Abstract: A method and device for sorting postal items according to formats, wherein postal items having at least two formats are fed by first conveyor to a sorting location; postal items of a first format are removed from the first conveyor in the area of the sorting location at a number of sorting stations arranged one behind the other in a direction of conveyance of the first conveyor, and are fed to a second conveyor, which, in the area of the sorting location, extends laterally next to the first conveyor, and; the postal items with other formats remain on the first conveyor.

Abstract: A method of milking an animal having at least two teats. The method comprises a stimulation phase in which the teats of the animal are stimulated and a milking phase in which the animal is milked. The method comprises the steps of applying a stimulation phase and a milking phase to one of the teats of the animal and applying substantially only a milking phase to at least one of the other teats of the animal. The method further comprises a determination phase in which the teat with the shortest period of time in which the teat is milked out is determined, the stimulation phase and the milking phase being applied to the animal's teat with the shortest period of time, and the milking phase being applied substantially only to at least one of the other teats of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for an industrial robot that comprises a manipulator and a control system comprising a processor and a computer program that influences the processor and is adapted to control a process, wherein the computer program comprises a plurality of cooperating objects (44), for addressing said objects (44).

Abstract: The invention describes a method of sending a message (M) from a sender to a recipient in which a record content (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) of the message (M) is recorded and supplemented with motion control content (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7). The message (M) is transmitted from a transmitting device (10) of the sender to a message rendering device (40) of the recipient, which message rendering device (40) is capable of performing motion. The message rendering device (40) is controlled according to the motion control content (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7) to perform defined motion synchronised to a presentation of the record content (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) of the message (M). Furthermore, an appropriate message transmitting device (10), an appropriate message rendering device (40) and an message transmission system (1) are described.

Abstract: A method of milking dairy animals, wherein the dairy animals are milked by a milking implement. An access device is provided for allowing or not allowing a dairy animal access to a waiting area for the milking implement. The access device has at least a first and a second access state, which access states have mutually different accesses for the dairy animals to the waiting area.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robotic system. Expressional and audio information is received by an input unit and transmitted to the processor therefrom. The processor converts the expressional and audio information to corresponding expressional signals and audio signals. The expressional signals and audio signals are received by an expressional and audio synchronized output unit and synchronously transmitted therefrom. An expression generation control unit receives the expressional signals and generates corresponding expressional output signals. Multiple actuators enable an imitative face to create facial expressions according to the expressional output signals. A speech generation control unit receives the audio signals and generates corresponding audio output signals. A speaker transmits speech according to the audio output signals. Speech output from the speaker and facial expression creation on the imitative face by the actuators are synchronously executed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milking system comprising a first and at least a second animal area cluster, wherein each of the animal area cluster comprises at least one animal area and each animal area comprises at least one milking point, and where the first and at least second animal area cluster are arranged side by side characterised in a tunnel connecting each milking point in the first and second animal area cluster.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to infer a user's preference or profile with a good precision. A user preference inferring apparatus 100 includes a receiving means 2 which receives information related to an article from a tag attached to the article, an article name determining means 3 obtaining an article name of the article on the basis of the information related to the article received by the receiving means 2, and a preference determining means 4 which infers a user's preference on the basis of the information related to the article received by the receiving means 2. On the basis of the article name obtained by the article name determining means 3, the preference determining means 4 obtains preference information corresponding to the article name from a database that stores the article name and the preference information corresponding to the article name, and determines the user's preference.

Abstract: A modular cluster tool is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system, comprises a wafer transfer station that includes a first vacuum chamber that stores a plurality of semiconductor wafers. The system also includes an equipment front end module interface, and two or more shuttle lock interfaces.

Abstract: A device for milking animals includes a milking robot for automatically connecting at least two teat cups to the teats of an animal to be milked. The milk yielded is collected in a milk container. In each milk line, between a respective teat cup and the milk container, there is provided an auxiliary reservoir for collecting milk obtained at the beginning of the milking process. The auxiliary reservoir has an outlet aperture with a closing device. Each auxiliary reservoir is disposed in a respective mounting block, the various mounting blocks being arranged side by side, and the device is provided with an arrangement for simultaneously operating the closing devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating semiconductor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a process equipment in which a process is performed and a transfer system attached to the process equipment to supply a substrate to the process equipment. The transfer system includes a transfer robot for moving the substrate and a light supplier for supplying ultraviolet rays to the substrate. Methods of fabricating the semiconductor devices using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An arrangement of robots according to one embodiment includes: a) a rotary base, b) a set of robots located on the rotary base and are configured to support, position and orientate workpieces, and c) a set of working devices located around the rotary base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for manipulating a frame in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention, a system with at least one robot with a pair of robotic arms can be deployed in a manufacturing process. A frame associated with the manufacturing process can include a first portion operable to be manipulated by the robot or one robot arm, and a second portion operable to be manipulated by the robot or the other robot arm. An associated control device, such as a computer or software program, can coordinate operation, movement, and control of the robot, including the pair of robotic arms.

