Abstract: A robotic device having at least first and second arms joined with an elbow-joint is relatively maintenance-free and is particularly suitable for use in an atmosphere full of vapors from paints or organic solvents. These substances pose considerable operational problems in conventional robotic devices because of the accumulation of dust and solvents, which causes not only degradation in the performance of the robot but requires high maintenance cost. These problems are solved in the present robotic device by housing the driving motor for the second arm within the confines of the cross sectional area of the first arm, and the second arm is coupled through a connector to the output shaft of the driving motor, again within the same confined area. Such a compact design includes side caps providing protection of the feed-through cables and wires, which are routed out of the first shaft inner space to loop around the elbow-joint to enter into the second shaft inner space.

Abstract: A multi-stage telescoping tube structure and a robot including a multi-stage telescoping tube structure. The multi-stage telescoping tube structure includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube. The intermediate tube is slidably received in the outer tube, and the inner tube is slidably received in the intermediate tube. It further includes a multi-stage screw for arrangement translating rotary motion into linear movement of the tubes, and a drive means coupled to the screw arrangement. The robot further includes a support bracket, rotatably supporting the multi-stage telescoping tube structure, and an electric motor for rotating the arrangement. The structure further includes rail guides engagable with complimentary horizontally extending rails for horizontal movement of the robot.

Abstract: A machine tool of the present invention includes a base fixed to an outside fixed portion, a travelling plate to which a tool is to be attached, plural guide portions radially outwardly fixed to the base at a predetermined angle, and plural rods. Each of the plural guide portions is provided with a slide table movable in a longitudinal direction of the guide portion and an actuator for moving the slide table. One end of each rods is connected with one of the slide tables through first joint means and another end of each of the rods is connected to the traveling plate through second joint means.

Abstract: A running control system of a mobil robot performs a fuzzy inference according to a position error, directional error and instantaneous directional angle detected in the travel of the robot, so that the robot can travel accurately to a target point and perform operations such as cleaning and monitoring. An obstacle detecting unit detects whether or not there is an obstacle within a prescribed area to be traveled by the robot and for detecting a distance to the obstacle.

Abstract: A direct drive robot motor may be used for the arms, legs, eyes and fingers of a robot. The motor comprises a rotor, having a permanent magnet, and a tubular arm portion, which is integral with the rotor and extends outwardly through a slot in a stator body. The stator body is wound with an aluminum coil and has a tubular extension to link it with the arm of another direct drive motor.

Abstract: A joint driving structure for an industrial robot includes a first arm having a box-like end portion, a second arm having a box-like end portion, and a bearing between the end portion of the first arm and the end portion of the second arm. A driving motor is disposed at the end portion of the second arm, the driving motor having a rotational shaft, and a reduction gear mechanism coupled to the rotational shaft and operable to rotationally drive the second arm. The driving motor has a fixing portion, the driving motor further having an opposite-to-load side bracket fixed to the fixing portion of the driving motor. The reduction gear mechanism has a fixing portion fixed to the fixing portion of the drive motor, the reduction gear mechanism having an output portion fixed to the end portion of the first arm.

Abstract: Basic interchangeable building blocks such as to create a structure and/or an exoskeleton for an apparatus for monitoring and controlling the movements of body members comprising a single axis joint adaptable axis joint, an axial rotation joint, a wrist rotation joint and a linear motion transmission joint, all of which can be spring controlled and/or be controlled by a rotation transmitting cable each having means for producing electrical signals indicative of their movement and can be coupled together so as to permit electrical conduction and rotation transmitting cables to be passed through them.

Abstract: A transferring device is provided for transferring an article between vacuum chambers. The transferring device comprises a cylindrical float member, and a transferring rod connected to and extending along an axial direction for supporting an article. At least one magnetic member is disposed on a peripheral surface of the float member. A cylindrical partition member having a thin, uniform circular cross-sectional thickness is disposed between the electromagnet and the float member. A support member is disposed within the partition member for reciprocating movement between opposite ends of the partition member. The support member supports at least one electromagnet and at least one sensor in spaced apart and facing relation with respect to the magnetic member for magnetically floating the float member and to drive the same in the axial direction.

