Abstract: An emitter for an LED-based lighting device has multiple groups of LEDs that are independently addressable, allowing the emitter to be tuned to a desired color bin (e.g., a specific white color) by adjusting the relative current supplied to different groups. The LED dies for the groups and a phosphor chip for each LED die are individually selected such that each LED-die/phosphor-chip combination produces light in a desired source region associated with the group to which the LED belongs. Robotic pick-and-place systems can be used to automate assembly of the emitters by selecting LED dies from a bin based on based on spectral characteristics and phosphor chips from a number of distinct phosphor chip types.

Abstract: A robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle includes a base plate, a riser coupled with the base plate and extending substantially transverse to the base plate, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm extends from the riser and supports an end effector. The end effector includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to couple with a receptacle disposed on the electric vehicle. The robotic arm is configured to move the end effector in three degrees of motion.

Abstract: A method for adaptive obstacle avoidance for articulated redundant robots is disclosed. The method comprises acts of calculating an obstacle avoidance vector for each of a set of limbs in a robot arm, and then applying the obstacle avoidance vector to constrain the inverse model in a robot controller. The obstacle avoidance vector incorporates factors including: (1) a distance and direction of each of a set of obstacles to the limb; and (2) when the limb is part of a kinematic chain of limbs, contributions from the obstacle avoidance vectors of all peripheral limbs in the kinematic chain. The method of the present invention was designed for use with the DIRECT model robot controller, but the method is generally applicable to any of a variety of robot controllers known in the art.

Abstract: A robot system for use in surgical procedures has two movable arms each carried on a wheeled base with each arm having a six of degrees of freedom of movement and an end effector which can be rolled about its axis and an actuator which can slide along the axis for operating different tools adapted to be supported by the effector. Each end effector including optical force sensors for detecting forces applied to the tool by engagement with the part of the patient. A microscope is located at a position for viewing the part of the patient. The position of the tool tip can be digitized relative to fiducial markers visible in an MRI experiment. The workstation and control system has a pair of hand-controllers simultaneously manipulated by an operator to control movement of a respective one or both of the arms. The image from the microscope is displayed on a monitor in 2D and stereoscopically on a microscope viewer. A second MRI display shows an image of the part of the patient the real-time location of the tool.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot for moving a payload in response to a calculated input force. Sensors in respective sensor housings are connected to a handle, each sensor including a light emitter and receiver. The sensors measure a light beam received by a respective receiver. A controller calculates the calculated input force using received light. Each sensor housing modifies an interruption of the light beam in a sensor when the actual input force is applied, and the controller controls the robot using the calculated input force. A method of controlling the robot includes emitting the light beam, flexing a portion of the sensor housing(s) using the actual input force to interrupt the light beam, and using a host machine to calculate the calculated input force as a function of the portion of the light beam received by the light receiver. The robot is controlled using the calculated input force.

Abstract: First calculation means calculates a TCP velocity error vector Verr when wrist axes performs rotational following movement, second calculation means selects a component, including the sign, of the TCP velocity error vector Verr, third calculation means decomposes the selected velocity error vector into a joint velocity vector ?err, fourth calculation means integrates the joint velocity ?err and calculates a position correction amount vector ?add, and the position correction amount vector ?add is fed back to position control means with torque limits.

Abstract: Provided is a robot capable of appropriately adjusting a position and the like of a main body in view of executing a specified task involving an interaction with a target object. While the position and posture of the main body (10) are being controlled according to a second target path, the robot (1) moves from a first specified area to a second specified area and stands there. In this state, a second position deviation (=the deviation of the position of the main body from a second target path) and a second posture deviation (=the deviation of the posture of the main body from a second target posture) are determined. According to the determination result, the second target path is corrected so that the subsequent position deviation and the like may be smaller.

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

Abstract: A system includes a controller and a serial robot having links that are interconnected by a joint, wherein the robot can grasp a three-dimensional (3D) object in response to a commanded grasp pose. The controller receives input information, including the commanded grasp pose, a first set of information describing the kinematics of the robot, and a second set of information describing the position of the object to be grasped. The controller also calculates, in a two-dimensional (2D) plane, a set of contact points between the serial robot and a surface of the 3D object needed for the serial robot to achieve the commanded grasp pose. A required joint angle is then calculated in the 2D plane between the pair of links using the set of contact points. A control action is then executed with respect to the motion of the serial robot using the required joint angle.

