One variation of a method for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: accessing a part model representing a part positioned in a work zone adjacent a robotic system; retrieving a sanding head translation speed; retrieving a toolpath for execution on the part defining positions, orientations, and target forces applied by the sanding head to the part. The method includes traversing the sanding head along the toolpath, at the sanding head translation speed; reading a sequence of applied forces from a force sensor coupled to the sanding head at positions along the toolpath; and deviating from the toolpath to maintain the set of applied forces within a threshold difference of a sequence of target forces along the toolpath. In one variation of the method, the robotic system executes a toolpath at a duration less than target duration by selectively varying target force and sanding head translation speed across the part.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

A task table for use in a robotic system comprising a robot mounted on a carriage configured to move the robot along a path is disclosed. The task table includes a substantially horizontal table surface, and one or more mounting arms to which the table surface is affixed at a first distal end and comprising, at a second distal end opposite the first distal end, one or more mounting structures, the one or more mounting arms having a length that allows the table surface to be mounted to the robot or the carriage at a distance from a base of the robot that enables the robot to reach a plurality of locations on the table surface each with a desired pose.

A robotic line kitting system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a signal associated with an unsafe condition is received via a communication interface. In response to the signal, a controlled operation to reduce a speed of movement of a robotic instrumentality is performed prior to a safety stop of the robotic instrumentality being triggered.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

A robot system includes: a robot; an illumination apparatus disposed in or around the robot; and a control apparatus that controls the robot and the illumination apparatus, wherein the control apparatus includes a robot control unit that operates the robot on the basis of a program, an operation area prediction unit that predicts an operation area of the robot on the basis of the program, and an illumination control unit that turns on or off the illumination apparatus on the basis of the operation area predicted by the operation area prediction unit to display the operation area.

Systems and methods for ease of installation of modular furniture are disclosed herein. Various embodiments include a method comprising: receiving a ceiling scan; mounting a rails system based on the ceiling scan; installing robots for machine control of the modular furniture using the rails system; and positioning the modular furniture using a positioning control system electrically connected to the robots.

A mobile manipulator robot for retrieving inventory items from a storage system. The robot includes a body, a wheel assembly, a sensor to locate a position of the robot within the storage system, an interface configured to send processor readable data to a remote processor and to an operator interface, and receive processor executable instructions from the remote processor and from the operator interface, an imaging device to capture images of the inventory items, a picking manipulator, first and second pneumatic gripping elements for grasping the inventory items, and a coupler configured to mate with a valve to access a pneumatic supply for operating at least one of the first or second pneumatic gripping elements. The robot is configured to transition the valve from a closed condition to an open condition and selectively place one of the first or the second pneumatic gripping elements in communication with the pneumatic supply.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.