Abstract: A first motor is fitted to a threaded shaft onto which first and second nuts are screwed, a first holder to which a second motor for rotating the first nut is fixed is fitted to the shaft, the first holder is provided with a first bracket to which one ends of first and second connecting rods are rotatably connected, a second bracket is rotatably connected to ends of the first and second connecting rods opposite to the end where the first bracket is installed so that the first and second connecting rods are put in parallel positions, a second holder is secured to the second nut, the first holder and the second holder engage with a guide rail installed in parallel with the first shaft so as to be moved along the guide rail when the first shaft rotates, the second holder is provided with a third bracket, one end of a third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the third bracket, and central part of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to an end of the third connecting rod opposite to the end where

Abstract: A positioning device (10, 10') including a mounting base (16), a yaw assembly (18) for imparting yaw movement relative to the mounting base (16) and a pitch assembly (22) for imparting pitch movement relative to the mounting base (16) is disclosed. The yaw assembly (18) comprises a yaw table (20) rotatably mounted to the mounting base (16) and the pitch assembly (22) comprises a pitch wheel (24) rotatably mounted to the yaw table (20). The positioning device (10, 10') includes a pitch motor (28) located on the yaw table (20) for rotating the pitch wheel (24) relative to the yaw table (20) and a yaw motor (38) located on the yaw table (20) for rotating the yaw table (20) relative to the mounting base (16).

Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a plurality of elements articulated to each other, whose rotation is driven by respective electric motors by reduction gear units which are integrated in the structure of these elements.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning x-ray images with a predetermined set of axes comprises means defining the axes in the form of a support arrangement which supports, at predetermined positions in space, located in at least two predetermined planes, a plurality of elements which are opaque to ex-radiation. An apparatus is also described for aligning an end effector comprising two spaced guide frames each having two parallel guide members with a carriage for movement along each of the guide members, the carriages being inter-connected by cross members, further carriages being mounted on the cross members, the further carriages supporting the end effector for guide means.

Abstract: A robot arm device includes an expandable arm portion including an arm member, a forearm arm member, and a hand member. The arm member is fixedly attached with an arm drive wheel which is driven by a first drive motor. The arm member carries a transmission wheel disposed coaxially with the arm drive wheel and rotatable independently from the arm drive wheel and a forearm drive wheel disposed at a leading end of the arm member and rotatable independently from the arm member and fixedly connected at a base end of the forearm member. The forearm member carries a stationary wheel disposed coaxially with the forearm drive wheel and fixedly connected with the arm member and a hand drive wheel disposed at a leading end of the forearm member. The forearm drive wheel is drivingly rotated by a second drive motor in addition to a relative rotation due to a rotation of the arm member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer aided design and manufacturing system. The system comprises a platform suspended by means of three pairs of supportive legs which are coupled at triangularly spaced-apart locations by means of three universal joints, each of which couples to one end of each of the two legs of a respective pair. The two legs of each pair extend from their respective universal joint in divergent directions to spaced-apart locations in an overhead mounting where each leg is drivingly engaged by a respective gimbal-mounted electric motor arranged to move the leg in its own longitudinal direction. The platform position and orientation can be controlled by appropriate operation of the six leg drive motors.

Abstract: A cable assembly for an industrial robot comprising power and signal cables, which by means of watertight bushings extend through a watertight connection box connected at each motor unit, such that the respective table serves all the motor units connected along the cable. Within the respective connection box the cables are unsheathed, whereby a number of conductors for the motor unit in question are deflected whereas the other conductors, without joining, together with the remaining part of the deflected conductors are left to pass to the next motor unit.

Abstract: A space frame system for use with a machine, such as a machine tool, is disclosed. The system as used with a machine tool includes a base and a machine component, such as a workpiece support, mounted to the base. A first space frame is mounted solely to the workpiece support. A second and separate space frame is connected to the first space frame by a plurality of extensible legs. Another machine component, such as a tool holder, is rigidly mounted to the second space frame for cooperation with a workpiece mounted on the workpiece support. Thus, as the extensible legs are independently controlled, the tool holder is moved along a desired path with respect to the workpiece support to perform various cutting operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A three degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator is constructed from three rotary drives. The rotary drive consists of a relatively small diameter cylindrical driving member coupled to a larger diameter cylindrical driven member. The driven member of a second rotary drive is mounted perpendicularly to the driven member of a first drive. The driven member of a third drive is mounted to the periphery of the driven member of the second drive with its axis of rotation parallel to the driven member of the second drive. The driving member of the third drive is located with its axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the driven member of the second drive. Motors powering the second and third driving members are mounted to the driven member of the first drive roughly centered over its axis of rotation. An extension arm for mounting the end effector is fixed to the driven member of the third drive. This arrangement reduces the number of required components and minimizes motor movement to reduce inertia.

