A parallel link device whose height can be reduced particularly when a movable-side member is brought closer to a fixed-side member, and in which an amount of stroke of the movable-side member can be increased. Specifically, the parallel link device includes a fixed-side member, a movable-side member, six links, and slide mechanisms. Each of the six links has one end connected to the movable-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom, and the other end connected to the fixed-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom. A connection point of the other end and the fixed-side member is movable with respect to the fixed-side member. Each of the six links has five rotational degrees of freedom and a predetermined length. Each of the slide mechanisms is provided on the fixed-side member and holds the other end of the link movable within a predetermined range.

A method for determining placement of support-platform joints (8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a, 13a) on a support-platform (17) of a parallel kinematic manipulator, PKM. The PKM comprises: the support-platform (17), a first support linkage (SL1), a second support linkage (SL2) and a third support linkage (SL3). The first support linkage (SL1), the second support linkage (SL2) and the third support linkage (SL3) together comprises at least five support-links (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). The method comprises estimating (S1) parameters indicative of stiffness for the PKM, based on a kinematic model and an elastic model of the PKM and chosen defined forces and/or torques applied to a tool (22) during a processing sequence, and checking (S2) whether the estimated parameters indicative of stiffness of the PKM fulfill one or more stiffness criteria. Upon the estimated parameters indicative of stiffness fulfilling one or more stiffness criteria, the method comprises choosing (S3) the current placement configuration as an optimal placement configuration of the support-platform joints. The disclosure also relates to a system comprising a computer configured to perform the method and to output an optimal placement configuration, and a PKM with support-platform joints that are placed to the support-platform according to the optimal placement configuration outputted by the computer. The disclosure also relates to PKMs with support-platform joints that are placed to the support-platform to achieve high stiffness.

A robotic system includes a support structure, a platform, a center serial chain, outer serial chains, motors, a sensor, and a control module. The center serial chain connects a center of the platform to the support structure and includes first joints connected to a linear sliding shaft. The outer serial chains are disposed radially outward of the center serial chain. Each of the outer serial chains includes second joints connecting a bar to the platform and the supporting structure. The motors are connected to the outer serial chains. The sensor is connected to the platform and detects at least one of force or torque applied by a human operator on the platform and generates a signal indicative thereof. The control module controls the motors based on the signal to assist the human operator in at least one of moving or rotating the platform.

A bio-stimulation robot includes a stationary platform, a plurality of drive modules coupled to the stationary platform, and a motion platform coupled to the drive modules to operate to change a position of the motion platform. Each of the drive modules includes a first guide member having an arc shape, a motion member coupled to the first guide, and a leg member having a first end coupled to the motion member and a second end fixed to the motion platform. The motion member slides along the first guide member. The second end of the leg member is rotatably connected to the motion platform. The second end of the leg member is rotatably connected to the motion platform.

A method includes obtaining an implant plan, defining a range of motion for a surgical tool based on the implant plan, adjusting, by an actuator and based on the range of motion, a passive joint coupled between the actuator and the surgical tool, and allowing manual movement of the surgical tool through the range of motion via rotation at the passive joint.

A parallel kinematic robot including a base unit, a platform movable in relation to the base unit about a plurality of main axes, two independently movable actuating arms connected between the base unit and the movable platform for moving the platform in relation the base unit, a tool holder rotatably connected to the platform to allow rotation of the tool holder in relation to the platform about a first auxiliary axis, a motor for driving the first auxiliary axis, located in the base unit, and a gear unit. The gear unit includes a first gearbox located in the base unit and a second gearbox located in the platform.

A robotic system includes a support structure, a platform, a center serial chain, outer serial chains, motors, a sensor, and a control module. The center serial chain connects a center of the platform to the support structure and includes first joints connected to a linear sliding shaft. The outer serial chains are disposed radially outward of the center serial chain. Each of the outer serial chains includes second joints connecting a bar to the platform and the supporting structure. The motors are connected to the outer serial chains. The sensor is connected to the platform and detects at least one of force or torque applied by a human operator on the platform and generates a signal indicative thereof. The control module controls the motors based on the signal to assist the human operator in at least one of moving or rotating the platform.

A pendular handling system for handling parts in a press line may have two articulated robots arranged on opposite sides with respect to the central vertical plane of the press line, each robot having at least four rotational axes in series between a robot base and a robot wrist, and each robot being mounted with the first axis horizontal and perpendicular to the press line flow direction, a first arm of each robot can swing in a vertical plane in the press line flow direction.

A surgical system includes a motor, a first link movable by operation of the motor, a plurality of non-driven, revolute joints coupled to the first link such that the first link separates the plurality of revolute joints from the motor, and an end effector coupled to the first link via the plurality of non-driven, revolute joints.

A fine work assistance system is configured such that a parallel link mechanism is used for a slave manipulator activated by a master operation, and a precise motion for microsurgery or the like is performed by remote control. In a slave unit of a master-slave manipulator, the parallel link mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom is used for a link mechanism in which an end effector is movable with respect to a base. Moreover, a tip operation part is driving by a hydraulic driving mechanism such that a plurality of linear actuators supported by the base move one ends of links so as to move the end effector, and the slave unit is activated in response to a user operation on the master unit. This achieves the precise motion of the end effector and causes the end effector to perform operations for a precise work.