Abstract: A collision avoidance method and system for a mobile robot crossing a road. When a mobile robot approaches a road, it senses road conditions via at least one first sensor, and initiates road crossing if the road conditions are deemed suitable for crossing. As it crosses the road, the mobile robot senses, via at least one second sensor, a change in the road conditions indicating the presence of at least one hazardous moving object. In response to determining that at least one hazardous object in present, the mobile robot initiates a collision avoidance maneuver. A mobile robot configured to avoid collisions while crossing a road includes: at least one first sensor configured to sense road conditions, at least one second sensor configured to sense road conditions, and a processing component configured to carry out one or more collision avoidance maneuvers.

Abstract: The invention describes a robot (5) and/or robot controller (17) and a method for validation of programmed workflow sequences or teaching programs (20) of a robot (5) preferably with a robot controller (17), wherein the robot (5) is preferably mounted on or next to a processing machine, in particular an injection molding machine (4), and serves for the extraction, handling, manipulation or further processing of injection-molded parts (3) which have just been produced. The travel parameters, equipment features and functionalities of the physical robot (5) are stored in a configuration file (27) on the control side. The robot controller (17) creates a virtual robot model (21) from these stored data. For validation of a workflow sequence, the robot controller (17) uses the current teaching program (20) in the robot controller (17) whereby the visualization of the workflow sequence is displayed directly on an output unit of the robot controller (17).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing/producing a dental restoration for a patient, where the method includes: obtaining a 3D scan of at least a restoration site of the patient's mouth, where the manufactured dental restoration is adapted for fitting to the restoration site; obtaining a computer-aided design (CAD design) of the dental restoration; milling the restoration from a material, where the restoration is milled both on an inside surface configured for fitting to the shape of the restoration site of the patient's mouth and on an outside surface, where the milling is according to the obtained CAD design; transferring the milled restoration to a retention means providing a fixed known position of the restoration relative to a post-processing machinery, where the restoration is retained on the inside surface, such that the outside surface of the restoration is approachable/free/accessible; and performing post-processing of the outside surface of the restoration.

Abstract: An automatic processing system includes a base or platform, on which a loading station is mounted, adapted to house one or more trolleys having workpieces to be processed, a magazine adapted to pick up at least one work piece at a time from the loading station and to transport it to a centering device adapted to receive the workpiece and to place it in pick-up position by a robot, and a unloading station where the processed pieces are positioned.

Abstract: An analysis method of an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer includes: an insertion unit into which a rack is inserted; a transport line that transports the rack; a detection unit that detects a rack identifier from a rack or an attribute from a sample container which accommodates therein a sample as an object to be examined and which is mounted on a rack; an analysis module that includes a light source and a spectrometer which measures a measurement value to analyze a sample; a rack standby unit in which a rack stands by; and, a rack recovery unit that recovers a rack. In the automatic analyzer, a rack stands by in the rack standby unit until a measurement result in the analysis module is output; and is then recovered to the rack recovery unit.

Abstract: Technology disclosed includes a robotic workstation for unstacking/stacking a multi-layer stack of boards and includes an end effector configured to pick up, move and release a layer of boards. The end effector includes first and second pick up and release members, each being (i) disposed below first and second support members, (ii) transversely arranged with respect to the first and second support members and (iii) attached to both of the first and second support members. The robotic workstation also includes a robotic manipulator connected to an attachment plate of the end effector and capable of moving the end effector. The robotic manipulator is under control of a controller executing stored instructions that perform operations including picking up the layer of boards by orienting the end effector such that each board of the layer of boards is transversely oriented with respect to the first and second pick up and release members.

Abstract: There is provided a structure for positioning a first mold part of a mold on a mold mounting face in an injection molding machine. The structure comprises a positioner configured to connect the first mold part to part of the injection molding machine, wherein the positioner is adjustable to position the first mold part on the mold mounting face. The structure further comprises controller executable instructions executable in a controller with which to resolve an alignment parameter of the mold using a feedback signal from a sensor. Further provided is a method of operating an injection molding machine which method comprises the steps of positioning a first mold part of a mold on a mold mounting face using a positioner and appreciating an alignment parameter of the mold with reference to a feedback signal from a sensor.

