In an inherently safe robotic tool changer, a master unit couples to a tool unit via a first power source, and decouples from the tool unit using a separate, second power source. The second power source is only available when an attached tool is safely disposed in a tool stand. In embodiments where the first power source is not selectively applied, such as the constant bias provided by a spring, a detent mechanism maintains the master unit in a decoupled state when the master unit is removed from the tool unit. The detent mechanism allows the master unit to couple to a different tool unit upon physically abutting the new tool unit.

An attaching-detaching mechanism (23, 63) of a gripping device includes: a tubular support member (44, 84) provided to a movable member (3, 4) to protrude in the guide hole (24, 64); engagement members (46, 86) respectively inserted in support holes (45, 85) of the support member (44, 84) so as to be radially movable; an operation portion (49, 89) inserted in a guide hole (24, 64); wedge portions (50, 90) provided on an inner peripheral wall of the operation portion (49, 89); a connecting rod (53, 93) provided to protrude from a claw member (22, 62) and configured to be insertable into a tubular hole (51, 91) of the support member (44, 84); and a lock portion (56, 96) provided on an outer peripheral wall of the connecting rod (53, 93).

A robotic surgical system is provided that includes a robot connected to a computer system to help effect control of the robot. A tool is removably mounted to a distal end of a robot arm. The tool is adapted to selectively grip, move and drive an effector and a coupled fastener. The fastener is used in orthopedic surgery, and the effector is uncoupled from the fastener after it is inserted in a patient.

A separable robotic interface is provided. The separable robotic interface includes a carrier portion, configured to attach to a free end of a robotic arm, and a probe portion, configured to be attached to a toolhead. The carrier portion includes a spring-loaded plug, coaxial with and arranged to slide lengthwise within the carrier portion, one or more ball bearings, arranged within holes of the carrier portion, and an axial lock feature. The probe portion may include a probe, which includes one or more recesses on lateral exterior surfaces of the probe and configured to receive ball bearings in order to axially lock the carrier portion to the probe portion in response to the probe portion inserted a predetermined distance into the carrier portion and the axial lock feature is activated. The probe portion is further configured to radially align with the carrier portion in response to an alignment feature engages the carrier portion.

A lockbolt swage end effector incorporates a swage tool releasably engaged by a connector assembly to hydraulic operator carried in a frame. A two piece core-bolt operably connects the swage tool and the hydraulic operator through the connector assembly. A connection flange attaches the frame to a mating flange on a robotic manipulator.

A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe decoupling operation by only providing pneumatic fluid to a decouple port of a pneumatic coupling mechanism in the case that the tool changer is seated on, and properly aligned with, a tool stand. Pneumatic fluid to decouple the pneumatic coupling mechanism is routed from an air source to the tool stand. A pass-through in the tool stand returns the pneumatic fluid to a pneumatic path in the tool changer leading to a decouple port of the pneumatic coupling mechanism. Hence, the tool changer must be seated on the tool stand for the decouple port to receive pneumatic fluid to operate. Furthermore, a safety coupling is interposed on the pneumatic path between the tool stand and the decouple port. The safety coupling requires the tool changer to be seated on, and properly aligned with, the tool stand to effect the flow of pneumatic fluidotherwise, the pneumatic fluid is bled to the atmosphere.

Methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support techniques for material hand-off using a double-acting kinematic mount are described. A kinematic mount may be mounted between a flange of a robotic manipulator and with a tool for retrieval and placement of an object. The kinematic mount may include a first sub-component and a second sub-component, where a floating structure of the first sub-component may be coupled with a plate of the second sub-component by a preloading force (e.g., via one or more springs, magnets). The kinematic mount may be configured such that the floating structure may be decoupled from the plate of the second sub-component when a force greater than the preloading force is applied to a bottom plate of the first sub-component. The first sub-component may move independently of the second sub-component while decoupled, allowing the tool to align to the object during retrieval and placement.

A manually actuated end-of-arm tool (EOAT) changer is described. EOAT changer includes an external housing within which an inner cam ring is fixed in place and a rotatable cam ring surrounds the inner cam ring. The inner cam ring defines ball bearing retaining cavities that extend from an exterior of the inner cam ring to an interior; a single ball bearing is at least partially contained in each cavity. The rotatable cam has interior surface which defines bearing engagement teeth. Each tooth is positioned adjacent to one of the ball bearings so as to engage the ball bearing and bias the ball bearing toward the interior of the inner cam ring when the rotatable cam ring is rotated from an open stat to a closed state. A swing arm is engaged to the rotatable cam ring. A yolk is engaged to the external housing and positioned adjacent to the swing arm. When the swing arm is engaged to the yolk the changer is in the closed position.

A robotic tool changer in which the coupling mechanism is actuated using magnetic force is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a robotic tool changer may include a tool unit operatively connected to a robotic tool and a master unit operative to connect to a robotic arm. The master unit may include a housing and a piston. The piston may be disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to place the master unit in one of a coupled state and a decoupled state. Further, the master unit may be operative to assume the coupled state or the decoupled state in response to altering an orientation of magnetic fields to provide a first magnetic force that moves the piston to the coupled state or provide a second magnetic force that moves the piston to the decoupled state.

Methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support techniques for material hand-off using a double-acting kinematic mount are described. A kinematic mount may be mounted between a flange of a robotic manipulator and with a tool for retrieval and placement of an object. The kinematic mount may include a first sub-component and a second sub-component, where a floating structure of the first sub-component may be coupled with a plate of the second sub-component by a preloading force (e.g., via one or more springs, magnets). The kinematic mount may be configured such that the floating structure may be decoupled from the plate of the second sub-component when a force greater than the preloading force is applied to a bottom plate of the first sub-component. The first sub-component may move independently of the second sub-component while decoupled, allowing the tool to align to the object during retrieval and placement.