Abstract: A small-locus machining apparatus is attached to the distal end of a wrist of a robot but operable independently of a robot body. First and second drives of the apparatus are mounted on a base in such a manner that respective output spindles are parallel with each other. First and second rotational arms are coupled to the output spindles through decelerators, which are directly connected to the drives, allowing rotation in a plane orthogonal to the output spindles. These rotational arms and links interconnecting the rotational arms constitute a link mechanism having, for example, five joints. A tool is attached to this link mechanism, and the rotational amounts of the first and second arms are detected to determine the coordinate position of the tool.

Abstract: A machine tool isolation system is disclosed. The preferred system includes a pair of platforms connected by a plurality of legs. A tool is typically connected to one platform, and a workpiece to the other. The legs are able to move one platform with respect to the other which can create vibrations. A base, typically formed by a plurality of legs, is mounted to one of the platforms to support the two platforms and legs connected therebetween. A vibration isolator is disposed between the base legs and the floor or other support on which the entire system is mounted.

Abstract: A compact assembly of two magnetic couplers for coupling two coaxial angular shaft movements through a vacuum barrier. Each coupler includes two concentric rings of radially oriented magnets, arranged to provide magnetic coupling in a radial direction between corresponding magnets in the rings. A relatively large number of magnets in each ring ensures stiff coupling between rings, but unwanted circumferential coupling between adjacent magnets in each ring is minimized by the presence of a flux ring associated with each ring of magnets. The flux rings provide a return path for radial magnetic flux lines between the rings. Cross-coupling between the couplers is minimized by the presence of a magnetic shield on each ring of magnets. The shields permit the couplers to be located in close proximity on their common axis of rotation. For corrosion resistance, each ring of magnets on the vacuum side of the barrier is housed in a stainless steel enclosure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a modular, expandable and reconfigurable robotic system. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a robot having at least two manipulators each having several compact rotary joints. The rotary joints have one input coupling and either one or two output couplings. Each joint is modular including a d.c. brushless motor coupled with a harmonic cup drive and includes position, velocity and torque sensors. Each manipulator may be disassembled and reassembled to assume a multitude of configurations. In another aspect of the invention there is provided an expandable and modular real-time computer control system for controlling the robot. The computer architecture achieves between 5 to 10 MFLOPS with reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor nodes and a fast point-to-point communication network. Each node includes a host computer and parallel input/output (I/O) modules as well.

Abstract: A shuttle transfer assembly (10) is able to accurately position a workarm (12) in two axes (X, Y) to a selected coordinate position. The assembly (10) include two position controllers (74, 76) each operating along a single axis for positioning the workarm (12) to the coordinate position. A central controller (86) functions to control the sequencing of the separate position controllers (74, 76). Coarse and fine sensors (62-68) are provided to allow feedback of position to the position controllers (74, 76). The coarse sensor (62, 64) operates for general positioning as an encoder on the servo drive motor. The fine sensors (66, 68) extend from the workarm (12) to produce the final, high resolution positioning.

Abstract: A base end portion of a lower arm is mounted on a revolutionarily drivable revolution portion at a specific offset from the revolutionary axis thereof, and an upper arm is mounted in the lower arm, with the lower and upper arms being rotationally drivable within a plane parallel to the revolutionary axis. In a motor casing, three motors for driving three dimensional motions of a wrist are disposed in a vertical direction with their axes being in parallel. Since the upper arm is offset from the revolutionary axis, both right-handed operation and left-handed operation can be easily selected, and the work range of this robot can be increased while its installation space can be reduced. The lower arm has a motor for driving the upper arm at the lower part thereof apart from a gearbox for the upper arm. Power of the motor for driving the upper arm is transmitted to the gearbox through a power transmission member. Such structure enables to reduce thickness of the lower arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a metrology framework for determining the position of a first object, such as an operator, relative to a second object when the first object is moved relative to the second object. The metrology framework comprises a plurality of extensible instrument arms that are operatively connected in proximity to the first object and the second object. A sensor is in communication with each extensible instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm. The combination of the signals can be used to determine the position of the first object relative to the second object in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Flexible robot arms are required for manipulation in environments having difficult access, for example, areas having restricted environments and areas beset with obstacles. An apparatus having various basic elements which are flat, arranged one on top of the other so as to tilt and are connected to one another by means of joints is provided. Here, the individual basic elements are arranged along a stacking axis. Between the individual basic elements, adjusting members, e.g. air chambers are provided which make it possible to set a precise angle between the respective basic elements. Control logic and a control bus with an electric power supply ensure in each adjusting member that the predetermined position is maintained.

Abstract: A robot assembly, including a central hub, has two arms arranged for independent rotation about the hub. Two carriers, oriented 180.degree. apart from each other, are coupled to an end of each of the arms. A drive is provided for rotating the arms in opposite directions to extend one or the other of said carriers radially from said central hub, and for rotating the arms in the same direction to effect rotation of the carriers.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a robot arm, a robot hand, an electrical/electronic device mounted on the robot hand for operating the robot hand, and a hand attaching/detaching device, arranged between the robot arm and the robot hand, for detachably mounting the robot hand on the robot arm. A signal transmission path, is connected to an external robot controller at one end thereof and to the electrical/electronic device at the other end thereof, extends through the hand attaching/detaching device, and is able to be disconnected between the robot hand side and the robot arm side in the hand attaching/detaching device.

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: A transfer apparatus for moving a transfer stage. Two pairs of links are joined by a first pair of shafts. Each pair of links includes two arms joined together by a corresponding, respective shaft of the first pair of shafts. A second pair of shafts are driven by a driving unit. Each shaft of the second pair of shafts corresponds to a respective pair of links of the two pair of links and is attached to a first end of the corresponding pair of links. A third pair of shafts supports the transfer stage, each shaft of the third pair of shafts corresponding to a respective pair of links of the two pair of links and being attached to a second end of the corresponding pair of links. The second pair of shafts is inclined with respect to a perpendicular direction to the transfer direction of the transfer stage, to form an angle between the shafts of the second pair of shafts.

Abstract: A robot with no mechanically contacting components are suitable for use in special environments such as semiconductor manufacturing processes where dust and lubrication are matters of important concern. The robot has a linear actuator composed of magnetic bearings and a linear motor for moving a robot arm linearly without mechanical contact, and a rotary actuator composed of magnetic bearings and a rotary motor for rotating a body which supports the linear actuator, around the rotary actuator without mechanical contact.

Abstract: A detecting portion outputs a contact state signal in accordance with a contact state with respect to an object to be manipulated. The contact state signal represents at least one of information of a sense of sliding of the detection portion with respect to the object and surface information such as surface roughness of the object. A signal processing section converts the contact state signal from the detecting portion into tactility information corresponding to at least one of the information of the sense of sliding and the surface information. A tactility providing portion is excited in accordance with the tactility information from the signal processing section to generate at least one of a traveling wave corresponding to the information of the sense of sliding and a standing wave corresponding to the surface information. A transmission portion transmits at least one of the traveling wave and the standing wave generated by the tactility providing portion to a finger of an operator.

Abstract: A machine such as a machine tool includes a pair of spaced platforms. One platform may mount an operator such as a tool in a spindle, and the other platform may mount an object such as a workpiece. The spaced platforms are joined by six powered and extensible legs joined to the respective platforms by universal joints. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the positions of the platforms and, therefore, the object and operator relative to each other. Four of the legs are arranged into two pairs which are spaced apart to provide between them a part of a corridor for moving the workpiece into a working position. The two legs in each pair may cross each other. The other two legs extend away from each other and provide another part of the corridor between their inboard ends.

Abstract: This invention reveals improvements in a flexible robotic limb which can function as a robotic snake. These improvements are particularly pertinent to miniaturization applications such as catheters or positioners for microsurgery, micro-assembly, micro-manipulation, or micro-exploration. This invention developes detailed new component designs, and it combines the basic structure with systems for sensing, control, and signal transmission. These systems include pressure sensors, length sensors, protective skins, ultrasonic imagers, cutting tools, and multiplexing schemes.

Abstract: Three traveling blocks confined to rectilinear paths are propelled to and fro in those paths in coordinated programs of motion by program-controlled motors. A leg member for each of said blocks is flexibly connected at one of its ends to its respective traveling block. The three legs are flexibly interconnected at locations on the legs away from the blocks. The three legs combine the programmed rectilinear movements of the blocks to produce a corresponding programmed three-dimensional movement of a tool carried by one of said legs.

Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a cable laying arm (20) extended on one side of a robot trunk (12) so as to form a dual arm structure in combination with a structural arm (18) extended on the other side of the robot trunk (12). A bundle (58) of cables capable of being detachably connected to the robot unit is extended in the cable housing element (50) of the cable laying arm (20) so that the cables including power supply cables and signal transmission cables are not exposed to the outside. The whole cable housing element (50) can be readily removed from the robot trunk (12) together with the bundle (58) of cables, in case any one of the cables is disconnected, to permit repair of the disconnected cable.

