A method for manipulating a multi-link robotic arm includes: at a first time, recording a first optical image through an optical sensor arranged proximal a distal end of the robotic arm proximal an end effector; detecting a global reference feature in a first position in the first optical image; virtually locating a global reference frame based on the first position of the global reference feature in the first optical image; calculating a first pose of the end effector within the global reference frame at approximately the first time based on the first position of the global reference feature in the first optical image; and driving a set of actuators within the robotic arm to move the end effector from the first pose toward an object keypoint, the object keypoint defined within the global reference frame and representing an estimated location of a target object within range of the end effector.

In one aspect, a method for controlling a compliant-controlled robot includes performing a boundary monitoring of the robot and controlling movement of the robot with a return force that is predetermined by control technology. If the robot is already in a blocked area upon activation of the boundary monitoring, then a first return force operates to return the robot from a current position in the blocked area toward a boundary of the blocked area. If the robot arrived at the current position in the blocked area after activation of the boundary monitoring, then a second return force operates to return the robot from the current position toward the boundary. The first return force is at least temporarily less than the second return force.

A robot system capable of reliably detecting contact between a robot or a workpiece and an external object. The robot system includes: a robot including a handling part; a handling force-detection part that detects a handling force applied to the handling part; an operation controller that causes the robot to operate in accordance with the handling force; an external force-detection part that detects an external force acting on the robot; and a contact force-calculation part that calculates a contact force by subtracting the handling force from the detected external force.

A robot system capable of reliably detecting contact between a robot or a workpiece and an external object. The robot system includes: a robot including a handling part; a handling force-detection part that detects a handling force applied to the handling part; an operation controller that causes the robot to operate in accordance with the handling force; an external force-detection part that detects an external force acting on the robot; and a contact force-calculation part that calculates a contact force by subtracting the handling force from the detected external force.

Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.

The collaborative operation support device includes a display device including a display area; and a processor configured to detect, based on an image in which the operator or the robot is represented, a position of a section of the robot in the display area when the operator looks at the robot through the display area, the section associated with an operation mode of the robot specified by means of an input device; select, in accordance with the specified operation mode of the robot, display data corresponding to the specified mode among display data stored in a memory; and display the selected display data in the display area of the display device in such a way that the selected display data is displayed at a position that satisfies a certain positional relationship with the position of the section of the robot in the display area.

A method for the surface treatment of an article (2) by means of a robotic device (3) comprising a robotic arm (5) and a spraying head (4) fitted on the robotic arm (5); the method comprises a learning step, during which the operator moves the spraying head (4) by means of a handling device (9) and the movements made by the spraying head (4) are stored by a storage unit (8); and a reproduction step, which is subsequent to the learning step and during which the robotic arm (5) is operated so that the spraying head (4) repeats the movements stored by the storage unit (8).

A method for the surface treatment of an article (2) by means of a robotic device (3) comprising a robotic arm (5) and a spraying head (4) fitted on the robotic arm (5); the method comprises a learning step, during which the operator moves the spraying head (4) by means of a handling device (9) and the movements made by the spraying head (4) are stored by a storage unit (8); and a reproduction step, which is subsequent to the learning step and during which the robotic arm (5) is operated so that the spraying head (4) repeats the movements stored by the storage unit (8).

A controller includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instruction so as to control a robot including a movable section and a force detecting section provided in the movable section, wherein the processor is configured to sense that a first portion of a first target object has come into contact with a second target object and then sense that a second portion of the first target object has come into contact with the second target object based on an output from the force detecting section, cause the movable section to move in a first direction, sense that a third portion of the first target object has come into contact with the second target object, store first information in a storage section, and generate data on teaching to the movable section based on the first information.

A controller includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instruction so as to control a robot including a movable section and a force detecting section provided in the movable section, wherein the processor is configured to sense that a first portion of a first target object has come into contact with a second target object and then sense that a second portion of the first target object has come into contact with the second target object based on an output from the force detecting section, cause the movable section to move in a first direction, sense that a third portion of the first target object has come into contact with the second target object, store first information in a storage section, and generate data on teaching to the movable section based on the first information.