A multi-hole absorption tool includes an absorption surface including a plurality of absorption holes to which a seal is absorbed. Each of the plurality of absorption holes is classified so as to belong to at least one of a first region and a second region, and absorption holes belonging to the first region and absorption holes belonging to the second region are connected to different suction devices. The multi-hole absorption tool having this configuration can peel off the seal from a mount with no wrinkle in the seal, prevent positional displacement of the seal with respect to an object to which the seal is affixed, and affix the seal to the object.

This document describes systems and methods for enhancing the efficiencies of order fulfillment and inventory management processes. For example, this document describes automated robotic systems that can autonomously pick and place a particular quantity of desired items from a container that is storing the items. The autonomous robotic systems can thereby facilitate order fulfillment and inventory management processes in an efficient manner. In particular, the systems and methods described herein can greatly reduce the amount of time required for a human worker to pick orders. Accordingly, the efficiency of item picking processes, as measured by the number of line items picked per human labor hour for example, is greatly enhanced.

A retainer apparatus configured to releasably retain an article, comprising a face plate member each having a front face; a plurality of vacuum cups and a plurality of support pins each extending distally relative to the front face, respectively; wherein the vacuum cups and the support pins are laterally spaced from one another; wherein the plurality of vacuum cups retain the article to the retainer apparatus in a presence of vacuum; wherein the plurality of support pins are extendable/retractable relative to the face plate member, wherein each of the support pins have a longitudinal axis, respectively, and are configured to contact the article to support the article against movement along the longitudinal axis and support the article against movement transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a locking mechanism configured to inhibit the support pins from being retractable and extendable when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic picking assemblies configured to grasp multiple items. In one embodiment, an example system may include a picking assembly coupled to a vacuum system, the picking assembly having a first suction cup assembly with a first suction cup and a first sensor, and a second suction cup assembly with a second suction cup and a second sensor. The example system may include a controller configured to cause the picking assembly to grasp a plurality of items, where the plurality of items includes a first item and a second item. The controller may be further configured to cause the picking assembly to move from a first position to a second position, and cause the picking assembly to release the first item at a first time and the second item at a second time.

A robotic end effector tool having multiple manipulator elements. The end effector includes a body, a suction cup movable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position, a plurality of fingers spaced around the suction cup and being actuatable between an open condition and a clamped condition, and a roller coupled to at least one of the fingers such that the roller is arranged to rotate about a first axis. The combination of the suction cup, the fingers and the rollers are arranged to pick an item and adjust the orientation of an object without setting the object down.

A system and method for separating a layer from a layer assembly when the layer assembly includes a backing layer and a material layer. The system includes an automated machine having a controller and an end effector. A separating tool is attached to the end effector of the automated machine. The separating tool includes a displacing member, with an outer face, configured to establish a void between the backing layer and the material layer by displacing a portion of the backing layer. The separating layer also includes a securing member configured to establish a mechanical connection with a displaced portion of the backing layer.

A retainer apparatus configured to releasably retain an article, comprising a face plate member each having a front face, a plurality of vacuum cups and a plurality of support pins each extending distally relative to the front face, respectively, wherein the vacuum cups and the support pins are laterally spaced from one another, wherein the plurality of vacuum cups retain the article to the retainer apparatus in a presence of vacuum, wherein the plurality of support pins are extendable/retractable relative to the face plate member, wherein each of the support pins have a longitudinal axis, respectively, and are configured to contact the article to support the article against movement along the longitudinal axis and support the article against movement transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a locking mechanism configured to inhibit the support pins from being retractable and extendable when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Provided is a die lift system comprising an end effector capable of lifting and manipulating a die, creating a safe and efficient way to do so free off all physical exertion by the worker associated with the lifting and maneuvering of the die; the end effector having the ability to engage a die; the end effector having at least one series of tines capable of grasping the die; the end effector having the ability to be securely coupled to the die; and the end effector having the ability to disengage from the die.

In a suction nozzle 66 which sucks and holds a component 150 on a suction surface by using negative pressure air and detaches the sucked and held component from the suction surface by using positive pressure air, the positive pressure air and the negative pressure air used when the component is held and detached selectively flow through through-holes 90, 94 and 96, air flow path 116, or the like. In addition, a rod 110 is held to be capable of being advanced and retracted toward the suction surface in an inside section of the suction nozzle. The rod protrudes from the suction surface by the positive pressure air flowing through the air flow path and is retracted to the inside section of the suction nozzle when the negative pressure flows through the air flow path. In other words, the through-hole, the air flow path, or the like is shared as a mechanism for moving the rod and a mechanism for sucking and holding the component by the suction nozzle. Accordingly, it is possible to make the device compact, simple or the like and to improve practicality of the suction nozzle.

Systems, apparatus, and methods of manufacturing an article using electroadhesion technology, either as a sole modality of handling such materials or in concert with vacuum for the pick up and release of materials, respectively.