Abstract: An advanced tool drive system (ATDS) is capable of grasping a variety of tools through a common interface and provides multiple modes of operation for these tools for these tools. The ATDS is a combination of both a tool actuator and tool change-out mechanism and provides three nested drive actuators-two rotary and one linear. In addition to the tool drive, the ATDS includes four brushless direct current (BLDC) motors which provide the actuation torque to accomplish the multiple modes of ATDS operation, and a camera positioning mechanism (CPM) capable of viewing features on a client satellite or asteroid. By consolidating the drive actuation motors within the ATDS, the design of mating tools becomes less complex and reduces risk and cost of multiple drive actuators having to be installed in multiple tools.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a surgical robotic system for use in a surgical procedure, including a surgical arm having a movable arm part for mounting of a surgical instrument having at least one degree-of-freedom to enable longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument towards a surgical target. Some other embodiments are directed to a human machine interface for receiving positioning commands from a human operator for controlling the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument, and an actuator configured for actuating the movable arm part to effect the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument, and controlled by a processor in accordance with the positioning commands and a virtual bound. The virtual bound establishes a transition in the control of the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument in a direction towards the surgical target. The virtual bound is determined, during use of the surgical robotic system, based on the positioning commands.

Abstract: A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system can include one or more surgical arms coupleable to a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Abstract: A mobile robot may include one or more driven wheels, one or more sensors, and a sample collector. The sample collector may include a collection medium holder, a plurality of collection mediums disposed within the collection medium holder, and a collection medium applicator configured to releasably couple to a respective collection medium disposed within the collection medium holder.

Abstract: An automatic tattoo apparatus can be used to robotically apply tattoos. A customer can shop on an online tattoo marketplace to select designs created by various artists located anywhere. The online tattoo marketplace can process and manage payments, artist and/or customer profiles, bookings, tattoo design uploads, browsing and design selection, design changes, and/or perform other actions. The automatic tattoo device can apply tattoos precisely, quickly, and may with reduced pain. The tattoo apparatus can apply a wide range of different types of tattoos, including but not limited to micro tattoos, dotwork, blackwork tattoos, realism tattoos, fine-line tattoos, etc.

Abstract: A gripper multi-tool for an underwater vehicle comprises one or more mechanical gripper jaws; a motor; a torque controller operatively in communication with the motor; a cathodic protection (CP) probe disposed on at least one mechanical gripper jaw; a tool interface operatively connected to the motor and configured to selectively receive and/or discharge a tool selected from a plurality of tools; and a power source operatively in communication with the plurality of tools, the torque controller, and the motor. Gripper multi-tool is deployed subsea, such as via an underwater vehicle, and receives and engages a tool selected from a plurality of tools into the tool interface which, once engaged and effectuated, is used to perform a predetermined function. When the predetermined function has completed, the tool may be disengaged and removed from the tool interface and replaced with a further tool to perform a further function.

Abstract: A multi-robot collaborative planning method for machining a large capsule member of a Spacecraft is described. The method comprises: first, planning the number of instances of rotational displacement of a capsule, and the angle of each rotation; then, planning a multi-robot station layout and station switching strategy; and finally, when the position of the capsule and robot stations are fixed, planning a multi-robot machining task time sequence. The machining process for a large capsule is efficiently planned by selecting optimal rotation schemes and robot station positions, enhancing the rigidity of robot collaboration. This planning also streamlines the machining timeline, making the multi-robot task more compact and reducing idle time, thus boosting overall machining efficiency.

Abstract: Described is a method for measuring operating parameters of a machining of at least one surface of a semi-finished component including the step of preparing a group of brushes; the step of preparing a line for the passage of the semi-finished components; the step of preparing a data acquisition and processing unit; the step of associating at least one measuring device in an integral fashion with the semi-finished component; the step of positioning on the line the semi-finished component; the step of machining the semi-finished component; the step of measuring a plurality of operating parameters of the machining performed during the machining step; the step of sending at least one signal representing said operating parameters to the data acquisition and processing unit.

