A manufacturing system includes an industrial robot having a robotic arm and a robot hand attached to the robotic arm, and a work station having an instrument provided with a grip to be gripped by the robot hand.

The invention relates to a finishing device for removing the weld bead generated during welding of a window or door frame or frame section at the mitered surfaces, wherein the finishing device comprises a support surface for the frame or frame section and a processing arm for supporting a tool holder, and the processing arm consists of a plurality of arm elements that move in hinged fashion relative to one another but can also be fixed in place, wherein the tool holder comprises at least two cutting tools driven by a rotational drive, said tools rotating about a tool axis and at least one tool laterally next to the blade of the tool, contact sides.

A system and method for a self-contained modular manufacturing device having self-contained modular tools configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing may provide a base by which additional modules may be mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, individual processors disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system.

Multifunction end effector apparatus and methods for assembling thermoplastic composite articles are disclosed. An example apparatus for assembling a thermoplastic composite article includes a robot and an end effector coupled to the robot. The end effector includes a cutting head, a vacuum head, and a welding head.

A system and method for using locally stored historical performance data with a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system. Further, historical data may be locally stored and retrieved to tailor the functioning of the modular device.

A system and method for using locally stored historical performance data with a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system. Further, historical data may be locally stored and retrieved to tailor the functioning of the modular device.

A polishing apparatus connected to a robot arm and used to polish a workpiece includes a bracket, a polishing assembly, and a positioning assembly. The polishing assembly is mounted on the bracket and includes a driver and a polishing plate connected to the driver. The driver is capable of driving the polishing plate to rotate, and defines an annular positioning groove around the spin axis. The positioning assembly includes a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate mounted on the bracket and opposite to the first positioning plate. The first positioning plate and the second positioning plate are clamped into two sides of the positioning groove, whereby the driver is clamped between the first positioning plate and the second positioning plate.

A device for harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed involves a robotic arm configured to interchangeably deploy one of a plurality of different suction grippers, each of the suction grippers having a suction cup having a size and shape profile appropriate for gripping a cap of a mushroom, the cap having a size and shape profile within a predetermined range. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction gripper supplies negative air pressure to the suction gripper for retaining a cap of the mushroom to be harvested in the suction cup. A control circuit in electronic communication with the suction gripper and the vacuum source is configured to automatically adjust the negative air pressure in the suction gripper in response to harvesting requirements during a mushroom harvesting process. A few standard mushroom shapes have been identified, which permits suction cup designs that maximize contact between the suction cups and the mushroom caps, which permits minimizing the strength of the vacuum needed to harvest the mushrooms.

Provided is an apparatus capable of transporting a rotor from a first location to a second location, including: a holding device for engaging with a portion of the rotor at the first location so as to hold the rotor relative to the apparatus; a position determination device for determining the position of at least one component part of the rotor relative to another component part of the rotor or another body; a positioning device for positioning or repositioning said at least one component part of the rotor relative to another component part of the rotor or another body; and a movement device for moving the rotor from the first location to the second location. Also described is a method of loading a rotor into a balancing machine.

A system and method for a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing may provide a base by which additional modules may be mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of controlling the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system.