A system includes a robotic device, a tool rack, a network access point, a message router, and a first tool. The tool rack includes a tool holster that provides for removable coupling of tools to the tool rack and a wireless tag that indicates a wireless network identifier of the tool rack. The network access point generates a wireless network based on the wireless network identifier. The message router communicatively connects, by way of the wireless network, the robotic device to the tools. The first tool is operable by a manipulator of the robotic device and includes an adapter configured to removably couple to the tool holster, a wireless tag reader that scans the wireless tag when the first tool is coupled to the tool holster, and a processor that connects to the wireless network and communicates with the robotic device by way of the message router.

An operating device for a handling device, with a gripping section and a coupling for a gripping device, with at least a part of the coupling being at or in the gripping section, so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation, with a reading device for reading out an information carrier with coded data being placed on the side of the griping section facing the coupling, where the reading device is designed to read out an information carrier of a gripping device coupled to the coupling regardless of the rotational position of the coupling.

Technology identifies that an end effector is provisioned to a robot. The technology accesses identification data of the end effector. The identification data is specific to the end effector. The identification data includes one or more of at least one setting associated with the end effector or at least one parameter associated with the end effector. The technology controls the end effector based on the identification data to adjust one or more runtime parameters of the robot based on the identification data.

A robotic end effector system and method having a plurality of end effectors which are selectively suitable for particular applications on a workpiece. The end effectors include a resident controller adapted to execute tasks specific to the end effector and are rapidly attachable and removable from the robot for easy change over to different workpieces.

A robot comprises a mobile base, a robotic arm operatively coupled to the mobile base, and at least one interface configured to enable selective coupling to at least one accessory. The at least one interface comprises an electrical interface configured to transmit power and/or data between the robot and the at least one accessory, and a mechanical interface configured to enable physical coupling between the robot and the at least one accessory.

Robotic device configuration methods and systems. The methods described herein may involve operably positioning a robotic device with respect to a storage rack, wherein the storage rack holds at least one first coupling member configured with a first tool, and the robotic device includes a second coupling member; operably connecting the second coupling member to the first coupling member; and removing the first coupling member configured with the first tool from the storage rack.

Systems and methods for a universal connection interface between a robot and a plurality of modular attachments are disclosed. The connection interface includes a data connection and a dynamic amplifier configured to adjust output of at least one electromechanically coupled mechanical output; and a processor configured to control gain of the dynamic amplifier.

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.

The invention is based on a precision apparatus for placement into storage and/or removal from storage (54) for an at least semiautomated placement into storage and/or removal from storage of tools (10), in particular tool assemblies (12), and/or of tool chucks (14) into and/or out of a storage lift (16), with at least one holding unit (24) for tools (10), in particular tool assemblies (14), and/or tool chucks (14), which is loadable by a handling robot (18) and forms a plurality of storage bins (20, 22).

It is proposed that the holding unit (24) comprises at least one form-fitting centering element (26), which is configured to interact with a centering bolt (28) and/or a centering recess for a submillimeter-precise horizontal orientation of the holding unit (24).

A robotic arm assembly is described that incorporates a distributed control arrangement. The robotic arm assembly includes a host computer, a set of robotic arm segments, and a set of actuators, each actuator being interposed between adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments to affect a relative movement between the adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments. The robotic arm assembly further includes an end effector controller configured with a first interface configured to support a first communication link between the end effector controller and the host computer, and a second interface, separate from the first interface. The robotic arm assembly furthermore includes an end effector adapter configured to provide a high speed data interface between the end effector controller and an end effector.