A robotic device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a first robotic device including a first articulated arm, a first clamping mechanism, and a blow-out portion. The first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping claw and a second clamping claw. The first clamping claw is attached to the first articulated arm, and has a first support surface. The second clamping claw has a second support surface to face the first support surface in a first axial direction orthogonal to the first support surface, and is configured to be movable in the first axial direction relative to the first clamping claw. The blow-out portion is provided to any one of the first clamping claw and the second clamping claw, and is configured to be capable of blowing out fluid in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction.

A bag supply system includes a bag accommodating unit having a holding member to externally support a bag bundle; and a bag supply device to which bags are supplied from the bag accommodating unit. The bag supply device includes a taking-out unit that takes the bag bundle out of the bag accommodating unit and carries the bag bundle to a depositing unit. The holding member supports the bag bundle in the state of exposing a part of one of a front surface and a back surface of each of a bag arranged on a frontmost side and a bag arranged on a backmost side of two or more bags included in the bag bundle. The taking-out unit takes the bag bundle out of the bag accommodating unit while holding the exposed part of the bag bundle supported by the holding member.

A melt spinning device for producing synthetic threads includes at least a spinneret apparatus, a cooling apparatus, a processing apparatus and a winding apparatus. An automatic operating device is provided for carrying out at least one operator action. The automatic operating device has at least one movable robotic arm, which can be coupled selectively to one of a plurality of exchangeable tools in order to selectively carry out a plurality of operator actions during a start-up and/or during a maintenance interval and/or during thread production. Thus, a high level of flexibility in the automated operation of the melt spinning device is ensured.

A fluid powered gripper can include a body, a bore, a first finger, a second finger, and a piston. The body can include a central bore coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the body. A bore fluid inlet can be fluidly coupleable to the central bore. The first finger can be rotatable about the body. The second finger can oppose the first finger and the second finger can be rotatable about the body. The piston can be disposed in the central bore. The piston can be powered by a fluid to move between a first position and a second position. The first finger and the second finger can be closed in the first position and open in the second position.

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.

An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

An end effector for a robotic arm is disclosed. The end effector includes a grasping apparatus having a gripping member and an appendage extending from the gripping member forming a channel between the griping member and the appendage. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an article, such as a latch for a container, to be manipulated by the end effector.

A method of making an actuator having a complex internal shape includes providing a core of a shape that defines an internal cavity of an actuator; molding an actuator around the core, wherein the core occupies the internal cavity of the actuator, the cavity having an opening; generating a pressure differential between an exterior surface of the actuator and the internal cavity of the actuator, wherein the external pressure is less than the internal pressure, to expand the actuator cavity; and removing the core through the opening of the expanded actuator cavity.

A data-center-module relocation device may include a plurality of interchangeable end effectors, including at least one module relocation effector that is dimensioned to hold data-center modules. The device may also include a robotic arm with a distal end adapted to switch between the plurality of interchangeable end effectors and select the module relocation effector as an active end effector for the robotic arm. In addition, the device may include an actuator that moves the robotic arm to cause the robotic arm to relocate, from one location in a data center to another location in the data center, a data-center module held by the module relocation effector. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

A bag stocker that holds a plurality of bags to be supplied to a bag supply device, includes: a body portion provided to be movable; a plurality of bag accommodating units supported by the body portion; and a holding member which is provided in each of the plurality of bag accommodating units and supports a bag bundle including two or more bags, wherein each of the plurality of bag accommodating units is supported by the body portion to be movable in the body portion between an accommodating position and a withdrawing position where each of the plurality of bag accommodating units protrudes in comparison with each of the plurality of bag accommodating units arranged at the accommodating position.