A teaching system for a robot is provided, including a motion bar for controlling the robot and a robot system utilizing the teaching system. In one embodiment, the teaching system is provided including a first controller configured to provide motion-related control functions for controlling motion of the robot. The teaching system may also include a second controller configured to provide control functions other than the motion-related control functions for programming one or more actions of the robot.

A hand controller for enabling a user to perform an activity and method for controlling a robotic arm is provided. The hand controller includes a bar with a grip and a plurality of motors to provide a force feedback to the user in response to the movement of the plurality of mechanical arms. The method involves receiving input corresponding to the manipulation of a bar and providing a force feedback in response to the movement of the plurality of mechanical arms.

A robot teaching apparatus includes a portable terminal device having a display unit for displaying control contents of the robot, an input unit for inputting the control contents of the robot, and a communication unit for communicating with the outside, and a robot operation portion having a safety securing unit for securing safety operation of the robot, and a communication unit for communicating with the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device is detachably connected to the robot operation portion. This device enables use of the portable terminal device in the teaching of robot operation and has a safety function which works reliably.

A hand controller for enabling a user to perform an activity and method for controlling a robotic arm is provided. The hand controller includes a bar with a grip and a plurality of motors to provide a force feedback to the user in response to the movement of the plurality of mechanical arms. The method involves receiving input corresponding to the manipulation of a bar and providing a force feedback in response to the movement of the plurality of mechanical arms.

A method of operating a robotic control system comprising a master apparatus in communication with an input device having a handle and a slave system having a tool having an end effector whose position and orientation is determined in response to a position and orientation of the handle. The method involves producing a desired end effector position and a desired end effector orientation of the end effector, in response to a current position and a current orientation of the handle. The method further involves causing the input device to provide haptic feedback that impedes translational movement of the handle, while permitting rotational movement of the handle and preventing movement of the end effector, when a rotational alignment difference between the handle and the end effector meets a first criterion. The method further involves re-enabling translational movement of the handle when the rotational alignment difference meets a second criterion.

A system may include a controller configured to determine a user interface status, wherein the user interface status includes user interaction of a user interface. The controller may also be configured to determine a drive mechanism location relative to a first limit and a second limit and select a clutching location based on the user interface status and drive mechanism location.

A robot teaching system includes a hand guide unit including a stick for use in a teaching operation of a robot, and a wireless communication unit configured to communicate by radio with a teach pendant; a relative position setting unit configured to set relative position information between the hand guide unit and the robot; and a coordinate calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the relative position information, coordinates having as an origin a flange surface of the robot or a distal end point of a tool attached to the robot, in such a manner as to correspond to an operation direction of the stick.

An assembly for a work machine comprises an operation lever comprising a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being activated and set for controlling the work machine and the second switch being deactivated at a point of factory shipment, a first port electrically coupled to the second switch of the operation lever, a second port coupled to a power source of the work machine, and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a request for setting an auxiliary device to the work machine from an input device, the auxiliary device being detachably attached to the work machine after the point of factory shipment; assign the first port to the second switch of the operation lever, to control the auxiliary device; assign the second port to the auxiliary device, to supply power to the auxiliary device; and set configuration information of the auxiliary device based on input information from the input device.

A robot system according to the present disclosure includes a robot installed in a work area, a manipulator configured to be gripped by an operator and manipulate the robot, a sensor disposed at a manipulation area and configured to wirelessly detect positional information and posture information on the manipulator, and a control device which calculates a locus of the manipulator based on the positional information and the posture information on the manipulator detected by the sensor, and operates the robot on real time.

An robot operation device attached to a robot having a long tool fixed to a flange provided at a distal end of the robot, the robot operation device includes a handle having an inner hole through which the tool is inserted, the handle configured to be held by one of hands of an operator in a manner that a longitudinal axis of the tool is enclosed by the one of the hands, and a sensor configured to attach the handle to the flange, the sensor detecting force or moment applied to the handle by the operator. The robot is operable by lead-through control which changes a position and posture of the robot in response to the force or the moment detected by the sensor.