Abstract: In a feed drive apparatus wherein a moving element 27 is driven by drive legs 21, 22 having extension/contraction deforming parts 23 and shear deforming parts 24, sine wave drive voltages are respectively applied to the extension/contraction deforming parts 23 and shear deforming parts 24 of the drive legs 21, 22 in order to permit high speed operation, and make the average voltage effectively zero.

Abstract: A double rotatable spindle head of non-perpendicular axis type has a first half head and a second half head. The first half head is connected to the machine structure and rotates about a first axis. The second half head is coupled to the first half head on a flat surface and rotates about a second axis perpendicular to the flat surface. The rotation of the first and second half heads is achieved by a first and second direct motor, respectively.

Abstract: A toy robot system includes a toy robot and a surface over which the robot can move. The surface is constructed from a number of modules of various types that may be joined together. Each module (except for spacer modules) includes at least one track segment along which the robot may move. Each module is square and each track segment extends from the center of the module to one side. A code readable by the robot is provided at the beginning of each segment so that the robot knows what type of module it is entering, and a code is provided at the center of each module so that the robot can calculate its position.

Abstract: A manipulator is provided that includes a foot part and a number of members connected to the foot part and to each other respectively, and at least a gripper part, such that the members, the gripper and the foot part form an arm. One or more motors are provided in the foot part for moving at least a one of the members and the gripper.

Abstract: A robot for carrying a substrate in which minimum turning radius is small when the arm is retracted although a plurality of forks are provided and installation area can be minimized. The robot comprises a fixed base, a first turnable arm linked with the fixed base, a second turnable arm linked with the first arm, and a turnable fork linked with the second arm, wherein the fork comprises a plurality of first and second independent forks. The first and second forks are fixed coaxially and vertically in two stages to the forward end part of the second arm such that they can turn independently and first and second fork drive motors are disposed in the second arm.

Abstract: A robotic device for moving at least one object between locations, including a servo motor system having a single servo axis for effecting motion in at least two directions of motion. The robotic device includes a link arm rotationally coupled to said servo motor system for lifting and placing said at least one object, a head assembly having gripper arms for gripping and releasing said at least one object at said locations. The head assembly includes a leveling mechanism for maintaining said at least one object in a desired orientation, and a split ring sensing mechanism, disposed between said gripper arms, for determining the presence of said at least one object.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robot (32) includes the steps of selecting an initial configuration from at least one of a first, second, and third sets to position a TCP at a starting point (44) along a path (33) and selecting a final configuration different than the initial configuration to position the TCP at an ending point (46). Next, the TCP moves from the starting point (44) while maintaining the initial configuration, approaches the singularity between a first point (48) and a second point (50), and selects one of the axes in response to reaching the first point (48). The angle for the selected axis is interpolated from the first point (48) to the second point (50). After the interpolation, the angles about the remaining axes are determined and positions the arms in the final configuration when the TCP reaches the second point (50) and moves to the ending point (46) while maintaining the final configuration.

Abstract: A cable array robotic system and apparatus for applications such as cargo handling at sea and pallet handling in manufacturing, based on a multi-cable robotic control system is disclosed. The cables are deployed from three or more folding, telescoping masts at the corners of a work area. The cables attach to an end-effector (e.g. a spreader mechanism) that grips an object (e.g. a container) and affects desired movements as directed by an operator through a computer controlled graphical user interface using pointing directives such as “put that there”. Various sensors and cameras enable a high degree of control over the end-effector (e.g. spreader or pallet) as it is moved from place to place. Sufficient control is possible so that the present cargo handling system may unload, without pendulation, the deck and hold of a ship onto a sea-going lighter during sea state three conditions in a container handling application at sea.

Abstract: A robot control system includes a scenario receiver to receive a robot control program or scenario, a scenario register to incorporate the received scenario in the robot, a scenario selector to select a scenario for execution thereof from scenarios beforehand incorporated in the robot and scenarios added to the robot, and a scenario executor to execute the selected scenario. Therefore, there are provided a robot, a robot control system, and a program of the same in which a new control program module can be added to a robot control program.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an industrial robot according to the delta concept with an arm system (2) intended for rotation in space that comprises a base section (4), a movable plate (6), several jointed struts (8) and a telescopic shaft (10, 40) arranged between the base section and the movable plate, in which opposite ends (12, 14) of the struts and the telescopic shaft are connected to the base section and to the movable plate, respectively, and in which the telescopic shaft (10, 40) comprises a first telescopic arm (16, 46) and a second telescopic arm (18, 48) that are arranged longitudinally displaceable relative to each other, that each telescopic arm (16, 18; 46, 48) comprises at least two rods (20, 22; 50, 52) that are attached to holders (24-27; 54-57) at their respective end sections. The present invention also includes a method and an application.

