Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.

Drive unit of an automation component, in particular a gripping, clamping, changing, linear or pivoting unit, whereby the drive unit comprises includes a drive for driving the movable parts of the automation component and a control unit which controls the drive, whereby the control unit comprises includes at least one computing device, and the drive unit together with the drive, control unit and computing device is arranged in or on a base housing of the automation component.

A device and method for automated computer controlled manufacture of assemblies composed of discrete linked product segments includes reciprocating product segment grippers having surface features engageable with the product segments, at least one robotic manipulating device whereby the product segments may be engage the product segment grippers. A fastener-insertion device is included to engage a fastener linking the product segments together, a segment container containing interchangeable product segments. The device also includes a machine vision device for verifying the identity of the selected product segment. A computer operated control mechanism with associated hardware and software operates and controls the reciprocating product segment grippers, the robotic manipulator arms, the machine vision device, and the fastener-insertion device.

Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.

In order to provide an improved method and device to facilitate the teach-in of gripper positions, it is suggested that the positions be automatically detected. The procedure shall include: starting a teach-in process, detecting the position and the direction of movement of the actuating element on its path with a sensor, performing gripping movements from one position to another and stopping the gripper in each of the positions, storing the position of the actuating element when the gripper stops and storing the direction of movement from which this position was approached as the associated direction of movement, stopping the teach-in process when as many different positions with the associated movement directions have been stored as there are gripper positions, assigning of the gripper positions to the three positions from the stored positions and the stored, associated movement directions.

The invention relates to a linear, gripping, clamping, rotary or swiveling device having a microprocessor and a basic housing, wherein at least two sensors are arranged on the basic housing, wherein the microprocessor is designed to merge output signals of the at least two sensors to form a merged signal, and wherein the microprocessor is designed to determine an operating status of the linear, gripping, clamping, rotary or swiveling device depending on the merged signal.

A method for estimating a mechanical degradation of a machine comprises using a drive unit of the machine to move a movable component of the machine during an evaluation period. A drive parameter is measured during the evaluation period to set up a set of input data. A cluster analysis is performed by a processor on the input data and a degradation value for the machine is determined by the processor depending on a result of the cluster analysis.

An adaptable end effector useful to accommodate a wide variety of components, component geometries and variations in component geometries. In one example, the end effector includes a movable arm and at least three fingers each having a gripping tool for engagement of the component with variable and/or programmable holding force preventing relative movement.

A robotic gripping device, system and method are disclosed. The robotic device includes an end effector having at least one finger, the fingers being configured for manipulating objects in the vicinity of the device under computer control. The device is configured for manipulating objects of varying sizes, dimensions and positions with reference to the device, without requiring information as to the precise location of the object with reference to the device.

Substantially as described and illustrated herein including devices, methods of operation for the systems or devices, articles of manufacture including processor-executable instructions, and a system including a robot.