Abstract: A supporting device comprising a first member which supports a springy means for resiliently supporting a second member. The supporting device comprises a detection means for detecting displacement of the springy means with respect to the first member in accordance with the movement of the second member and a biasing means which applies a force to the springy means from the same direction as or from a direction opposite to that of the displacement for changing the elasticity of the springy means in accordance with the movement of the second member.

Abstract: A man-machine interface is disclosed which provides force and texture information to sensing body parts. The interface is comprised of a force actuating device that produces a force which is transmitted to a force applying device. The force applying device applies the generated force to a pressure sensing body part. A force sensor on the force applying device measures the actual force applied to the pressure sensing body part, while angle sensors measure the angles of relevant joint body parts. A computing device uses the joint body part position information to determine a desired force value to be applied to the pressure sensing body part. The computing device combines the joint body part position information with the force sensor information to calculate the force command which is sent to the force actuating device. In this manner, the computing device may control the actual force applied to a pressure sensing body part to a desired force which depends upon the positions of related joint body parts.

Abstract: A programmable variable degree of tactile feedback for the operation of a manipulator by a pair of motors, one connected to the load and one to the control. Computer controlled four quadrant regulators for each motor are used to drive the load motor shaft to the same position as the control motor shaft and to vary the feedback force on the control motor in proportion to selected forces developed during the manipulation process.

Abstract: An elementary sensor for sensing a force comprises a transducer for transforming a mechanical deformation to an electric signal, and a first strain generative body (20) including a supporting portion (21) and a working portion (23) connected to the transducer so as to allow the transducer to produce a mechanical deformation on the basis of a displacement relative to the supporting portion of the working portion. By further adding a second strain generative body (30) including a fixed portion (31) fixed at least with respect to the direction of a force to be detected, and a displacement portion (33) connected to the working portion of the first strain generative body, wherein the displacement portion is constructed to produce a displacement based on a given external force relative to the fixed portion to transmit the displacement thus produced to the working portion of the first strain generative body, a force detector applicable to a wide variety of measurement ranges can be realized.

Abstract: An articulated hand comprising a plurality of finger module structures each of which has one top end provided with an abutting member for contacting an object and the other end connected to a finger connecting member and has a plurality of articulates formed between the one and the other ends by combination of a plurality of link members and articulate turn-shafts; a plurality of motors provided at the other ends of the respective finger module structures integrally therewith; a power transmitting device for transmitting motor powers to the articulate turn-shaft and a hand structure connected to a manipulator. The finger modules are arranged in a manner so that the articulate shafts are driven independently of each other, and each of the link members is provided with sensors respectively for directly detecting a relative angle and relative torque between adjacent link members.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for stabilizing a load carried on an elevationally movable load engaging device of a material handling lift mast has a clamp movably connected to the load engaging device and an actuator for moving the load engaging clamp between first and second spaced apart locations in response to the actuator being moved between extended and retracted positions. A connecting device connects the actuator to the load engaging device and maintains the load engaging clamp from movement toward the second position in response to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and provides a preselected amount of movement of the actuator relative to the load engaging clamp subsequent to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and thus reduces the potential of damaging the load. The clamping arrangement is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: The described and improved multi-arm invention of this application presents three strategies for adaptive control of cooperative multi-arm robots which coordinate control over a common load. In the position-position control strategy, the adaptive controllers ensure that the end-effector positions of both arms track desired trajectories in Cartesian space despite unknown time-varying interaction forces exerted through a load. In the position-hybrid control strategy, the adaptive controller of one arm controls end-effector motions in the free directions and applied forces in the constraint directions; while the adaptive controller of the other arm ensures that the end-effector tracks desired position trajectories. In the hybrid-hybrid control strategy, the adaptive controllers ensure that both end-effectors track reference position trajectories while simultaneously applying desired forces on the load.

Abstract: A robot manipulator uses multiple robot arms to grasp and move an object. The object is moved by the coordinated motion of the arms. Because of inaccuracies in the coordinated motion of the arms due to mechanical inaccuracies or to imperfections in the model used by the controller to evaluate the interaction of the arms with the environment, the actual motion of the arms may be slightly uncoordinated. This may result in the application of unwanted forces to the object which may distort or break the object, the arms, or both. A multiarm accommodation arrangement evaluates the forces applied by the arms to the object to determine the net forces, and generates position accommodation signals which are summed with the several mutually coordinated arm control signals to tend to cause the forces applied to the object to be zero or a desired finite value. In a particular embodiment of the invention, an outer loop provides position accommodation to control forces applied by the object to an external load.

