A computer system automatically selects robot end-effectors for pick-and-place applications using a model-predictive control algorithm. The system may select an end-effector to replace an existing end-effector in order to optimize (or at least increase) throughput. The system uses a predictive model of reward, where reward of each potential grasp for each end tool is parameterized by a deep neural network. The system may also use a variety of metrics to evaluate the performance of the tool-selection algorithm, and thereby improve performance of the system.

A Hardware Module for a robotic system includes at least one sensor for measuring an internal property of the Hardware Module, a communication unit for communicating with other Hardware Modules, a data storage unit and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to collect collected data, the collected data including: status data representing the current status of the Hardware Module; and operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module wherein at least part of the collected data is determined from sensor data from the at least one sensor, and the embedded controller is configured to perform at least one of: storing the collected data on the data storage unit; and transmitting the collected data via the communication unit.

The invention relates to a surgical system for cutting an anatomical structure (F, T) of a patient according to at least one target plane defined in a coordinate system of the anatomical structure, comprising: (i) a robotic device (100) comprising: —an end effector (2), —an actuation unit (4) having at least three motorized degrees of freedom, configured for adjusting a position and orientation of the end effector (2) relative to each target plane, —a passive planar mechanism (24) connecting the terminal part (40) of the actuation unit (4) to the end effector (2); (ii) a tracker (203) rigidly attached to the end effector (2), (iii) a tracking unit (200) configured to determine in real time the pose of the end effector (2) with respect to the coordinate system of the anatomical structure, a control unit (300) configured to determine the pose of the end effector with respect to the target plane and to control the actuation unit so as to bring the cutting plane into alignment with the target plane.

In an embodiment, a method during execution of a motion plan by a robotic arm includes determining a voice command from speech of a user said during the execution of the motion plan, determining a modification of the motion plan based on the voice command from the speech of the user, and executing the modification of the motion plan by the robotic arm.

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.

In an embodiment, a method and system use various sensors to determine a shape of a collection of materials (e.g., foodstuffs). A controller can determine a trajectory which achieves the desired end-state, possibly chosen from a set of feasible, collision-free trajectories to execute, and a robot executes that trajectory. The robot, executing that trajectory, scoops, grabs, or otherwise acquires the desired amount of material from the collection of materials at a desired location. The robot then deposits the collected material in the desired receptacle at a specific location and orientation.

The present disclosure relates to a low mass system for releasably securing a robotic arm to a spacecraft and also securing various payloads to the robotic arm and to each other, permitting the robotic arm to be both moved from one location to another suitably equipped location on a spacecraft to another and to allow the free end of the robotic arm to be secured to any payload also similarly equipped such that this payload may be manipulated by the robotic arm.

Robotic systems are provided for flexibility in assembly operations. A robotic system includes a suction module having a front side with a face shaped to match a mating component and a rear side with a coupling for a suction line. Openings extend through the face. The suction module defines internal passages connecting the coupling with the at least one opening through the face. An end-effector has a base plate, a mounting plate selectively moveable relative to the base plate, and a clamp. The suction module is selectively mounted to the mounting plate and releasably secured by the clamp. An actuator is mounted to selectively move the mounting plate and the suction module relative to the base plate.

The present invention disclose a tool-holder (10) comprising a first part (10a) and a second part (10b), wherein a wedge shaped locking mechanism is arranged partly on a first surface of the first part (10a) operable to be joined with further parts of the wedge shaped locking mechanism arranged on a second surface of the second part (10b).

The invention relates to a demolition robot (1), comprising a robot arm (2) with a saw tool (3) with an exchangeable saw blade (5), wherein the saw tool comprises a rotatable spindle (4) with an end portion (4.1) and a saw blade comprising a hub (6), and the saw blade hub is releasably arranged on the end portion (4.1) of the spindle with a torque-transmitting connection (7), wherein a release mechanism (30) for automatic exchange of the saw blade (5) is arranged on the robot arm.