An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

A device for selectively picking up and depositing articles to an automatic warehouse, comprising: a support plane (2), for the temporary support of an article (A); a temporary support (3), for the temporary support of a tray (V) intended to contain a predetermined number of articles (A); a manipulator (4,5), structured to grasp and release an article (A) and to translate the article (A) between the support plane (2) and the temporary support (3). The manipulator (4,5) comprises a first pickup element (4) and a second pickup element (5), movable independently of each other along a transverse direction (Y).

According to an embodiment, a transfer apparatus includes a gripper, a first driving mechanism, an elastic passive joint part, a conveyor, a second driving mechanism, and base. The gripper grips an article. The first driving mechanism linearly moves the gripper in at least two directions including a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The elastic passive joint part is interposed between the gripper and the first driving mechanism, and operates in accordance with an operation of the gripper. The conveyor conveys the article. The second driving mechanism linearly moves the conveyor in the at least two directions, and is connected to the conveyor. The base supports the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism.

A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. An apparatus may include: a plurality of shelf units. Each shelf unit extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to receive articles, and the second end may be configured to present articles for retrieval in a retrieval position. Each of the plurality of shelf units is arranged with a respective second end facing a retrieval area. Each of the plurality of shelf units is inclined with the first end being lower than the second end. The apparatus may also include a retrieval device comprising an end-of-arm tool. The retrieval device is disposed within the retrieval area and configured to attach the end-of-arm tool to an article in a retrieval position of each of the plurality of shelf units.

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.

A data-center-module relocation device may include a plurality of interchangeable end effectors, including at least one module relocation effector that is dimensioned to hold data-center modules. The device may also include a robotic arm with a distal end adapted to switch between the plurality of interchangeable end effectors and select the module relocation effector as an active end effector for the robotic arm. In addition, the device may include an actuator that moves the robotic arm to cause the robotic arm to relocate, from one location in a data center to another location in the data center, a data-center module held by the module relocation effector. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head configured to discharge a composite material including a matrix and a plurality of continuous reinforcements. The system may also include a weave mechanism configured to selectively adjust a pattern of weaving of the plurality of continuous reinforcements occurring inside of the head.

A cleaning robot includes an arm including a distal end portion to which a brush is attached, the arm extending in a first direction parallel to a horizontal direction, a driver connected to the arm, the driver including a first mechanism that moves the arm in the first direction, a second mechanism that moves the arm in a second direction parallel to a vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third mechanism that moves the arm in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and second direction, a controller configured to switch the orientation of the distal end portion between an orientation for cleaning a first target face of the object and an orientation for cleaning a second target face of the object, the first target face facing the first direction, the second target face facing the second direction.

The disclosed system may include a group of information technology racks, where (1) each of the information technology racks stores information technology device modules, (2) the group of information technology racks are arranged such that interior faces of the information technology racks define a vertical column of space enclosed by the group of information technology racks, and (3) the information technology racks ventilate air heated by the information technology device modules from the interior faces of the information technology racks into the vertical column of space such that the heated air is contained within the vertical column of space.

A method for point-to-point path planning of a manipulator robot with up to 6 degrees-of-freedom via a dual vision system aims at generating a rest-rest path and corrects it with a high precision through closed-loop pick and place path planning. The path is corrected and aligned with the desired path as soon as different visual feedbacks such as the position and orientation of the pick nests, the placement nests, and the workpiece (part) are observed via the dual vision system. The introduced path planning method is a comprehensive online approach that benefits from: (i) An advantageous path definition based on multiple coordinate systems, (ii) An online path planner with three correction procedures that corrects the pose of the workpiece with respect to the robot, to the desired path and to the placement nest.