According to the present embodiment, a control device of a conveyor system controls a moving device and a suction device to suction the transport target article so that an approximate center of an opening of at least one suction unit is located on a first imaginary line, and remaining suction unit is located on one end side in a longitudinal direction of the transport target article with respect to the first imaginary line, controls a turning-over section to be in a front-back reversing orientation, and performs control so that suction of the transport target article by the suction units is released after the suction device is in the front-back reversing orientation.

A suction method is provided as a method of performing, by using a suction collet, suction of a Fabry-Perot interference filter including: a substrate; a laminated structure that is provided on the substrate and that includes a main surface facing a side opposite to the substrate; and a thinned portion that is located outside the laminated structure when viewed in a direction intersecting the main surface and that is recessed to a side of the substrate with respect to the main surface, the method including: a first step of arranging the suction collet so as to face the main surface; a second step of bringing the suction collet into contact with the Fabry-Perot interference filter after the first step; and a third step of suctioning the Fabry-Perot interference filter by using the suction collet after the second step.

A multi-zone end effector assembly is described in the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the multi-zone end effector assembly comprises a manifold that comprises a first interior chamber and a second interior chamber. A first port connects to the first interior chamber, and a second port connects to the second interior chamber. A first compression cup region can be connected to the first interior chamber. The first compression cup region is in air connection with the first port. The first compression cup region is configured to be independently activated in order to create a first vacuum zone. A second compression cup region is connected to the second interior chamber. The second compression region cup is in air connection with the second port. The second compression cup region is configured to be independently activated in order to create a second vacuum zone.

A system including a programmable motion device and an end effector for grasping objects to be moved by the programmable motion device is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum source that provides a high flow vacuum such that an object may be grasped at an end effector opening while permitting a substantial flow of air through the opening, and a dead-head limitation system for limiting any effects of dead-heading on the vacuum source in the event that a flow of air to the vacuum source is interrupted.

A robotic leg includes a hip, a first pulley attached to the hip and defining a first axis of rotation, a first leg portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, a second pulley rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the first leg portion and defining a second axis of rotation, a second leg portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a timing belt trained about the first pulley and the second pulley for synchronizing rotation of the first leg portion about the first axis of rotation and rotation of the second leg portion about the second axis of rotation. The first end portion of the first leg portion is rotatably coupled to the hip and configured to rotate about the first axis of rotation. The first end portion of the second leg portion is fixedly attached to the second pulley.

A lens manipulator that includes an over-sleeve with a suction cup and lumen therethrough that forms a pore in the suction cup and a rod opening at the opposite end for receiving an adjustment rod. Adjustment of the length of the adjustment rod in the lumen controls the amount of suction force generated under the suction cup against a contact lens. Removal of the adjustment rod from the lumen eliminates the suction force and acts as a safety release against excessive pull force on an eye when removing a contact lens.

A robotic food singulation system for providing individual food units in a predetermined arrangement from a whole raw food. A food preparation device outputs individual food units, one at a time, onto a conveyor belt. A programmed processor computes an identity score for the food unit, and evaluates a singulation quality based on characteristics from various sensors or cameras aimed at the conveyor and food unit. The system instructs a robotic arm to pick up the food unit and distribute it in a predetermined arrangement on a target substrate, optionally, with a jawless gripping and release assembly. The target substrate may be a storage device or another food item itself depending on the food assembly instructions. Related methods are also described.

An apparatus for picking up and positioning an item includes a vacuum assembly capable of applying a suction force to the item. The apparatus further includes an item engaging plate positioned adjacent the vacuum assembly in a first position for engaging with and picking the item. The engaging plate is moveable to a second position by one or more actuators that reduce a suction force experienced at the engaging plate to deposit or place the item. The one or more fans may additionally be controlled to limit a suction force generated during a disengagement operation where the item is being deposited or placed.

Various embodiments relate to magnetically moveable displacement devices or robotic devices. Particular embodiments provide systems and corresponding methods for magnetically moving multiple movable robots relative to one or more working surfaces of respective one or more work bodies, and for moving robots between the one or more work bodies via transfer devices. Robots can carry one or more objects among different locations, manipulate carried objects, and/or interact with their surroundings for particular functionality including but not limited to assembly, packaging, inspection, 3D printing, test, laboratory automation, etc. A mechanical link may be mounted on planar motion units such as said robots.

An apparatus for picking up and positioning an item includes a vacuum assembly capable of applying a suction force to the item. The apparatus further includes an item engaging plate positioned adjacent the vacuum assembly. The apparatus still further has a blocking member positioned adjacent the vacuum assembly. The blocking member is capable of interrupting the suction force. The blocking member is positionable in a first position allowing the item to be picked up and in a second position interrupting the suction force to assist disengagement of the item.