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 tool for positioning a workpiece with a surgical robot. The tool comprises a mount adapted to attach to the surgical robot. A first assembly is provided and extends along an axis. A pivot bearing is coupled to the mount and supports the first assembly for rotation and translation about the axis and for at least partial articulation relative to the mount. A second assembly is provided and comprises an interface adapted to attach to the workpiece. One of the first assembly and the second assembly comprises a coupler and the other of the first assembly and the second assembly comprises a receiver shaped to engage the coupler to align the second assembly and the first assembly along the axis.

An apparatus for automated contact tasks and a related method are described. The apparatus includes a mechanical interface for connecting the apparatus to a manipulator, a holder for receiving a tool and being movable in relation to the mechanical interface, at least one actuator for positioning the holder in relation to the mechanical interface, a sensor unit that senses the actuator force provided by the at least one actuator, and a control unit that sets the actuator force to a desired minimum force to press the holder against a stop, while there is no contact between the tool and a surface, and detects contact when the holder moves in relation to the mechanical interface in opposition to the direction of the desired minimum force. The control unit further regulates the actuator force according to a pre-programmed contact force time-characteristic, when contact between the tool and the surface has been detected.

A rotary joint, including: a hydraulic follow-up mechanism and a rotary transmission mechanism. The hydraulic follow-up mechanism includes a cylinder body, a valve sleeve, a valve core, a valve body, a left end cover and a right end cover. The rotary transmission mechanism includes a tray, a stabilizing ring, a follow-up disk, a torque transfer disk and a stable supporting wheel mechanism. The left end cover and the right end cover are arranged at the left and right ends of the cylinder body, respectively. The valve body is concentrically mounted in a cylindrical hollow chamber of the cylinder body. The output shaft at the right end of the valve body projects out of the right end cover. The right end of the valve core is provided with a valve core torque transfer shaft extending rightwards through the right end of the valve body.

A sensor apparatus includes a main body, counter body movable relative to the main body, and a plurality of sensor devices for the output of sensor signals, the sensor devices each including at least one sensor and at least one target area. The sensors are disposed on one of the bodies, and the target areas are disposed on the other body. The sensors are developed for detecting the target areas in each case. The sensor apparatus further includes an evaluation device developed to determine from the sensor signals a relative position, in three translational degrees of freedom and in three rotational degrees of freedom, between the counter body and the main body.

A passive compliance mechanism includes a fixing member, a base and a stiffness adjustment assembly. The base is installed on the fixing member, and includes two notches and an elastic slice. A first end of the elastic slice is connected with the base. A second end of the elastic slice is located near the outer periphery of the fixing member. The stiffness adjustment assembly includes a linear guide, a sliding block and two stopping blocks. The linear guide is installed on the fixing member. The sliding block is movably installed on the linear guide. The two stopping blocks are disposed on the sliding block and synchronously moved with the sliding block. The two stopping blocks are contacted with two opposite sides of the elastic slice to clamp the elastic slice. A stiffness of the base is adjustable according to a clamped position of the elastic slice.

A rotary-type series elastic actuator (SEA) for use in robotic applications. The SEA including a motor, gear transmission assembly, spring assembly, and sensors. In one example, a robotic joint may include the SEA as well as two links coupled with each other at the joint assembly. The two links may be designated as input and output links. Each link may have a joint housing body which may be concentrically connected via a joint bearing so that they freely rotate against each other. The housing frame of the SEA may be fixed at the joint housing body of the input link while the output mount of the spring assembly of the SEA may be concentrically coupled with the joint housing body of the output link. The rotation of the motor rotor causes the rotation of the output link with respect to the input link plus spring deflection of the spring assembly. When an external force or torque are applied between the two links, a control action of a control loop may cause a rotation and motive force of the motor that lead to the deflection of the spring assembly to balance with the external force/torque and inertial force from body masses moving together with the links.

A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

A handling apparatus for conducting in-field operations such as removing and/or installing wear parts on earth working equipment along a controlled path. The apparatus can include a crane, a joint having three axes of articulation and a tool.

A paddle assembly is disclosed for holding an object during manufacture i.e., in a manufacturing environment. The paddle assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate, together forming a paddle having a longitudinal axis and defining a groove configured to engage the object on a peripheral edge thereof and seat the object along the longitudinal axis and a first pin between the first and second plates adjacent the groove, the first pin configured to align the object within the groove along the longitudinal axis.