Abstract: A method and device for manipulating an object is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a gripping device configured to grasp the object includes a housing, a jamming material inside the housing, a first actuator to actuate the jamming material, a first pressure activation device disposed on a first outer portion of the housing and configured to exert a constricting force on the first outer portion of the housing, and a second actuator to actuate the first pressure activation device. After the end effector is pressed against the object, the second actuator actuates the first pressure activation device to exert an inward force on the first outer portion of the housing and the first actuator actuates the jamming material to grasp the object.

Abstract: A robot hand having a suction holding unit on one face side holds a plate-shaped work by suction. An outer circumferential edge of the plate-shaped work is held, without contact with a surface of the plate-shaped work, by an outer circumference holding unit provided on the other face side. The robot hand can be used to hold the plate-shaped work yet to be worked by the suction holding unit, and to hold the plate-shaped work having been worked by the outer circumference holding unit. This prevents working debris from being deposited on the plate-shaped work yet to be worked and prevents defective working from occurring. In addition, since the plate-shaped work having been worked is held by the outer circumference holding unit, the robot hand does not make contact with surfaces of the worked plate-shaped work, and, accordingly, no contact marks are formed on the surfaces of the work.

Abstract: A suction cup for a tool driven by vacuum is presented, the suction cup in a first or upper end arranged to be brought into fluid flow communication with a vacuum source and in its opposite end arranged to be brought tightly into contact with the surface of an object to be handled. The suction cup is in its lower end arranged to be coupled to a sealing ring having a sealing surface arranged between an outer periphery and a through-opening defined by an inner periphery, and the sealing ring in the region of its inner periphery having a lip arranged to engage with the suction cup, to which purpose the suction cup in its lower end has a circumferentially running groove) in which the peripheral region and the lip of the sealing ring is insertable under form fitting engagement and in a radially overlapping relation between the groove and the lip in the region (r) of engagement.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning apparatus includes a chassis, a drive system disposed on the chassis and operable to enable movement of the cleaning apparatus, and a controller in communication with the drive system. The controller includes a processor operable to control the drive system to steer movement of the cleaning apparatus. The autonomous cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head system disposed on the chassis and a sensor system in communication with the controller. The sensor system includes a debris sensor for generating a debris signal, a bump sensor for generating a bump signal, and an obstacle following sensor disposed on a side of the autonomous cleaning apparatus for generating an obstacle signal. The processor executes a prioritized arbitration scheme to identify and implement one or more dominant behavioral modes based upon at least one signal received from the sensor system.

Abstract: A handler includes a device holding portion, which holds an uninspected device and loads the device in a measuring socket on a device tester, having a suction means for sucking the device by a very weak pushing force at the time of sucking the device from an uninspection tray and for loading the device in a measuring socket and also having a clamper capable of outputting a pushing force which can be changed at the time of the measurement contact. The device holding portion includes a position correcting mechanism for making a device position correction executed by an image recognizing and position correcting means.

Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.

Abstract: A media processing system for processing media having differing properties, the media processing system having a base. The base has a base radial alignment portion, a base vertical alignment portion, and a base retention portion. A set of removable media clamps is included, where each of the set of removable media clamps is adapted for the differing properties of the media, each removable media clamp has a removable media clamp radial alignment portion for engaging the base radial alignment portion and radially aligning the removable media clamp with the base, a removable media clamp vertical alignment portion for engaging the base vertical alignment portion and vertically aligning the removable media clamp with the base, and a media engagement portion for engaging the media. The retention portion is controllable by the media processing system to selectively retain and release a mounted one of the removable media clamps without manual intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical manipulator including a manipulator arm, an end-effector held by the robotic arm, surgical tools held by the end-effector and manipulator joints, particularly right-angle drive devices for transmitting rotational motion in one axis to a perpendicular axis.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to devices and methods for using pressure measurements to teach a robot a teaching point location. In certain embodiments, a method includes measuring pressure at multiple points across a target. A location of a robot teaching point is determined based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plunger that is used to feed and withdraw an electronic component, in particular integrated circuits, to and/or from a contact device that is connected to a test device. The plunger head can be secured to a base body by a quick locking system. The quick locking system can be placed in a rear-engagement position when the plunger head is rotated in relation to the base body, a position in which the plunger head is axially coupled to the base body.

Abstract: A cleaning robot capable of cleaning a water tank in an unmanned manner and an underwater sediment cleaning apparatus and method are provided. The cleaning robot includes a body put into a water tank, a driver supporting the body and moving the body, a suction part arranged in front of the body and sucking contaminated water containing sediment in the water tank, and a tilting part supported by the body to support the suction part and rotating the suction part on an axis corresponding to the direction across the moving direction of the body.

