A removable fixture may include a cover assembly, comprising a cover having a top surface which is generally planar and substantially void of any features formed thereon, one or more first alignment features mechanically coupled to a side of the cover, and a wing. The wing may have one or more keyholes configured to mechanically engage with one or more corresponding coupling structures on a physical object and one or more second alignment features configured to mechanically engage with the one or more first alignment features in order to, when the one or more first alignment features are mechanically engaged with the one or more second alignment features, constrain translation of the cover relative to the physical object to a linear translation.

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.

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 removable fixture may include a cover assembly, comprising a cover having a top surface which is generally planar and substantially void of any features formed thereon, one or more first alignment features mechanically coupled to a side of the cover, and a wing. The wing may have one or more keyholes configured to mechanically engage with one or more corresponding coupling structures on a physical object and one or more second alignment features configured to mechanically engage with the one or more first alignment features in order to, when the one or more first alignment features are mechanically engaged with the one or more second alignment features, constrain translation of the cover relative to the physical object to a linear translation.

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.

Some robotic arms may include vacuum-based grippers. Detecting the seal quality between each vacuum assembly of the gripper and a grasped object may enable reactivation of some vacuum assemblies, thereby improving the grasp. One embodiment of a method may include activating each of a plurality of vacuum assemblies of a robotic gripper by supplying a vacuum to each vacuum assembly, determining, for each of the activated vacuum assemblies, a first respective seal quality of the vacuum assembly with a first grasped object, deactivating one or more of the activated vacuum assemblies based, at least in part, on the first respective seal qualities, and reactivating each of the deactivated vacuum assemblies within a reactivation interval.

A gripping apparatus (and method) comprising a gripper base body and at least two lifting units arranged on the gripper base body, each comprising a lifting piston which is adjustable along a lifting axis between an axially retracted configuration and an axially extended configuration, wherein at least one lifting unit is designed as a gripping unit including a gripper which is coupled in terms of movement to the lifting piston for gripping the item, and wherein at least one lifting unit is designed as a compressing unit including a compressing element which is coupled in terms of movement to the lifting piston for exerting a pressure force on an item held by the gripper.

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.

Disclosed in the present invention is a longitudinally deployable vacuum suction cup. A longitudinally deployable vacuum suction cup, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a vacuum pump that generates a vacuum; a plurality of air hoses connected to the vacuum pump through which air moves; a gripper body having one end connected to the plurality of air hoses so as to be deployed; an internal air hose located inside the gripper body through which air moves; an outer spring located between the gripper body and the internal air hose; a suction cup coupled to the other end of the gripper body and connected to the internal air hose to grip an object; and a three-way valve connecting the internal air hose and the vacuum pump.

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.