Abstract: An instruction system of a remote-control robot having a work manipulator. The system comprises an instruction manipulator for providing work instructions to the work manipulator; a solid geometrical model forming device for forming solid geometrical models of the work manipulator and work circumstances; a simulating device for operating the positions and attitude of the geometrical models according the information of motions of the instruction manipulator and information from various sensors of the work manipulator to simulate geometrical models, as well as driving the work manipulator according to the information from the instruction manipulator, etc.; and a graphic display for displaying motions of the geometrical models. The solid geometrical model forming device forms geometrical models of the work manipulator and work circumstances, the simulating device simulating actual working positions of the geometrical models, and the graphic display displaying the simulated geometrical models.

Abstract: In an industrial robot, its hand is mounted on a base plate which is elastically coupled to a base body in such a manner that the base plate is slidable with respect to the base body, and a correcting unit is provided to correct an operational origin of the hand. Accordingly, when the hand is struck against something such as a work stand, the base plate is displaced by the impact so that the hand is prevented from being damaged and the origin of the hand is automatically corrected in accordance with the amount of slide displacement of the base plate detected by a detecting unit.

Abstract: A robot system in which a force (torque) exerted on an end effector disposed at an end of a robot to hold an object is sensed to achieve a positioning control. The robot system includes a unit to sense an inertial force exerted on the end effector and the sensed result is fed back so as to remove the influence of the inertia force, thereby effecting an accurate positioning control.

Abstract: In a force controlling system, a movable member fixed to an elastic member applies a force to an object in correspondence with a force reference signal. At this time, an additional force is applied via a driver to the movable member by the positive feedback of the displacement of the elastic member to the driver, so that the reactive force due to the displacement of the elastic member is counteracted by the additional force. As a result, the movable memer applies only a force in correspondence to the force reference signal to the object.

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

Abstract: A hand-held controller for a robot end effector having force and position control is disclosed. A single tactile area of the operator's hand, such as one finger, responds to two distinct feedback "feels" which are created by movement of a single element in two degrees of freedom that are both pivotable and rotatable in nature. Rotation of the trigger contacting element about its longitudinal axis is responsive to and reflects the amount of grasp force exerted by the end effector. Deflection of a guard encasing that trigger around a pivot point is responsive to and reflects the amount of movement of the end effector. The operator controls the position and grasp force of an end effector by exerting pressure against the trigger guard and, in turn, can "feel" two distinct feedbacks at the control finger. The feedback is indicative of both the grasp force and position of the controlled end effector.

Abstract: A movable apparatus drive system comprises a driving device for the movable apparatus, a first output device for detecting environmental information around the movable apparatus and for outputting a corresponding signal in response to the environmental information data, a second output device for outputting a command signal to drive the driving device so as to move the movable apparatus to a target position, based on target position data of the movable apparatus to be moved and current position data of the movable apparatus; and a supply device for supplying a composite signal constituted by the environmental information data and the command signal.

Abstract: A grab assembly for handling articles such as hot and cold steel ingots and molds, characterized by multiple current relays and limit switches that enable selection of different grip forces. The assembly comprises complemental tongs, an electrically powered drive for actuating the tongs and compressing springs which resiliently restrain the tongs in gripping engagement with an article, an electrically operated holding brake for maintaining such resilient restraint of the tongs, and a selector for rendering operative any one relay and corresponding limit switch which redundantly operate to stop the powered drive and set the holding brake in response to motor current and spring compression reaching respective predetermined amounts corresponding to a respective desired gripping force at the tongs. Also disclosed is a crane employing the grab assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for translating an object held by at least two fingers of a robot hand to a predetermined position relative to a fixed point of the robot hand is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a linear potentiometer for sensing the position of each finger relative to the fixed point on the robot hand. A microcomputer identifies the finger at the greater distance from the predetermined position as the position-controlled finger, and identifies the other finger as the force-controlled finger. Pneumatic cylinders and valves impart movement to each finger. A pneumatic servovalve controls movement of the position-controlled finger according to the position of the position-controlled finger relative to the fixed point of the robot hand. In an alternative embodiment, the movement of the position-controlled finger is controlled according to both the position of the position-controlled finger and the position of the force-controlled finger.

Abstract: An electronic force-detecting robot gripper for gripping objects and attaching to an external robot arm is disclosed. The gripper comprises motor apparatus, gripper jaws, and electrical circuits for driving the gripper motor and sensing the amount of force applied by the jaws. The force applied by the jaws is proportional to a threshold value of the motor current. When the motor current exceeds the threshold value, the electrical circuits supply a feedback signal to the electrical control circuit which, in turn, stops the gripper motor.