Abstract: A robotic medical system can include a patient platform. The patient platform includes a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism can include a lateral tilt mechanism and a longitudinal tilt mechanism. The lateral tilt mechanism can include a tilt plate and a pivot housing. A linear actuator mounted on the tilt plate can apply a linear force to the pivot housing. The lateral tilt mechanism can also include a first linear guide that extends along a first axis, and the pivot housing can translate along the first linear guide. Application of the linear force to the pivot housing tilts the tilt plate by causing the pivot housing to translate along the first linear guide.

Abstract: A modular roller hemming system having a base assembly, a replaceable anvil, a spider arm assembly, a plurality of support arms for supporting the spider arm assembly, and a plurality of repositionable unit tools. The anvil is 3-D printed of a polymer composite material and may be replaced with similarly manufactured anvils having different form factors for receiving various shaped and dimensioned workpiece assemblies. The plurality of support arms are repositionable on the base assembly, the spider arm assembly is reconfigurable, and the plurality of unit tools are moveable to accommodate various anvils having different form factors. The support arms includes an upper segment that is detachable from the lower segment to facilitate the changeover of anvils.

Abstract: A shuttle movable along a railing system extending along a repository. The shuttle comprises a panel member having a first face proximal to the railing system, and a second face distal therefrom, and a hinged arm member rotatable about a center of the second face of the panel member, and having first and second ends, wherein the hinged arm member is configured to move the second end between an unfolded position in which the second end is distal from the panel member, and a folded position, in which the second end is proximal to the second face of the panel member, and wherein the hinged arm member has a height and reach automatically adjustable to reach a user.

Abstract: An apparatus to preserve a first fluid of a medicine vial is provided. The apparatus may include a vial coupling member comprising a housing and a flexible membrane. The housing and the flexible membrane form a vial coupling member cavity within the vial coupling member. The apparatus may also include a first fluid pathway forming a first lumen that is in fluid communication with the vial coupling member cavity. The apparatus may further include a second fluid pathway forming a second lumen that is in fluid communication with the vial coupling member cavity. When the flexible membrane engages the medicine vial, the flexible membrane forms a sealed environment over a medicine vial septum. When the flexible membrane engages the medicine vial, the flexible membrane permits the first lumen and the second lumen to establish fluid communication with an interior space of the medicine vial.

Abstract: A device for moving at least one cutting and welding arrangement able to cut, then weld a tail of a first metal strip to a head of a second metal strip, includes at least one first carriage holding at least one welding head. The first carriage is movable over a guide path following a first course across a transverse strip region. At least one second carriage is movable separately from the first carriage and holds a cutting head. The second carriage is movable on a guide path following a second course. The welding head is used exclusively for a welding mode, the second carriage is used exclusively for a cutting mode and the two carriages have parked positions on either side of the tail and head widths of the strips. A welding method which is associated with the device is also provided.

Abstract: A compounding apparatus for mixing at least two materials into an admixture can include a processor and software configured to select a non-universal ingredient for substitution as a temporary universal ingredient to be used as a buffer when an original universal ingredient buffer is not available. The processor and software can also include an auto adjust feature to correct for tube wear and other factors creating non-compliant final bag fills. The processor and software can also include a disable station designation feature that allows for disabling a problem station and diverting operation from the designated disabled station to a substitute station. Such operation can ensure continued production of the compounding apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning system may include a first mobile robot, a communication unit configured to communicate with a second mobile robot that emits a second signal, and a controller configured to recognize the location of the second mobile robot using the second signal, and control a moving speed of the first mobile robot such that the second mobile robot follows a trajectory corresponding to the movement of the first mobile robot based on the recognized location. The controller may transmit a first signal to the second mobile robot in response to the first mobile robot approaching the second mobile robot to within a distance less than a threshold distance from the second mobile robot, and control avoidance moving of the first mobile robot and the second mobile robot based on the second signal of the second mobile robot responding to the first signal.