Abstract: An automatic tattoo apparatus can be used to robotically apply tattoos. A customer can shop on an online tattoo marketplace to select designs created by various artists located anywhere. The online tattoo marketplace can process and manage payments, artist and/or customer profiles, bookings, tattoo design uploads, browsing and design selection, design changes, and/or perform other actions. The automatic tattoo device can apply tattoos precisely, quickly, and may with reduced pain. The tattoo apparatus can apply a wide range of different types of tattoos, including but not limited to micro tattoos, dotwork, blackwork tattoos, realism tattoos, fine-line tattoos, etc.

Abstract: A device for assisting surgery includes means for offsetting a rotation of a first type and a second type, a mechanism for transmitting a rotation of a third type, and a mechanism for transforming the rotation of a third type into a translation. An elastic element is connected at one end to the mechanism for transmitting the rotation of a third type. The mechanism for transmitting the rotation of a third type is connected to a rotary motor, the rotation of the motor in a first direction causing the lowering of a tool and an elongation of the elastic element, the rotation of the motor in a second direction causing the raising of the tool and a contraction of the elastic element, and, when the tool is lowered and the rotary motor is not exerting any torque, the elastic element returns to an initial shape causing the raising of the tool.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for reliably predicting a motion phase for non-invasive treatment of the heart. The system and methods may account for both respiratory and cardiac cycles in characterizing the motion of the heart relative to the irradiation source. The system and methods may also include a heartbeat sensor that provides an independent reference indication of the cardiac phase to provide real-time or near real-time quality assurance of a current predicted phase indication. The disclosed system and methods may be configured for use in one of two modes: “beam-gating” and “beam-tracking”. For beam-gating, the predicted cardiac phase is compared to the desired gating window, based on the patient-specific treatment plan, to determine if a gate ON or gate OFF signal should be set. For beam-tracking, the predicted cardiac phase is used to load the appropriate beam parameters based on the patient-specific and motion phase-dependent treatment plans.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical system includes controlling a robotic arm in a first control mode in which the robotic arm constrains movement of a surgical tool coupled to the robotic arm to a virtual geometry correlated with an anatomical feature, switching, responsive to the surgical tool crossing an exit boundary, from the first control mode to a second control mode, and controlling the robotic arm in the second control mode in which movement of the surgical tool is unconstrained by the virtual geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing agricultural crops includes a vehicle and a user interface. The vehicle includes a navigation system, one or more vision systems, one or more removal tools, and a control system. The control system can include a data processing system, a data storage system, and a targeting system. The apparatus can be used to carry out one or more methods for managing agricultural crops, such as, for example, utilizing the vision system to capture images of an item to be targeted for removal by the removal tool, and utilizing the control system to process the images and position the removal tool to remove the item.

Abstract: Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate, generally, to optimization of the autonomous vehicle technology and, more specifically, to a transfer hub for autonomous trucking operations. The transfer hub supports automated trailer delivery, trailer-tractor matching, trailer-tractor hitching, automated post-hitching visual inspection, automated refueling, parking spot calibration, load verification, load distribution assessment, automated brake inspection, and other improvements to the existing technology.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a light source, a sensor for detecting light, and a surgical device including an elongate shaft having a distal part positionable at a surgical working site within a body cavity. A first optical pathway transmits light from the light source to a distal part of the elongate shaft and onto tissue within the body cavity, and a second optical pathway receives light from tissue within the body cavity and transmits the received light to the sensor. A surgical barrier, such as one covering a robotic manipulator arm housing components of the system, is positioned such that at least the first or second optical pathway includes an optically transmissive portion of the surgical barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling cleaning at least a portion of a building facade (104a). A multi-dimensional map of a facade (104a) is cleaned from an elevator platform (200) of an elevator system is received. According to the map, an ordered sequence of instructions is determined. The instructions comprise robotic arm instructions and elevator platform instructions that are temporally intertwined to execute a cleaning pattern covering at least part of facade (104a). The robotic arm instructions are forwarded to control one or more robotic arms (206) and the elevator platform instructions are forwarded to control the elevation of the elevator platform (200). A corresponding device (221, 213) and non-transient memory (223), and a system having the device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a motion model calculation device which easily creates a motion model for a drive device. The motion model calculation device is connected to a robot arm including a plurality of arms and a joint mechanism which pivotally joins the plurality of arms to a connection part, outputs a predetermined motion command to the joint mechanism, acquires a driving state of the joint mechanism caused by a motion corresponding to the motion command, and calculates, on the basis of the motion command and the driving state, a motion model representing the relationship between an input value representing an input to the joint mechanism and an output value of the joint mechanism with respect to the input.