Abstract: In order to enable a compensating movement of a supply line (38) in an industrial robot (32), a line guide device is provided that, in particular, has a telescopic fork design. A slideway element (4) is provided, which is fastened to a rear robot arm (30) and through which a slide rod (6) is displaceably guided. A first clip (24) is placed on the front end of the slide rod (6), and the supply line (38) is fastened in a clamped manner inside this clip.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot arm. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: An open distributed processing structured robot control software architecture is enclosed, which makes it possible to manufacture a user-oriented robot through combination of independent heterogeneous functional modules. The invention involves an open software framework for integrated operation and production of distributed software of the modules, and an autonomous robot control architecture suitable for distributed environments. The software framework indicates underlying software components for robot control and service creation. The invention makes it possible to mass-produce autonomous robots in units of interoperable functional modules. It is also possible to meet various demands of consumers, achieve specialization, and accelerate technology development since the development procedures are specialized in an independent manner and are suitable for manufacturing a wide variety of robot products in small quantities.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape device, upon receiving a magnetic tape cartridge from an insertion slot, an authentication unit reads data that is stored in an electronic tag and based on the read data, checks validity of the magnetic tape cartridge. A robot conveys only a valid magnetic tape cartridge to a drive.

Abstract: A weld assembly includes a fixture having a plurality of mounting mechanisms and a plurality of modular welding skids operable in concert with one another to perform coordinated welding functions. Each welding skid includes a base configured for coupling to a vehicle for transport, a robotic weld arm supported on the base and a power supply supported on the base for supplying power to the robotic arm. A dedicated controller supported on the base for controlling operation of the robotic weld arm. Each welding skid also includes at least one drop for receiving a utility external to the welding skid and a mounting flange configured for coupling the base to at least one of the mounting mechanisms of the fixture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining of spraying parameters for controlling a painting appliance which uses spraying means and is moved over an area to be painted, in particular a robot with a painting application. A known spraying map is produced, using known spraying parameters and paint amount, for a predetermined movement speed of the painting appliance, and a paint amount is matched to a new movement speed in comparison to the predetermined movement speed. Furthermore, new spraying parameters are calculated for the adapted paint amount, while maintaining a spraying map which is similar to the known spraying map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for off-line programming of multiple interacting robots. For example, a system for off-line programming (100) of multiple interacting robots includes a computer (110) for off-line programming and verification of program codes (111) for multiple interacting robots (131-133) and a robot controller (120) connected to the computer (110) to receive a download of at least one of the program codes for execution. Multiple interacting robots (131-133) can be controlled by the robot controller (120).

Abstract: A robot control apparatus (3) for controlling tasks to be executed by a plurality of robots which are capable of moving. The robot control apparatus (3) includes: a battery level determination device (330) which determines a battery level of each robot from a predetermined plurality of battery levels based on a remaining amount of charge in a battery of each robot; a task manager (340) which sets a task executive plan to be executed by each robot for the plurality of robots and rearranges the task executive plan for one or more tasks registered in the task executive plan in accordance with a process predetermined for each battery level; an executive instruction generator (350) which generates executive instructions requesting the robots to execute the tasks that are set in the task executive plans; and a transmitter which transmits the executive instructions to the robots.

Abstract: A software robot apparatus (sobot apparatus) with a genetic code is disclosed. The sobot apparatus includes an application module, an artificial animated object engine, a sobot protocol module, an update agent, an update protocol module, a network interface, a sobot player, a script engine, a player database, a repository interface, a sobot graphic/audio interface, a 3D engine, a system software, a memory device, a display part, and an audio output part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for changing emotion of a software robot (sobot) in a sobot terminal. The sobot terminal includes a short-term memory unit and a long-term memory unit. When an emotional change occurs during the operation of the short-term memory unit, the sobot terminal stores a short-term reference emotion value of the corresponding emotion in the long-term reference memory. When the operation time of the long-term memory unit elapses, the sobot terminal resets the long-term reference emotion value using the short-term reference emotion values stored in the long-term memory unit. The sobot terminal can change the emotion of the sobot more naturally through the above process.