Abstract: A conveying device in which a conveying arm assembly can be quickly set in a conveying position and can be rapidly stabilized in the conveying position includes a conveying arm assembly, a fixed shaft, at least one set of hollow operating shafts which are necessary for controlling an operation of the conveying arm assembly, and a motor provided between the fixed shaft and each of the operating shafts. The one set of operating shafts are attached to the fixed shaft such that they can be rotated coaxially with respect to the fixed shaft outside fixed shaft and are arranged in an axial direction of the fixed shaft. The conveying arm assembly is attached to an end portion of the operating shaft close to the ended of the fixed shaft. The motor comprises a stator provided on the fixed shaft and a rotor provided on each of the operating shafts such that it is opposed to the stator on an outer peripheral side of the stator.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling a remote robot responsive to the integrated sensory perceptions, natural body movements, inertia and gravitation of an operator/user who is himself responding to a three dimensional virtual world of visual and sensory conditions responsive to the environment at the remote site where the robot is operating. The user requires no training, special commands or devices to direct the robot because the user has the perception of actually being at the remote location, handling remote objects he sees and feels in his hands, walking, climbing, viewing and feeling the remote world.

Abstract: A control system for robots comprising a control unit for generating and controlling the paths of a movement of the moving parts of the robot, a drive unit for generating the control signals for controlling the motors associated to the moving parts of the robot, and an Ethernet-type network for connection of the control unit and the drive unit. An interface module is also provided to connect the control unit to peripheral units and distributed input/output units. The drive unit comprises, in conjunction with a plurality of CPUs that close the control loops of the torques generated by the individual motors, a main CPU responsible for position control in the framework of the drive unit. The latter CPU thus retains knowledge of the overall status of the machine.

Abstract: A cable laying structure for a robot, which does not interfere with external devices in a periphery of a forearm. Camera (or force sensor) and hand control cables and motor control cables CB are drawn into a robot mechanism through a connection panel of a base of a robot main body. While allowing the motor control cables to sequentially diverge, the control cables CB are arranged in a robot arm along an upper arm portion and guided to the forearm. The control cables CB are introduced into the forearm with a shield and a sheath removed, and clamped at an appropriate position. After reaching an end effector-mounting face, the control cables CB are connected to a camera (or force sensor) C/S and a hand. The forearm is formed of conductive material and grounded on the base of the robot main body so as to have the same electric potential as the base by using means such as an earth cable or the like, and therefore the forearm is utilized in replacement of the shield.

Abstract: A reduction gear which facilitates the mounting of a motor while securing a hollow space in a portion of the rotation center of the reduction gear, and which makes it possible to easily change the reduction ratio. A hollow space is formed in a portion of the rotation center of a reduction gear, a motor mounting member (24) for maintaining a distance between the center of rotation and a rotating shaft of the motor to a fixed distance, and a front-stage reducing portion (32) for reducing the output rotation of the motor is provided between the center of rotation and the rotating shaft of the motor.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a manipulator having a control system. The manipulator includes a common gear housing having first and second inner compartments connected with a passage channel. First and second gears are arranged in the first and second inner compartments and are adapted to move the manipulator. A cooling and lubricant medium is disposed in the common gear housing and circulates between the first and second inner compartments through the passage channel.

Abstract: A robot with at least partly externally located cables, particularly robot tool supply cables having a length reserve in the area of the A3 axis of the robot is characterized by a base part located on the robot and having elements for guiding the supply cables and with a leg pivotable against the latter on which is located at least one of the elements for supply cable guidance.

Abstract: A loadlock chamber assembly includes a loadlock chamber, a sub-chamber removably attached to the loadlock chamber and a first robot arm having a primary pivot axis within the sub-chamber, wherein the first robot arm can move a substrate from a position approximately in a center of the loadlock chamber to a position outside the loadlock chamber.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: A communication robot includes a speaker. By generating a sound or voice through the speaker, the human is requested to cause a robot to make a certain action. When the human makes an action to the robot, the movement of the robot head or arm assists for the action.

