Systems and methods of a robotic arm coupling for connecting a tool with a robotic arm are disclosed. In an embodiment, the robotic arm coupling includes: a mounting interface for mounting the robotic arm coupling on a robotic arm; a coupler interface on which differently actuated tools are releasably and interchangeably coupled; a fluid inlet port connected to an external fluid source to receive a pneumatic fluid; a plurality of interface fluid ports; at least one valve in fluid a communication with the fluid inlet port and settable to at least a first and a second operating state; and a suction device configured to apply a fluid suction pressure to an interface fluid port when a fluid pressure is provided to the suction device.

A cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a robot cleaner and a station. The robot cleaner includes a pad fixing part on which a cleaning pad is detachably mounted, a lifter to lift a part of the robot cleaner at which the pad fixing part is positioned, and a pad detacher to detach the cleaning pad mounted on the pad fixing part. The station includes a pad storage box in which a cleaning pad that is to be provided to the robot cleaner is stored, a pad coupling part on which a cleaning pad that is to be coupled to the robot cleaner is rested, and a pad supplier to supply the cleaning pad stored in the pad storage box to the pad coupling part.

Magnetic coupling mechanisms for robotic arm end effectors are disclosed. In particular, a magnetic coupling mechanism couples a detachable tool, such as a suction gripper, to a tool changer base of a robotic arm tool of an end effector. Magnetic coupling between the robotic arm tool and the detachable tool allows for breakaway when a sufficient force is applied to the robotic arm tool and/or the detachable tool to separate the two. The decoupling may be achieved via a tool rack. An exemplary system for coupling a detachable tool to a motion device includes a first magnetic ring affixed to a distal end of the motion device, where an inside of the first magnetic ring forms a first hollow chamber; and a second magnetic ring affixed to a proximal end of the detachable tool, where an inside of the detachable tool forms a second hollow chamber.

Devices, systems, and methods for automatically exchanging a first end-effector on a robot arm with a second end-effector housed in a docking station. The first end-effector has a clamp that either engages or disengages the robot arm based upon an application of force of the robot arm onto the end-effector. The clamp has a spring loaded clip that disengages the first end-effector to allow the robot arm to move away from the released first end-effector. The robot arm is configured to automatically move to a port of a docking station housing the desired second end-effector using magnetic coils on the robot arm and the docking station to guide the robot arm.

A prosthetic attachment for a prosthetic limb. A base is attached to the prosthetic limb. The base has a magnet that is surrounded by base valleys and base peaks. An attachment piece is attached to the prosthetic attachment. The attachment piece also has a magnet that is surrounded by attachment piece valleys and attachment piece peaks. The magnetic force between the base magnet and the attachment piece magnet attracts the prosthetic attachment to the prosthetic limb so that the base peaks and valleys mates with the attachment piece peaks and valleys for a secure removable attachment. In a preferred embodiment a locking device is used to further secure the prosthetic attachment to the prosthetic limb. In a preferred embodiment the prosthetic attachment is a prosthetic hand and the prosthetic limb is a prosthetic arm.

A robotic system includes a robotic arm, a robotic end-effector detachably coupled to the robotic arm, and a control system. The robotic end-effector includes a locomotion device to move the robotic end-effector independent of the robotic arm, and the control system configured to control the robotic arm and the robotic end-effector to detach and attach the robotic arm and the robotic end-effector.

A robotic end effector quick change coupling apparatus employs a drive motor assembly having a center drive interface. A coupling component having a magnetic element extends from the drive motor assembly concentric with the center drive interface. An end effector tool has a drive connection adapted to removably receive the center drive interface. A mating coupling component having a mating magnetic element extends from the end effector tool concentric with the drive connection. The magnetic element and mating magnetic element are separably engaged by mutual magnetic attraction to couple the end effector to the drive motor assembly.

A quick change end effector system for use with a robot includes: a quick change end effector configured for application to a task to be completed by a robot, the quick change end effector further comprising an end effector magnet; and a robotic manipulator configured to lock to the end effector, the robotic manipulator further configured to use the end effector to complete the task, the robotic manipulator comprising a manipulator magnet, the manipulator magnet being configured to magnetically attract the end effector magnet, thereby locking the manipulator in a mechanically strong connection to the quick change end effector, wherein upon disengagement of the magnetic attraction locking the manipulator to the quick change end effector, the quick change end effector can be quickly removed from the manipulator.

A robotic end effector quick change coupling apparatus employs a drive motor assembly having a center drive interface. A coupling component having a magnetic element extends from the drive motor assembly concentric with the center drive interface. An end effector tool has a drive connection adapted to removably receive the center drive interface. A mating coupling component having a mating magnetic element extends from the end effector tool concentric with the drive connection. The magnetic element and mating magnetic element are separably engaged by mutual magnetic attraction to couple the end effector to the drive motor assembly.

A device for harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed involves a robotic aim configured to interchangeably deploy one of a plurality of different suction grippers, each of the suction grippers having a suction cup having a size and shape profile appropriate for gripping a cap of a mushroom, the cap having a size and shape profile within a predetermined range. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction gripper supplies negative air pressure to the suction gripper for retaining a cap of the mushroom to be harvested in the suction cup. A control circuit in electronic communication with the suction gripper and the vacuum source is configured to automatically adjust the negative air pressure in the suction gripper in response to harvesting requirements during a mushroom harvesting process. A few standard mushroom shapes have been identified, which permits suction cup designs that maximize contact between the suction cups and the mushroom caps, which permits minimizing the strength of the vacuum needed to harvest the mushrooms.