A controller includes a generation unit that generates three-dimensional information, a deletion unit that deletes information about at least part of the measurement points in the three-dimensional information, and a determination unit that determines a state where the robot grips a workpiece. The generation unit generates first three-dimensional information before the robot implements an operation of gripping a target workpiece. The generation unit generates second three-dimensional information after the robot has implemented an operation of lifting the target workpiece. The deletion unit generates third three-dimensional information in which information about measurement points in the second three-dimensional information is deleted from the first three-dimensional information. The determination unit determines whether or not the workpiece in the third three-dimensional information matches the target workpiece.

Exemplary embodiments relate to unique structures for robotic end-of-arm-tools (EOATs). According to some embodiments, two or more fingers or actuators may be present on an EOAT, and the actuators may be connected to a hub through one or more sets of pivots attached to linkages that allow the distances between the pivots to be varied. Compared to conventional EOATs, exemplary embodiments increase the range of motion of the actuators, improve grip posture, boost gripping force, and balance the loads on the actuators.

A robot system and a method for driving a robot capable of moving the position of the center of gravity of the robot while minimizing the increase in the footprint thereof are provided. A robot system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a robot. The robot includes a movable moving part, an upper body part disposed above the moving part, and a driving mechanism for tilting the upper body part and moving a lower end of the upper body part in a direction in which the upper body part is tilted.

A supernumerary robotic limb (SRL) system can include a plurality of rigid links, a joint that connects one rigid link to another rigid link in the plurality of rigid arms, and two variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) configured to drive the plurality of rigid links in order to complete at least one task. The VSAs can exhibit infinite rotation and infinite stiffness. The VSAs can include an output link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a set of elastic elements mounted on the output link. The VSAs can include an input link configured to provide kinetic energy for the output link. The VSAs can include a dynamic chassis configured to connect with the input link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a stiffness adjustor included in the dynamic chassis and configured to adjust an elastic transmission between at least one elastic element of the set of elastic elements and the output link.

A robot system includes a robot including leading end, base, and multi-articular arm, and circuitry that controls the atm to move the end based on motion control program specifying transition over time of target position and posture of the end, the transition including correction target portion starting and ending in the transition; controls the arm to move the end in response to guided manipulation applying external force to the robot while the circuitry controls the arm; obtains relative command information based on the target position and posture at start of the correction portion and specifying the target position and posture at points in the correction portion including start and end in the correction portion; and controls the arm to move the end from the position and posture based on the information, beginning at time when movement of the arm controlled by the circuitry in response to the manipulation has ended.

A method of processing objects is disclosed. The method includes grasping an object with an end-effector of a programmable motion device, determining an estimated pose of the object as it is being grasped by the end-effector, determining a pose adjustment for repositioning the object for placement at a destination location in a destination pose, determining a pose adjustment to be applied to the object, and placing the object at the destination location in a destination pose in accordance with the pose adjustment.

A mixed mode robot is provided having an autonomous mode, wherein the robot moves autonomously, and a manual mode, wherein the robot is passive and allows manual manipulation by a user. The mixed mode robot is wheeled and in an embodiment is powered by one or more direct drive motor while in the autonomous mode. One or more handholds are adapted for use by a user to move the robot when the robot is in the manual mode. A processor associated with the robot places the robot in a selected one of the autonomous mode and the manual mode, such that the robot is easily moved by a user when in the manual mode.

A component mounting robot system includes a component transfer robot which transfers a mounting component including a mounting portion to a base component's mounting position; and a jig which corrects the mounting portion's position of the mounting component transferred by the component transfer robot to mounting position, wherein the jig includes a guide portion which corrects the mounting portion's position of the mounting component to the mounting position, and wherein the component transfer robot includes a holding section which holds the mounting component so that a posture of the mounting component is changeable. In this configuration, it becomes possible to construct the component mounting robot system which can correct position of the mounting portion of the mounting component, by changing the posture of the body of the mounting component and guiding the mounting portion to the mounting position even in a case where the mounting component has a cylindrical shape.

A friction stir welding device includes: a control device which causes a pin part to be inserted into members to be joined while causing a joining tool to rotate and which causes a joining head to move along a joint line via a robot main body; and an image pickup device which detects a junction deviation that is a deviation between the joining head and a direction along the joint line. Also, when a junction deviation is generated, this control device causes the joining head to move in a direction toward the joint line and thus resolves the junction deviation.

A method, device, and computer program product for compensating robot movement deviations caused by a gear box as well as to a robot arrangement including such a device. The device has a drift estimating block configured to obtain motor data ({dot over (q)}.sub.r) and motor torque data () related to the motor, determine a measure of the temperature of the gear box based on the motor data ({dot over (q)}.sub.r) and motor torque data () and estimate the drift (q) based on a drift value of the robot section, the drift value in turn being obtained based on the gearbox temperature measure and a gravitational torque (.sub.grav) of the motor, and a drift adjusting block (44) configured to adjust a control value (q.sub.r) used to control the positioning of the robot based on the estimated drift (q).