Abstract: A transport system for an evaporation device comprises a robot holding a substrate and a mask disposed on the robot. When the substrate is transported by the robot, the mask covers the substrate to prevent contamination. The robot has a fork holding the substrate, and the mask is disposed thereon. The mask is disposed under the substrate, specifically between the substrate and the fork.

Abstract: A device used to lay line elements such as electric and/or fluid lines between a stationary housing and a moving housing. The device includes a double pipe structure having an inner pipe member and an outer pipe member. The outer pipe member is attached to the moving housing and rotatably supported by the stationary housing. The inner and outer pipe members are arranged in a generally coaxial relationship and coupled to each other by a coupling member. The line elements, which extend between a holding portion on the stationary housing and a holding portion on the moving housing, are divided into first and second groups, and the first group of line elements is laid to extend through an inner hole of the inner pipe member while the second group of line elements is laid to extend through an annular gap formed between the inner and outer pipe members.

Abstract: A method and a system for programming an industrial robot to move relative to defined positions on an object. The system includes a geometrical model of the object, the real object, and an industrial robot. A plurality of measuring points are generated corresponding to different points on the surface of the real object expressed in a coordinate system associated with the robot. The system further includes a calibration module arranged to determine orientation and position of the geometrical model of the object relative to the coordinate system associated with the robot, a calculating module arranged to calculate the deviation between the measuring points and corresponding points on the geometrical model, and an adjusting module arranged to adjust the defined positions based on the calculated deviations.

Abstract: A robot auditory apparatus and system are disclosed which are made capable of attaining active perception upon collecting a sound from an external target with no influence received from noises generated interior of the robot such as those emitted from the robot driving elements.

Abstract: A manipulator operative in a master/slave operative mode, comprising: a master unit commanding an operation; a slave unit having a work unit; a detector detecting the orientation of the master unit and the orientation of the slave unit; and a control device controlling the slave unit in response to the command from the master unit, wherein the control device includes: a function of determining a non-mater/slave operative mode or a master/slave operative mode; a function of calculating a difference between the orientation of the master unit and the orientation of the slave unit; and a function of comparing the absolute value of the difference with a preset reference value; and depending upon the result of the comparison, determining a normal master/slave operative mode or a transitional master/slave operative mode, in the master/slave operative mode, the transitional master/slave operative mode is a transitional mode from the non-master/slave operative mode to the master/slave operative mode.

Abstract: Robot and remote controlled devices have been utilized for information gathering purposes. However these robotic vehicles lack efficiency because they are not capable of operating out of doors or where the sensors and apparatus located on the robots are subject to harsh environments. The present invention provides a new and unique manner of overcoming these problems by providing a platform system that is placed upon existing robots without requiring adjustments to these devices. The platform effectuates easy installation of a plurality of sensors and apparatus on its top surface while providing internal housing for its wires and components, thereby providing a water, dirt and dust resistant environment which leads to better equipment function and ease of maintenance and repair.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an improved entertainment property. In a robot system where a plurality of robot apparatus act autonomously, each robot apparatus has wireless communication means, and when the robot apparatus make conversation between themselves, the contents of the conversation are transmitted to and received by the robot apparatus as a command and/or a semantics through the wireless communication means of both.

Abstract: In one aspect and one example, a method for calibrating robotic picker mechanisms in automated storage library systems includes detecting a calibration mark with at least one sensor from a first position and a second position, where the first position and the second position are separated by an offset distance. Further, the method includes determining a shift in the calibration mark between the first position and the second position, and determining a distance between a reference position and the calibration mark based on the shift in the calibration mark, the offset distance, and the focal length of the sensor.

Abstract: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.

