There is provided an automated removal apparatus for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process. The automated removal apparatus includes a rotatable reel having a plurality of retractable vacuum panels attached around the rotatable reel. Each retractable vacuum panel has one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies, and each retractable vacuum pad assembly has a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve. The automated removal apparatus further includes actuator assemblies attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels, friction reducing elements attached around the rotatable reel, a drive assembly attached to the rotatable reel, and a pneumatic system attached to the rotatable reel and including a valve manifold operable to control an air flow to the actuator assemblies and to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic system camera calibration and localization using robot-mounted registered patterns. In one embodiment, an example robotic system may include a robotic manipulator, and a picking assembly coupled to the robotic manipulator, where the picking assembly is configured to grasp and release items, and where the picking assembly includes a housing having a first flat surface. Example robotic systems may include a first calibration pattern disposed on the first flat surface of the housing, a first camera configured to image the first calibration pattern, and a controller configured to calibrate the robotic system.

High precision end effectors for robots and adapters that provide attachment of the end effectors to a variety of robotic arms are disclosed. The combination provides for harmless break-away of the end effector on collision, and autonomous tool changer capability for mobile robots.

A suction pad includes: a pad main body which is hollow; an intake hole provided in the pad main body, the intake hole being for supplying a gas to an inside of the pad main body; a negative pressure generating hole provided in a bottom wall section on a side facing a suction object in the pad main body, the negative pressure generating hole being for generating a negative pressure between the bottom wall section and the suction object by jetting the gas flowing in from the intake hole; a negative pressure breaking hole provided in the bottom wall section, the negative pressure breaking hole being for breaking the negative pressure; a lid section that blocks the negative pressure breaking hole; and a drive section that, when releasing suction of the suction object, moves the lid section in such a manner that the negative pressure breaking hole opens.

A work transferring system includes a hand including a body and at least one attracting part configured to hold a work with a gap maintained between the work and a surface of the body by attracting the work to a distal end protruding from the surface; a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the work to a predetermined transfer destination by moving the hand, a work releasing member disposed above the transfer destination to which the transfer mechanism transfers the work and configured to release the work from the attracting part, and a lifting mechanism configured to move up and down the work releasing member or the work. The work releasing member includes a claw arranged in a substantially horizontal cantilever manner and having a shape that allows insertion of the claw into the gap.

A system and method for material handling are disclosed. The system includes a platform for receiving a plurality of articles, a plurality of sorting bins that each correspond to an article type, an object recognition system for identifying the article on the platform and categorizing the article by a specific article type, and an article engagement assembly. The object recognition system includes a 3D detector for detecting the article and a database containing data on characteristics of article types. The 3D detector is arranged to capture at least one two-dimensional image, and at least one depth image of the article. The article engagement assembly engages and delivers the article to the corresponding sorting bin. The object recognition system is arranged to identify the article based upon the data within the database and instructs the article engagement assembly to engage and place the article in the sorting bin.

A suction pad includes: a pad main body which is hollow; an intake hole provided in the pad main body, the intake hole being for supplying a gas to an inside of the pad main body; a negative pressure generating hole provided in a bottom wall section on a side facing a suction object in the pad main body, the negative pressure generating hole being for generating a negative pressure between the bottom wall section and the suction object by jetting the gas flowing in from the intake hole; a negative pressure breaking hole provided in the bottom wall section, the negative pressure breaking hole being for breaking the negative pressure; a lid section that blocks the negative pressure breaking hole; and a drive section that, when releasing suction of the suction object, moves the lid section in such a manner that the negative pressure breaking hole opens.

A kit is provided for a gripping apparatus. The gripping apparatus includes a body defining a chamber and an exhaust at a first end of the body. The gripping apparatus also includes an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The air conveyor is configured to generate an air flow through an inlet and out through the exhaust. The kit includes a plurality of gripper heads each configured to be attached to a second end of the body opposite to the first end. Each gripper head defines a respective interchangeable nest that is different among the plurality of gripper heads. Each gripper head is configured to locate and releasably hold one of a plurality of components based on the air flow generated within the chamber and discharged through the exhaust.

End effectors and a related method of actuating items are disclosed. The end effector comprises a bladder comprising a pliable body that defines an inner recess in fluid communication with the manifold via a first connection. The pliable body has a sealing surface at its distal end and defines a chamber. The bladder further comprises a material disposed within the chamber. The method comprises contacting an item to conform the sealing surface to a contour of the item, transitioning the bladder to a structural state having greater rigidity, applying a vacuum to the inner recess via the first connection, and actuating the item.

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.