A rotary axis module includes an actuator that includes a first member and a second member, the actuator relatively driving the second member so as to rotate about a predetermined axis with respect to the first member, a DC power source, and a switch. The actuator includes a brake that is releasable by supplying a DC voltage. A first brake circuit that is connected to a control device that controls the actuator, and a second brake circuit that is provided in parallel with the first brake circuit and connected to the DC power source via the switch, are connected to the brake.

A robot hand module includes a palm part and a thumb module coupled to the palm part, wherein the thumb module includes a thumb phalangeal part movably coupled to the palm part, a thumb cable part having a first side connected to the thumb phalangeal part, and a thumb driving part connected to a second side of the thumb cable part and configured to operate the thumb phalangeal part by extending the thumb cable part to the outside or retracting the thumb cable part, and wherein the thumb phalangeal part includes a thumb pre-tensioner configured to pull the thumb cable part, a first side of the thumb pre-tensioner being fixed relative to the thumb phalangeal part, and a second side of the thumb pre-tensioner being fixed to the thumb cable part.

An adapter system for connecting the last element of a kinematic chain of a handling device to same, wherein the last element has a computer-storage module, as well as at least one actuator and/or at least one sensor. At least three sequentially positioned system modules are arranged between the penultimate and the last element. A first system module is a mechanical module, via which electrical and/or pneumatic connection lines are guided. In a second system module, the connection lines are connected with transition points of a negative adapter geometry of a mechatronic combi-interface. At least one further system module is arranged in a couplable manner between the second system module and the last element. A third system module has an electronics assembly which adapts the predefined system architecture to the device interface of the last element.

An adapter system for connecting the last element of a kinematic chain of a handling device to same, wherein the last element has a computer-storage module, as well as at least one actuator and/or at least one sensor. At least three sequentially positioned system modules are arranged between the penultimate and the last element. A first system module is a mechanical module, via which electrical and/or pneumatic connection lines are guided. In a second system module, the connection lines are connected with transition points of a negative adapter geometry of a mechatronic combi-interface. At least one further system module is arranged in a couplable manner between the second system module and the last element. A third system module has an electronics assembly which adapts the predefined system architecture to the device interface of the last element.

In a packaging line (1) comprising a plurality of robots (7), in order to be able to replace a faulty unit, in particular robot (7), quickly and with minimal, preferably no manpower, in particular during running operation of the packaging line (1), the unit to be changed is automatically decoupled from the power and data feeds and from the purely mechanical connections and is removed from the packaging line (1), preferably transversely to the throughput direction (10′) of the packaging line (1), and the new unit is automatically introduced in the opposite direction, is positioned, and is mechanically fixed, and the energy and data supplies are automatically coupled.

In a packaging line (1) comprising a plurality of robots (7), in order to be able to replace a faulty unit, in particular robot (7), quickly and with minimal, preferably no manpower, in particular during running operation of the packaging line (1), the unit to be changed is automatically decoupled from the power and data feeds and from the purely mechanical connections and is removed from the packaging line (1), preferably transversely to the throughput direction (10′) of the packaging line (1), and the new unit is automatically introduced in the opposite direction, is positioned, and is mechanically fixed, and the energy and data supplies are automatically coupled.

Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation. The MAM then autonomously causes the bot apparatus to move to the designated pickup location, notifies the authorized supplier of an approaching pickup, receives supplier authorization input to permissively allow access to a payload area within the bot apparatus, monitors loading as the item being replaced is received along with return documentation, and then autonomously causes movement of the bot apparatus back to the origin location.

Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation. The MAM then autonomously causes the bot apparatus to move to the designated pickup location, notifies the authorized supplier of an approaching pickup, receives supplier authorization input to permissively allow access to a payload area within the bot apparatus, monitors loading as the item being replaced is received along with return documentation, and then autonomously causes movement of the bot apparatus back to the origin location.

A mobile robotic device includes a mobile base and a mast fixed relative to the mobile base. The mast includes a carved-out portion. The mobile robotic device further includes a three-dimensional (3D) lidar sensor mounted in the carved-out portion of the mast and fixed relative to the mast such that a vertical field of view of the 3D lidar sensor is angled downward toward an are in front of the mobile robotic device.

The present invention relates to a robot arm (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular for a kitchen appliance. The robot arm (10) comprises a base module (12) for fastening said robot arm (10) at or on the domestic appliance or in the environment of said domestic appliance. The robot arm (10) comprises at least one end module (22) adapted or adaptable for specific functions. The robot arm (10) comprises at least one drive unit (14, 16, 18) interconnected between the base module (12) and the end module (22). The end module (22) is exchangeable by the user.