below the second articulated shaft reducer.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method applied to an automated work cell which includes at least one robot arm (4) having at least three degrees of freedom controlled according to a plurality of control axes (A1-A6; X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz); a control centre (8); a device (6) for controlling the robot arm (4), which includes a plurality of motor controllers (61-66) each controlling the operation of one motor (M1 -M6) along one axis, suitable for operating at least one portion of the robot arm (4); and a communication bus (14) between the control centre (8) and the device (6) for controlling the robot arm (4).

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a supporting arm, first and second mechanical arms, a first driving member, a second driving member, a first transmission mechanism between the first mechanical arm and the first driving member, and a second transmission mechanism between the second mechanical arm and the second driving member. The first driving member drives the first transmission mechanism to rotate the first mechanical arm. The second driving member drives the second transmission mechanism to rotate the second mechanical arm. The first driving member and the second driving member are both carried in the supporting arm and are arranged side by side.

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

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

Abstract: An articulated structure having a tubular inflatable casing that contains a fluid under pressure and that has a central axis along which there are defined at least one fixed-geometry segment and at least one variable-geometry segment, the arm including a deformation mechanism for deforming the variable-geometry segment, the casing and the deformation mechanism arranged so as to generate curvature of the variable-geometry segment in such a manner that the variable-geometry segment conserves a volume that is substantially constant. A robot arm including such a structure.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A robotic structure includes a component that moves from a first position to a second position. Further, the robotic apparatus includes a robotic controller that (i) receives an input quantity and an output quantity that are computed from human motion data based on a human musculoskeletal model, (ii) computes at least one parameter based on the input quantity and the output quantity, and (iii) outputs the output quantity to the component upon an input of robotic motion data from the component.

Abstract: An articulated structure for a multi-axis robot includes a base having an arm hinged to the base about a first axis and a forearm hinged to the arm about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and wherein the forearm forms a deformable parallelogram structure which includes two connecting rods that are hinged to two plates about respective axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes. The structure also includes a first electric actuator controlling pivoting of the arm about the first axis, a second electric actuator controlling pivoting of the forearm about the second axis, and a third electric actuator mounted directly on one of the base and the arm for controlling pivoting of one of the connecting rods relative to the plates about the axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes.

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

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

Abstract: A robot includes a rotating electrical machine and a brake. The brake is configured to restrict rotation of the rotating electrical machine. The brake includes a brake plate, a plurality of pressing members, at least one biasing member, and an electromagnetic coil. The brake plate is configured to rotate integrally with a shaft of the rotating electrical machine. The plurality of pressing members are movable toward the brake plate and include a first pressing member and a second pressing member. The at least one biasing member is configured to bias the first pressing member and the second pressing member toward the brake plate using mutually different biasing forces. The electromagnetic coil is configured to, when current is on, electromagnetically attract the first pressing member and the second pressing member against the biasing forces of the at least one biasing member.

Abstract: The brushless electric machine includes a first drive member (30U) having a plurality of permanent magnets (32U); a second drive member (10) having a plurality of electromagnetic coils and capable of movement relative to the first drive member (30U); and a third drive member (30L) disposed at the opposite side from the first drive member (30U) with the second drive member (10) therebetween. The second drive member (10) has magnetic sensors (40A, 40B) for detecting the relative position of the first and second drive members. The third drive member (30L) has at locations facing the permanent magnets of the first drive member (30U) a plurality of magnetic field strengthening members (32L) for strengthening the magnetic field at the location of the second drive member (10) in conjunction with the permanent magnets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An actuator having a two-parameters energy converter is coupled to a transducer and is driven by a controller. Prior to assembly and operation of the actuator, a calibration procedure is performed. The calibration procedure, together with the unique controller, enable accurate control of the output parameters of the actuator. In one example, the parameters are rate and force, and the calibration and controller enable accurate control of the rate and force at the output of the actuator by measuring only the rate at the output of the energy converter. Consequently, no sensors are needed at the output of the actuator, i.e., at the output of the transducer, where the load is applied.

Abstract: A surgical device including first and second joint parts that are connected in series is provided. The surgical device includes a plurality of link arms that pass through an inner portion of the first joint part so as to drive the second joint part. The link arms are serially connected so as to rotate with respect to each other, and are rotatably connected to a driving unit for driving the plurality of link arms.

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

Abstract: A motor including a driven unit; an actuator including a vibrating plate having, at an end thereof, a protrusion which is biased toward the driven unit and a piezoelectric body stacked on the vibrating plate; and a biasing unit biasing the actuator toward the driven unit, wherein an axis in a direction in which the biasing unit biases the actuator toward the driven unit intersects with a plane containing a vibrating surface of the vibrating plate.

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

Abstract: A device (1) for moving and positioning a member in space has a mobile member (2), first and second members (3, 4) attached to a frame (32), and first and second carriages (5, 6) slidable along the members (3, 4). A first pair of arms (7, 8) are hinged to the first carriage and to the mobile member, forming a first four-bar linkage. A second pair of arms (10, 11) are hinged to the second carriage (6) and to the mobile member, forming a second four-bar linkage. A third pair of arms (14, 15) are hinged to a third member (13) and to the mobile member (2), forming a third four-bar linkage. A fourth member (17) which is hinged to the frame (3, 4, 19, 32) of the device (1) rotatably bears the third member (13), with a first actuator (18) provided for moving the fourth member (17).

Abstract: A multi-functional mobile laptop desk includes a base, on which a support member is set; the end of the support member far from the base is provided with a joint, the top of the joint is provided with a first upper arm, and the lower part of the joint is provided with a first A lower arm and a first B lower arm paralleling with the first upper arm; the end of the first upper arm far from the joint is connected with the top of a tooth tank; the ends of the first A lower arm and the first B lower arm far from the joint are connected with the lower part of the tooth tank; the top of the another end of the tooth tank is provided with a second upper arm, and the lower part of the end is provided with a second A lower arm and a second B lower arm paralleling with the second upper arm; the another end of the second upper arm far from the tooth tank is connected with the top of a connecting seat; the another ends of the second A lower arm and the second B lower arm far from the tooth tank are connected with the lower