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.

Systems and method for an object from a plurality of objects are disclosed. An image of a scene containing the plurality of objects is obtained, and a segmentation map is generated for the objects in the scene. The shapes of the objects are determined based on the segmentation map. An end effector is adjusted in response to determining the shapes of the objects. The adjusting the end effector includes shaping the end effector according to at least one of the shapes of the objects. The plurality of objects is approached in response to the shaping of the end effector, and one of the plurality of objects is picked with the end effector.

A robot system of the present invention includes: a first hand including first holders, a first link structure, and a first engager; a second hand including second holders, a second link structure, and a second engagement receiver; a first arm to which the first hand is connected; a second arm to which the second hand is connected; and a controller configured to perform: (A) operating the first arm and/or the second arm to engage the first engager with the second engagement receiver; and (B) operating the first arm to change a distance between the first holders after performing (A).

A transfer device for transferring eggs from a conveyor belt to egg packaging, the transfer device includes a frame with at least one mounting plate of a mounting element, on which mounting plate a plurality of suction lifting elements that can be connected to a suction apparatus are mounted. The suction lifting elements are mounted on the mounting plate so as to be movable in the plane of the mounting plate by motorized or hydraulic means between a suction position and a release position.

An end effector for handling a sheet of flexible material. The end effector includes a support frame and manipulator assemblies, each attached to the support frame by a support mount. The manipulator assemblies include a holding tool having a lifting surface. The manipulator assemblies include a linear actuator, and the holding tool is connected to the linear actuator by a multiaxial joint. A drive provides—the displacement of the holding tool by the linear actuator. The end effector includes resilient members each rigidly affixed to two adjacent holding tools and positioned in a space providing a mutual distance between opposing faces of the adjacent holding tools, where each holding tool is connected to—adjacent holding tools—by the resilient members. The resilient members are configured to non-permanently deform in the space when adjacent holding tools are displaced relative to each other along displacement axes.

A centering device (1) for centering flat workpieces (700-706) comprises a centering station (100) having at least a first and a second gripping device (300, 301) for gripping the workpiece (700-706), and conveying means for conveying workpieces (700-706) in a conveying direction to the centering station (100). The first and the second gripping device (300, 301) can each be moved horizontally by a first and a second guiding device (200, 201), respectively, and the first and the second gripping device (300, 301) can rotate freely about an axis.

In the present disclosure, systems and apparatuses for enabling modular attachment of a plurality of devices are described. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a center rail having a distal end and a proximal end. The apparatus may further include a first flange coupled with the proximal end and a second flange coupled with the distal end. The apparatus may further include a collar disposed around the center rail and between the first flange and the second flange. The apparatus may further include at least one arm connected with the collar, and the at least one arm may be configured to connect with a modular attachment.

A connector (70) for mechanically connecting a device (2) to a robot (20), wherein the connector (70) comprises a first portion (74) configured to be attached to the robot (20) and a second portion (76) configured to be attached to a device (2) configured to be connected to the robot (20). The first portion (74) and the second portion (76) are detachably attached to each other by a first connection portion (1) constituting a rotational system comprising a pivot (116) about which the first portion (74) can rotate with respect to the second portion (76) and a second connection portion (1′) constituting a mechanical locking structure that prevents the first portion (74) and the second portion (76) from being detached from each other.

An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.

A method moves a stack of products by a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm to grip the stack of printed products and the stack of products selectively being turned. The method includes pivoting the stack of products through an effective angle α1< >180° and subsequently pivoting the stack through an effective angle α2=180°−α1 or pivoting the stack back through an effective angle α2=−α1. This method of moving stacks of products is performed in an automated way and in particular of depositing them in a turned or unturned arrangement.