Abstract: A method for execution-time dynamic range partitioning includes receiving user data including a partitioning key and a clustering key. The user data includes a respective number of total rows defining a total data size for the user data. The method also includes identifying storage constraints for the data storage system. The storage constraints include a target file size and a target number of rows per file. The method further includes determining a plurality of split points for the user data based on the storage constraints. The method also includes generating partitioning quantiles from the plurality of split points that define a range between each split point of the plurality of split points. The method further includes range partitioning each row of the user data into files using the partitioning quantiles.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument can include receiving a first input signal at a controller indicative of a user's readiness to actuate the surgical instrument to perform a surgical procedure, outputting an output signal from the controller to provide feedback to the user in response to the received first input signal, receiving a second input signal at the controller confirming the user's readiness to actuate the surgical instrument, outputting an actuation signal from the controller in response to receiving the second input signal, and actuating the surgical instrument to perform the surgical procedure based on the actuation signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for positioning wafers using a dual side-by-side end effector robot are provided. The methods involve performing place moves using dual side-by-side end effector robots with active wafer position correction. According to various embodiments, the methods may be used for placement into a process module, loadlock or other destination by a dual wafer transfer robot. The methods provide nearly double the throughput of a single wafer transfer schemes by transferring two wafers with the same number of moves.

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: A communication system for communicating over high-latency, low bandwidth networks includes a communications processor configured to receive a collection of data from a local system, and a transceiver in communication with the communications processor. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data over a network according to a plurality of communication parameters. The communications processor is configured to divide the collection of data into a plurality of data streams; assign a priority level to each of the respective data streams, where the priority level reflects the criticality of the respective data stream; and modify a communication parameter of at least one of the plurality of data streams according to the priority of the at least one data stream.

Abstract: An event execution method and system for a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal is provided for enabling a robot synchronized with a mobile terminal or a character displayed in the mobile terminal to execute an event on behalf of the mobile terminal and share experience points of the character displayed in the mobile terminal. The event execution system includes a mobile terminal and a robot synchronized with the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A device is provided for positioning a patient with respect to a radiation, the device being a polyarticulated robot including: —at least one linear horizontal displacement rail, —a connecting part capable of carrying out translations with respect to the linear rail and pivoting about an axis of rotation vertical to that linear rail, and —a robotic arm connected to the connecting part, the robotic arm including a wrist with concurrent axes of rotation connected to a patient support.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a controller and one or more robots each having a plurality of robotic joints. Each of the robotic joints is independently controllable to thereby execute a cooperative work task having at least one task execution fork, leading to multiple independent subtasks. The controller coordinates motion of the robot(s) during execution of the cooperative work task. The controller groups the robotic joints into task-specific robotic subsystems, and synchronizes motion of different subsystems during execution of the various subtasks of the cooperative work task. A method for executing the cooperative work task using the robotic system includes automatically grouping the robotic joints into task-specific subsystems, and assigning subtasks of the cooperative work task to the subsystems upon reaching a task execution fork. The method further includes coordinating execution of the subtasks after reaching the task execution fork.

Abstract: In order to flexibly identify the current operating state of control elements which are used to control a process installation, the invention provides a method for identifying the operating state of at least one control element, which is designed for an active and a passive operating state, for a control apparatus, wherein, in the active operating state, the control element controls a process function of an area of a process installation, comprising the following steps: the control apparatus is connected to the process installation, the control element is functionally associated with the process function, and the operating state of the control element is identified as active on the basis of successful functional association of the control element with the process function.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more remote vehicles may comprise manipulating a remote dexterous control device, translating movement of the remote dexterous control device into movement of the one or more remote vehicles, and providing a sliding work window allowing control of the one or more remote vehicles' entire range of motion without sacrificing control resolution.

