Omni-directional, extensible grasp mechanisms are disclosed. Such grasp mechanisms may be used as a robotic end effector for docking, grasping, and manipulating space structures, or to interconnect other structures or vehicles. Novel interconnected lattice structures may enable large arrays to be assembled. The grasp mechanisms may be used to create structures from parallel docking linkages. This may enable reconfiguration of multiple docked space vehicles and/or structures without the use of propellant. The grasp mechanisms have the ability to make and break connections multiple times, enabling a nondestructive and reversible docking process.

The invention relates to a gripping device (1) and a method for the monitored movement of objects (2), preferably sheet metals, comprising a system control (3) configured for processing object data (31) and controlling a gripping module (4), wherein the gripping module (4) has at least two gripping jaws (5) formed to cooperate with one another, which form an intermediate receiving space (6) for receiving at least parts of an object (2) to be monitored and transported, and the gripping jaws (5) are formed such that, by applying a pre-definable clamping force (7), at least a friction-type connection between the gripping jaws (5) and at least parts of the object (2) is made possible, whereby the object (2) is movable, and at least one sensor element (8) for collecting object data (31) of the object (2) to be moved and monitored, wherein the at least one sensor element (8) is arranged on at least one gripping jaw (5) with its sensor region (9) facing the receiving space (6), and is formed such that it detects, by means of at least temporary collection of the object data (31), a relative movement and/or relative velocity (26) of the object (2) with respect to at least one of the gripping jaws (5).

[Problem] Provided is a link mechanism capable of moving a tip end part substantially straight by using a simpler structure. [Solution] A link mechanism including a first parallel link mechanism having a fixed link and an intermediate link parallel to each other, and a pair of side links parallel to each other, a second parallel link mechanism having a fixed link and an intermediate link parallel to each other, and a pair of side links parallel to each other, in which the fixed link is connected to the intermediate link of the first parallel link mechanism, a fixed structure that is formed including the intermediate link of the first parallel link mechanism and the fixed link of the second parallel link mechanism, and a coupling link that couples one of the side links of the first parallel link mechanism and one of the side links of the second parallel link mechanism.

A class of robots specifically adapted to climb periodic lattices. These “relative robots” are designed for a specific lattice structure and use the regularity of the structure to simplify path planning, align with minimal feedback, and reduce the number of degrees of freedom (DOF) required to locomote. These robots can perform vital inspection and repair tasks within the structure that larger truss construction robots cannot perform without modifying the structure. A particular embodiment is a robot designed to traverse a cubooctahedral (CubOct) cellular solids lattice using only two motions: climbing and turning.

A rotary actuator includes: a housing including an interior space in which a vane is disposed; and a cover that is attached to the housing and covers the interior space. An annular seal groove having a triangular cross-sectional shape is formed between the housing and the cover in a manner to surround the interior space, and an outer sealing member is inserted in the seal groove.

A two-stage insertion system including a gripper to grip a module, a compliance element to provide movement in the XY axis, a first stage insertion control to insert the module into a socket, to a first level, and a second stage insertion control to complete the insertion of the module into the socket, when the first stage insertion control indicates that the module is aligned to the socket, the second level insertion control exerting enough force to complete the insertion of the module into the socket.

A gripper multi-tool for an underwater vehicle comprises one or more mechanical gripper jaws; a motor; a torque controller operatively in communication with the motor; a cathodic protection (CP) probe disposed on at least one mechanical gripper jaw; a tool interface operatively connected to the motor and configured to selectively receive and/or discharge a tool selected from a plurality of tools; and a power source operatively in communication with the plurality of tools, the torque controller, and the motor. Gripper multi-tool is deployed subsea, such as via an underwater vehicle, and receives and engages a tool selected from a plurality of tools into the tool interface which, once engaged and effectuated, is used to perform a predetermined function. When the predetermined function has completed, the tool may be disengaged and removed from the tool interface and replaced with a further tool to perform a further function.

A hand section 40 includes a hand base section 40a attached to a link section, a first finger section 40b provided to extend in a direction non-parallel with a direction toward a tip end portion from a base end portion of the hand base section 40a, from the tip end portion of the hand base section 40a, and a camera 40f provided at a side surface of the hand base section 40a, and capable of imaging a sideward of the hand base section 40a.

Disclosed is a self-lifting robot with multi-jointed arm. The robot includes a multipart housing, a traction drivetrain capable of generating translational and rotational motion of the self-lifting robot on a working surface, and a deployment hook configured to release from a storage hanger, thus depositing the self-lifting robot onto the working surface, and configured to re-attach to the storage hanger, thus lifting the self-lifting robot off of the working surface. The robot also includes a multi jointed arm, and a grabber disposed from a free-rotating wrist joint at a distal end of the multi-jointed arm, and configured to grab, hold, and release one or more target objects.

A gripper device includes a base and two gripping assemblies, each including a gripping member, a stand, and an elastic member. The gripping member includes a gripping portion and a supporting portion. The stand is movably disposed to the base and includes a connecter and a supporter. The supporting portion is pivotally connected to the supporter at a position between the gripping portion and the connecter so that the gripping member is pivotable relative to the stand. Two opposite ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the supporting portion and the connecter. When one of the gripping portions touches an object, the gripping member pivots relative to the corresponding stand. Therefore, gripping a target may not be interrupted by interference objects around the target.