A robot includes a body, a first robotic arm physically coupled to the body, and a first discrete hydraulic system comprising a first plurality of hydraulic components. The first robotic arm includes a first end effector. The first hydraulic system is operable to control the first end effector. The first plurality of hydraulic components are integrated with the first robotic arm. In some implementations, the robot includes a second robotic arm physically coupled to the body, and a second discrete hydraulic system consisting of a second plurality of hydraulic components. The second robotic arm includes a second end effector. The second hydraulic system is operable to control the second end effector. The second plurality of hydraulic components are integrated with the second robotic arm. The second hydraulic system is hydraulically-isolated from the first hydraulic system.

One variation of a method for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: accessing a part model representing a part positioned in a work zone adjacent a robotic system; retrieving a sanding head translation speed; retrieving a toolpath for execution on the part defining positions, orientations, and target forces applied by the sanding head to the part. The method includes traversing the sanding head along the toolpath, at the sanding head translation speed; reading a sequence of applied forces from a force sensor coupled to the sanding head at positions along the toolpath; and deviating from the toolpath to maintain the set of applied forces within a threshold difference of a sequence of target forces along the toolpath. In one variation of the method, the robotic system executes a toolpath at a duration less than target duration by selectively varying target force and sanding head translation speed across the part.

Systems and methods to grasp objects using vacuum-actuated end of arm tools may include moving pistons, pinching or stabilizing arms, and suction cups. For example, responsive to application of negative pressure and responsive to grasping an object by a suction cup, a piston may move between a retracted position and an extended position. The movement of the piston may cause corresponding movement of one or more pinching or stabilizing arms around the object to pinch and/or stabilize the object grasped by the suction cup.

An exoskeleton system comprising at least one actuator unit that includes a fluidic actuator; an exoskeleton device including a fluidic system, and electronics; and a first cable extending from the exoskeleton device to the at least one actuator unit.

A method of operating an exoskeleton system that includes obtaining at an exoskeleton device, sensor data from one or more sensors; and determining, by the exoskeleton device based at least in part on the sensor data, one or more states, including one or more of: at least one state of the exoskeleton system; at least one state of a user wearing the exoskeleton system; and at least one state of a location where the user and exoskeleton system are located. The method further includes determining, by the exoskeleton device, a response based at least in part on the determined one or more states; and generating the response by the exoskeleton device causing actuation of the exoskeleton system.

An exoskeleton system comprising: one or more actuator units that comprise a fluidic actuator; an exoskeleton device; one or more cables, the one or more cables comprising a first cable extending from the exoskeleton device to a first actuator unit of the one or more actuator units; and a retractable cable assembly coupled to the first cable, with the retractable cable assembly configured to pull the first cable to reduce slack in the first cable.

An exoskeleton system that includes at least one actuator unit having an upper arm and a lower arm that are rotatably coupled via a joint and a fluidic actuator that extends between the upper arm and the lower arm.

Exemplary embodiments relate to pressurizable housings for a soft robotic actuator. The pressurized housings may be divided into an upper chamber in fluid communication with an internal void of the actuator, and a lower chamber connected to an inlet and an outlet. The upper chamber and lower chamber may be separated by a piston. By supplying a fluid to the lower chamber via the inlet, the piston is moved into the space previously occupied by the upper chamber, which reduces the volume of the upper chamber and increases the pressure in the internal void. This action allows the actuator to be rapidly inflated, and further simplifies the pressurization system and reduces its weight.

A soft robot hand includes a palm, a first fabric-reinforced textile actuator coupled to the palm, and a second fabric-reinforced textile actuator coupled to the palm. The first actuator is moveable relative to the palm between a collapsed position and an inflated position to approximate a joint in a first human finger. The second actuator is spaced apart from the first actuator. The second actuator is moveable relative to the palm between a collapsed position and an inflated position to approximate a joint in a second human finger.

A soft robot hand includes a palm, a first fabric-reinforced textile actuator coupled to the palm, and a second fabric-reinforced textile actuator coupled to the palm. The first actuator is moveable relative to the palm between a collapsed position and an inflated position to approximate a joint in a first human finger. The second actuator is spaced apart from the first actuator. The second actuator is moveable relative to the palm between a collapsed position and an inflated position to approximate a joint in a second human finger.