Abstract: A surgical robot for performing minimally invasive surgery (e.g. in the eye) is provided. A cannula connection is positioned at a fixed surgical arm part and aligned with a movable surgical arm part movable with respect to the fixed surgical arm part. A surgical instrument can be mounted at the movable part. The surgical instrument can pass through the cannula connection. Reference arm(s) and manipulation arm(s) connect a base element with the fixed surgical arm part.

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: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for generating a haptic penalty force, including in one embodiment, the steps of: defining a primary proxy position; defining a secondary proxy position; defining a HIP position; generating a first force in response to the primary proxy position and the HIP position and generating a second force in response to the secondary proxy position and the HIP position.

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.

Abstract: A mobile object apparatus is provided. The mobile object apparatus includes an object having a first function; a moving unit that is capable of moving so as to move the object; a driving unit configured to drive the moving unit; and a receiver configured to receive a command from outside. The driving unit controls the moving unit according to the command received so that a second function is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a organizing a robotic storage system. The robotic storage system includes a plurality of storage locations of varying priority and varying distance to a data read/write device. The robot storage system further includes a plurality of portable data storage elements each having at least three fields, a load field, a read/write field and a user determined field. A temporary storage location within the robotic storage system for each data storage element is determined at least in part by evaluating the data storage element's load field, read/write field and user determined fields to determine a heat value and correlating the heat value to the storage locations. An associated method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a first machine of a manufacturing process section arranged to carry out a production cycle including a working part and a non-working part. The first machine is operated in conjunction with at least one second machine. The first machine carries out a process during the working part of the cycle on a workpiece that is loaded into and/or unloaded out of the first machine by the at least one second machine during the non-working part of each process cycle. Also, a system for carrying out the method and a computer program.

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 vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors.

Abstract: A vessel hull robot navigation subsystem and method for a robot including a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot outputs data combining robot and vessel motion. A memory onboard the robot includes data concerning the configuration of the hull and a desired path of travel for the robot. A fix subsystem communicates position fix data to the robot. A navigation processor onboard the robot is responsive to the memory data, the sensor subsystem, the position fix data, and the data concerning vessel motion. The navigation processor is configured to determine the position of the robot on the hull by canceling, form the sensor subsystem output data combining both robot and vessel motion, the determined vessel motion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for robot and cloud communication are described. A robot may interact with the cloud to perform any number of actions using video captured from a point-of-view or in the vicinity of the robot. The cloud may be configured to extract still frames from compressed video received from the robot at a frame rate determined based on a number of factors, including the robot's surrounding environment, the available bandwidth, or actions being performed. The cloud may be configured to request that a compressed video with higher frame rate be sent so that the cloud can extract still frames at a higher frame rate. Further, the cloud may be configured to request that a second compressed video from a second perspective be sent to provide additional environment information.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

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 processing system (10) serves for processing a moving workpiece (12) by means of an industrial robot (16) that can be rigidly coupled, intermittently, to the workpiece (12) and/or to a movable workpiece carrier unit (14), the industrial robot (16), when in a decoupled operating position (42), being carried by a carrier device (18) that is movable, independently of a workpiece, by means of a drive unit (20) acting with active drive, and, when in a coupled operating position (44), being floatingly mounted relative to the carrier device (18) by means of a floating bearing system (22).

Abstract: A redundantable robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving reliability of tranport equipment. The redundantable robot assembly typically comprises independent robots with separate controls, motors, linkage arms, or power, thus providing the capability of operation even if parts of the assembly are not operational or when parts of the assembly are removed for repair. The redundantable robot assembly can be also designed to allow in-situ servicing, e.g. servicing one robot when the other is running. The disclosed redundantable robot assembly provides virtual uninterrupted process flow, and thus greatly increases the yield for the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: An offline programming device for preparing an operation program for making a robot with a hand perform a handling operation for an object with respect to a machine tool.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a controller and one or more robots each having a plurality of robotic joints. Each of the robotic joints is independently controllable to thereby execute a cooperative work task having at least one task execution fork, leading to multiple independent subtasks. The controller coordinates motion of the robot(s) during execution of the cooperative work task. The controller groups the robotic joints into task-specific robotic subsystems, and synchronizes motion of different subsystems during execution of the various subtasks of the cooperative work task. A method for executing the cooperative work task using the robotic system includes automatically grouping the robotic joints into task-specific subsystems, and assigning subtasks of the cooperative work task to the subsystems upon reaching a task execution fork. The method further includes coordinating execution of the subtasks after reaching the task execution fork.