Abstract: The industrial robot comprises two lower arms arranged parallel to each other and pivotably supported on a lower base member; an upper base member pivotably mounted on upper ends of these two lower arms, respectively so as to form a parallelogram together with the two lower arms; at least one first driving source for driving the parallelogrammic link; an upper arm pivotably supported on one side of the upper base member so as not to interfere with the parallelogrammic link and driven by a second driving source. Since the upper arm can be moved horizontally by inclination motion of the parallelogrammic link mechanism and further the upper arm is pivoted on one side of the upper base, the upper arm can be moved frontward, rearward and upward without any interference with the lower arms.

Abstract: An actuator module for inducing the relative motion of robot members joined in a robot joint includes a Ferguson epicyclic gear train, integral motor and integrated control means. The gear train comprises a plurality of base gears connected to the robot members and a plurality of planet gear carriers, each planet gear carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably mounted therein. A motor integrated with certain gear train components induces the rotation of the planet gear carriers about or within the base gears. Because of the Ferguson paradox, this induces the motion of base gears connected to one robot member relative to those connected to the other robot member, which in turn causes the relative motion of the robot members. The actuator module can be configured as dual substantially symmetric systems and may comprise multiple stages of epicyclic gearing.

Abstract: A machine such as a machine tool includes a pair of spaced platforms. One platform (11, 31, 185, 72, 159, 142) may mount an operator such as a tool in a spindle and the other platforms (10, 20, 180, 170, 144, 163) may mount an object such as a workpiece. The spaced platforms are joined by six powered and extensible legs (20-25, 40-45, 64-69, 145-150, 166, 182-84, 187-89) joined to the respective platforms by universal joints. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the position of the platforms and, therefore, the object and operator relative to each other in six axes. The powered legs may be hydraulic cylinders (20-25) or recirculating ball screw driven (195, 197, 198). The distance between the spaced platforms may be measured by separate extensible instrument arms (130, 131, 171) which join the platforms. The instrument arms may use a digital position device (238, 240) to measure the extension and contraction of the instrument arms or may use a laser interferometer (267) for that purpose.

Abstract: An improved robotic arm system for servicing the tubesheet located within the channel head of a nuclear steam generator is provided. The system includes a robotic arm whose shoulder and elbow joints are rotatable only in the plane parallel to the tubesheet in order to eliminate the imposition of cantileverly-induced torques on the electric motors driving these joints, as well as to minimize the possibility of mechanical interference between the arm and the walls of the channel head. Each of the motorized joint assemblies of the arm includes resolvers connected not only to the output of the drive train that moves the joint, but also to the drive shaft of the electric motor that drives the drive train, wherein the feedback signal generated by the resolver connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor is the primary signal used to modulate the amount of electric power conducted to the motor of the joint. Such a configuration advantageously results in smoother robotic arm movement.

Abstract: A parallel robot comprises a base, three set of arm assemblies disposed on the base at a predetermined spacing, and a bracket member which is supported by the arm assemblies and to which an end effector is attached. Each of the arm assemblies comprises a pair of motors mounted on the base to face each other with a predetermined clearance and a pair of arms which are supported by the motors to be swung, respectively. Each of the arms comprises a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion and the second arm portion of each arm are connected with each other through a first joint means, and the second arm portion of each arm is connected with the bracket through a second joint means.

Abstract: A tentacle-like manipulator has a resiliently longitudinally extensible, laterally bendable elongate member, e.g. an inflatable bellows or a helical compression spring-like member, with an end effector mounting on one end thereof. Tendon-like tension members extend along said elongate member and are spaced apart from one another around said elongate member, one end of each of said tension members being to said elongate member at said one end thereof. Guides spaced apart along and secured to said elongate member and slidably engage said tension members for guiding said tension members relative to said elongate member. Further tension members extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member and are secured to the elongate member at a location intermediate the ends of the elongate member. Winches are used to wind and unwind the tension members to correspondingly control the length and the bending of the elongate member.

Abstract: An articulated direct drive robotic manipulator providing rotation of first and second arms about first and second parallel axes including first and second motors for driving the rotation of the first and second arms. A pedestal is mounted on a base, the first motor is directly coupled to a rotatable column in the pedestal for providing a first robot arm with a first degree of freedom, a second motor is coupled to a rotatable column coaxial to the first column for providing the manipulator with a second degree of freedom by rotation of the second arm. The distal end of the second arm includes support for an end effector for movement about a third axis which is a vertical axis and a fourth axis which is a rotational axis and support for a quill. Also included is a modular device adapted to be coupled to the end of the quill which can move within horizontal planes passing through the third axis to provide a fifth degree of freedom.

