The present disclosure generally relates to 3D-architected soft machines with topologically encoded actuation, and methods of making and using the 3D-architected soft machines.

Actuation systems and methods for actuating a telescopic structure are provided. The actuation system can include a chain cartridge including a drive chain engageably coupled to a drive mechanism actuated by an actuator coupled to a power supply. The drive chain can include a plurality of inter-connected links conveying at least one cable within an interior space of each inter-connected link. The system can also include a telescopic structure including a plurality of segments configured to extend and retract telescopically and conveying the drive chain therein. The drive chain can couple to a distal segment of the plurality of segments. The drive mechanism can impart a linear translation force on the plurality of inter-connected links to cause the distal segment to extend or retract from the telescopic structure. Methods of actuating the actuation system described herein are also provided.

Cable-driven robotic platform systems and methods of operation are disclosed. The system includes a robotic platform suspended by a system of overhead cables, motorized cable reels and pulleys. A master control computer coordinates operation of the motorized cable system as a function of sensor data captured by navigation sensors on-board the platform so as to move the robotic platform inside an industrial plant. The system is configured to maneuver around pipings and avoid obstacles in the plant in order to maximize the effective workspace that the robotic platform can reach to perform operations including inspection or repair. Additionally, a robotic “wire jacket” device can be attached to suspension cables and configured to crawl along a cable. The wire-jacket can be selectively positioned on a cable to provide an intermediate cable suspension point that improves platform mobility within congested spaces and avoids obstacles.

A robot includes a power source and a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit an output of the power source. The power transmission mechanism includes a fixed member, a first pulley configured to rotate around a first axis with respect to the fixed member, a second pulley disposed to be separated from the first pulley and configured to rotate, with respect to the fixed member, around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a belt wound around the first pulley and the second pulley and configured to transmit the rotation of one of the first pulley and the second pulley to another, a restricting member including a restricting section disposed to be opposed to the belt with a gap in a portion where the first pulley and the belt mesh with each other, and a screw having a center axis along the first axis and configured to fix the restricting member to the fixed member. The restricting member rotates around the center axis to thereby change a separation distance between the restricting section and the belt in a plan view from a direction extending along the first axis.

A robotic surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft; an end effector element; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft for articulating the end effector element, the articulation comprising a first joint permitting the end effector to adopt a range of configurations relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the first joint being driveable by a first pair of driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft, comprising: a chassis formed from the securement of a first chassis portion to a second chassis portion, wherein the first pair of driving elements are secured relative to the chassis, the chassis portions being configured to be secured together by sliding the chassis portions relative to each other in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic manipulator includes an end effector assembly having one or two end effector members, each having a distal treatment end, a proximal end, and a tendon pass-through. Each end effector member is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of pulley members that, when assembled define an annular tendon pathway that is between the pulley members and that is aligned with the pass-through. For each end effector member, a tendon having a distal loop portion ends through the tendon pass-through, with its legs passing proximally from the pass-through, extending in opposite directions around the tendon pathway and proximally through the instrument's shaft.

A vibrating actuator includes a vibrator and a contact body. The vibrator includes an elastic body and an electrical-mechanical energy transducer. The contact body is long in a predetermined direction and contacts the vibrator. The vibrator and the contact body are relatively moved in the predetermined direction by vibration of the vibrator. An end portion of the long contact body is covered with a viscoelastic body circumferentially with respect to the predetermined direction.

A robot hand includes: a first link; a first fixed pulley and a second fixed pulley, respectively provided at a proximal end pivot part of the first link and rotatable around a first axis; a second link, supported at an intermediate pivot part by the first link to be rotatable around a second axis; a lever link, supported by the proximal end pivot part of the first link to be rotatable around the first axis; a lever pulley, supported by the lever link; a hanging cable, hung on the first fixed pulley, the lever pulley, and the second fixed pulley; a conversion mechanism, connecting the lever link and the second link, and converting rotation of the lever link into rotation of the second link; and a second link driving mechanism, rotating the lever link around the first axis by pulling the hanging cable.

A robot joint device including first and second plates positioned in parallel, links each having a first end connected to the first plate and a second end connected to the second plate, connecting members configured to connect the two first and second ends of each of the links and the first and second plates, respectively, so that angles and rotations of the links are adjustable relative to the first and second plates, a rotary shaft having two ends penetrating the first and second plates and rotatably installed, a gear reduction unit installed in the first plate and connected to the first end of the rotary shaft, and a pulley connected to the second end of the rotary shaft and configured to transmit driving power to the rotary shaft may be provided.

A motorized module for a modular robotic structure comprises a housing, a first wheel, a second wheel, an elongated structure mounted to the first and second wheels and configured to rotate the first and second wheels. A driver is mounted to the housing between the first and second wheels. A leadscrew is mounted to the housing between the first and second wheels. A transmission drivingly connecting the driver to the leadscrew. A connector is coupled to the leadscrew and configured to move longitudinally along the second longitudinal axis in response to a rotation of the leadscrew, the connector being attached to the elongated structure.