Abstract: A pressure sense recognition control system having at least one pressure sensor module for detecting the two-dimensional distribution of the component forces in the three directions in the rectangular coordinate system of a force applied to the pressure receiving surface of the pressure sensor modules. The pressure sensor module has at least one pressure sensor cell having a pressure sensing member made of single crystal silicon, and a plurality of diffusion type strain gauges provided on the surfaces of the pressure sensing member which are substantially perpendicular to the pressure receiving surface and for detecting the three component forces applied to the pressure surfaces in response to the changes of an output of a bridge composed of the strain gauges. These members are mounted on an object, the drive of which is to be controlled.

Abstract: A micromanipulator system for precisely positioning an object in an xz plane and then grossly moving the object in the y direction into a hole z is disclosed. The micromanipulator system includes a base and a platform mounted to the base having five different degrees of movement (in the x direction, y direction, z direction, about the x axis, and about the z axis). Suitable moving mechanisms are provided for reversibly moving the platform in the five degrees of movement. Four of the degrees of movement being for fine or precise positioning of the platform and the fifth degree of movement in the y direction being a coarse positioning movement. A device for holding the obejct to the platform is then provided such that after precisely positioning the platform in the xz plane, the object is coarsely moved in the y direction toward the hole. Preferably, a device is provided for detecting an opposition force to the coarse movement of the object in the y direction.

Abstract: A robotic tool changing system which is compatible with manipulators (20) of the type having a pair of opposable vise-like end-effector "fingers" (22,24) formed on an end-effector (21) is disclosed which may be used to grip and manipulate a wide range of different tools (42,44,45) and wherein the end-effector (21) includes: (i) alignment ports (29,30,34,35) formed on the gripping fingers (22,24) for reception of alignment pins (29',30',34',35') formed on the tools (42,44,45); (ii) a resistor (R1) embedded within each tool (42,44,45) which is uniquely representative of that tool; (iii) a tool comparator circuit (50) having at least one reference resistor (R2) for enabling identification of the particular tool gripped by the end-effector (21) and for generating a control output signal capable of selecting, defining and enabling and requisite utility(ies) and utility control line(s) required for proper operation of the gripped tool; (iv) electrical contact means (31,32) formed in at least one finger (22) for coo

Abstract: A load plate is rigidly supported by a central pedestal strain gaged for bending about a central axis. In one embodiment, the pedestal is mounted to the center of a yoke bar supported by two legs strain gaged for comprehensive loads only the sum of which is indicative of the magnitude of the plate load. The legs are supported by base webs strain gaged for bending about a central axis orthogonal to the axis of pedestal bending. The output of the bending strain gages enables determination of the coordinates of the load location on the plate from the central axis axes.In a second embodiment, the pedestal is supported by a block rigidly attached to the end of a cantilevered member extending at right angles from the pedestal. The cantilever member is strain gaged at two longitudinal stations for reading the differential of the bending strain to thereby determine the shear loading, or plate tactile load.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus and method of acquiring jumbled objects or workpieces from a bin, and transferring them to a final site, or to an intermediate site for quality inspection. A video camera system produces a video signal representing a brightness image of the jumbled objects. An intermediate amplitude range of the video signal is selected, expanded, stored, and quantized into digital pixels. A computer enhances the image using histogram techniques, performs edge suppression, performs repeated shrinking with progressively-increased pixel thresholds until an area limit is reached, performs clustering of closely-spaced pixels, and commands movement of the robot gripper to a computed grip site on a recognized object. The gripper may limit its gripping pressure as a function of the deformation of the object gripped.

Abstract: A manipulation device, such as an industrial robot has at least one sensor connected to a control unit through a programmable sensor interface. The programmable sensor interface includes at least one microprocessor and at least one memory. Each sensor has three signal ranges, the limits of these ranges being selectable by thresholds which can be stored in the memory. The microprocessor is programmed to classify the signal received from a sensor in one of the signal ranges, and to transmit the result of the classification to the control unit. Activation of the individual sensors is undertaken by the control unit through a serial interface or through a parallel interface.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a robotic arm includes two opposing elements displaced by means of a worm gear arrangement for grasping an object positioned therebetween. The worm gear is driven by a rotary drive motor with a torsion spring coupling the drive motor shaft to the worm. First and second shaft encoders are respectively mounted to the drive motor shaft and the worm shaft. First and second pairs of optical sensors respectively coupled to the first and second shaft encoders detect the angular speed and displacement of the drive motor shaft and the worm. With the torsion constant of the spring known, the force applied by the gripper assembly which is proportional to the angular displacement of the worm may be accurately determined and controlled. In addition, the size of the object grasped by the gripper assembly may be determined. By comparing these operating parameters with selected values, the gripper assembly may be precisely controlled such as by means of a microcomputer.

