A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects and directing the plurality of objects toward an input area from at least one input conveyance system, acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at the input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, and moving the acquired object toward an identified processing location using the programmable motion device. The identified processing location is associated with the identifying indicia and the identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing locations along a first direction. The step of moving the acquired object includes moving the programmable motion device along a second direction that is substantially parallel with the first direction.

An automatic fryer system includes a fry basket; a fryer unit having a fry vat for housing heated cooking oil and receiving the fry basket; the fryer unit including a rear wall having a fry basket hooking member located thereon for parking the fry basket; a horizontal drive system for moving the fry basket in a horizontal direction; a vertical drive system, operatively connected to the horizontal drive system, for moving the fry basket in a vertical direction; an end effector for grasping and holding the fry basket; a food product loading unit for loading food product into the fry basket; and a controller, in operational communication with the horizontal drive system; the vertical drive system, and the end effector, to control a location and an orientation of the fry basket.

A waste sorting robot gripper comprises a suction cup engageable with the surface of a waste object. The suction cup has an air hole for evacuating air from the suction cup. A suction tube is coupled to the suction cup. The suction tube comprises a longitudinal axis. A first air inlet is in fluid communication with the air hole at one end of the suction tube and an air outlet at the other end of the suction tube. A path of the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The suction tube comprises a second air inlet in fluid communication with an air source, the second air inlet being between the first air inlet and the air outlet.

The invention relates to mechanical arm material distribution equipment capable of realizing consistence between a whole-body texture and surface decoration patterns of a ceramic tile and a control method thereof. The mechanical arm material distribution equipment consists of a block-shaped pattern material distribution mechanism assembly, a texture pattern material distribution mechanism assembly, and a press which are arranged in order. The control method comprises the following steps: (1) supplying power to start the mechanical arm material distribution equipment; (2) detecting whether a material level signal exists; (3) if YES, stopping operating stepless variable speed motors; (4) if NOT, operating the stepless variable speed motors; (5) detecting again whether a material level signal exists; (6) if YES, stopping operating the stepless variable speed motors; (7) if NOT, operating the stepless variable speed motors; and (8) repeating steps (2)-(7) until the equipment stops.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to food preparation systems and associated automated gantry systems. An example automated food preparation system may include a housing that supports one or more baskets therein and a gantry system. The gantry system may include a retrieval arm and a drive system operably coupled with the retrieval arm. The drive system may cause movement of the retrieval arm in at least two directions relative to the housing. In operation, the retrieval arm may engage a basket and cause movement of the basket about the housing. In some instances, an ejection mechanism is provided that receives the basket from the retrieval arm and causes removal of the contents of the basket.

A system and device for recording the distance from a distance indicator to a sample over time to generate a 3D profile of the sample.

An autonomous drone system is provided. The autonomous drone system may comprise a drone station for automatically connecting a drone to the station for recharging. The automatic connection comprises determining a position of the drone on a platform of the station, rotating the platform based on the determined position, positioning an arm of the station in line with a connection port of the drone, and extending the arm towards the drone for connecting an end of the arm to the connection port of the drone.

A waste sorting robot gripper comprises a suction cup engageable with the surface of a waste object. The suction cup has an air hole for evacuating air from the suction cup. A suction tube is coupled to the suction cup. The suction tube comprises a longitudinal axis. A first air inlet is in fluid communication with the air hole at one end of the suction tube and an air outlet at the other end of the suction tube. A path of the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The suction tube comprises a second air inlet in fluid communication with an air source, the second air inlet being between the first air inlet and the air outlet.

A system comprising: a database configured to store a multi-body model of a robot, the robot comprising a plurality of manipulators, and a plurality of joints and plurality of actuators and actuator motors configured to move the joints, and wherein the multi-body model includes a kinematic and geometric model of each manipulator, a catalog of models for objects to be manipulated, the models comprising a current configuration and a target configuration, and a functional mapping of sensory data to configurations of the robot and the manipulators needed to manipulate the objects; at least one hardware processor coupled with the database; and one or more software modules that, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, receive sensory data from within a constrained space, identify objects in the constrained space based on the received sensory data and the catalog of models, determine a target pose for the joints and the manipulators based on the sensory data and the current and target configurations associated with the identified object, and compute joint space positions to necessary to realize the target pose.

A robot comprising a chopstick, configured for at least four degrees of freedom of movement, a stiff body of shape and proportions approximate to a pool cue; an electromagnetic actuator, comprising a motor, for each degree of freedom of movement coupled with the stiff body, wherein the functional mapping from each actuator's motor current to torque output along an axis of motion is stored, and used in concert with a calibrated model of the robot for effective impedance control; and a 6-axis force/torque sensor mounted inline between the actuators and each chopstick.