Abstract: A robot with an edge detector and two operating modes. The first operating mode is a remote control mode. The second operating mode is a processor controlled mode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an auditory robot for a human or animal like robot, e.g., a human like robot (10) having a noise generating source such as a driving system in its interior. The apparatus includes a sound insulating cover (14) with which at least a head part (13) of the robot is covered; a pair of outer microphones (16; 16a and 16b) installed outside of the cover and located at a pair of positions where a pair of ears may be provided spaced apart for the robot, respectively, for collecting an external sound primarily; at least one inner microphone (17; 17a and 17b) installed inside of the cover for primarily collecting a noise from the noise generating source in the robot interior; and a processing module (18) on the basis of signals from the outer and inner microphones for removing from sound signals from the outer microphones (16a and 16b), a noise signal from the internal noise generating source.

Abstract: A portable robotic system having a folding carriage is disclosed. The carriage in one embodiment includes two legs and a lateral stabilizer. The folding legs and stabilizer allow the carriage to be maneuvered into a plurality of open and closed positions. In the open positions, the legs and stabilizer are spaced apart to support the robotic system during operation. In the closed positions, the legs and stabilizer and substantially parallel to one another. In one closed position with one leg or stabilizer extended to within reach of a person, the carriage may be rolled like a dolly. In another closed position with one leg or stabilizer collapsed against the carriage, the carriage may be carried like a suitcase. Methods of folding and transporting a robotic system and carriage are also disclosed.

Abstract: Track anomalies in an automated storage library are detected by transmitting a track health signal from one portion of the track. The presence of a track anomaly is determined based on any reception of the transmitted signal at another portion of the track.

Abstract: A robot controller executes an operating program, calculates a position and posture of a robot, and sends the position and posture information to a personal computer (PC). At the PC side, on the basis of this position and posture information, animation display information of a work cell including the position and posture of the robot is created and then sent to a teaching pendant. In the teaching pendant, the animation display information is received, and an animation image is displayed on a display section. Until the operating program is terminated, this operation is performed so that an operating animation of the robot is displayed on the display section of the teaching pendant.

Abstract: Library system health is monitored and displayed based on the location of equipment within the library relative to track layout. Robotic devices travel on rails within the data storage library accessing data storage devices such as cartridges, cassettes, media packages, media access equipment, identification devices, access ports and the like. The rails are divided into a plurality of rail segments. A database holds information about each rail segment. The database is updated based on use of each rail segment by the robotic devices. Data is generated and displayed to describe the use of each rail segment.

Abstract: An automated storage library structure, a structure of at least one robot operating within the automated storage library, and a method of connecting the robot to test equipment to facilitate testing. The robot is operative to move about the automated storage library on a guide structure. The test equipment is disposed in a diagnostics center associated with the automated storage library. Communication between the robot and the diagnostics center is provided through a main connector, disposed adjacent to the guide structure at a predetermined position and electrically connected to the diagnostics center, and a test connector mounted on the robot's chassis and electrically connected to the robot's electronics. A second robot may be used to support testing of a sick robot.

Abstract: A robot with at least partly externally located cables, particularly robot tool supply cables having a length reserve in the area of the A3 axis of the robot is characterized by a base part located on the robot and having elements for guiding the supply cables and with a leg pivotable against the latter on which is located at least one of the elements for supply cable guidance.

Abstract: A working robot is used in space for inspecting the state of a structure of a house module in space or for replacing M/D shields. A robot body is provided with four multifunctional arms (or two moving arms and two multifunctional arms), which are equipped with manipulation tools at their leading ends. The robot is moved by the manipulation tools of each of the multifunctional arms gripping a working socket or the head of a bolt of an M/D shield and by the arms extending/contracting themselves. The M/D shield is fixed and lifted by the multifunctional arms 10 by inserting the manipulation tool into a T-handle socket. The bolts are removed by the manipulation tool of the multifunctional arms.

Abstract: A biped ambulatory robot is provided having a structure in which the electrical storage device is arranged to reduce the load on the joints (particularly the knee joints) of the leg members of the robot and to enable easy maintenance of stability of the robot posture. The electrical storage device 19 which is a power supply for operation of the robot is installed on the electrical storage device unit 16 of the torso 1 of the robot, such that the center of gravity A of the electrical storage device exists on the forward side from the center of gravity B of the robot when in a vertically-erect posture and with the electrical storage device 19 removed. In a state in which the robot stands normally on the floor F with the knee joints 14 of the leg members 2 bent forward slightly, the center of gravity C of the entire robot including the electrical storage device 19 exists substantially directly above the knee joints 14 as seen from one side of the robot.

