A process system includes a detection device that detects a rotation angle of a workpiece when a robot grips the workpiece. The control device includes a storage unit that stores a reference rotation angle serving as a criterion for the rotation angle of the workpiece, and an error calculation unit that calculates a rotation error relative to the reference rotation angle in the rotation angle of the workpiece detected by the detection device. The control device corrects the rotation angle of the fixture based on the rotation error so as to correspond to the rotation angle of the workpiece detected by the detection device when the robot transfers the workpiece to the fixture.

A modular robotic snake-arm assembly is described which is animated principally by an articulated drive shaft that threads the length of the snake-arm. The articulated drive shaft is driven by a motor in the fixed base. One or more clutch mechanisms in each segment couple with the articulated drive shaft so as to cause all snake arms further from the base to reorient in either one or two angles, in either direction. Snake-arm segments can be coupled end-to-end to form a robotic snake arm of great length.

A variable stiffness actuator comprises a flexure plate which comprises a first cantilevered beam that extends inwards from an outer periphery of the flexure plate. A housing and the flexure plate rotatable about a common joint axis. A first contactor is pivotably secured at a revolute joint to the housing. The first contactor rotates about the revolute joint at a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis offset on the housing from the joint axis. The first contactor engages the first cantilevered beam at a variable angle about the rotation axis to adjust a stiffness of a mechanical connection between the flexure plate and the housing.

A medical manipulator includes: an insertion portion, an end effector, a bend restraining unit, a position detector, an operation unit, a first drive unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to generate the first drive signal based on an output and the position of the bend restraining unit which is detected by the position detector. The output is output from the operation unit that operates the bending portion.

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.

The invention relates to a construction robot (10) for performing work on a building element (12), comprising a mobile platform (14), a lifting device (16), which is arranged on the mobile platform (14), and a power tool (17), which is arranged on the lifting device (16) and in which a tool (18) can be received. It is characterized in that the construction robot (10) is configured to align the tool (18) obliquely to a surface normal (N) of a building element (12) on which work is to be performed, at an angle of incidence (alpha). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method (1000). The invention enables construction tasks to be carried out in a particularly flexible way.

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 work machine unit includes: a support member assembled to an end effector connection part of an operating machine; a work machine part assembled to one end of the support member; and a linear guide disposed at another end of the support member across its connection to the end effector connection part from the support member, arranged in parallel to an axial direction of the work machine part, and configured to abut against a work object or its peripheral structural object. Further, the linear guide is passed through a through-hole formed in the support member, and the support member is configured to move in the axial direction of the work machine part as guided by the linear guide.

Positioning assemblies for use with a robot include a gimbal assembly having a gimbal's rotational center is positioned directly above a center of gravity of a payload. One or more linear counter masses and/or one or more rotating masses (flywheels) can be provided, and each can include an actuator or brake to control forces acting between the counter masses and/or flywheels and the payload and stabilize the payload during and after movement of the payload with the robot.

Wafer handling robots are provided that are configured to provide high wafer placement accuracy. Such robots utilize rotational drive transfer mechanisms as well as rotational encoders that are located at each rotational joint, as opposed to solely at the motor outputs.