A gripper head is for a robotic gripping system. The gripper head body has an attachment section and a tool section defining an attachment region for a tool. The attachment section is configured to attach the gripper head body to a mount of a robot. The gripper head body has a first port at the attachment section and a second port at the tool section. The gripper head body defines an internal channel mutually connecting the first port and the second port. The internal channel is configured to pass air between the first port at the attachment section and the second port at the tool section.

A robot configured to use a gripper to grasp one or more tools is disclosed. In various embodiments, the robot comprises a robotic arm having a gripper disposed at a free moving end of the robotic arm, and a set of two or more tools configured to grasped or otherwise engaged by the gripper. Each tool in the set of two or more tools may be disposed in a corresponding tool holder, optionally attached to the robot or situated near the robot. The robot is configured to use the gripper to retrieve a selected tool from its tool holder to perform a task; use the tool to perform the task; and return the tool to its tool holder.

A multiple mounting robotic tooling assembly (10) includes a base mount (12) for mounting with a robot. The base mount (12) includes a plurality of receptacles (32), each for receiving a tool stem. One or more tool stems (14) each coupled with one of the plurality of receptacles (32) to mount a tool to the base. One or more tool mounts (16) each couples with one of the one or more stems (14). The one or more tool mounts (16) receive a tool for conducting an operation.

The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.

A food product handling device is provided. The food product handling device can include a movable loading head having a plurality of rails and a vacuum system operatively associated with the head. In addition, a plurality of suction devices carried by the head and configured to pick up and transport a food product as the head is moved can be provided. A plurality of mounting blocks can be slidably coupled to the rails where at least one suction device is coupled to each mounting block. An actuating device can be operatively associated with the mounting blocks such that each mounting block is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

A buffer block apparatus for securing a node may be described. The buffer block apparatus may include a first surface having disposed thereon at least one first zero-point feature configured for a first zero-point interface with a robotic assembly apparatus; and a second surface, different from the first surface, configured to connect with a first surface of a node and form a first rigid connection between the buffer block apparatus and the node, wherein the buffer block apparatus provides at least one reference coordinate system with respect to the node.

Disclosed is a packaging robot for articles such as beverage containers or the like. The packaging robot comprises a bridge (3) as well as at least two tool holders (5) arranged at the bridge (3), wherein the at least two tool holders (5) arranged on the bridge (3) are each movable along the bridge (3) and can each accommodate a tool head (7). It is provided that at least one tool holder (5) of the at least two tool holders (5) arranged at the bridge (3) is optionally able to be equipped with a particular tool head (7) adapted to the particular packaging process to be performed. It is also provided that the at least one tool holder (5) of the at least two tool holders (5) can switch into a standby mode while remaining at the bridge (3) if the particular packaging process to be performed by the packaging robot does not require the at least one tool holder (5) to be equipped with a tool head (7).

The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

A plurality of first vacuum pads for suctioning a workpiece are directly or indirectly attached to a main body. A slider is configured to slide in an outward direction of the main body. When the slider slides to protrude in the outward direction of the main body while the first vacuum pads are suctioning the workpiece, a sensor detects an end portion of the workpiece. While the sensor detects the end portion of the workpiece and the slider is stopped, a second vacuum pad holds up the end portion of the workpiece by suctioning the workpiece at a position outside from positions at which the first vacuum pads suction the workpiece.