According to an embodiment, a manipulator includes the following elements. The first joint has a rotation axis in a first direction crossing a gravity direction. The second joint has a rotation axis in a second direction crossing the first direction. The first arm and the second arm are coupled with the second joint along a third direction crossing the second direction. The variable center-of-gravity unit coupled with the first arm. The controller controls the variable center-of-gravity unit to perform an operation for moving the first weight of the variable center-of-gravity unit in a direction crossing the rotation axis of the first joint and/or an operation for moving the second weight of the variable center-of-gravity unit in a direction crossing the rotation axis of the second joint.

A robot having a spherical casing, a weight driving mechanism, and a rotating mechanism is provided. The robot further includes a control circuit that controls the weight driving mechanism and the rotating mechanism is also provided. The control circuit is configured to, when responding to an input instruction received from a user, based on a predetermined processing that requires a predetermined amount of time or more to respond to an input instruction by a user input via an input device, cause the weight driving mechanism to be rotated to where a guide path of the weight driving mechanism is positioned to be orthogonal to an advancing direction by a set of driving wheels. The control circuit is further configured to cause the weight to be reciprocally move along the guide path that is positioned orthogonal to the advancing direction, during the predetermined processing.

Positioning assemblies for use with a robot include a gimbal assembly having a gimbal's rotational center is positioned directly above a center of gravity of a payload. One or more linear counter masses and/or one or more rotating masses (flywheels) can be provided, and each can include an actuator or brake to control forces acting between the counter masses and/or flywheels and the payload and stabilize the payload during and after movement of the payload with the robot.

A robot includes a spherical housing, a frame disposed in the housing, and a display that displays at least a facial feature of the robot. The robot further includes a set of driving wheels that are in contact with an inner surface of the housing to rotate the housing, and a weight driving mechanism that causes a weight to move along a predetermined axis. Also, the robot includes a power supply that is externally charged and supplies electric power to the set of driving wheels and weight driving mechanism, and a control circuit that stops rotation of the set of driving wheels and moves the weight along the predetermined axis to correspondingly move the display vertically.

A robot hand capable of reducing the load moment applied on the wrist of the robot hand in lifting an article includes a base, a first hand arm, and a second hand arm. The first hand arm is mounted on the base, includes a holding part configured to hold the article, and is configured such that the holding part is movable between a first distal position away from the base in a first direction, and a first proximal position close to the base more than the first distal position. The second hand arm is mounted on the base, includes a counter balancer weight, and is configured such that the counter balancer weight is movable between a second distal position away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a second proximal position close to the base more than the second distal position.

According to an embodiment, a manipulator includes the following elements. The first joint has a rotation axis in a first direction crossing a gravity direction. The second joint has a rotation axis in a second direction crossing the first direction. The first arm and the second arm are coupled with the second joint along a third direction crossing the second direction. The variable center-of-gravity unit coupled with the first arm. The controller controls the variable center-of-gravity unit to perform an operation for moving the first weight of the variable center-of-gravity unit in a direction crossing the rotation axis of the first joint and/or an operation for moving the second weight of the variable center-of-gravity unit in a direction crossing the rotation axis of the second joint.

Load manipulating device (1) including a load manipulator (10) including at least two segments (13, 18) articulated with respect to each other, comprising a boom segment (13) that is similarly articulated on a frame (12) and a balance segment (18) which comprises an end intended to receive a load (20) to be manipulated, the load manipulating device (1) including balancing means (41, 23, 24) such that the load manipulator (10) is stable in any position, whether or not bearing the load, and guidance means (50, 60, 70) distinct from the balancing means for constraining the position of the load manipulator (10).

A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.

Example systems and methods for self-righting a robotic device are provided. An example method may include determining an orientation of a bottom surface of a legged robotic device with respect to a ground surface. The method may also include determining that the robotic device is in an unstable position, based on the determined orientation. The method may also include performing a first action configured to return the robotic device to a stable position. The method may also include performing a first action configured to return the legged robotic device to the stable position. The method may also include performing a second action configured to return the legged robotic device to the stable position, if the legged robotic device is in the unstable position after the first action.

The present invention provides a torque-free robot arm, comprising: a base unit; and a first link in which one end is rotatably connected to the base unit to form a first joint as a rotary shaft horizontal to the ground and the center of gravity is separated from the first joint, wherein the first link includes one end arranged at the first joint, the other end arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first link, and a first counter balancer for compensating the gravity of the first link when the first link is rotated around the first joint.