Abstract: An industrial robot with an upper robot arm (1) that comprises a first arm part 2) arranged to rotate at a second arm part (3), whereby a cable set (4) extends through both arm parts whereby a guiding device (6) for the cable set is arranged at the upper robot arm where the guiding device comprises cavities (21, 22) running through it arranged to guide at least one line within it in a sideway direction and to allow the displacement of at least one line within it in a longitudinal direction. The present invention also relates to a guiding device for a cable set for an industrial robot with a rotatable robot arm and to a use of the guiding device for an industrial robot with a rotatable robot arm.

Abstract: A “hot spare” method for facilitating the seamless transition from a failed robotic mechanism to backup unit is provided. A spare robot is located inside a storage library on a section of rail (robotic track) from which it can be utilized on any rail layer in a multi-layer architecture. In one embodiment of the present invention, a motorized elevator assembly is used to transport the spare robot to the proper library level, which allows a single redundant robot to support multiple robots on multiple library rail levels. In another embodiment, a hot spare robot is used on each rail level and is utilized if needed on that particular level. In both embodiments, the spare robots are available for immediate backup without direct user intervention.

Abstract: A skin application structure for bodies that gives a sense of closeness to human, does not cause damage to the surrounding environment, is easily maintained, and does not exert any load to the movable portion is provided. A flexible skin is detachably applied on the surface of the casings of the body including movable portions and immovable portions.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle capable of traveling over various terrain and traversing obstacles. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a cylindrical body having two or more drive wheels coupled to the ends thereof. The wheels are selectively powered to propel the vehicle. The vehicle may further include a spring member which may be deflected to a first, stored position from a second, extended position. The spring member may be quickly released from the first, stored position such that it strikes the terrain with sufficient force to lift and propel the vehicle over or onto a proximate obstacle or object. Robotic vehicles of the present invention may also include one or more sensing devices operable to collect information. Electronics may further permit autonomous, semi-autonomous, and/or remote control of the vehicle. In still other embodiments, the robotic vehicle forms part of a multi-robot surveillance team.

Abstract: A robot vehicle for hot-line job for transmission and distribution lines which comprises an insulating boom formed of an insulating material at a tip end stage of multiple stage booms, a base end of which is supported on an elevated work vehicle to be capable of swinging, pivoting up and down, and extending and contracting, and a frame provided on the tip end of the insulating boom, the frame mounting thereon double arm manipulators of multishaft construction for performing a distribution work, a slide device for sliding independently these right and left double arm manipulators front to rear, and lifting arms of multishaft construction having a function of lifting a heavy article, so as to allow an operator to perform remote control. An electric actuator is used for driving the double arm manipulators and the slide device, and hydraulic manipulators for driving the lifting arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiaxis robot with at least one gear associated with a robot axis and having a gearbox with positional retaining strips for fixing control cams for monitoring the swivel angle of the robot axis, the retaining strips having a substantially arcuate construction with an inner circumference roughly corresponding to the outer circumference of the gearbox and the retaining strips can be frontally braced against one another for fixing on the gearbox.

Abstract: A plurality of clamp devices for clamping a cable or a pipe connected to an end effector of a robot are mounted to a robot wrist portion. A first clamp device has a base and a clamp portion configured to slide linearly with respect to the base and be also capable of turning about an axis perpendicular to the slide direction. A second clamp device has a base and a clamp portion configured to be capable of turning about an axis perpendicular to the installation surface of the base. A third clamp device has a revolving unit fitted to the circumference of the arm and configured to be capable of pivotal motion in the circumferential direction of the arm and a clamp portion provided on the circumference of the revolving unit to be capable of turning about an axis in the radial direction of the revolving unit. The clamp portions of these clamp devices are adapted to clamp the cable or the pipe extending to the end effector.

Abstract: An automated storage library for the storage and retrieval of cartridges and an associated method includes a frame having cartridge storage cells for storing cartridges and at least one cartridge player for playing a cartridge. At least two robotic mechanisms are each movable within the frame to mount a cartridge from a cartridge storage cell into the cartridge player and to dismount a cartridge from the cartridge player into a cartridge storage cell. A controller controls the robotic mechanisms to move in a first direction around the frame along a closed loop such that one of the robotic mechanisms dismounts a cartridge from the cartridge player into a cartridge storage cell while another one of the robotic mechanism mounts another cartridge from another cartridge storage cell into the cartridge player.