In one embodiment, a robotic end effector configured to mount to a robotic manipulator includes gripping elements configured to grasp objects, a drive mechanism configured to open and close the gripping elements, a central controller configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the gripper elements, the central controller hosting a control program that enables control of the end effector independent of the robotic manipulator, and at least one of a forward-facing ultrasonic distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the gripping elements and an object to be grasped, and a forward-facing camera mounted between the gripping elements configured to capture video data of an object to be grasped.

The invention provides an end effector, comprising a mounting portion and an execution portion, and the execution portion including at least a package placement platform configured to movably coupled to the mounting portion. With the help of the package placement platform, the end effector of the invention can receive the packages of different types or different sizes or different material so as to sort and transport all kinds of packages.

Omni-directional, extensible grasp mechanisms are disclosed. Such grasp mechanisms may be used as a robotic end effector for docking, grasping, and manipulating space structures, or to interconnect other structures or vehicles. Novel interconnected lattice structures may enable large arrays to be assembled. The grasp mechanisms may be used to create structures from parallel docking linkages. This may enable reconfiguration of multiple docked space vehicles and/or structures without the use of propellant. The grasp mechanisms have the ability to make and break connections multiple times, enabling a nondestructive and reversible docking process.

A system and method palletize containers having electrical terminals for charging electronic devices packaged therein. First, a stacking pattern is determined on the basis of the sizes, shapes, and locations of electrical terminals on both the pallets and the containers to be stacked. These data may be read, for example, with a computer vision system that uses an articulating robotic arm, and may be encoded in a two-dimensional barcode on each pallet and/or container. Next, the robotic arm stacks the container so that its terminals make electrical contact with terminals on the pallet, or on a previously-stacked layer of containers. Then, the placement is tested to ensure that a good electrical connection exists vertically through the entire stack. Once the pallet is finalized, all electronic devices carried thereon may be simultaneously charged during transit or storage.

Pick and place device for an apparatus for filling and closing articles in particular, containers, comprising a robotic arm, a free end of which carries a gripper formed by two claws arranged opposite each other and movable towards and away from each other so as to open and close the gripper. Each claw defines a first jaw configured to form with the first opposite first jaw a first gripper for gripping a closing element designed to be applied onto an article and a second jaw configured to form, with the opposite second jaw a second gripper for gripping the article.

A method for transferring at least one filling needle of a number of filling needles into an isolator which has a transfer lock, the method having the following steps: providing a first needle carrier within the transfer lock, said needle carrier carrying the number of filling needles; providing a second needle carrier in a first position within the isolator; robot-assisted transferring of the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles from the first needle carrier to the second needle carrier; and robot-assisted placing of the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles in the second needle carrier, wherein the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles is held directly during the robot-assisted placing. A transfer system, in which such a method can be conducted, is also disclosed.

The present invention will provide a suction device adapted to provide gripping and suction forces to pick up and move a wide variety of objects. This is accomplished through a suction compartment, a membrane compartment, deformable membrane sealing said membrane compartment, and at least one pressure mechanism. The at least one pressure mechanism is in fluid connection with the suction compartment and is configured to modify properties within the suction compartment to assist in providing gripping and attractive forces. The present invention will grasp an object by positioning the deformable membrane adjacent to said object, modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object, and then depressurizing the suction compartment via the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object.

A magnetic sensing approach for determining a positioning characteristic of a soft robotic actuator. A magnetic field or a change in magnetic field of a magnetic member may be measured as it undergoes concurrent displacement with a soft actuator. Additionally, an example rolling robotic wheel is illustrated. The robotic wheel may utilize magnetic sensing as described herein.

Embodiments relate to a device for correcting a robotic arm, including: a first robotic arm positioned in a vacuum transmission chamber; a first jig wafer comprising a first wafer body and a first jig positioned on a front surface of the first wafer body; a first distance measuring sensor positioned at a center position of a back surface of the first wafer body and configured to detect whether a center of the first jig wafer is aligned with a center of a wafer chuck; a second distance measuring sensor positioned on the front surface of the first wafer body and on an outside of the first jig and configured to detect a lifting height of the first robotic arm when the first robotic arm controls a pick-and-place operation the first jig wafer on an upper surface of the wafer chuck.

The technology disclosed relates a robotic workstation for packaging wood products. The robotic packaging workstation can achieve can handle efficiently wrapping/packaging product stacked into units. In one configuration, the robotic packaging workstation includes a robot manipulator capable of moving an end effector to points in a three-dimensional work volume under programed control of a programmable robot controller executing stored instructions. A fastener and wrapping tool head is affixed to the end effector adapter plate. The fastener and wrapping tool head further includes a support structure, a fastener applicator, a fastener storage, and a one or more grippers for grasping wrapping material.