Abstract: In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes: a holding portion whose proximal end portion is fixed to a base; a positioning portion that has a fixing portion that is fixed to a distal end portion of the holding portion, and that is formed such that a treatment portion of a surgical instrument is able to move relative to the fixing portion; a reference orientation detecting portion that detects an orientation of a reference position on the positioning portion; a drive section that is used to move the treatment portion relative to the fixing portion; and a displacement detecting section that detects an amount of movement, including angular displacement, of the treatment portion relative to the reference position, and that calculates as the orientation on the treatment portion an orientation that is different by an amount of angular displacement that it has itself detected from the orientation on the reference position detected by the reference orientation detecting portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus in which a plurality of ALD reactors are placed in a pattern in relation to each other, each ALD reactor being configured to receive a batch of substrates for ALD processing, and each ALD reactor comprising a reaction chamber accessible from the top. A plurality of loading sequences is performed with a loading robot. Each loading sequence comprises picking up a substrate holder carrying a batch of substrates in a storage area or shelf, and moving said substrate holder with said batch of substrates into the reaction chamber of the ALD reactor in question.

Abstract: A welding apparatus of an embodiment includes: a welding torch and a shape sensor attached to a welding robot; a shape data extraction unit extracting, from measured data measured by the shape sensor, shape data representing an outline of an object to be welded; a transformation data calculation unit calculating, based on a position and a posture of the shape sensor, coordinate transformation data for correcting the shape data; a shape data correction unit correcting the shape data based on the coordinate transformation data; an angle calculation unit calculating, based on the corrected shape data, an inclination angle of a groove of the object to be welded; and a welding position and posture determination unit determining, based on the inclination angle of the groove, a position and a posture of the welding torch.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method for determining feasible joint trajectories for an n-dof (n>5) robot in a rotation invariant processing of an object, such as milling, painting, and welding. The method includes the steps of receiving geometric data representing the object; receiving geometric data representing the processing tool; receiving a tool path X(t), where t is time; searching for feasible paths qRobot (t) using IK (t) and qTool (t) as set of possible solutions at time t, wherein qRobot (t) defines positions of all the joints in the robot as function of time, qTool (t) defines the rotation of a tool flange around the tool axis at time t, and IK (t) defines the inverse kinematics solutions for a given X(t) and qTool (t); and determining, from the geometric data and X(t), how the joint path qRobot (t) should be chosen so as to comply with one or more optimisation criteria.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: A robot with a camera includes a hand with a finger, a camera disposed on the hand, a robot arm including the hand, and a control portion which searches for a work based on an image obtained by the camera and controls the robot arm. In addition, a unit detects a velocity of the camera, and a unit detects a position of the camera relative to a predicted stopping position of the camera. The control portion permits the camera to take the image used for searching for the work, when the velocity of the camera takes a preset velocity threshold value or lower and the position of the camera relative to the predicted stopping position takes a preset position threshold value or lower.

Abstract: A mobile equipment endowed with a neutrons source possibly in combination with other radiation sources including a robot system that, moving on a controlled trajectory, realize the conditions to observe from different positions the radiation emerging from a specimen either mobile or fixed, properly irradiated, is described.

Abstract: A path planning apparatus and method of a robot, in which a path, along which the robot accesses an object to grasp the object, is planned. The path planning method includes judging whether or not a robot hand of a robot collides with an obstacle when the robot hand moves along one access path candidate selected from plural access path candidates along which the robot hand accesses an object to grasp the object, calculating an access score of the selected access path candidate when the robot hand does not collide with the obstacle, and determining an access path plan using the access score of the selected access path candidate.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system is disclosed that provides a combination of a programmed control, such as active control or passive control, when a high degree of accuracy is required and manual control when a high degree of accuracy is not required, such as during the removal of osteophytes, irregular bone growth and/or soft tissue. Manual resection may be completed by switching from the programmed control mode to the manual control mode and allowing the surgeon free control of the cutting tool. The manual resection may be carried out using some navigational features of the robotic system such as allowing the surgeon to visualize the position of the cutting tool thereby allowing accurate resection of osteophytes, irregular bone and tissue while having the unrestricted freedom to move the cutting tool. The programmed control mode may be reserved for procedures that require a high degree of accuracy, for example, the reaming of a bone and placement of an implant onto the bone.

Abstract: A system and method for electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing devices under test (DUTs) uses an ESD gun attached to a robotic arm to execute ESD tests. The system and method also uses cameras positioned around a DUT placed on a testing table to define at least one test point on a surface of the DUT. Using the defined test point, as well as settings on the ESD gun and a testing process scenario that includes actions to be executed by the system, the testing process is performed by the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems may include high speed camera to capture a video of a display output, a robotic arm to interact with a device, a processor, and a computer readable storage medium having a set of instructions. If executed by the processor, the instructions cause the system to identify one or more user experience characteristics based on the captured video, and generate a report based on the one or more user experience characteristics. The report may include a perceptional model score that is generated based on the user experience characteristics as well as other parameters. The user experience characteristics could include response time, frame rate and run time characteristics.

Abstract: An automated ply layup system uses a robot and an end effector for selecting plies from a kit and placing the plies at predetermined locations on a tool.

Abstract: There are provided a method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system comprising a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over with the first teat cup that has stopped milking.

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

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling an extendable robot arm to avoid collisions while returning to a first position from a second position includes periodically storing locations of the robot arm as the robot arm moves along a forward path from the first position to the second position; applying heuristic algorithms to the stored locations to determine a return path to the first position, the return path including at least a portion of a retrace path retracing the stored locations of the forward path; and controlling the robot arm to return to the first position using the determined return path.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of positions on a surface of a measurement target object using information of light reflected from the measurement target object on which structured light is projected, a position of a light source of the structured light, and a position of a light reception unit configured to receive the reflected light and acquire the information of the reflected light, a calculation unit configured to acquire at least one of a position and a direction on the surface of the measurement target object based on the plurality of the positions, and a correction unit configured to correct at least one of the plurality of the positions based on information about an error in measurement for acquiring the plurality of the positions and at least one of the position and the direction on the surface of the measurement target object.

Abstract: A robot system calculates positional information of a workpiece with respect to a visual sensor and calculates positional information of an arm tip at a second time based on first times stored by a storing section and the second time at which the visual sensor measures the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate transfer apparatus including a transfer arm of a joint type having an arm portion rotatably connected with a holding portion for holding a substrate, the apparatus including: a heating unit for heating the arm portion; a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the arm portion; and a control unit for heating the arm portion by the heating unit prior to a start of a transfer of the substrate, allowing the transfer of the substrate after a temperature detection value obtained by the temperature detection unit reaches a preset temperature range, and then controlling the heating unit so as to maintain the temperature detection value within the preset temperature range.

Abstract: A substrate processing system capable of extending and changing a substrate processing module easily according to changes of processing contents for a substrate. An embodiment is the system including a main device and sub-devices. A transfer controlling part includes an acquiring part that acquires transfer-destination specifying information that includes additional information identifying at least a local address and a substrate processing device to which the local address belongs, and that specifies a substrate transfer destination uniquely within the main device and the sub-devices, a judging part that judges which one of the main device, and the sub-devices is the substrate transfer destination based on the specifying information acquired by the acquiring part, and a local transfer part that transfers the substrate to a process chamber connected to a transfer chamber of its own device by using the address allocated uniquely within the own device.

Abstract: A robot control system includes a processing unit which performs visual servoing based on a reference image and a picked-up image, a robot control unit which controls a robot based on a control signal, and a storage unit which stores the reference image and a marker. The storage unit stores, as the reference image, a reference image with marker in which the marker is set in an area of a workpiece or a hand of the robot. The processing unit generates, based on the picked-up image, a picked-up image with marker in which the marker is set in an area of the workpiece or the hand of the robot, performs visual servoing based on the reference image with marker and the picked-up image with marker, generates the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the robot control unit.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for operating a traveling wave linear accelerator to generate stable electron beams at two or more different intensities by varying the number of electrons injected into the accelerator structure during each pulse by varying the width of the beam pulse, i.e., pulse width. The electron beams may be used to generate x-rays having selected doses and energies, which may be used for cargo scanning or radiotherapy applications.

Abstract: Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state.

Abstract: A system comprises a platform being configured for locomotion in a plurality of directions over a surface. A robotic unit is configured for dexterous manipulation comprising at least lifting of objects. The robotic unit is joined to the platform. At least one extender unit is joined to the platform and is configured for controlled extension beyond the platform to contact the surface to stabilize the system at least during the manipulation by the robotic unit. At least one controlling unit is configured to be operable for at least determining a center of gravity and a zero moment point for the system and for at least controlling an extension of the extender unit.

Abstract: A supply of metal parts are electroplated by progressively transferring the parts with a computer controlled robot into a series of open top tanks containing solutions. The tanks have submerged metal fixtures which temporarily support the parts, and each fixture in the electroplating tank is individually connected to a direct current power source through a corresponding timer switch controlled by the computer so that each part is plated for a precise time period independently of the time the part remains in the plating solution. Each fixture is coated with an insulation material and has a base with metal contact with a removable fixture member having limited metal line contact with the supporting part. A plurality of electroplating lines each include the above components, and common tanks in the lines receive an electroplating solution recirculated through a common filter and service tank where the solution is heated and controlled.

Abstract: In a system, a first closed region specifying unit specifies a first closed region on a screen for enclosing an imaged obstacle in a first image, and a first projection area determining unit determines a first virtual projection area by extending a first closed region in a first orientation. A second closed region specifying unit specifies a second closed region on the screen. The second closed region encloses the imaged obstacle in the second image. A second projection area determining unit determines a second virtual projection area by extending the second closed region in a second orientation. An establishing unit establishes an overlap region between the first and second projection areas as the no-entry zone for the robot.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a processor wherein the second camera has a higher resolution than the first camera. The processor is communicatively coupled to the first camera and the second camera and is operable to determine a center coordinate of an udder of a dairy livestock based at least in part upon visual data captured by the first camera. The processor is also operable to determine a position of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the center coordinate and visual data captured by the second camera.

Abstract: A collision detection system includes a processing section, a drawing section, and a depth buffer. Depth information of an object is set to the depth buffer as depth map information. The drawing section performs a first drawing process of performing a depth test, and drawing a primitive surface on a reverse side when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint out of primitive surfaces constituting a collision detection target object with reference to the depth buffer. Further, the drawing section performs a second drawing process of drawing the primitive surface on the reverse side when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint out of the primitive surfaces constituting the collision detection target object without performing the depth test. The processing section determines whether or not the collision detection target object collides with the object on the target side based on the result of the first drawing process and the second drawing process.

Abstract: Provided is a cooperative control device capable of advanced cooperative control. The cooperative control device for cooperatively controlling a plurality of control objects is provided with a pair of output control systems, a pair of crossing circuits, and transfer function units. The pair of output control systems is provided for a pair of control objects having respective control circuits. The pair of crossing circuits is provided from a first input side to a second output side and from a second input side to a first output side of the control circuit of the output control systems. The transfer function unit is provided in each pair of crossing circuits.

Abstract: The present invention is a parallel kinematic linkage based micro-positioning system that can provide precise movement at the micron and sub-micron level of a payload that is compatible with an existing automation system. The system has a motor controller, a digital signal processor, a base frame, a first motor, a first cranking arm with a first connecting link and an intermediate stage that mounts a second motor that is attached to a second cranking arm with a second connecting link. There is also an output stage (also called a table) that is precisely moved by the second cranking arm and a first and second optical linear encoder used in combination with the first and second motor and the first and second cranking arm forming a first motor assembly that converts operational data into a plurality of highly precise X-axes and Y-axes payload linear movements.