Abstract: When determining coordinates of a point of an object (2) in a reference system of coordinates and the orientation of the object in the space in a measuring position assumed by the object, the object is moved from a start position having known coordinates and a known orientation to a measuring position while detecting this movement. Said coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this detection and about the start position. Furthermore, the acceleration and retardation of the object are measured during the movement, and the coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this measurement.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus for a robot of the type formed by a plurality of joint actuators and operating in accordance with a behavioral schedule comprises a behavior scheduling unit for setting a robot's behavioral schedule, an operation controller for implementing an operational pattern corresponding to the behavioral schedule as determined by the behavior scheduling unit by driving each joint actuator, a detector for detecting the state of operation implementation by the operation controller and a recording unit for recording a log including the behavioral schedule by the behavior scheduling unit and the state of operation implementation by the detector. A user issuing a command for the robot is authenticated and the contents of the command supplied from the user are recorded in combination with the behavior taken by the robot responsive to the command and the time point of implementation of the behavior.

Abstract: A conveying device in which a conveying arm assembly can be quickly set in a conveying position and can be rapidly stabilized in the conveying position includes a conveying arm assembly, a fixed shaft, at least one set of hollow operating shafts which are necessary for controlling an operation of the conveying arm assembly, and a motor provided between the fixed shaft and each of the operating shafts. The one set of operating shafts are attached to the fixed shaft such that they can be rotated coaxially with respect to the fixed shaft outside fixed shaft and are arranged in an axial direction of the fixed shaft. The conveying arm assembly is attached to an end portion of the operating shaft close to the ended of the fixed shaft. The motor comprises a stator provided on the fixed shaft and a rotor provided on each of the operating shafts such that it is opposed to the stator on an outer peripheral side of the stator.

Abstract: A four-degree-of-freedom parallel robot capable of displacing a traveling plate with four degrees of freedom at a high speed and a high acceleration and positioning the traveling plate with high rigidity and high precision. The four-degree-of-freedom parallel robot has four actuators fixed to a base, four parallel linkages each of which is coupled at its upper end to a tip end of an arm of each of the actuators through a kinematic element such as a universal joint, and a traveling plate whose four corners are coupled to lower ends of the parallel linkages through kinematic elements. By controlling the actuators, a main member of the traveling plate is displaced with four degrees of freedom, i.e., translated in all directions and rotated around a predetermined axis. Only axial forces are applied to rods constituting the parallel linkages. Thus, the traveling plate can be positioned at a high speed and with high rigidity as well as high precision.

Abstract: Disclosed is a parallel mechanism structure for controlling three-dimensional position and orientation. In the parallel mechanism structure according to the present invention, three links are connected to the main spindle of the mechanism and driven in vertical and horizontal direction, with a consecution that the main spindle connected to the three links achieves the six d.o.f motions. The structure includes three links comprised of a first link transferred along a circular vertical guide and second and third links transferred along corresponding rectilinear vertical guides and a circular horizontal guide on which the circular vertical guide and the two rectilinear vertical guides are horizontally transferred.

Abstract: A removal apparatus is provided which includes a travelling frame, first and second carriages provided on the travelling frame, first and second cross frames provided on the first and second carriages, first and second cross carriages provided on the first and second cross frames, first and second vertical units provided on the first and second cross carriages, and first and second chucking units secured to the first and second vertical units. In addition, a control unit is provided for synchronously controlling the movement of the first and second carriages, the first and second cross carriages, and the first and second vertical units so as to enable the first and second chucking units to be moved in three dimensions for removal of a molded product from a molding machine.

Abstract: An orientation preserving angular swivel joint suitable for mechanical robotic arms and in particular snake robots, the joint comprising two members and an angular bevel gear train that connects the two members of the joint. The gear train allows an actuator to be positioned along the axis of the joint while transferring forces to the periphery of the mechanism, thus creating a high mechanical advantage proportional to the radius of the robot. The gear train is capable of transferring rotational motion between the two members with a constant ratio. Relative rotation between two bays of the joint does not take place, thereby preventing electrical wires running through the body of the snake from being twisted, and thus avoiding failure.

Abstract: A multi-axis electric spraying robot adapted for use in a hazardous environment includes a base having a first pressurized compartment and an arm assembly having a second pressurized compartment in which compartments electric motors are respectively located. The arm assembly is supported for movement on the base at one end thereof. The arm assembly includes a wrist adapted for connecting the opposite end of the arm assembly with a spraying tool. One electric motor is provided to drive each axis. The compartments are pressurized to prevent flammable gases or vapors from entering the first and second compartments during operation of the robot.

