A system and method for identifying a shape and pose of an object is provided. The system includes a controller and a grasping device. The grasping device includes a plurality of fingers that are moveable relative to a base. The fingers include one or more tactile sensors attached thereto. The tactile sensors are configured to collect data, such as a 2D image or 3D point cloud, based on points of contact with the object when the object is grasped. The grasping device is configured to roll the object within the fingers and collect additional data. The controller may combine the data and determine the shape and pose of the object based on the combined data.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible tactile sensor includes a conductive target positioned in a first plane, a tool holder coupled to the conductive target configured to receive a tool, at least three coils forming an array within a second plane, the second plane spaced apart from the first plane, a pliable material coupling the conductive target to the at least three coils, and an electronic device electrically coupled to each of the at least three coils, the electronic device configured to induce an AC signal within each of the at least three coils and measure a change in inductance in the at least three coils in response to movement of the conductive target.

Example implementations relate to punch-in transitions to smoothly transition operation of parts of a robotic system from control tracks to real-time input, such as to smoothly transition a control track rotating a knob at a handheld controller to real-time input received at the handheld controller. Similarly, example implementations relate to punch-out transitions to smoothly transition operation of parts of a robotic system from real-time input to control tracks, such as to smoothly transition from the real-time input received at a handheld controller to a control track rotating a knob at a handheld controller. In particular, an example system may include a handheld haptic controller, a control system, and a robotic component.

A mechanical hand mimics a human hand having similar degrees of freedom and sensory abilities while appearing visually similar to human hand. The mechanical hand comprises a mechanical hand skeleton and resilient elastomer (e.g., silicone) skin that fully encloses the mechanical hand skeleton. The mechanical hand skeleton may advantageously be molded directly into the resilient elastomer (e.g., silicone) skin such that the hand appears, moves, and feels very similar to a real human hand. The mechanical hand may have applications in robotics, for example as an end-of-arm tool or end effector, or may have other applications. Robotic applications may include prosthetics applications.

A robot includes a mover, a determiner, and a controller. The mover moves the robot. The determiner determines a touch type by a predetermined object. The controller controls the mover so as to move the robot close to the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is petting, or so as to move the robot apart from the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is to hitting.

A parting device and a parting method are provided, in particular for trimming workpieces (2), in particular solar modules. The parting device has a multi-member (12, 13, 14, 15) programmable robot (6) which is in the form of a tactile robot, in particular a force/torque-regulated robot. The robot guides a parting tool (8) which is in the form of a knife.

A sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The sensor includes a substrate, a projecting portion including a plurality of projections that protrude upwardly from an upper portion of the substrate, and an electrode portion covering the projections and the upper portion of the substrate between the projections. The projecting portion of the sensor has micro projections to enable the sensor to sense pressure and a sliding movement.

Deformable sensors and methods for modifying membrane stiffness are provided. A deformable sensor may include a membrane coupled to a housing to form a sensor cavity. The deformable sensor may further include a rotational element having an adjustable vertical position and a modifiable rotation. The rotational element may be supported at a base of the sensor cavity. The rotational element may be configured to establish and withdraw contact with respect to the membrane to modify stiffness of the membrane. The rotational element may further be configured to modify stiffness of the membrane by withdrawing the rotational element from the membrane.

A value associated with a plurality of measurement objects that are embedded in a material associated with an intermediate layer of a plurality of layers associated with a tactile sensing unit is sensed. The value associated with the plurality of measurement objects is sensed by a sensor that is included a layer below the intermediate layer of the tactile sensing unit. An output of the sensor is used to make a determination associated with engagement of a robotic arm end effector with an item.

Provided are methods and systems for remotely controlling of robotic platforms in confined spaces or other like spaces not suitable for direct human operation. The control is achieved using multi-modal sensory data, which includes at least two sensory response types, such as a binocular stereoscopic vision type, a binaural stereophonic audio type, a force-reflecting haptic manipulation type, a tactile type, and the like. The multi-modal sensory data is obtained by a robotic platform positioned in a confined space and transmitted to a remote control station outside of the confined space, where it is used to generate a representation of the confined space. The multi-modal sensory data may be used to provide multi-sensory high-fidelity telepresence for an operator of the remote control station and allow the operator to provide more accurate user input. This input may be transmitted to the robotic platform to perform various operations within the confined space.