A clutched joint module of a robotic system comprising an output member operable to couple to a first support member; an input member operable to couple to a second support member; a primary actuator operable to apply a primary torque to the output member to rotate the first and second support members relative to one another about an axis of rotation of the clutched joint module; a quasi-passive elastic actuator coupled to the input member and operable to apply an augmented torque to the output member that combines with the primary torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation; and a clutch mechanism operably coupled to the primary actuator and the quasi-passive elastic actuator operable in an engaged state or a disengaged state to actuate and deactivate the quasi-passive elastic actuator and to facilitate application or removal of the augmented torque.

A horizontal articulated robot includes a base; a first arm coupled to the base and configured to turn around a first axis, a second arm coupled to the first arm and configured to turn around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a third arm coupled to the second arm and configured to turn around a third axis parallel to the first axis and move along the third axis, a supporting section provided in the second arm and configured to support the third arm, and a force detecting section provided between the second arm and the supporting section and configured to detect force applied to the third arm.

A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm coupled to the base and configured to turn around a first axis, a second arm coupled to the first arm and configured to turn around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a third arm coupled to the second arm and configured to turn around a third axis parallel to the first axis and move along the third axis, a motor provided in the second arm and configured to drive the third arm, and a force detecting section provided between the motor and the second arm and configured to detect reaction generated by driving the motor.

A swing mechanism according to the present invention includes: a first swing member that swings about a first swing shaft; a second swing member that is provided in the first swing member and that swings about a second swing shaft; a traction pulley that is supported by the second swing member and that rotates about a rotational shaft; a fixed pulley that rotates about the second swing shaft; and a wire that is looped around the fixed pulley and the traction pulley. On both sides of the traction pulley, tensions are generated in the same directions by a traction force applied to the other end of the wire. The traction pulley is disposed at a position at which the tensions in the wire acting on the rotational shaft brings about a moment for causing the second swing member to swing.

A knee structure of a robot in which a torque needed for an actuator bending a knee is kept small, when bending the knee shallowly. A leg includes a thigh, a lower leg disposed below the thigh, a knee joint bendably connecting the thigh with the lower leg, and a rubber member attached to the thigh and the lower leg so as to be across the thigh and the lower leg, with a slack when the leg stands straight. A restoring force caused by the rubber member is given to the thigh and the lower leg, when the leg is bent deeply so that the rubber member is stretched.

A wrist joint, such as for a surgical instrument, may include a first disc, a second disc adjacent the first disc, a drive tendon connecting the first disc and the second disc. The first disc and the second disc may include respective opposing gear features that intermesh with one another. The first disc and the second disc may further include opposing load bearing surfaces. In response to tensioning the drive tendon, the first and second discs rotate relative to each other. The first and second discs may have a maximum rotational range of motion greater than about +/45 degrees relative to each other.

An arm assembly includes a servo coupled to the chest of the robot, an upper arm driven by the servo, a forearm rotatably coupled to the upper arm, and a forearm transmission member comprising a first end rotatable with respect to the chest and a second end coupled to the forearm. The upper arm, the forearm and the forearm transmission member are arranged in such a way that the forearm rotates when the upper arm rotates with respect to the chest.

A tunable actuator joint module of a robotic assembly comprises an output member and an input member, where the output member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A primary actuator (e.g., a motor) is operable to apply a torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation. A quasi-passive elastic actuator (e.g., rotary or linear pneumatic actuator) comprising an elastic component is tunable to a joint stiffness value and is operable to selectively release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member and to minimize power consumption of the primary actuator. The tunable actuator joint module comprises a control system having a valve assembly controllably operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state during respective portions of movement of the robotic assembly (e.g., a hip or knee joint of an exoskeleton). Associated systems and methods are provided.

A robot arm according to the present invention includes: a shoulder joint assembly which is connected to an upper arm portion, and includes a drive unit for generating driving power; an elbow joint assembly which is provided between the upper arm portion and a forearm portion, and operates by being supplied with driving power from the drive unit; and a wrist joint assembly which is provided between the forearm portion and a hand portion, and operates by being supplied with driving power from the drive unit.

Embodiments relate to robotic arm assemblies. Robotic arm assembly includes an arm segment and end-effector assembly. Arm segment includes an elongated body which forms an arm segment central axis. End-effector assembly is securable to the arm segment. End-effector assembly includes an instrument assembly and first gear assembly. Instrument assembly includes an instrument and instrument gear. Instrument forms an instrument central axis. Instrument is for performing an action. Proximal end of instrument is secured to the instrument gear. First gear assembly includes a first primary gear and protrusion portion. First primary gear includes a second central axis formed through the first primary gear. Second central axis intersects with first central axis, instrument central axis, and arm segment central axis. Protrusion portion is secured to the first primary gear, and includes an opening. A portion of the proximal end of the instrument is provided in the opening and rotatable within the opening.