Abstract: Aspects relate to systems and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a vacuum distributor, one or more vacuum apertures, a vacuum distribution cavity, and a plate. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force. Aspects of the present invention have a plurality of vacuum distributors coupled as a unified vacuum tool, which provides control over generated vacuum forces. Further, aspects of the present invention vary a size, shape, offset, and/or pitch of one or more apertures extending through the vacuum tool plate. Further yet, aspects of the present invention contemplate selective activation/deactivation of one or more vacuum generators.

Abstract: A handheld tool is disclosed which may be used to transfer a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container. The handheld tool may include a disposable tip member which couples the plurality of plant tissue explants through use of negative pressure. An automated system which transfers a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container is also disclosed. The automated system may include a first presentment system which moves the first container to a region, a second presentment system which moves the second container to the region, and a robot system that transfers the plurality of plant tissue explants from the first container to the second container.

Abstract: A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.

Abstract: A robot system includes transport means which transports an object, first detecting means which detects a three-dimensional shape of the object transported on a transport path by the transport means, a robot which performs a predetermined task on the object transported on the transport path by the transport means, means which generates an operation command to the robot, and means which corrects the operation command based on a detection result by the first detecting means.

Abstract: A method for reloading workpieces includes providing a manipulator having a connecting base and a plurality of grasping assemblies arranged on the connecting base, providing a plurality of original workpieces and a plurality of machined workpieces positioned in a plurality of machining positions, grasping the original workpieces by at least one grasping assembly, with at least one grasping assembly vacant, grasping one machined workpiece by one vacant grasping assembly, rotating the connecting base, so that one original workpiece is placed in one machining position by one grasping assembly, further rotating the connecting base until another vacant grasping assembly is opposite to another machining position, and repeating grasping the machined workpieces from the machining positions and placing the original workpieces on the machining positions until a last original workpiece is placed on one machining position. The manipulator used in the present method for reloading workpieces is also provided.

Abstract: A robot system includes a container, a disposed-state detector, and a robot arm. The container is configured to accommodate a plurality of to-be-held objects and includes a reticulated portion. The disposed-state detector is configured to detect disposed states of the plurality of respective to-be-held objects disposed in the container. The robot arm includes a holder configured to hold a to-be-held object among the plurality of to-be-held objects based on the disposed states of the plurality of respective to-be-held objects detected by the disposed-state detector.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a robot arm and a held-state detector. The robot arm includes a first holder configured to hold a to-be-held object. The held-state detector is coupled to the robot arm and is configured to detect a held state of the to-be-held object held by the first holder while the robot arm is transferring the to-be-held object.

Abstract: A bellows 10 is configured for connection to an end effector of a robot and includes a valve 28 supported in the interior space of the bellows. A flow of low pressure air is induced from inside the bellows into a vacuum plenum 24 for retrieving a work product by the open end 16 of the bellows. High pressure air is moved through a conduit 50 into the valve to terminate the flow of low pressure air and terminate the suction applied by the bellows to the work product.

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 reconfigurable tool module for an end-effector includes an adjustable-height housing attached to a swing arm. The adjustable-height housing includes a valve spool and a flow path terminating at a workpiece interface tool. The valve spool is configured to interrupt the flow path when the adjustable-height housing is in a first position. The valve spool is configured to open the flow path when the adjustable-height housing moves away from the first position.

Abstract: A gripper grasps irregular and deformable work pieces so as to lift and hold packaged, processed, or raw, and manipulate the work pieces for the purpose of material handling, assembly, packaging, and other robotic and automated manipulative functions. A vacuum is induced at multiple points through a flexible gripping hood to provide lifting force to, and facilitate rapid movement of, work pieces. An array of lighting devices and a double ring array of segmented mirrors provide uniform illumination to ensure accurate positioning of the gripping hood with respect to the work piece to be manipulated.

Abstract: This painting system includes a body transport device transporting a body, a painting robot fixedly set at a first height, painting at least an inner portion of a door of the body while changing a posture to follow transport of the body by the body transport device, and a door opening/closing robot fixedly set at a second height different from the first height.

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: 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: Improved devices and methods for gripping, supporting and releasing objects, which may be used with robotic arms, manipulators or vehicles, to hold, move or rotate objects in automated manufacturing, packaging, assembling and construction applications. The device comprises a body, an adapter flange for mounting an object gripper with an intake, a vacuum supply port, an airflow passageway configured to couple the intake to the vacuum supply port to define a substantially contiguous vacuum path, and an actuating system to open and close a breach in the substantially contiguous vacuum path. Admitting suction via the vacuum supply port while the breach is closed and the intake is in contact with the object produces a pressure gradient force having sufficient magnitude to support the object's weight in a gravitational field. Operating the actuating system to open the breach releases the object and preferably propels it away from the device.

