In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.

A vehicle-charging apparatus has a vehicle part fixed on a vehicle having a housing holding a respective set of fixed concentric circular contacts, a movable robot part having a housing holding a respective set of recessed concentric circular contacts complementary to the vehicle contacts, and an engagement guard movable relative to the housing and vehicle contacts and between a lower position in which the vehicle contacts are protected or and an upper position in which the contacts of the vehicle part are uncovered. A spring urges the engagement guard into the lowered position and the robot part is raised when aligned underneath the vehicle part for pressing the contacts of the robot part up against the engagement guard to uncover the vehicle contacts and engage the contacts of the robot part upwardly with the contacts of the vehicle part.

A robot hand guide device includes a first connection flange configured to connect the robot hand guide device to a tool flange of a robot arm, a second connection flange configured to fasten a tool to be handled by the robot arm to the robot hand guide device, and a transfer apparatus configured to transfer forces and torques between the first connection flange and the second connection flange. A sensor device attached to the transfer apparatus is configured to detect forces and torques transferred via the transfer apparatus. The robot hand guide device further includes at least a first connection element connected to the first connection flange and configured for detachably connecting a guide handle of the robot hand guide device to the first connection flange.

The invention relates to a change-over coupling, change-over device and checking or processing system, comprising: a clamping element for bracing with a corresponding clamping element on the change-over adapter, at least one electrical and/or optical plug connection element for connecting to at least one corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection element on the change-over adapter, and a fluid coupling element for connecting to a corresponding fluid coupling element on the change-over adapter. In at least one example, the fluid coupling element protrudes further in the direction of the connection with the change-over adapter than the electrical and/or optical plug connection element.

A locking mechanism (6) of the robot arm coupling device (1) includes: a concave engagement portion (3a) on the master plate (3); convex engagement portion (4a) on the tool plate (4) for inserting into the concave engagement portion (3a); a plurality of steel balls (16) installed at an external circumferential wall portion (15) of the concave engagement portion (3a), and are capable of being changed over between locking positions and unlocking positions; and an annular fluid pressure cylinder (20) capable of changing over the positions of the plurality of steel balls (16); and a space is defined more radially inward than the plurality of steel balls (16) and the fluid pressure cylinder (20).

The present invention relates to a tool changer for automatically connecting a tool changer for collaborative robots, a robot tool changer system, and a method for connecting a tool to a robot arm. The tool changer comprises a first tool changer part intended to be mounted to an arm of the robot, the first tool changer part comprising first connecting means; a second tool changer part intended to be mounted to the operating device and comprising second connecting means. The first and second connecting means are arranged for mutual engagement, such that said first and second tool changer part may be connected and disconnected from each other.

A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

A robotic tool changer is provided including a tool adapter. The tool adapter includes a body having a robot wall, a tool wall, and a side wall extending from the robot wall to the tool wall. A rear opening is formed in the side wall and the tool wall through which a tool element extends to enter a tool hole formed in the body. The tool adapter also includes a locking member movable relative to the body between an open position in which the locking member permits positioning of the tool element into or out of the tool hole through the rear opening, and a closed position in which the locking member prohibits positioning of the tool element into or out of the tool hole through the rear opening.

Device for handling and/or processing parts, having first and second subassemblies separably connectable by a connection interface that results from a first contact section of the first subassembly being plugged and/or pressed in a connecting direction onto a second contact section of the second subassembly in a first orientation specified relative to the second contact section. The connection interface includes an electrical interface for transmitting electrical power and/or communication signals between the subassemblies and a fluid interface for transporting fluid between the subassemblies. The first and second contact sections are configured so the connection interface also results if the first contact section is plugged or pressed in the connecting direction onto the second contact section in a further orientation. The further orientation corresponds to the first orientation aside from a rotation of the first contact section by a specified angle about a rotation axis running in the connecting direction.