Abstract: Based on a control object, a result of the detection of driving of an actuator and a response from a standard mathematical model of the actuator, the actuator is controlled, or in a servo system that controls the angle of a joint, etc., the control value is corrected so that the response from the thing to be driven and the response from the model of the thing to be driven are set to coincide with each other, and also based on a result of the correction of the control value, at least the moment of inertia of the thing to be driven is detected. Thereby, the moment of inertia of the driver and the like can be detected in real-time without providing a special sensor.

Abstract: A first base-side pulley is disposed at the base portion of a first arm portion; a first distal-side pulley is disposed at the distal portion of the first arm portion; a second base-side pulley is disposed at the base portion of a second arm portion; a second distal-side pulley is disposed at the distal portion of the second arm portion; the first base-side pulley is fixed to the support base; the chuck is fixed to the second distal-side pulley; the first distal-side pulley and the second base-side pulley are connected to each other via a connection shaft; the first base-side pulley and the first distal-side pulley are connected to each other via a first rotation transmission section; and the second base side pulley and the second distal-side pulley are connected to each other via a second rotation transmission section. Thus, an articulated robot arm having first and second arm portions is constructed.

Abstract: A multiblock robot system with to each other compatible-and plug connectable, stationary and mobile earth, sea, aviation, planetary and space flight capable multiblock robot system standard cells, multiblock robot flange plug booster units and multiblock robots. Reconstructable with minimal expenditure of development and construction and by optional combinations between each other and with the total spectrum of all multiblock robot standard parts, objective-directed used for stationary and mobile multiblock robot individual systems and total complexes for mainland, sea, aviation, planetary and space flight fields, always exchangeable to each other, removeable, disintegrateable and re-plug connectable to the most different multiblock robot system solutions.

Abstract: A robot failure diagnosing system in which sound input by the user is interpreted/recognized by a command recognizing section in order to notify a request for a diagnosis to a self-diagnosis section. For example, the user can input a command which prompts a self-diagnosis operation in the form of a natural communication, such as by saying, “Perform a self-diagnosis operation,” and by asking, “How do you feel, robot?” With respect to this, the robot can indicate the self-diagnosis result in the form of a natural conversation, such as by saying, “I'm not feeling well,” “My leg hurts,” and “I'm hungry.” The robot failure diagnosing system performs a self-diagnosis of a failure or abnormality in a system, and feeds back the diagnosis result to the user.

Abstract: Magnetic forces are used as a controlled actuation mechanism to move and position objects of interest. In one embodiment, a first spherical surface has at least one magnetic positioner attached. A second spherical surface is positioned to move relative to the first spherical surface. A plurality of controlled electromagnets are spaced about the second spherical surface. Control logic energizes at least one of the controlled electromagnets to create magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic positioner to move the first spherical surface relative to the second spherical surface.

Abstract: An industrial robot comprises a manipulator body structure having a plurality of drive mechanisms for driving the various movements of the robot, and control equipment for controlling and driving the drive mechanisms. Each drive mechanism comprises an electric driving motor and reduction gear. Each control equipment comprises a rectifier and a drive device operatively connected to each driving motor. Each of the drive devices is mounted only on selected areas of the body structure other than the motors, and each of the drive devices is spaced a predetermined distance from its respective motor to which it is operatively connected. The robot body structure thereby functions to absorb the waste heat generated by the drive devices, to spread the waste heat therethroughout, and to transfer the waste heat solely by convection to the ambient air.

Abstract: A first member of a robot is fixed to a casing of a speed reducer. A second member is fixed by fitting to a rotating member that rotates relatively to the casing. A motor is mounted on the second member, and an input gear that is connected directly to the shaft of the motor and a spur gear of the speed reducer are made to mesh with each other. A crankshaft that is connected to the spur gear is rotatably mounted on the rotating member through a bearing. As the spur gear and the crankshaft rotate, an external gear rocks eccentrically and rotates for on tooth with respect to an internal gear in the casing. Thereupon, the rotating member rotates relatively to the casing, while the second member rotates relatively to the first member. The speed reducer of the invention, compared with a conventional one, requires no use of a center gear, so that it includes fewer components, and therefore, is lower-priced and more reliable.

