A system, method, and apparatus for changing a set of old tools for a set of new tools may be presented. The system may comprise a crawler robot, a robotic arm, a tool changer, a vision system, and at least one of a tool rack or a storage area. The tool changer may be an end effector of the robotic arm. The tool changer may comprise a number of grippers and a number of movement assemblies. The number of grippers may perform at least one of moving a set of new tools to the crawler robot or removing the set of old tools from the crawler robot. The number of movement assemblies may be associated with the number of grippers. The vision system may be associated with at least one of the robotic arm and the tool changer.

An automated storage system for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure, which defines a storage volume, and a port which selectively connects the storage volume to the ambient space for deposit and retrieval of items. The system also includes a plurality of containers for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of containers in the storage volume. The containers feature a base, an envelope extending from the base, and an opening opposing the base and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base and envelope for containing at least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure. Finally, the system includes a one-sided attachment interface between the container and the support structure for removably attach the container to the support structure in the storage position, in which the opening of the container is above the base.

An automated insertion system for inserting or combining one or more fastener components with a molded part. The automated insertion system can handle multiple fastener components repeatedly, and do so faster and more safely than current processes.

An automatic pick-up equipment adapted to pick up components having different shapes includes a base mounted on a manipulator of a robot, a first pick-up device mounted on the base and including a pair of first gripping mechanisms opposite to each other, and a second pick-up device mounted on the base and including a pair of second gripping mechanisms opposite to each other and a rotation mechanism. The first gripping mechanisms are configured to linearly reciprocate relative to each other to grip a first component. The second gripping mechanisms are configured to pivotally reciprocate relative to each other to grip a second component. The rotation mechanism is configured to drive the second gripping mechanisms to rotate relative to the base to change a posture of the second component.

A dual-material vacuum cup for a vacuum-based end effector includes a bellows having a proximal end configured for connection to the end effector and a distal end. The bellows also defines a pathway for a flow of air. A lip is connected to the distal end of the bellows, the lip defining an opening in fluid communication with the pathway for the flow of air. An insert is then connected to a distal end of the lip, and the insert is in fluid communication with the opening defined by the lip. To engage parcels of various dimension and construction, the lip is composed of a first material (such as silicone rubber or another elastomeric material), while the insert is comprised of a second material (such as a foam material).

The invention relates to a manipulator having a manipulator arm (5) at the one free end (6) of which a manipulator flange (8) is provided on which an end effector (46) having an application device (9) for machining a workpiece (37) is held. The manipulator flange (8) is rotatable about hand axes (20, 21, 22). A first hand axis (20) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (18) of the manipulator arm (5), a second hand axis (21) extends transversely to the first hand axis (20) and a third hand axis (22) extends transversely to the second hand axis (21), wherein the hand axes (20, 21, 22) intersect one another in a common intersection point (26). A machining force (33) acting on the application device (9) is diverted into the manipulator arm (5) by way of the end effector (46). So that process forces occurring during a mechanical operation do not lead to an impairment of the machining pose of the manipulator arm (5), provision is made to fix the application device (9) to the manipulator flange (8) at an attachment angle (30) to the first hand axis (20) in such a way that a machining force (33) occurring at the application device (9) is diverted in a direction (31) towards the manipulator arm (5), which direction extends through the intersection region (25) of the hand axes (20, 21, 22).

A device for harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed involves a robotic aim 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.

A method of controlling a component handler includes acquiring and using calibration data. The component handler includes a calibrated actuator comprising a stationary part, a movable part, coil(s), and an actuating member, and a component holder comprising a distal end and an elastic member. The component holder is actuable from a resting to an extended position by the actuating member and in reverse by the elastic member. The calibration data is acquired by: bringing the actuating member into contact with an actuable portion of the component holder, moving the component holder in a position within the resting and extended position, measuring a required current in the coil(s) to maintain or move the component holder in the position, and determining the calibration data from the current, which is used to control the actuator such that the distal end applies a predetermined force on the component in a pick-up position.

A mechanical arm includes a body and an operating arm. The operating arm includes a connector connected to the body, as well as a first adapting part and a second adapting part which are connected to the connector. The first adapting part is configured to mount a first operating mechanism for opening and closing the socket. The second adapting part is configured to mount a second operating mechanism for grabbing and releasing a semiconductor device. After the first adapting part drives the first operating mechanism to open the socket, the second adapting part is able to drive the second operating mechanism to put the semiconductor device into the socket or take the semiconductor device out from the socket.

Equipment for packaging products, and re-packaging previously packaged products, for promoting use of the products. The products can be products for pharmaceutical or medical use, or the like, being in the form of a blister, containing respective pharmaceutical forms, i.e., in the form of packages, such as boxes, containing a respective article or a drug, i.e., in the form of other articles, by way of example vials, syringes for injections or other, inserted in corresponding containers, in the form of pouches, and being usable, in a re-packaged form, by corresponding entities, such as hospitals or the like, for the therapeutic treatment, especially of people. The equipment includes a device for loading the products, a device for discharging the products packaged by the equipment, and a controller for controlling the equipment. The loading device receives the products to be packaged in a random loading configuration.