A method for operating a robotic joint of a robotic system comprising selectively operating a clutch mechanism of a clutched joint module in an engaged state to cause a quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an elastic state, the clutched joint module operating about and defining a joint of the robotic system. The method comprising effecting a first rotation of the joint to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to store energy during at least a portion of the rotation of the joint. The method comprising effecting a second rotation of the joint and causing the stored energy from the quasi-passive elastic actuator to be released in the form of an augmented torque applied to an output member of the clutched joint module. The method comprising selectively operating the clutch mechanism in a disengaged state to cause the quasi-passive elastic actuator to enter an inelastic state. The method comprising effecting a third rotation of the joint, wherein the quasi-passive elastic actuator facilitates a free swing mode of the clutched joint module and the joint.

The present invention relates to a joint assembly (1) for a robot (100), comprising a housing (26) connected with an output part (8), the housing comprising a housing wall (26A), a strain wave gearing system (90) comprising a wave generator (7), a flexspline (13), and a circular spline (36) connected to the output part (8), wherein the wave generator (7) is rotated by a rotor shaft (3), the rotor shaft being driven by an electric motor (140) comprising a stator (15) and a rotor magnet (16), the rotor magnet (16) being affixed to the rotor shaft (3), and wherein the joint assembly (1) further comprises a rotor brake (30) configured to stop/prevent relative movement between the rotor shaft (3) and the flexspline (13), and sensors arranged to measure the position of the housing (26) in relation to the output part (8). Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a robotic arm (100) comprising a joint assembly according to the present invention and to the use of the joint assembly according to the present invention.

A clutched joint module comprising an output member and an input member rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation; a primary actuator operable to apply a primary torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation; and a clutch mechanism operable between an engaged state and a disengaged state to facilitate application of the primary torque. The clutch mechanism can comprise a plurality of plates and an actuator operable to compress the plurality of plates to cause the clutch mechanism to function in the engaged state. The actuator can be a ball-ramp clutch device. A quasi-passive elastic actuator can be coupled to the input member and can be operable, via the clutch mechanism, to release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member. Associated methods and systems are disclosed.

The invention relates to an improved robotic arm apparatus and associated method which improves a robot configured in a delta arrangement. The robotic arm apparatus is arranged with three substantially identical movable arm assemblies connected together with three linear actuators in a triangular configuration such that each end of each linear actuator has at least one translational degree of freedom.

A robot joint controlling method includes: receiving a motion command; determining one or more joint servos that are needed to execute the motion command; and determining whether the one or more joint servos are in an occupied state, and if not, executing the motion command so as to control the one or more joint servos to operate accordingly.

A non-destructive inspection system is presented. The non-destructive inspection system comprises a robotic end effector having an extendable actuator and a flange-mounted roller containing an ultrasonic sensor, the flange-mounted roller connected to the extendable actuator by a pivot connection, the extendable actuator configured to extend the flange-mounted roller until the flange-mounted roller contacts an inspection surface.

Disclosed herein are multi-turn drive assemblies, systems and methods of use thereof. The multi-turn drive assemblies enable a robot link member to have a maximum rotation of at least 360 degrees about an axis. The multi-turn drive assemblies can be incorporated into a robot arm for enabling 360 degrees rotation of one or more link members about an axis. The robot arm may be located in a transfer chamber of an electronic device processing system. Also disclosed are methods of controlling the multi-turn drive assemblies and related robots.

A joint assembly for a robot, comprising a housing connected with an output part. The housing comprising a housing wall and a strain wave gearing system. The strain wave gearing system comprising a wave generator, a flexspline, and a circular spline connected to the output part. The wave generator is rotated by a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is driven by an electric motor comprising a rotor magnet and a stator. The rotor magnet being affixed to the rotor shaft. The joint assembly further comprises one or more sensors comprising one or more magnetic field sensors and one or more pole rings arranged to measure a position of the output part in relation to the housing.

A sorting system and a gripping tool thereof to be mounted on a handling device for handling pieces cut out from planar sheets are disclosed. The gripping tool includes: an engaging head interchangeably paired with an operating end of a displaceable handling device: an actuator mounted on the engaging head, including at least a first actuator unit; and attaching and coupling units having attaching and coupling devices, mounted on the engaging head. The attaching and coupling units are mounted on a frame including at least four rods articulated together through respective hinges arranged on a lying plane. The attaching and coupling devices are arranged on a plane parallel to the lying plane. The articulated frame being supported on the engaging head. The first actuator unit drives at least one of the rods of the articulated frame by rotation around at least one of the hinges on the lying plane.

The invention relates to a handling device for handling objects, including a base unit which extends overall in an elongate manner along a base axis from a first end to a second end, wherein a flange portion is arranged at the first end for fastening the handling device to a robot arm and wherein a pivot unit having a pivot portion is arranged at the second end, wherein the pivot portion is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis by means of a pivot joint, wherein the base unit has a pneumatic cylinder which is designed to pivot the pivot portion about the pivot axis, and including a couplable or coupled, pneumatically operated end effector for gripping an object, wherein the base unit includes an integrated negative-pressure generator and is constructed as a structural unit with its own module housing, wherein the module housing is designed to extend in an elongate manner along the base axis and in particular surrounds the pneumatic cylinder and the negative-pressure generator.