Abstract: A robot machining system including: a robot in which a hand is attached to a distal end of an arm thereof; a force sensor provided in one of the robot and the machining device and detecting a force acting therebetween when a workpiece is being machined; and a control device that controls the robot or the machining device according to the detected force, wherein one of the machining device and the hand is provided with guide surfaces that extend along a direction in which the machining device and the hand are relatively moved when the workpiece is machined; the other of the machining device and the hand is provided with guided portions that are brought into contact with the guide surfaces when the workpiece is machined; and the control device performs control for maintaining a contact state between the guide surfaces and the guided portions during machining of the workpiece.

Abstract: A positioning arm including a link assembly including a translation link configured to translationally move along a virtual axis passing a remote center of motion (RCM) present at a predetermined position separated from one point and configured to move in at least two directions based on the one point, and a gravity torque compensator configured to provide a compensation torque in a direction opposite to a gravity torque applied to the one point by a self-weight of the link assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a robot arm that includes a proximal unit and a distal unit configured to be connected to the proximal unit, the proximal unit having a multiple-connection interface connectable to a plurality of types of distal units different in shape. The connection interface is provided in an end face of the proximal unit with an annular connection interface disposed concentrically.

Abstract: According to one implementation, an attachment for a machining apparatus includes: a copying guide in a machining apparatus side and an air supply passage. The copying guide has a through hole for passing a tool through. The copying guide is contacted to a copying mold placed in a workpiece side. The copying guide is attached to a spindle holding and rotating the tool. The air supply passage is adapted to supply air ejected toward the workpiece side through a clearance between the tool and the through hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heart tissue ablation device comprising a charged particle emitting system 1, a control system 2 for instructing the accelerator and beamline when to create the beam and what its required properties should be, a patient positioning and verification system, an ultrasound cardiac imaging system 3 performed on the patient, able to track the target movement, a computer program to determine and record the safe motion margins, the treatment plans for one or more motion phases and a computer program to regulate the control system 2 to load the correct irradiation plan according to the motion phase and if the position of the target is inside of the position margin, the irradiation is enabled and if the position of the target is outside of the position margin, the irradiation is disabled.

Abstract: The end effector device includes an end effector including a palm and a plurality of fingers, a drive device, a position shift direction determination unit and a position shift correction unit. Each finger includes a tactile sensor unit capable of detecting external forces in at least three axial directions. The position shift direction determination unit determines in which direction the object being grasped is position-shifted with respect to the fitting recess based on a detection result detected by the tactile sensor unit in a case where at least one of the external forces detected by the tactile sensor unit is a specified value or more. The position shift correction unit moves the palm in a direction opposite to a position shift direction of the object being grasped determined by the position shift direction determination unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ground support equipment for aerospace engineering, and particularly relates to an assembly and test operation robot for a space station experimental cabinet. The assembly and test operation robot comprises a mobile lifting platform, a comprehensive monitoring system, a rotating clamping mechanism, a multifunctional adapter and a science experimental cabinetet, wherein the mobile lifting platform is used for regulating the horizontal position and the height position of the science experimental cabinetet to realize assembly and transportation functions of the experimental cabinet; the rotating clamping mechanism is installed on the mobile lifting platform to realize clamping and rotation functions of the science experimental cabinet; the multifunctional adapter is installed on the rotating clamping mechanism to carry the science experimental cabinet; and the comprehensive monitoring system is used to monitor the assembly state of the science experimental cabinet in real time.

Abstract: In a conveyance system, an object is conveyed by use of a conveyance robot. The conveyance robot includes: an arm including a shaft portion extensible and retractable in an axial direction of the shaft portion, and a protruding portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction different from the axial direction so as to be engaged with a groove formed on the object; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the arm around the axial direction as a rotating axis; and a detecting portion configured to detect an abnormality in the rotation angle of the arm.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for controlling various motions of a tool based on visual indicators. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft and including first and second jaws. The tool can have at least one visual indicator disposed thereon and configured to indicate a size, position, or speed of movement of the tool or components of the tool.

Abstract: Automatic fixture replacement mechanism for machine tool, wherein includes multiple sets of fixtures for installing work pieces to be processed and a movable manipulator for loading fixture; the movable manipulator is installed on a two-dimensional movable mechanism; the movable manipulator is provided with a pull nail that is fastened to the clamp and the fixture is provided with a pin hole matching with the pin. For batch processing of a large number of work pieces with multiple fixtures, the use of movable manipulator to automatically install and unload fixtures can greatly improve the efficiency of processing. The structure of the mechanism and the operation are simple so that it is reliable and easy to be implemented. Hence, it can be widely used in various types of CNC machining centers.

Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes a plurality of acquisition units that are provided at an exchange station within an area accessible by the programmable motion device, and a coupling system for coupling any of the plurality of acquisition units to an end effector of the programmable motion device such that any of the acquisition units may be automatically selected from the exchange station and used by the programmable motion device without requiring any activation or actuation by the exchange station and without requiring any intervention by a human.

Abstract: Noise reduction in a robot system includes the use of a gesture library that pairs noise profiles with gestures that can be performed by the robot. A gesture to be performed by the robot is obtained, and the robot performs the gesture. The robot's performance of the gesture creates noise, and when a user speaks to the robot while the robot performs a gesture, incoming audio includes both user audio and robot noise. A noise profile associated with the gesture is retrieved from the gesture library and is applied to remove the robot noise from the incoming audio.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for additive manufacturing, e.g., 3D printing, a component on an unconstrained freeform build surface. The systems and techniques may allow determining a 3D trajectory and/or deformation of a target deposition region on the build surface by determining a relative location of at least one registration feature on the build surface. Control circuitry may control, based on the 3D trajectory and/or deformation and based on a build model of the component, at least one dispenser to cause dispensing of at least one composition from the at least one dispenser in a predetermined pattern on or adjacent to the target deposition region. The predetermined pattern of the composition defines at least one portion of the component.

Abstract: A system for automatically generating trajectories of an object includes a trajectory generation module comprising a visual control algorithm and a processor configured via computer executable instructions to receive raw three dimensional (3-D) sensor data of an object, create a 3-D model of the object based on the raw 3-D sensor data, extract object features relating to a shape and/or surface from the 3-D model of the object, and generate trajectories based on the object features of the 3-D model of the object.

Abstract: A near-range camera assembly for a vehicle is provided. The near-range camera assembly includes a LIDAR mount couplable to a vehicle. The LIDAR mount includes a first surface and a second surface that opposes the first surface. The near-range camera assembly includes a LIDAR unit removably coupled to the first surface LIDAR mount. The near-range camera assembly further includes a camera and a camera housing for the camera. The camera housing is removably coupled to the second surface LIDAR mount.

Abstract: A remote center manipulator for use in minimally invasive robotic surgery includes a base link held stationary relative to a patient, an instrument holder, and a linkage coupling the instrument holder to the base link. First and second links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the second link to rotation about a first axis intersecting a remote center of manipulation. A parallelogram linkage portion of the linkage pitches the instrument holder around a second axis that intersects the remote center of manipulation. The second axis is angularly offset from the first axis by a non-zero angle other than 90 degrees.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes improved microsurgical tools providing multiple degrees of freedom at the wrist level, including roll, pitch, and grasp DOFs, a tight articulation bending radius, low radial offset, and improved stiffness. Some implementations include an end effector platform moveable along a fixed trajectory on a fictional axle so as not to interfere with a central-axis aligned working channel; a crossed-arm mechanical linkage for articulating an end-effector platform throughout a pitch DOF with an amplified pitch angle; and a partial pulley system to articulate the arms while maximizing pulley radius to shaft diameter, and permitting a constant transmission efficiency to the arms throughout the range of articulation. In some implementations, a tool shaft outer diameter may be smaller than 3 mm; a pitch DOF range may be ±90°, a roll DOF range may be ±180°, and a grasp DOF range may be 30°.

Abstract: A teaching method of teaching a position of a control point on a working route through which the control point set on a robot arm passes when the robot arm performs work and a posture of the robot arm using three-dimensional data of a working object, includes a first step of setting a predetermined first work point on the working route based on the three-dimensional data, and a second step of associating a first coordinate system set for the first work point with a second coordinate system set for the robot arm when the control point is located at the first work point, wherein, at the second step, one is selected from a plurality of candidates of the first coordinate system at the first work point, and the selected coordinate system is set as a first correction coordinate system for the first work point.

Abstract: A projectile landing apparatus for retrieving a projectile includes a plurality of grippers disposed to be spaced apart. The plurality of grippers may include a support, a guide having one side connected to one end of the support, and a shock absorber having one end connected to the other end of the support and having the other end connected to the guide. The plurality of grippers may guide a projectile, buffer a load, and safely retrieve the projectile.

Abstract: In an automatic wet sanding apparatus including a paper peeling unit that has a clamping shaft and a clamping hook, an inclination angle of a leading end surface of the clamping hook is equal to an inclination angle of an outer circumferential surface of a cushion pad at the start of a paper peeling step. Thus, the leading end surface of the clamping hook comes into contact with an outer circumferential end of a disc at the same time as coming into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cushion pad, so that the cushion pad is less likely to get caught due to deformation of the outer circumferential surface and its peripheral part of the cushion pad. It is therefore possible to appropriately remove the sandpaper from the cushion pad and stably perform the task of removing the sandpaper.

Abstract: To address technical problems facing silicon transient thermal management, a thermal interface material (TIM) may be used to provide improved thermal conduction. The TIM may include a liquid metal (LM) TIM, which may provide a significant reduction in thermal resistance, such as a thermal resistance RTIM?0.01-0.025° C.-cm2/W. The LM TIM may be applied using a presoaked applicator, such as an open-cell polyurethane foam applicator that has been presoaked in a controlled amount of LM TIM. This LM presoaked applicator is then used to apply the LM TIM to one or more target thermal surfaces, thereby providing thermal and mechanical coupling between the LM TIM and the thermal surface. The resulting thermal surface and thermally conductive LM TIM may be used to improve thermal conduction for various silicon-based devices, including various high-power, high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) packages, such as may be used in portable consumer products.

Abstract: A frame body may be parallel to and proximate with a surface of a structure and extend substantially horizontally from a first side to a second side. At least one first connecting portion may be attached to a first cable to provide for vertical movement of the frame body, and at least one second connection portion may be attached to a second cable to limit undesired movement of the frame body and/or provide constant tension. At least one buffer portion may be located proximate the first side to move vertically on the surface, and at least one buffer portion may be located proximate the second side to move vertically on the surface. A surface imaging device attached to the frame body may let the system image a structure's substantially vertical surface (e.g., an optical camera may photograph an exterior wall of a building as the frame body is moved).

Abstract: The machining station can include a table; at least three robots each having a multi-axis mover secured to the table, and a gripper opposite the table, the robots being interspaced from one another on the table; and a controller. The controller controls the robots to hold a workpiece in a coordinated manner. The computer numerical command (CNC) machine-tool system machines the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the robots. The workpiece can be moved into and out from the machining station with a trolley which slidingly engages a trolley path formed within the table.

Abstract: On-site pressing of field poles for a hydroelectric generator is provided. A field pole may be placed on a press cart and press bars may be placed on top of the field pole. The press cart is moved along a track to transport the field pole to a pressing unit. Hydraulic cylinders in the pressing unit press the field pole and the press bars between the cart and a top plate of the pressing unit to straighten the field pole.

Abstract: User interface devices, systems, and methods can be used for selectively bending of, altering the bend characteristics of, and/or altering the lengths of catheter bodies, guidewires, steerable trocars, and other flexible structures inserted into a patient during use. Optionally, a housing is coupled to a proximal end of a catheter, and movement of the housing by a hand of a system user is sensed and used as a movement command for articulation of the catheter. Alternatively, a sensor can be coupled to an elongate flexible body flexing outside of the patient so as to alter bending of a catheter within the patient. Movements generated through a combination of manual manipulation and powered articulations are facilitated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end effector that comprises a staple channel and an anvil that is movably translatable relative to the staple channel. A tool mounting portion is configured to interface with a robotic system and operably communicate with the end effector. The instrument further includes a first sensor that has an output that represents a first condition of a portion of the robotic system. A second sensor has an output that represents a position of the anvil. A third sensor has an output that represents a position of a reciprocating knife within the end effector. An externally accessible memory device communicates with the first, second and third sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for under-stair storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot that retrieves and deposits objects in a space under a set of stairs, A portal provides access to the space from above the stairs. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.

Abstract: A problem with current food service robots is making the robots safe to work around food. A solution provided by the present disclosure is a food-safe tool switcher and corresponding tool. The tool switcher can mate with a variety of tools, which can be molded or 3D printed out of food-safe materials into a single-part, instead of constructed modularly. This provides for easier cleaning.

Abstract: Provided are systems and apparatuses for manufacturing aircraft support structures. An example robotic end effector comprises a rotatable reel with a flat strip of material wound around the reel. The end effector further includes a forming shoe including a forming surface contacting the strip of material. A first end of the forming surface corresponds to a start shape and a second end of the forming surface corresponds to an end shape. As the strip of material passes from the first end of the forming surface to the second end of the forming surface, the strip of material transitions from the first shape to the end shape and is deposited as a formed stringer ply onto an application surface. The forming shoe may further include a vacuum system to suction air through a plurality of ports along the forming surface to urge the strip of material against the forming surface.

Abstract: A screwing device includes a screwdriver and a connection element for coupling the screwdriver to a robot arm. The connection element has a first robot-side transmission element, a second tool-side transmission element, a restoring element arranged between the first and second transmission elements, and a distance measuring element. The two transmission elements can be moved towards each other against a restoring force of the restoring element in an actuation direction. The distance measuring element measures a distance that represents the spacing between the transmission elements in the actuation direction and is used to control the actuating force acting on the screwdriver.

Abstract: Robotic arms and surgical robotic systems incorporating such arms are described. A robotic arm includes a roll joint connected to a prismatic link by a pitch joint and a tool drive connected to the prismatic link by another pitch joint. The prismatic link includes several prismatic sublinks that are connected by a prismatic joint. A surgical tool supported by the tool drive can insert into a patient along an insertion axis through a remote center of motion of the robotic arm. Movement of the robotic arm can be controlled to telescopically move the prismatic sublinks relative to each other by the prismatic joint while maintaining the remote center of motion fixed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An automatic tattoo apparatus can be used to robotically apply tattoos. A customer can shop on an online tattoo marketplace to select designs created by various artists located anywhere. The online tattoo marketplace can process and manage payments, artist and/or customer profiles, bookings, tattoo design uploads, browsing and design selection, design changes, and/or perform other actions. The automatic tattoo device can apply tattoos precisely, quickly, and may with reduced pain. The tattoo apparatus can apply a wide range of different types of tattoos, including but not limited to micro tattoos, dotwork, blackwork tattoos, realism tattoos, fine-line tattoos, etc.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus including a robot, a grinding tool attached to the robot, a force sensor configured to detect a force exerted on the grinding tool, and a controller connected with the force sensor and configured to control the robot. The controller includes a variation acquiring section configured to acquire the present position of the robot by pressing the grinding tool against a reference surface in such a manner that a pressing force detected by the force sensor is constant, and to acquire a difference between the acquired present position and a reference position of the robot stored in advance, the difference being acquired as a variation of the grinding tool.