Abstract: A movable part of a robot, such as the fingers of the robot hand, are provided with an array of tactile elements mounted on a substrate. Each element includes a magnetic dipole embedded in a compliant medium on one side of the substrate and a magnetic sensor on the other side of the substrate. The dipole and sensor are in parallel planes. A force or torque deforms the compliant medium and displaces the magnetic dipoles with respect to the sensor. The sensor detects the change in magnetic field and produces an electrical signal which is used to control the robot. Magnetoresistive sensors are preferred. To detect torque, each element illustratively includes four sensors arranged at 90.degree. to one another and a magnetic dipole oriented at 45.degree. to each sensor.

Abstract: A strain sensing arrangement includes a rigid annular ring, which is co-axial with an upper central boss and a lower central boss. An upper array of vertical, relatively flat, wide and flexible beams are connected to the upper boss and the ring and a lower array of horizontal beams are connected to the lower boss and the ring. Each of the beams are provided with a strain gauge on each side thereof for detecting any deflection of the beams.When the arrangement is utilized in an assembly robot, the end of an arm of the robot is inserted downwardly into the upper boss and a gripper is inserted upwardly into the lower boss, so that the strain gauges can detect torsional and/or linear strain acting on the arrangement caused by relative rotation of the gripper with respect to the arm.

Abstract: An assembly robot comprises a breastplate adapted to be attached to the chest of a human operator, an upper arm member connected to the breastplate and adapted to be attached to the upper arm of a human operator, a lower arm member attached to the upper arm member and adapted to be attached to the lower arm of a human operator, a hand member having finger and thumb units into which the hand, finger and thumb of the human operator can be inserted, and a support structure taking the form of a movable chair to which the breastplate is attached and on which the human operator may sit. The robot members, their length, the joints between members, and the axes of these joints correspond to those of a human arm, hand and fingers whereby the robot can make the same movements as the human operator. Each joint is associated with a sensor-motor device.

Abstract: The hand of a robot is moved from an instant position P.sub.1 to a first command position P.sub.2 to grip one of the workpiece W.sub.1,W.sub.2,W.sub.3 placed at the first command position and conveys the same to a second command position P.sub.3. A sensor is contacted by the workpiece when the hand takes an intermediate position Px on its way from the instant position P.sub.1 to the first command position P.sub.2, the robot control system stops the hand without delay or after travel of the hand over a predetermined distance and, after the travel of the hand over a predetermined deceleration distance, stops the hand. The hand is then moved from the stopping position to the second command position P.sub.3 neglecting the remaining stroke or movement between the stopping position and the first command position.

Abstract: A measured-force gripper device of articulated structure having several degrees of freedom and interposed between the contact plate and its support, the device comprising two fingers which can be displaced to grasp an article to be handled, each finger being formed by a support, a contact plate which contacts the article to be handled, an articulated structure, which has several degrees of freedom and is interposed between the contact plate and the support, and a displacement-measuring pickup associated with each of the degrees of freedom of each finger, the pickup delivering information related exclusively to the movements carried out in accordance with that degree of freedom.

Abstract: A hand of a robot is moved from an instant position P.sub.1 to a first command position P.sub.2 to grip one of the workpieces W.sub.1, W.sub.2, W.sub.3 placed at the first command position and conveys the same to a second command position P.sub.3. As a sensor is contacted by the workpiece when the hand takes an intermediate position Px, on its way from the instant position P.sub.1 to the first command position P.sub.2, the robot control system decelerates the hand without delay or after a travel of the hand over a predetermined distance and, after travel of the hand over a predetermined deceleration distance, stops the hand. The hand is then moved from the stopping position to the second command position P.sub.3 neglecting the remaining stroke or movement between the stopping position and the first command position.

Abstract: A misalignment detector for forging machine transfers is disclosed. Such transfers provide grippers which move from a first position in which workpieces are not present to a second position when a workpiece is properly gripped. If a misaligned workpiece is present, the gripper moves to a third position beyond the second position. Each of the embodiments provides a beam-type spring mounted for deflection as the associated gripper or grippers move between the three positions. In some embodiments, the spring is bent as a function of the relative position of two opposed grippers and in other embodiments a spring is associated with a single gripper and is bent as a function of the gripper position. In some embodiments, strain gauges are mounted on the springs to produce a modulated signal to indicate the gripper position and operate the machine's emergency stop if necessary. In one embodiment, the spring is associated with a pneumatic system and allows a bleed orifice to open when misalignment is present.

Abstract: A robotics manipulator utilizes a fluid pressure control system to provide a response to the gripping force of the robotics manipulator on an object. The force is converted to a change in fluid pressure that is sensed in a fluid flow channel. This change in pressure or flow is in turn used to provide the control system for the robotics manipulator with information on how hard an object is being gripped.