A method of coordinating automated systems, the method includes providing a first automated system that is programmed with a set of predetermined operating instructions that correspond with automated system processing requirements, monitoring an operational status of the first automated system with a second automated system, automatically generating a second system action, with the second automated system, that is complementary to a first system action of the first automated system, where the first system action corresponds to the set of predetermined operating instructions and the second system action depends on the operational status of the first automated system, and performing the second system action with the second automated system so that the second automated system cooperates with the first automated system to perform a predetermined operation.

An assembly engine is configured to generate, based on a computer-aided design (CAD) assembly, a set of motion commands that causes the robot to manufacture a physical assembly corresponding to the CAD assembly. The assembly engine analyzes the CAD assembly to determine an assembly sequence for various physical components to be included in the physical assembly. The assembly sequence indicates the order in which each physical component should be incorporated into the physical assembly and how those physical components should be physically coupled together. The assembly engine further analyzes the CAD assembly to determine different component paths that each physical component should follow when being incorporated into the physical assembly. Based on the assembly sequence and the component paths, the assembly engine generates a set of motion commands that the robot executes to assemble the physical components into the physical assembly.

Systems and methods are provided for aligning a fastener feed mechanism. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an alignment tool that aligns a fastener feed mechanism with a chamber of a fastening device that receives fasteners. The alignment tool includes a tip section having a diameter less than a diameter of the chamber, a chamber fit section that extends from an end of the tip section in a lengthwise direction and has a diameter corresponding with the diameter of the chamber, a lip that protrudes radially from the chamber beyond the diameter of the chamber, and a fitting member that extends from the lip in the lengthwise direction.

A robot controller configured to manage production management information of a machine tool and transmit the information to an upper-level computer, and a processing system including the machine tool, the robot and the robot controller. When a processing-start notification and/or a workpiece exchange-request is transmitted, at least a part of the production management information held by the machine tool is transmitted to the robot controller via a first network. The robot controller combines the production management information of the machine tool and other production management information held by the robot controller, and stores the combined production management information as substantially one production management information. After that, when the upper-level computer requests the robot controller or the machine tool to transmit the product management information, the production management information stored in the robot controller is transmitted to the upper-level computer via a second network.

A method of assembling an apparatus. The method includes configuring a robotic device to operate in a first mode of a plurality of modes, wherein the robotic device is positionable to inspect a predetermined feature on a first component when in the first mode. The method also includes determining an expected value for a measurable parameter of the predetermined feature when inspected by the robotic device, wherein the expected value is determined based on which of the plurality of modes the robotic device is operating. The method further includes directing the robotic device to inspect the first component to determine an actual value for the measurable parameter, and verifying an identity of the first component based on a comparison between the expected value and the actual value.

A robotic system for use in installing final trim and assembly part includes an auto-labeling system that combines images of a primary component, such as a vehicle, with those of computer based model, where feature based object tracking methods are used to compare the two. In some forms a camera can be mounted to a moveable robot, while in other the camera can be fixed in position relative to the robot. An artificial marker can be used in some forms. Robot movement tracking can also be used. A runtime operation can utilize a deep learning network to augment feature-based object tracking to aid in initializing a pose of the vehicle as well as an aid in restoring tracking if lost.

An alternative to additive manufacturing is disclosed, introducing an end-to-end workflow in which discrete building blocks are reversibly joined to produce assemblies called digital materials. Described is the design of the bulk-material building blocks and the devices that are assembled from them. Detailed is the design and implementation of an automated assembler, which takes advantage of the digital material structure to avoid positioning errors within a large tolerance. To generate assembly sequences, a novel CAD/CAM workflow is described for designing, simulating, and assembling digital materials. The structures assembled using this process have been evaluated, showing that the joints perform well under varying conditions and that the assembled structures are functionally precise.

In order to hold a long member without using a fixing jig and without deforming the long member in holding the long member, a long member assembling device is provided with: multiple hand parts for gripping a long member; and arm parts and trunk parts for moving the hand parts to adjust the positions of the hand parts gripping the long member. The hand parts have a configuration such that, when the positions thereof are adjusted by the arm parts and the trunk parts, the hand parts are capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the long member while gripping the long member.

In an optical components automatic alignment robot, a motorized target moves closer or further from a digital camera being tested or assembled. A light sensor is used to automatically calibrate an ultraviolet (UV) or other light source used for curing adhesive. An automatic surface finder is used to accurately and repeatably find a surface on which adhesive is to be dispensed.

An assembly system includes a molding machine that molds first parts and second parts and a robot having an assembly unit including a first holder that holds the first parts and a second holder that holds the second parts with each other. The first parts and the second parts that are molded by the molding machine are removed from the mold while being held by the first holder and the second holder of the robot. At least one of the first holder and the second holder is moved relative to the other so as to assemble the first parts and the second parts without releasing the first parts held by the first holder and the second parts held by the second holder.