Abstract: In a robot system, and a method for operating a robot system, for loading general cargo units, a gripper unit of the robot is operated to stack the general cargo units in a stack, by movements controlled by a computerized control unit. In order to avoid unstable loading patterns, the computerized control unit automatically determines the loading pattern of the stack of general cargo units, and also automatically determines at least one characteristic that represents the stability of the loading pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for identifying instruments comprising at least one weight sensor, a data processing system, which has an interface, at least one database and an processing unit, and a visualization unit. Weight distribution data of instruments can be determined and compared by the device. This allows identifying individual instruments. The invention further relates to according methods for detecting a weight distribution of an individual instrument and for identifying an individual instrument, as well as to a method for assembling instrument sets.

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

Abstract: A manipulator has an operation command unit and an exchangeable working unit. The working unit comprises an end effector operable under actions of a control apparatus, and an ID retaining section holding an ID for individualized discrimination of the working unit. The control apparatus includes an ID identification section for identifying the ID and for determining whether the working unit is connected to the operation command unit, an origin point recognition section for recognizing whether the end effector is in a prescribed origin point position or in a non-origin point position, and a warning section which generates a detachment warning when it is determined that the end effector has been detached from the operation command unit, in the event it is determined that the end effector is in a non-origin point position.

Abstract: It is possible to provide a power assist device which can maintain a stable contact state without causing an oscillation phenomenon even if a robot is brought into contact with an environment. A method for controlling the power assist device is also provided. The power assist device includes: an inner force sensor which detects an operation force applied by an operator; an operation handle having the inner force sensor; a robot arm which supports the operation handle; an actuator which drives the robot arm; the actuator and a control device which measure or estimate a force applied when the robot arm is brought into contact with an environment; and the actuator and the control device which detect or estimate a motion speed of the operation handle.

Abstract: A coating end effector may be carried by a robot. A plasma spray head is mounted by a joint to the end effector. A plurality of actuators couple the end effector and plasma spray head to provide articulation of the joint. The apparatus may be used to coat an airfoil cluster of a gas turbine engine. The coating may include passing the head between the airfoils.

Abstract: A method for replacing a container of input energy for a drive motor of a motor vehicle including at least one iteration of a phase including the following: recognizing the type of container to be deposited; making, if needed, at least one tool suitable for the container type; using the at least one tool to take down the container; depositing the container; and using the at least one tool to mount a new container. The making at least one tool suitable for the container type includes dismantling, on the at least one tool, a first device for activating and deactivating a first mechanism for locking the container onto the motor vehicle and mounting, on the at least one tool, a second device for activating and deactivating a second mechanism for locking the container onto the motor vehicle.

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

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards controlling a robot based upon sensing a user's natural and intuitive movements and expressions. User movements and/or facial expressions are captured by an image and depth camera, resulting in skeletal data and/or image data that is used to control a robot's operation, e.g., in a real time, remote (e.g., over the Internet) telepresence session. Robot components that may be controlled include robot “expressions” (e.g., audiovisual data output by the robot), robot head movements, robot mobility drive operations (e.g., to propel and/or turn the robot), and robot manipulator operations, e.g., an arm-like mechanism and/or hand-like mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a robot (R), and a correspondingly set-up robot. The robot (R) has a robot arm (M) having a plurality of members (1) following sequentially, an attaching device (3) for attaching an end effector (4, 46), and drives for moving the members (1), and a control device (S) connected to the drives. Stored in the control device (S) is a hierarchical regulating and control strategy having a plurality of differently prioritized regulating and control functionalities, and the method has the following process step: during the movement of the robot arm (M), switching over to a higher-prioritized regulating and control functionality, as soon as stable movement of the robot arm (M) by means of the higher-prioritized regulating and control functionality is possible, and an execution condition independent of the higher-prioritized regulating and control functionality is fulfilled.

Abstract: An automated vehicle charging system, that may be done within a service type station, to provide for charging, recharging, or even discharging, of the batteries of an electric vehicle, and generally will include a dispenser, having a cabinet containing all of the instrumentation desired for furnishing the provision of current information relative to the charging of a vehicle, of otherwise, and will include boom means that are highly maneuverable, in order to bring the charging instrument into close proximity of the electrical receptacle of the vehicle being serviced, whether it be at a service type station, or at a curbside type of charging system. Robotics may be used within the structure of these electrical charging systems, to facilitate the charging of any vehicle, by the customer itself, even at a self service type of station.