Abstract: A sucking-conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently taking out and conveying a workpiece one-by-one, even when a taking-out means attached to the robot is not correctly positioned relative to a workpiece to be taken out. The sucking-conveying device includes a robot and a vision sensor capable of detecting a plurality of workpieces randomly located in a container. A suction nozzle, configured to suck and take out the workpieces one-by-one, is mounted on the robot. By attaching the nozzle to a robot arm, the position and orientation of the nozzle may be changed. The suction nozzle is fluidly connected to a suction unit via a blow member. The suction unit sucks air through the nozzle, and generates suction force at the nozzle for sucking a target workpiece to be taken out toward the nozzle, whereby the nozzle can suck and hold the target workpiece.

Abstract: A device and method for adjusting the magnetic strength of a magnetic end effector for lift systems is described. The magnetic end effector is capable of lifting discriminate payloads by selectively varying the strength of the magnetic forces output by the magnetic end effector. An actuator can be operatively coupled to the variable strength magnet end effector, wherein the actuator is selectively actuatable to control the adjustment of the variable strength magnet. The actuator may also be configured to maintain the variable strength magnet at a desired magnetic force output strength once achieved for any given amount of time.

Abstract: This machine generally is an apparatus for preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. More particularly industrial robots are used to improve the apparatus onto which rolls of sheet form material and the like can be loaded in preparation for unwinding and then, when a previously loaded roll has been unwound, disposing of the remaining core. The robots are programmable robots including a means for engaging the transfer plug and placing the plug into the tubular core of a large roll.

Abstract: An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.

Abstract: A gripper grasps irregular and deformable work pieces so as to lift and hold packaged, processed, or raw, and manipulate the work pieces for the purpose of material handling, assembly, packaging, and other robotic and automated manipulative functions. A vacuum is induced at multiple points through a flexible gripping hood to provide lifting force to, and facilitate rapid movement of, work pieces. An array of lighting devices and a double ring array of segmented mirrors provide uniform illumination to ensure accurate positioning of the gripping hood with respect to the work piece to be manipulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.

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 suction head including a first transmission part, a second transmission part and a suction nozzle is provided. The second transmission part is magnetically attracted by the first transmission part to permit a displacement of the second transmission part relative to the first transmission part. The suction nozzle is disposed on the second transmission part and transmitted by the first transmission part via the second transmission part. Additionally, a transporting machine including a shuttle, a transporting mechanism and the aforementioned suction nozzle is provided. The shuttle is capable of carrying an object being transported, and the suction head is driven by the transporting mechanism to take the object being transported. The suction head and the transporting machine applying the same provide high transporting efficiency and ensuring a normal operation in transporting process.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of calculating the position of a robot, which determine the position of a robot and create a map of the surroundings of the robot which account for the travel state of the robot. The apparatus includes a state variable calculation module which calculates a plurality of state variables regarding a travel state of the robot by using a plurality of Kalman filters; a travel state determination module which determines the travel state of the robot based on the results of the calculation performed by the state variable calculation module; and a state variable update module which updates the state variables according to the result of the determination performed by the travel state determination module.

Abstract: An air retriever, such as a bellows (24) is used in an end effector (18) for lifting work products (22) in prearranged configurations, and delivery to a container (20) in a predetermined pattern. An air flow control valve (50) is positioned in each bellows (24) for individually controlling the flow of air through each bellows so that the bellows in a pick zone may draw air for picking up work products while air flow is not applied to the other bellows out of the pick zone.

Abstract: A conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently picking up a plurality of randomly located rods, and conveying the picked up rod to a predetermined place, without using a complicated mechanism. A sucking unit has a nozzle attached to a robot hand, and is configured to move the nozzle close to an end of a first cylindrical portion of a rod to be picked. The nozzle is configured to hold the rod by being lifted while sucking the first portion within the nozzle.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a mechanical device includes an elongate arm in engagement with robotic translation and rotation means. The elongate arm has a platform with at least one elongate member having a bearing bore defined at a free extent thereof. Each bearing bore accommodates insertion of a bearing shaft upon which a gripping mechanism, such as a suction cup assembly, is rotatably supported. The suction cup assembly includes a pivoting arm having a pivoting bore in engagement with a free extent of a linkage element that establishes pivotable movement between the pivoting arm and an actuator means. The gripper assembly has a center of mass substantially aligned with a vertical rotation axis between an initial article picking orientation, wherein the suction cup assembly engages an article in a random orientation, and a successive article rotation orientation, wherein the suction cup assembly rotates a picked article around a horizontal axis for placement in an article placement position.