Abstract: Ball robot comprising a shell, a diametric main axle, at least one pendulum, and a drive mechanism comprising at least two drive motors, wherein the drive motors are arranged on the pendulum(s) in the vicinity of the inner surface of the shell. There is also provided a ball robot with a ball shaped shell, a diametric axle attached to the shell concentric with the main axis of rotation of the shell, and a drive mechanism located inside the shell and supported by the diametric axle, wherein the diametric axle is arranged to accommodate for dimensional changes of the shell along the main axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method is provided for teaching a transfer robot used in conjunction with a workpiece processing system including a pedestal assembly, a light sensor having an optical input fixedly coupled to the pedestal assembly, a transfer robot having an end effector, and a processing chamber containing the pedestal assembly and light sensor. The method includes the steps of producing light within the processing chamber, moving the end effector over the optical input such that amount of light reaching the light sensor varies in relation to the position of the end effector, and recording the signal gain as the end effector is moved over the optical input. The method also includes the step of establishing from the recorded signal gain a desired position of the end effector relative to the pedestal assembly.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional object location and guidance to allow robotic manipulation of an object with variable position and orientation using a sensor array which is a collection of one or more sensors capable of forming a single image.

Abstract: Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot, e.g. a dual side-by-side end effector robot, during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more servos coupled to a model vehicle. An input signal having a series of input pulses encoded at an input pulse repetition frequency is received at a receiver coupled to a model vehicle having one or more servos. The input signal is decoded at the receiver. A servo control pulse is generated using at least one of the input pulses at the receiver. The servo control pulse is outputted to at least one of the servos at an output pulse repetition frequency that is different from the input pulse repetition frequency.

Abstract: In an automatic machine system comprising a mechanism unit (1) including at least one driving mechanism, a controller (2) for controlling a driving operation of the mechanism unit (1), and a teaching unit (3) for operating the mechanism unit (1), the teaching unit (3) includes a teaching unit communicating portion for carrying out a wireless communication with the controller (2) and a first field intensity monitoring portion (13) for monitoring a field intensity of communication data in the teaching unit communicating portion, and the controller (2) includes a controller communicating portion for carrying out a wireless communication with the teaching unit (3), a second field intensity monitoring portion (26) for monitoring a field intensity of communication data in the controller communicating portion, and a driving portion for driving the mechanism unit (1) based on an operation signal sent from the teaching unit (3) in the controller communicating portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot comprising storage means designed to store at least one computer program which, when executed, causes the robot to act according to a particular behavior, characterized in that it comprises loading means able to load, from remote computer equipment, a computer program which, when executed, causes the robot to act according to a particular behavior, and saving means able to save the duly loaded computer program in said storage means. Said loading means are designed to transmit a load request to the remote equipment to initiate the loading of the computer program from the remote equipment. The robot comprises at least one memory for storing evolution parameters, and the loading means are also designed to transmit the request according to the evolution parameters.

Abstract: A robot controller (7) controlling a robot (1) used combined with a machine tool (5, 6) provided with a communication unit (9) connecting the robot controller to a machine tool, a detection unit (52) detecting through the communication unit a type and number of machine tools, and a setting unit (55) setting the robot controller based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit. Due to this, machine tool and robot startup work can be simply and easily performed without requiring skill or increasing the startup man-hours. The setting unit selects one setting file from among a plurality of setting files for the robot controller, stored in the robot controller, based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit.