Abstract: In a masking system a robot performs first conveyance work of making an object gripping unit grip an object and set the object at a predetermined position based on positional information of the object which was detected by a first detection unit, coating work of making a coating unit coat an adhesive on a masking location of the object which is set at the predetermined position, and second conveyance work of making a masking piece gripping unit adhere a masking piece to the masking location of the object based on positional information of the masking piece which was detected by a second detection unit.

Abstract: An umbilical member guide device of an industrial robot including an umbilical member guide body interposed between a shaft member and an end effector. The umbilical member guide body includes a first plate part having a first through hole through which the umbilical member passing through the shaft member passes, a second plate part arranged facing the first plate part, and a connecting part connecting the first plate part and the second plate part together and forming an opening part between the first plate part and the second plate part, and the second plate part further has a second through hole and a communicating part communicating the opening part and the second through hole.

Abstract: A system and method can provide a command and control paradigm for integrating robotic assets into human teams. By integrating sensor to detect human interaction, movement, physiology, and location, a net-centric system can permit command of a robotic platform without an OCU. By eliminating the OCU and maintaining the advantages of a robotic platform, a robot can be used in the place of a human without fatigue, being immune to physiological effects, capable of non-humanoid tactics, a longer potential of hours per day on-station, capable of rapid and structured information transfer, has a personality-free response, can operate in contaminated areas, and is line-replaceable with identical responses. A system for controlling a robotic platform can comprise at least one perceiver for collecting information from a human or the environment; a reasoner for processing the information from the at least one perceiver and providing a directive; and at least one behavior for executing the directive of the reasoner.

Abstract: Cellular automotion digital material is useable for rapid prototyping and fabrication of continuous string conformations and two- or three-dimensional shapes through actuation of a string, surface, or volume composed of identical discrete units. Each unit is an actuated joint having a single degree of freedom. The actuated joint includes a two-part actuator having an inner active portion and an outer passive portion that are controllably rotatable relative to each other, the outer portion being configured to fit within the housing of an adjacent cellular automotion unit, and a linkage element that includes a main strut and a housing and is connected to the actuator by a pin connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a user interface apparatus and control method for the control of service robots. The user interface apparatus for the control of service robots includes an interaction server, an index block, and a robot control server. The interaction server receives control commands to control a service robot from a user, analyzes the control commands, and outputs the results of the analysis to the user. The index block determines the degree of difficulty of each of the analyzed control commands. The robot control server determines the operating mode of the service robot depending on the analyzed control command and the degree of difficulty, and controls the service robot in the determined operating mode.

Abstract: A robot control system has a portable operating device TP and a robot control device RC. The portable operating device TP is actuated by a rechargeable secondary battery and used to operate a robot R. The robot control device RC is capable of wireless communication with the portable operating device TP and performs automatic operation of the robot R based on teaching data provided by the portable operating device TP. The robot control system causes an emergency stop of the robot R when the wireless communication between the portable operating device TP and the robot control device RC is interrupted. The robot control system further includes a charging device CU, a connection monitoring section 12, and an automatic operation continuing section 11. The charging device CU charges the secondary battery by electrically connecting the portable operating device TP to the robot control device RC.

Abstract: Provided is a technique that enables a robot to be remotely controlled (by a server) and enables a robot component to access an external component (a component of a server) in order for cooperation of heterogeneous robots operating on the basis of different component models. A component integration apparatus for collaboration of a heterogeneous robot according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a standard interface unit that provides a common standard interface for controlling components that control the individual functions of the robot; an adapter component that transmits commands to enable external components to call the components through the standard interface unit; and a proxy component that transmits commands to enable the components to call the external components through the standard interface unit.

Abstract: A new system of building construction, technology and methods for making the skin complex of a building as elements on a roof or façade of which solar panels/systems are a part are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a production management system that requires no backup step for performing a backup operation when trouble occurs in a robot, and can increase workability of a repair operation of the robot. The production management system for a production line mixedly including robot operation steps and manual operation steps, including: a monitor that displays the cause of abnormality that occurs in the robot operation step; a warning device that warns of occurrence of abnormality in the robot operation step; and a robot reversing device that reverses the orientation of a robot when abnormality occurs in the robot, wherein production is continued by changing the robot operation step where the abnormality occurs to the manual operation step. Also, a repair operation is performed for the robot reversed by the robot reversing device.

Abstract: In order to program the sealing membranes to be applied to attachment parts of vehicle bodies, for example to the edge-formed seam of vehicle doors using a robot, an attachment part may be removed from the body and, away from the latter, be mounted on a teach frame where all regions of the attachment part which need to be coated are highly visible to the programmer during programming.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing robot interaction services using an interactive behavior model for interaction between a user and a robot includes: a control module having a behavior model engine for receiving an observation signal from the outside and determining and outputting an interactive behavior signal based on previously stored behavior and policy models; a robot application module for executing a robot application service and applying the behavior signal to provide the service; a robot function operating module having sensors for observing an external circumstance and a function operating means for performing behavior or function of the robot; and a middleware module for extracting external circumstance observation information and service history information and inputting the information to the control module as the observation signal, and for analyzing the behavior signal to generate and provide motion and function operating signals to the robot function operating module.

Abstract: A mobile robot system for video teleconferencing system is described herein. A robot can be operable by a remote user. Via the robot, a remote user can interact within a local user's environment to provide telepresence capabilities. For example, the robot can be deployed on a horizontal surface, such as a table or desktop. The robot can include a microcontroller, a drive unit, and interface to a consumer device, such as a mobile device. The drive unit can include two or more motors for providing motion capabilities. The microcontroller can be wired or communicatively coupled to the consumer device. In general, the consumer device may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer where processing power and wireless or other capabilities of these devices can be utilized by the system. The system can be based on a networking protocol providing multi-party data exchanges.

Abstract: A pool cleaning system utilizes a powered robotic surface cleaning vehicle to travel adjacent water containing surfaces of a pool while submerged within the pool. In one implementation, a camera captures movement of the vehicle. In one implementation, a dry station serve the intermediary across a wide area network between the vehicle and a server which communicates with the portable electronic device.

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: An industrial robot adapted for a harsh environment involving exposure to salt water. A robot arm includes a plurality of arm parts movable relative each other about a plurality of joints. Electrical motors move the arm parts. A salt water proof coating on at least a portion of an exterior of the robot arm parts.

Abstract: A haptic communication system having a range of sensors embedded with an operator's attire. Data collected by the sensors is processed by a computing device local to the operator and is communicated via a haptic modality in real-time to other team members and robotic assets in the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for information process and motor control using artificially constructed apparatus. More specially, the present invention provides a system and method that can process nature language and other informational input including visual, audio and other sensory inputs and respond intelligently.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a user interface embedded into a robot facilitates robot training via direct and intuitive physical interactions. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a wrist cuff that, when grasped by the user, switches the robot into zero-force gravity-compensated mode.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: Neural network apparatus and methods for implementing reinforcement learning. In one implementation, the neural network is a spiking neural network, and the apparatus and methods may be used for example to enable an adaptive signal processing system to effect focused exploration by associative adaptation, including providing a negative reward signal to the network, which may increase excitability of the neurons in combination with decrease in excitability of active neurons. In certain implementations, the increase is gradual and of smaller magnitude, compared to the excitability decrease. In some implementations, the increase/decrease of the neuron excitability is effectuated by increasing/decreasing an efficacy of the respective synaptic connections delivering presynaptic inputs into the neuron. The focused exploration may be achieved for instance by non-associative potentiation configured based at least on the input spike rate.

Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement unit for an umbilical member, having a function for automatically adjusting each coefficient used in the physical simulation model, corresponding to the actual behavior of the umbilical member. A simulation device has a three-dimensional model generating part configured to generate a three-dimensional model of a umbilical member as a stereo structure constituted by a plurality of mass points and a spring connecting the mass points to each other; a simulating part configured to carry out a physical simulation; a storing part configured to previously store an actual static behavior, an actual dynamic behavior, and an actual dynamic behavior of the umbilical member when colliding with a rigid body; and an automatically adjusting part configured to carry out automatic adjustment so that a result of the physical simulation coincides with the actual behaviors stored in the storing part.

Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a manipulator, a force sensor, a signal modulator, and a visual indicator. The manipulator is employed by a user. The force sensor determines a force signal from a force applied by the manipulator on a part of an environment of the user. The signal modulator is adjustable by the user to select a switch point for the visual indicator based on relative fragility of the part of the environment. The signal modulator employs the force signal and the switch point to control the visual indicator for the user.

Abstract: A remote control station that controls a robot through a network. The remote control station transmits a robot control command that includes information to move the robot. The remote control station monitors at least one network parameter and scales the robot control command as a function of the network parameter. For example, the remote control station can monitor network latency and scale the robot control command to slow down the robot with an increase in the latency of the network. Such an approach can reduce the amount of overshoot or overcorrection by a user driving the robot.

Abstract: A brain-based device (BBD) for moving in a real-world environment has sensors that provide data about the environment, actuators to move the BBD, and a hybrid controller which includes a neural controller having a simulated nervous system being a model of selected areas of the human brain and a non-neural controller based on a computational algorithmic network. The neural controller and non-neural controller interact with one another to control movement of the BBD.

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

Abstract: The INTELLIGENT CONSUMER SERVICE TERMINAL APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (hereinafter “ICST”) The ICST transforms user service request inputs via ICST components into a service solution executable by an intelligent terminal. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving a service request inquiry from a remote terminal; parsing the service request inquiry to obtain service identifying information; querying in a solution cloud based on the obtained service identifying information; retrieving a solution from the solution cloud from the query; generating a downloadable instruction package including the retrieved solution based on source information of the remote terminal; and providing the downloadable instruction package to the remote terminal.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an artificial skin system for use with a robotics assembly. The method includes providing a mold core with an exterior surface defining an inner surface of a skin system, with this surface including a plurality of mounting elements. The method includes attaching, to each of the mounting elements, an elastomeric actuation piece or point (EAP). The mold core is positioned within an exterior skin mold, and a cavity is formed between the exterior surface of the mold core and inner surfaces of the exterior skin mold that defines topography and dimensions of the skin system. The method includes filling the cavity with skin-forming material. Then, after the skin-forming material hardens to form the skin system, the method includes removing the skin system from the mold core including detaching the EAPs from the mounting elements, and the EAPs are integrally bonded within the skin system.

Abstract: A multimedia drive receives different types of media in a single drive. The multimedia drive includes a drive to receive a media cartridge, such as a tape media cartridge or a non-tape media cartridge. The multimedia drive includes a tape media interface to connect to a tape cartridge, and includes a non-tape media interface to connect to a non-tape media cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a teaching and playback method using a redundancy resolution parameter determined in conjunction with a joint structure, for a robot, and a method to apply analytic inverse kinematics to a robot having an elbow with an offset and a computer-readable medium of controlling the same. A reference plane variable with the joint structure is generated and an angle between the reference plane and an arm plane of the robot is used as the redundancy resolution parameter. The robot is taught and its operation is played back in differential inverse kinematics or analytic inverse kinematics using the resolution redundancy parameter.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first shaft base, a second shaft base rotatably connected to the first shaft base, a wire harness, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the wire harness. The first shaft base defines a first through hole along a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft base defines a second through hole. The clamping mechanism includes a main body connected to the second shaft base, and a locking member engaged with the main body. The second shaft base rotates relative to the first shaft base around the longitudinal axis. The main body further comprise a clamping portion on an end thereof, and the clamping portion is capability of radial deformation. The locking member resists the clamping portion to clamp the wire harness. The wire harness extends through the first through hole, the second through hole, and then the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulator (1) comprising a plurality of members (12, 14) connected to each other by joints (A1-A6) that can be adjusted by drives (M1-M6), and a counterweight device (15) associated with one of the joints (A1-A6) and comprising a rod (19) coupled to a first member (12) connected to the joint (A1-A6) on one side and connected to a spring device (26) supported on a seat (25) on the other side, said seat being coupled to a second member (14) connected to the joint (A1-A6) by means of at least one bearing arrangement (18), comprising a first bearing component (17) and a second bearing component (16) connected to the second member (14). The seat (25) is connected to the first bearing component (17) by means of at least one cantilevered arm (23, 24).

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating integrated circuits includes hosting process recipes on a recipe management system (RMS). Processes are performed according to the process recipes on substrates with equipment units. Movement of substrates to and from equipments units is controlled with a local storage controller. A real time dispatcher (RTD) establishes a priority for processes on substrates. Further, a manufacturing execution system (MES) supervises locations of substrates and processes to be performed. Information is communicated to a local scheduler from the RMS, from each equipment unit, from the local storage controller, from the RTD, and from the MES. Based on the information, the local scheduler schedules movement of the substrates to and from the equipment units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support frame for a robot, in particular for use in applications for which hygiene is critical, for example in the handling of foods, medical equipment products, or pharmaceuticals, and/or packaging for same. According to the invention, the support frame is characterized in that it has an essentially open design which is closed, at the most, only in places.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing communications with robots. In some implementations, a computer network, where operators interface with the network to control movement of robots on a wireless computer network includes a network arena controller and a plurality of robot controllers. The network arena controller is configured to provide firewall policies to substantially secure communication between robot controllers and the associated robots. Each controller is included in a different robot and configured to wirelessly communicate with the network arena controller. Each robot controller executes firewall policies to substantially secure wireless communication.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a work carrying mechanism, a driving source that drives the work carrying mechanism, a sealed box that accommodates the driving source in a hermetically sealed state, and a coolant circulation path provided in the sealed box for cooling the driving source. The sealed box includes a box body with an opening, and a partition lid for closing the opening. The partition lid includes an outer plate member and an inner plate member superposed on the outer plate member. The coolant circulation path is disposed at the interface between the outer plate member and the inner plate member.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cloud robot system, including: a cloud. computing platform and at least one robot; wherein the cloud computing platform is used for receiving perform information sent by the at least one robot in the system; the perform information includes data, status and requests of the at least one robot; the cloud computing platform is used for processing the data and status, sending process results back to the at least one robot, and sending control instructions to corresponding robot according to the requests; the at least one robot is used for sending the perform information to the cloud computing platform, receiving process results from the cloud computing platform, and performing according to the control instructions sent from the cloud computing platform. By using the present disclosure, computing ability and storage capacity of the robots can be expanded unlimited, while the thinking ability and memory of the robots are improved.

Abstract: A method of generating a model of propulsive efficiency for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is based on a multilayer perception neural network model using data from aquatic species, such as undulatory fin propulsion in the knifefish (Xenomystus nigri), and a sensitivity analysis is used to lower the number of required inputs. The model of propulsive efficiency allows an AUV to achieve high values of propulsive efficiency over a range of forward velocity, giving a lowered energy drain on the battery. In an embodiment, externally monitored information, such as that on flow velocity, is conveyed to an apparatus residing in the vehicle's control unit, which in turn signals the locomotive unit to adopt kinematics, such as fin frequency and amplitude, associated with optimal propulsion efficiency. Power savings could protract vehicle operational life and/or provide more power to other functions, such as communications.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for balancing and damping control in whole body coordination framework for a biped humanoid robot. The method comprises the steps of: (a) damping the structural vibration of the main body of the robot caused when the robot walks; (b) compensating for the trajectories of the zero moment position (ZMP) and the center of mass (COM) of the robot which changes in accordance with the damping of the structural vibration; and (c) compensating for the body orientation of the robot which changes in accordance with the damping of the structural vibration and the trajectory of the COM.

Abstract: After switching a control method for a robot arm based upon characteristic information containing pieces of information relating to a grabbed position of the robot arm by a person and a presence/absence of detection of a force as well as to presence/absence of influences from a drag, during an operation of the robot arm, by a control method switching unit, information relating to the force of operation information is corrected by an operation correcting unit in response to a manipulation of the person.

Abstract: A controller for the motion control of a robot, comprises: a target input interface for supplying the controller with information about a target to be reached, a predicting module predicting at least one future state of the controlled robot using an internal model of the robot, a planning module for planning future states of the robot, wherein the planning starts from a predicted state supplied from the predicting module, a reactive controller, for outputting motor commands in order to make the controlled robot reach a target, and a target arbitrator for selecting the target output by the predicting module or the output from the planning module.

