A robot hand guide device includes a first connection flange configured to connect the robot hand guide device to a tool flange of a robot arm, a second connection flange configured to fasten a tool to be handled by the robot arm to the robot hand guide device, and a transfer apparatus configured to transfer forces and torques between the first connection flange and the second connection flange. A sensor device attached to the transfer apparatus is configured to detect forces and torques transferred via the transfer apparatus. The robot hand guide device further includes at least a first connection element connected to the first connection flange and configured for detachably connecting a guide handle of the robot hand guide device to the first connection flange.

A coupling device is described herein for coupling two objects. The coupling device includes a body having a receiving member, a bore, and a locking pin situated inside the bore. The locking pin is translatable beyond the bore to intercept a portion of an attachment region of an object to removably couple the object to the coupling device. A lever connected to the locking pin allows a user to rotate the locking pin. Upon rotation of the lever, components in the body cause the locking pin to rotate and translate towards the object to intercept the portion of the attachment region of the object.

A method is provided. The method includes axially aligning a carrier portion of a separable robotic interface with a probe portion, the carrier portion coupled to a free end of a robotic arm, sliding the carrier portion over the probe portion in response to radially orienting a first alignment feature between the probe portion and the carrier portion, and in response compressing a spring-loaded plug in the carrier portion to release one or more ball bearings to make contact with an outer surface of the probe portion, the plug radially coupled to the carrier portion through a second alignment feature, seating the one or more ball bearings into matching recesses in the outer surface in response to sliding the carrier portion over the probe portion a predetermined distance, and rotating a locking ring of the carrier portion to axially lock the carrier portion to the probe portion.

Robots, including robot arms, can interface with other modules to affect the world surrounding the robot. However, designing modules from scratch when human analogues exist is not efficient. In an embodiment, a mechanical tool, converted from human use, to be used by robots includes a monolithic adaptor having two interface components. The two interface components include a first interface component cabal be of mating with an actuated mechanism on the robot side, the second interface capable of clamping to an existing utensil. In such a way, utensils that are intended for humans can be adapted for robots and robotic arms.

In one embodiment, a robotic system comprises: a robot comprising a robotic actuator and at least one robotic arm mechanically coupled to the robotic actuator; a suction gripper mechanism that comprises: a linear shaft element; an internal airflow passage within the linear shaft configured to communicate an airflow between an airflow application port at a first end of the linear shaft and a gripping port positioned at an opposing second end of the linear shaft; a suction cup assembly comprising a suction cup element coupled to the gripping port; and an actuator configured to rotate the linear shaft in order to articulate an orientation of the suction cup assembly.

A sterile interface module for coupling an electromechanical robotic surgical instrument to a robotic surgical assembly is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector and is configured to be actuated by the robotic surgical assembly. The sterile interface module includes a body member and a drive assembly. The body member is configured to selectively couple the surgical instrument to the robotic surgical assembly. The body member is formed of a dielectric material. The drive assembly is supported within the body member and is configured to transmit rotational forces from the robotic surgical assembly to the surgical instrument to actuate the surgical instrument to enable the surgical instrument to perform a function.

The invention relates to a change-over coupling, change-over device and checking or processing system, comprising: a clamping element for bracing with a corresponding clamping element on the change-over adapter, at least one electrical and/or optical plug connection element for connecting to at least one corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection element on the change-over adapter, and a fluid coupling element for connecting to a corresponding fluid coupling element on the change-over adapter. In at least one example, the fluid coupling element protrudes further in the direction of the connection with the change-over adapter than the electrical and/or optical plug connection element.

A clamp device for retaining a container in a container-handling apparatus, for example for retaining a drinks container in a container-handling apparatus of a bottling plant, includes two clamp arms which can be moved relative to one another, wherein at least one clamp arm has an interchangeable clamp jaw with a retaining portion for retaining the container which is to be retained, wherein the clamp jaw has a latching element for undergoing a form fit with a recess formed in the associated clamp arm. A clamp jaw and a container-handling apparatus are also described.

An apparatus comprises: a robotic arm and an end-of-arm attachment fixedly attached to the robotic arm, where the end-of-arm attachment comprises: a fixed portion of the end-of-arm attachment fixedly attached to the robotic arm which is adapted to receive exchangeable portions of the end-of-arm attachment; a first exchangeable portion of the end-of-arm attachment adapted to remove a cap from a container, retain the cap, and reinstall the cap on the container; and a second exchangeable portion of the end-of-arm attachment adapted to install a dispense head on the container and remove the dispense head from the container, where the dispense head is capable of dispensing a liquid-based material from the container. Methods of using the apparatus are provided.

In an embodiment, a method includes identifying a force and torque for a robot to accomplish a task and identifying context of a portion of a movement plan indicating motion of the robot to perform the task. Based on the identified force, torque, and context, a context specific torque is determined for at least one aspect of the robot while the robot executes the portion of the movement plan. In turn, a control signal is generated for the at least one aspect of the robot to operate in accordance with the determined context specific torque.