A selectively flexible extension tool includes: a line assembly comprising a first line and a second line; and a plurality of sequentially arranged links, the line assembly operable with the plurality of sequentially arranged links to move the plurality of sequentially arranged links between a slacked position and a tensioned position, the plurality of sequentially arranged links together comprising a first line guide and a second line guide, the first line of the line assembly extending through the first line guide and the second line of the line assembly extending through the second line guide; wherein the first line defines a first displacement when the plurality of sequentially arranged links are moved from the slacked position to the tensioned position, wherein the second line defines a second displacement when the plurality of sequentially arranged links are moved from the slacked position to the tensioned position, and wherein the first displacement is substantially equal to the second displacement.

A computing system and method for estimating friction and/or center of mass (CoM) are presented. The system may perform the method by selecting at least one of: (i) a first joint from among a plurality of joints, or (ii) a first arm segment from among a plurality of arm segments. The computing system further outputs a set of one or more movement commands for causing robot arm movement that includes relative movement between the first arm segment and a second arm segment via the first joint, and receiving a set of actuation data and a set of movement data associated with the first joint or the first arm segment. The computing system further determines, based on the set of actuation data and the set of movement data, at least one of: (i) a friction parameter estimate or (ii) a CoM estimate.

A computing system and method for estimating friction and/or center of mass (CoM) are presented. The system may perform the method by selecting at least one of: (i) a first joint from among a plurality of joints, or (ii) a first arm segment from among a plurality of arm segments. The computing system further outputs a set of one or more movement commands for causing robot arm movement that includes relative movement between the first arm segment and a second arm segment via the first joint, and receiving a set of actuation data and a set of movement data associated with the first joint or the first arm segment. The computing system further determines, based on the set of actuation data and the set of movement data, at least one of: (i) a friction parameter estimate or (ii) a CoM estimate.

A carrying device includes a swivel that swivels around a central axis line of a revolution orbit that passes through a workpiece transfer area and a workpiece work area for a workpiece to be worked on by a robot, multiple workpiece holders positioned on the swivel such that when a first one of the workpiece holders is positioned in the workpiece transfer area, a second one of the workpiece holders is positioned in the workpiece work area, a revolution driver that causes the swivel to swivel around the central axis line of the revolution orbit, and a tilting driver that tilts each of the workpiece holders with respect to the central axis line of the revolution orbit.

A carrying device includes a swivel that swivels around a central axis line of a revolution orbit that passes through a workpiece transfer area and a workpiece work area for a workpiece to be worked on by a robot, multiple workpiece holders positioned on the swivel such that when a first one of the workpiece holders is positioned in the workpiece transfer area, a second one of the workpiece holders is positioned in the workpiece work area, a revolution driver that causes the swivel to swivel around the central axis line of the revolution orbit, and a tilting driver that tilts each of the workpiece holders with respect to the central axis line of the revolution orbit.

Described is a robotic apparatus (10) for investigating a confined area comprising: an articulated robot (20) for insertion into a confined area, the robotic apparatus further comprising a robot control system (30) for controlling the articulated robot. Further, the robot control system comprises a control unit (50), a robot driving means, a seal (70) for isolating the confined area from the external environment and at least one transmission member (80), wherein the control unit is configured to send control signals to the robot driving means, and the at least one transmission member extends from the robot driving means to connect to the articulated robot, the at least one transmission member extending through the seal.

Described is a robotic apparatus (10) for investigating a confined area comprising: an articulated robot (20) for insertion into a confined area, the robotic apparatus further comprising a robot control system (30) for controlling the articulated robot. Further, the robot control system comprises a control unit (50), a robot driving means, a seal (70) for isolating the confined area from the external environment and at least one transmission member (80), wherein the control unit is configured to send control signals to the robot driving means, and the at least one transmission member extends from the robot driving means to connect to the articulated robot, the at least one transmission member extending through the seal.

An apparatus and a method are for securing at least one measuring device to an object. The measuring device is configured for monitoring the object and is provided with a penetrating element for perforating a sheet forming part of the object. The apparatus has a body having a housing for holding the measuring device and an assembling device for moving the measuring device with respect to the housing. The assembling device has an engagement means movable between a retracted, passive position, and an extended, active position for engaging the measuring device to urge the penetrating element of the measuring device through the sheet of the object to secure the measuring device to the object. A control device is for operating the assembling device.

A control system for a continuum robot including at least one curvable unit driven by a wire and configured to be curvable, and a driving unit driving the wire includes: a position control unit performing control so that an error between a target displacement of push-pull driving of the wire by the driving unit and a displacement of a wire holding mechanism holding the wire obtained from a continuum robot is compensated; a force control unit performing control so that an error between a target generated force corresponding to a target tension of the wire output from the position control unit and a generated force corresponding to a tension of the wire obtained from the continuum robot is compensated; and wherein a first loop control system including the force control unit and a second loop control system including the position control unit.

A timber-working device has a frame, and a saw apparatus mounted to the frame. At least one pair of arms are pivotally attached to the frame and configured to be controlled to grasp at least one tree stem. A feed mechanism is configured to feed the at least one stem relative to the frame. The feed mechanism has opposing feed arms, each feed arm pivotally connected to the frame. Each feed arm has a pivot pin arrangement with a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, where the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. An air gap is provided between the between the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin along the common longitudinal axis.