Abstract: A system and method for production of manufactured parts including a production process having at least one industrial robot equipped with a handling tool for picking up the manufactured part. The robot is arranged in a quality inspection cell and the robot is programmed to hold the manufactured part in at least one known position in the quality inspection cell and present the part for a quality inspection. The quality inspection may be made visually by an operator or with the aid of a tool or sensor or by means of automatic sensors. In other aspects of the invention a method, system and a computer program for carrying out the method are described.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use with a moving device. The moving device can be a mechanical device such as a robot. The gripper assembly includes a platform and an elongate arm extending from the platform. The elongate arm is in the form of least one elongate member. Each elongate member has a body which has a proximal end and an opposed distal end. A gripping mechanism is rotatably supported relative to the arm, and includes a holder having a pivoting arm pivotably joined to the body in the region of the distal end of the body. An actuator is in operable communication with the pivoting arm to impart pivotable movement to the pivoting arm and rotational movement to said gripping mechanism about a horizontal axis upon actuation of the actuator. The gripper assembly may have a center of mass substantially aligned with a vertical rotation axis of the gripper assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel.

Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A diamond sorting system comprising a diamond source for supplying one or more diamonds to be graded by a vision system having one or more cameras arranged to take one or more images of the diamond, and a processor arranged to receive the image data and execute an algorithm on the data to grade the diamond. The sorting system further comprising a diamond collection unit arranged to receive a graded diamond from the vision system and an electromechanical diamond transporter arranged to transport a diamond to be graded from the diamond source to the vision system, and further arranged to transport a graded diamond from the vision system to the diamond collection unit.

Abstract: A method for changing a mould of a moulding device, includes at least the following steps for dismounting a mould: (a) controlling fixing elements in order to release each mould half (20), (b) joining the mould halves together in order to form a single transportable sub-set, (c) opening mould carriers (14) from their closed position during steps (a) and (b) in order to extract, with a translational movement, the sub-set arranged in a reference position, and (d) removing the sub-set as a single unit from its reference position, from between the mould carriers.

Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual-arm type robotic arm and its method of transporting panels, and mainly has a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm which simultaneously extend into a processing equipment. When the second robotic arm takes out a second panel from the processing equipment, the first robotic arm simultaneously executes a stabilization operation and executes a fastening-suction release operation of a carried first panel. Then, the first robotic arm is lowered for placing the first panel in the processing equipment. Thus, the present invention can prevent from occurring a breakage risk of the first panel during being placed, and save the operation time during the first robotic arm waits to be stable and then release the fastening-suction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot hand and a humanoid robot having the same. The robot hand includes a plurality of finger members and a base member to which one end of the finger members is rotatably coupled, respectively. The finger members are rotated through pneumatic pressure so that intervals between adjacent finger members are changed. If the finger members are not used, the intervals between the finger members are widened so that the finger members are prevented from being damaged when the finger members collide with walls or objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems to optimize wafer placement repeatability in semiconductor manufacturing equipment using a controlled series of wafer movements are provided. In one embodiment, a preliminary station calibration is performed to teach a robot position for each station interfaced to facets of a vacuum transfer module used in semiconductor manufacturing. The method also calibrates the system to obtain compensation parameters that take into account the station where the wafer is to be placed, position of sensors in each facet, and offsets derived from performing extend and retract operations of a robot arm. In another embodiment where the robot includes two arms, the method calibrates the system to compensate for differences derived from using one arm or the other. During manufacturing, the wafers are placed in the different stations using the compensation parameters.

Abstract: A teaching method of a robot which supports a transported matter with a hand and transports the transported matter between two or more reception spots, includes: a jig disposing process of disposing a positioning jig at the reception spot so as to have the same center axis as the transported matter when the transported matter is placed at the reception spot; and a teaching process of moving the hand to a position at which an abutting portion of the hand abuts the positioning jig at each of the reception spots and teaching the position of the hand to a controller.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an installation structure for an agitator installed in a dust suction unit of a robot cleaner to scatter foreign substances distributed in a working area comprises: a holder which is connected to a driving motor for providing a torque to the agitator and has a part exposed to the inside of the dust suction unit; and a fixing shaft for forming a rotation shaft of the agitator and having a shape of a polygonal pillar or a shape of a pillar including at least one projection, wherein a shaft insertion part is formed in the holder, has a dented shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing shaft, and can be engaged and rotated with the fixing shaft while the fixing shaft is inserted into and installed at the holder. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the easy separation and installation of the agitator and the enablement of simultaneous rotation of the agitator and a side brush can improve user satisfaction.