A device for detecting a group of offending objects and determining that the number of offending objects is above a predetermined threshold of offending objects. The device uses an image capturing system to scan areas to detect flying objects such as flying insects to detect a presence of a swarm of such flying objects. An action head on the device is configured to automatically respond once a swarm of objects is identified. The action head may disperse the swarm by expelling a substance such as a mist, smoke, repellant or insecticide.

An induction heating system a base and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate an emission area in the base. The emission area comprises a portion of the base that receives electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source. The system also includes a ferromagnetic element and an element controller configured to move the ferromagnetic element into and out of the emission area.

An end effector system is disclosed for a robotic system that includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

A device for detecting offending objects such as insects on substrates such as on leaves, plants, in fluid or over a large area. The device has a microscope lens which magnifies a portion of the substrate and sends an image of the substrate portion to an image recognition system. If the image recognition system detects the presence of an offending objectfurther steps are taken to remove, neutralize or mark the area where the offending object is located for subsequent action. The device may be mounted on a movable platform such as drone for active surveillance and action over a large area.

A method for performing mold remediation includes placing a ferromagnetic material in or adjacent to a surface upon which mold is located. The method also includes emitting, by an electromagnetic radiation source, radiation to heat the ferromagnetic material that is adjacent to the surface upon which the mold is located. The method also includes detecting, by a temperature sensor, a temperature of the surface. The method further includes comparing, by a processor in communication with the electromagnetic radiation source and the temperature sensor, the temperature of the surface to a desired temperature to perform mold remediation.

A transporter for transporting an article used in semiconductor fabrication is provided. The transporter includes a robotic arm. The transporter further includes two platens connected to the robotic arm. Each of the two platens an inner surface facing the other, and a number of gas holes are formed on each of the inner surfaces of the two platens. The transporter also includes a gas supplier placed in communication with the gas holes. The gas supplier is used to control the flow of gas through the gas holes.

A manipulator can includes a frame, a first deployable support element configured to extend or retract with respect to the frame when acted on by an actuator, a static support element fixedly connected with the frame and comprising a second set of retention elements, and any suitable number of additional deployable support elements. Each support element can further include a respective set of retention elements configured to retain an item. In use, a manipulator can be used to move items by identifying an item contact area of an item to be moved, selectively deploying or retracting the deployable support elements based on the item contact area, and then contacting and retaining the item with the retention elements of the selected support elements.

A multi-bar actuation assembly for use in installing a vehicle door to a vehicle includes a drive comprising a piston arm and a casing that movably receives the piston arm, a multi-bar linkage that includes a base support structure, a first bar link pivotally connected to the base support structure, a second bar link pivotally connected to the drive and the base support structure, and a toggle link that connects the first bar link and the second bar link, and a suction end effector pivotally connected to the toggle link at an end effector pivot that engages a window of the vehicle door. The drive extends and contracts the piston arm thereby moving the end effector pivot along a door arc about a door pivot axis with the suction end effector engaged with the window of the vehicle door.

Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.

According to one embodiment, transfer equipment includes: a first negative-pressure generation source; a plurality of first vacuum suction parts; a sensor part; and a first determination circuit. The sensor part configured to acquire a plurality of measured values corresponding to the negative pressure of each of the first vacuum suction parts. The first determination circuit configured to set a first threshold value based on the measured values and determine a vacuum suction state of the first vacuum suction parts corresponding to the measured valued based on the first threshold value and the measured values.