Abstract: A ceiling mount assembly for moving and positioning of objects in a space has a ceiling mounting device, a rotary bearing part, a turning arm mounted on the rotary bearing part for vertical movements around a main axis near a vertical rotary axis of the rotary bearing part, a threaded spindle drive which is driven by an electric motor and providing the vertical movements of the turning arm about the main axis, and a load part at an end of the turning arm for carrying objects, the electric motor being provided with a worm gear transmission, the electric motor, the worm gear transmission and the threaded spindle drive being stationarily connected with one another, the threaded spindle drive being arranged parallel to the vertical rotary axis of the turning bearing part while the electric motor is arranged horizontally to the vertical rotary axis, a threaded spindle nut forming with a cardon connection a vertical drive of the turning arm about the main axis, and a telescopic arm connection provided between the c

Abstract: A wrist mechanism of an industrial robot is described which have a first ring-shaped hollow reduction unit secured to an arm of the robot, and a first hollow drive tube and a second ring-shaped hollow reduction unit secured to an output shaft of the first reduction unit, respectively. The wrist mechanism further have a second hollow drive tube and a third ring-shaped hollow reduction unit secured to an output shaft of the second reduction unit, respectively, and a third hollow drive tube secured to an output shaft of the third hollow reduction unit rotatably around a first axis. The first, second and third hollow drive tubes are connected to first, second and third wrist elements, respectively, to rotate each of the wrist elements relative to each other, which leave a hollow space inside thereof free for passage of supply cables and pipes which are to be connected to a tool being secured to the robot wrist.

Abstract: A conveying device in which a conveying arm assembly can be quickly set in a conveying position and can be rapidly stabilized in the conveying position is disclosed. The conveying device comprises a conveying arm assembly, a fixed shaft, at least one set of hollow operating shafts which are necessary for controlling an operation of the conveying arm assembly, and a motor provided between the fixed shaft and each of the operating shafts. The one set of operating shafts are attached to the fixed shaft such that they can be rotated coaxially with respect to the fixed shaft outside fixed shaft and are arranged in an axial direction of the fixed shaft. The motor comprises a stator provided on the fixed shaft and a rotor provided on each of the operating shafts such that it is opposed to the stator on an outer peripheral side of the stator.

Abstract: A tripod bearing device featuring a stationary frame and a carrier moveable relative to it, which are connected together via three braces that are adjustable in their lengths. Each brace is coupled to the frame and to the carrier via a joint each with two rotational degrees of freedom. Moreover, a torsion drive is assigned to each brace for twisting the carrier-end joint of the relevant brace relative to the frame-end joint of this brace about its longitudinal axis. Consequently, a constructively simple parallel structure with three machining axes can be realized which, with its high dynamic stiffness, enables an accurate positioning of the carrier. Furthermore, a method for torsion compensation in the braces is given.

Abstract: A method provides an exact measurement of the tool center point (TCP) being carried out, preferably in the whole working area of the robot. In this measurement, the robot moves very slowly so that little heat is generated by the driving assemblies and the temperature gradients are as low as possible. The measurement can be made, for example, using a high-precision laser distance and angle measurement system. The measurement is carried out such that a measuring point is moved to working area points and then the deviations of the positions and/or orientations of the measuring point are determined using the laser distance and angle measurement system, i.e. a nominal/actual comparison is made. The TCP can preferably serve as the measuring point. The point must always be selected so that the positioning and orientation deviations of the kinematic chain with respect to the PCT can be determined with sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: A robot for a production machine includes a parallel link mechanism including opposed first and second shorter-side links and opposed first and second longer-side links which form a parallelogram. A chuck is supported on the first shorter-side link. A guide rail is fixed to a base arm in order to movably support the second shorter-side link. The base end of a drive link is rotatably attached to the base arm, and the distal end of the drive link is attached to an intermediate portion of one of the first and second longer-side links. A drive mechanism is provided in order to rotate the base end of the drive link. This structure simplifies the mechanical system and the control system, reduces a space required in the vertical direction, and increases operation speed such as product removal speed.

Abstract: A parallel mechanism is capable of positioning and orienting an end platform with up to six or more degrees of freedom. In preferred embodiments, the mechanism includes six links having a first and second ends. The first end is connected to an end platform for supporting a tool, while the second end is connected to an actuator capable of translating the second end. A rotational drive mechanism may be provided for rotating an object mounted on the end platform at varying orientations of the end platform independently of movement of the end platform as a whole. The links may be curved in order to avoid interference between adjoining links, thereby permitting an increased range of motion and improved dexterity of the mechanism.

Abstract: A modular articulated robot structure (FIG. 4) composed of a series of independent modules (10,100,300) releasably connected to each other to form various configurations. The modules (10,100,300) may be of the rotary (10), linear (100), or wheeled (300) type. The rotary modules (10) are generally formed of first and second substantially U-shaped structural members (12,14) pivotally attached to one another by means of a pair of axles or pivot pins (26) adapted to support a workload exerted on the module (10). A motor (48) is mounted internally of the module (10) for pivoting the second structural member (14) relative to the first structural member (12). The motor (48) is connected to the second structural member (14) in such a way that it is not submitted to outside loads exerted on the module (10).

Abstract: A linear guide comprises a support element and a carriage sliding on the support element. The carriage has two hollow cylinders sliding on an air bearing on the support element and a body arranged between them. The support element and the two hollow cylinders of the carriage are separated by a gap to which compressed air can be applied. A linear motor formed from a u-shaped stator and an armature is foreseen as drive mechanism for the carriage. During operation, heat dissipation occurs in the armature which heats the carriage. In order to maintain changes in the thickness of the gap within predetermined limits, the support element and/or those parts of the carriage whose temperature influence the thickness of the gap are heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: When a multiaxial robot with a mechanism having spring elements between electric motors of respective axes and robot arms is controlled, the path precision of a tool tip is increased without causing vibrations produced by mechanical interference between axes and high-frequency vibrations of electric motors. A model controller (1) is supplied with position commands Xref—L, Xref—U with respect to the electric motors and outputs model motor position commands &thgr;Mm—L, &thgr;Mm—U, model motor speed commands {dot over (&thgr;)}Mm—L, {dot over (&thgr;)}Mm—U, and model feed-forward commands UFF—L, UFF—U to feedback controllers (10L, 10U) which actuate and control the electric motors and the robot arms. The model controller (1) includes therein corrective quantity calculators (3L, 3U) for calculating corrective quantities (corrective torques) in view of interfering forces acting between the axes from the other axes to cancel the interfering forces.

Abstract: A spherical robot having a spherical body and a drive mechanism. The spherical body defines a cavity and a center. The drive mechanism is disposed within the cavity, coupled to the spherical body, wherein said drive mechanism includes a plurality of masses coupled to said body which are radially positionable within said cavity to create a moment about said center of said body, and is adapted to create a moment about the center of the body. This moment causes the body to rotate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional manipulator comprising: a single operation grip 11 which is moved to an arbitrary position within a definite range of three-dimensional space and inputs current coordinates; a first operation input 2 for holding the operation grip 11 with at least five degrees of freedom; a second operation input 2A for holding the operation grip 11 with at least six degrees of freedom; and grip displacement amount detection mechanism 5 for detecting a change of position and direction of the operation grip 11. The operation grip 11 is formed in a bar shape whose one end serves as a grip portion 111 and whose other end is held by the first and the second operation inputs 2, 2A at two positions.

Abstract: In the invention, the structure of an articulated robot is a hollow structure, and the entire body of the arms and closing cover is formed as an enclosed structure. Therefore, an air flow communication passage is maintained, so that dust formed in the robot can be discharged outside of the clean room. Moreover, by forming two or more openings, the pressure level in the robot can be controlled, and without causing adverse effects on the speed reducer or bearing in the slide parts of the articulated robot, it is possible to prevent dust particles of the slide parts generated during operation of the arm, or volatile vapor of lubricant, from flowing out of the robot body.

Abstract: A system and related method to enable six-axis movement of a structure. The system is related to hexapods, Stewart platforms and other mechanical movement systems. It includes a plurality of moveable supportive legs coupled to a platform. For the Stewart platform version of the system, there are six supportive legs, each of which connects to a triangular platform that acts as a base.

Abstract: A process for guiding an instrument in space, in which the instrument is arranged at the free end of an articulated arm whose arm sections are caused to pivot and/or travel with respect to each other by drive units. The instrument is caused to travel in a limited movement region under the control of a control device. For predetermination of the movement region for points that are situated in the movement region, a respective pivot angle and/or travel position between the respective arm sections is set. The respective position and attitude of the instrument is sensed by at least a first measuring device. For hand-controlled guiding of the instrument, an actuating force exerted on the instrument and/or the articulated arm is sensed by a second measuring device.