Abstract: The lower arm assembly for a humanoid robot includes an arm support having a first side and a second side, a plurality of wrist actuators mounted to the first side of the arm support, a plurality of finger actuators mounted to the second side of the arm support and a plurality of electronics also located on the first side of the arm support.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot system for bounded areas including a navigation beacon and an autonomous coverage robot. The navigation beacon has a gateway beacon emitter arranged to transmit a gateway marking emission with the navigation beacon disposed within a gateway between the first bounded area and an adjacent second bounded area. The autonomous coverage robot includes a beacon emission sensor responsive to the beacon emission, and a drive system configured to maneuver the robot about the first bounded area in a cleaning mode in which the robot is redirected in response to detecting the gateway marking emission. The drive system is also configured to maneuver the robot through the gateway into the second bounded area in a migration mode.

Abstract: A portable remote controller includes a display color setting unit, a display color information storage unit, and a teaching data display unit. The display color setting unit sets display colors for instructions for making a robot execute a predetermined behavior. The display color information storage unit stores the display colors set by the display color setting unit in association with the instructions. The teaching data display unit displays teaching data created by teaching on a display unit on the basis of the display colors.

Abstract: A robot with an automatic charging function, comprising: a body, an arm mechanism rotatably connected to the body, a head mechanism and a driver rotatably connected to the arm mechanism; wherein a receiving space is formed in the body for receiving the arm mechanism; the head mechanism comprises two conduction terminals for receiving power from power outlets of a charging station; when power of the robot is lower than a preset level, the driver is configured to drive the arm mechanism to rotate out of the receiving space of the body, simultaneously, the driver is configured to drive the head mechanism to rotate relatively to the arm mechanism till the two conduction terminals of the head mechanism are electronically connected to the power outlets of the charge station, thereby receiving power from the charge station.

Abstract: A system and method can provide a command and control paradigm for integrating robotic assets into human teams. By integrating sensor to detect human interaction, movement, physiology, and location, a net-centric system can permit command of a robotic platform without an OCU. By eliminating the OCU and maintaining the advantages of a robotic platform, a robot can be used in the place of a human without fatigue, being immune to physiological effects, capable of non-humanoid tactics, a longer potential of hours per day on-station, capable of rapid and structured information transfer, has a personality-free response, can operate in contaminated areas, and is line-replaceable with identical responses. A system for controlling a robotic platform can comprise at least one perceiver for collecting information from a human or the environment; a reasoner for processing the information from the at least one perceiver and providing a directive; and at least one behavior for executing the directive of the reasoner.

Abstract: A robotic hub assembly is provided which comprises a spacer configuration (101) that includes first (103) and second (105) spacers disposed in opposing relation to each other, and a device, such as a pin (111), for restricting the relative motion of the first and second spacers in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A remote control station that controls a robot through a network. The remote control station transmits a robot control command that includes information to move the robot. The remote control station monitors at least one network parameter and scales the robot control command as a function of the network parameter. For example, the remote control station can monitor network latency and scale the robot control command to slow down the robot with an increase in the latency of the network. Such an approach can reduce the amount of overshoot or overcorrection by a user driving the robot.

Abstract: A picking system includes a conveyer, a robot, a main camera, and a control device. The conveyer conveys workpieces. The robot performs a holding operation and a moving operation on the workpieces. The main camera captures the transport path of the conveyer. The control device detects the workpiece on the basis of the image captured by the main camera and instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the detected workpiece. Moreover, the control device instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the overlapped workpieces when the overlapping of the workpieces is detected.

Abstract: There is provided a robot that includes a processor executing instructions that determine a desired image to be displayed. The processor issues control signals corresponding to the desired image to be displayed. The robot also comprises a display assembly including a plurality of light sources, and a display surface. Selected ones of the plurality of light sources are activated depending at least in part upon the control signals. The display assembly includes a plurality of first light-carrying members. Each of the first light-carrying members transfers light from a corresponding one of the light sources to a light-carrying member to produce the desired image to be displayed on the display surface.

Abstract: A user interface screen for displaying data associated with operation of a robot where the user interface screen includes one or more windows that can be rotated and then minimized into an icon to render space for other windows. As user input for moving a window is received, the window moves to an edge. As further user input is received, the window is rotated about an axis and then minimized into an icon. In this way, the windows presented on the screen can be intuitively operated by a user.