Abstract: A connective joint comprises the following seven elements:(a) Four quarter spheres arranged in adjacent quadrant relationship to form a substantially spherical element or "ball". The quarter spheres are provided with grooved edges that form two substantially perpendicular grooves extending around the spherical element;(b) Two hinge elements, each having a ring shaped portion that is inserted in an individual one of the two grooves;(c) A device for applying a force between two diametrically opposing ones of the quarter spheres in the spherical element.

Abstract: An automotive truck for moving a robot along a surface comprises a chassis and at least one platform hingedly connected to the chassis at one end of the platform. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted to the platform. A spring is connected at an opposite end of the platform pressing the drive wheel against the surface.

Abstract: A transporting device of the magnetically floating type is disposed in a central area of a multi-chamber to transport a semiconductor wafer into and out of peripheral processing rooms. The transporting device is comprised of a movable slider member having a working arm disposed along an axial direction and a server disposed at an end portion of the working arm for carrying a wafer. An electromagnet magnetically floats the slider member to drive the same in the axial direction. Sensors sense the size of the gap between the electromagnet and the slider member. Based on the magnitude of the gap, a PID circuit controls an electric current supplied to the electromagnet to maintain the slider member in a horizontal attitude state. A comparator operates to detect a variation in the electric current flowing through the electromagnet in order to determine whether the server is loaded with the wafer.

Abstract: An actuator assembly (14) suitable for use in a hand controller (10) with six degrees of freedom of movement consists of a pair of arms (20) each secured at one end to a respective rotary actuator (26), and at the other end secured to a common universal joint (21). The arms (20) are coupled directly to the drive shafts (25) of the rotary actuators (26) and their movement is restricted.

Abstract: A high-density installation type robot able to be installed side by side with another such robot, to work on an object at the same time is provided. A robot wrist assembly (30) is equipped with three rotary axes (.alpha. axis, .beta. axis, .gamma. axis), and a robot arm (26) having the robot wrist assembly (30) mounted on an end thereof is given a rotary axis (.theta. axis). Further, a bracket-shaped holder (24) holding the robot arm (26) is provided in such a manner that it can move vertically (V) and linearly (FR), whereby a large rectangular parallelepiped, three-dimensional operating area can be secured and a wasted operating area eliminated.

Abstract: A motion device with three legs provides six degrees of freedom using a pair of motor assemblies (22) to drive each leg. Each leg has a differential drive (28, 30, 32, 40) for providing a pitch-roll joint connected to an elbow (16) for providing a pitch joint connected to a second roll joint (56) connected to a universal joint (62, 72). An actuated plate (10) is connected to the universal joint. All of the motors drive the differential drive from the base of the unit and do not add inertia to the actuated plate. The same kinematic arrangement can be used for hand controllers as well as for end effectors and other movable platforms.

Abstract: A compound drive mechanism (30) according to the invention is capable of driving an output element (10, 40) of an industrial robot for a linear motion along an axis and of rotating the output element (10, 40) independently of the linear motion of the output element (10, 40). The mechanism includes a linear-motion drive motor (M.sub.1) for driving the output element (10, 40) for linear motion, a rotation drive motor (M.sub.2) for driving the output element (10, 40) for a rotational motion arranged at a fixed position, a linear motion transmitting system (12 and 14; 42 and 44) for transmitting a linear motion to the output element (10, 40) a rotational motion transmitting system (18 and 20; 48 and 50) for transmitting a rotational motion to the output element (10, 40), and a rolling contact bearing (18, 46) interconnecting the linear motion transmitting means (12 and 14; 42 and 44) the rotational motion transmitting means (18 and 20; 48 and 50) to thereby obviate interference between those transmission systems.

Abstract: A robotic hand controls movement of a workpiece relative to three longitudinal axes in response to three control signals and relative to mutually perpendicular rotational axes .alpha. and .beta. in response to two control signals. Two C-shaped holders carry two motors having mutually perpendicular rotating shafts. Each holder includes two parallel flanges connected together by a web. The first motor is mounted on the first holder so its shaft extends between the first holder flanges. A second holder flange is mounted on the first motor shaft between the first holder flanges. The second motor is mounted on the second holder other flange. A carrier for the first holder responds to three of the signals which control movement of the first holder relative to the longitudinal axes.