A gripping mechanism includes a holder, a gripping roller, and a downward pushing section. The holder houses the gripping roller. The downward pushing section pushes downward on an object gripped between the holder and the gripping roller. Preferably, the downward pushing section has a first downward pushing mechanism, a second downward pushing mechanism, and a third downward pushing mechanism. The first downward pushing mechanism protrudes from a ceiling surface among inner surfaces of the holder. The second downward pushing mechanism and the third downward pushing mechanism protrude from respective surfaces opposite to the object among outer surfaces of the holder.

In one embodiment, a robotic end effector configured to mount to a robotic manipulator includes gripping elements configured to grasp objects, a drive mechanism configured to open and close the gripping elements, a central controller configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the gripper elements, the central controller hosting a control program that enables control of the end effector independent of the robotic manipulator, and at least one of a forward-facing ultrasonic distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the gripping elements and an object to be grasped, and a forward-facing camera mounted between the gripping elements configured to capture video data of an object to be grasped.

In variants, a method for robot control can include: receiving sensor data of a scene, modeling the physical objects within the scene, determining a set of potential grasp configurations for grasping a physical object within the scene, determining a reach behavior based on the potential grasp configuration, determining a trajectory for the reach behavior, and grasping the object using the trajectory.

A pair of grippers movable with respect to each other and each of which comprising a body presenting an annular ring oriented perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal length of the end effector. The annular ring of each gripper of the pair of grippers is oriented facing each other so that a space between the annular ring of each gripper of the pair of grippers increases and decreases as the pair of mounting blocks move laterally towards and away from each other.

An end of arm tool (EOAT) for use during manufacture of parts using one or more pre-impregnated composite plies is disclosed. In an embodiment, the EOAT includes a mechanical gripper arrangement with first and second fingers configured to supply a compressive force to grip a pre-impregnated composite ply therebetween. At least one of the first and second fingers include a roller member to engage opposite surfaces of the pre-preg ply and supply a compressive gripping force. The roller member on either or both the first and second fingers preferably include a torque regulator to selectively adjust an associated roller member's resistance to rotation via supply of a rotational torque resistance.

A gripper device and method is provided. The method includes capturing, using an electronic device, information of an object that is indicative of holding position; determining, using the information, by a hardware processor, an optimal holding orientation and an optimal movement of at least one of (i) a plurality of fingers, or (ii) a plurality of suction cups of a gripper device; identifying the at least one of (i) the plurality of fingers, and (ii) the plurality of suction cups as one or more grasping components based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement; and enabling, using an actuator, the one or more identified grasping components to grasp the object based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement.

A collar fastening system that includes a collar fastening tool, and a collar loading assembly coupled to the collar fastening tool. The collar loading assembly includes a loading arm that rotates into multiple positions and a holding member coupled to the loading arm. The loading arm positions the holding member between a loading position and an unloading position. The holding member includes an arcuate side wall and a vacuum opening defined in the arcuate side wall. The holding member receives a collar when at the loading position, and selectively holds the collar against the arcuate side wall with a retaining force provided by a vacuum applied via the vacuum opening. The loading arm provides the collar to the collar fastening tool when at the unloading position.

Various embodiments of a bio-inspired robot operable for detecting crack and corrosion defects in tubular structures are disclosed herein.

An elongated container has a convex shape with a bulge defining a center width of the elongated container. An apparatus and method for lifting the elongated container are described. The apparatus performs a pick operation from a front side of the elongated container. The pick operation includes approaching and gripping the elongated container from the front side. During the pick operation, an outer dimension of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to an elongated direction defined by the elongated container is smaller than the center width of the elongated container.

A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. A system may include: a grasping head; first and second grasping members, each grasping member comprising: a top member; a post member; and first and second grasping fingers, where the first and second grasping fingers extend from the post member and are spaced apart from the top member by a predetermined distance, where the first and second grasping members are connected to the grasping head, where at least one of the first and second grasping members is movably connected to the grasping head, where the at least one of the first and second grasping members is movable relative to the other of the first and second grasping members.