A continuum arm robot system comprising at least a first continuum arm robot and a second continuum arm robot, each continuum arm robot being controlled by its own actuator pack, and each actuator pack being coupled to a single control computer, wherein at least the second continuum arm robot comprises a releasable connection mechanism to engage in gripping the first continuum arm robot in a workspace, so as to link the at least two continuum arm robots into a single redundant robotic system with at least the second continuum arm robot providing support for the first continuum arm robot.

Various embodiments for a continuum manipulator are described for use in robotic surgical systems or other desired applications. The continuum manipulator includes an extensible continuum manipulator (ECM) body comprising a plurality of subsegments serially connected to one another. Adjacent ones of the subsegments are coupled by rack-and-pinion transmission sets that are configured to propagate subsegment motion to downstream ones of the subsegments. A multi-chain flexible parallel mechanism is provided in each of the subsegments that is configured to generate a desired spatial bending and extension mobility for each of the subsegments.

A device sized and shaped for insertion into a body comprising: at least one mechanical limb comprising: a support segment; a first flexible section extending from the support segment and terminating in a coupling section; and a second flexible section extending from the coupling section and terminating in a tool or a connector for a tool; wherein a long axis of one or more of the flexible sections is bendable in a single bending plane; wherein a long axis length of the first flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the first flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis; wherein a long axis length of the second flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the second flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis.

A worm-like soft crawling robot driven by an exergonic chemical reaction, including a body system, an exothermic reaction system and a vacuum system. The body system includes a left head shell, a left flexible body shell, a left reaction chamber, a right reaction chamber, a right flexible body shell and a right head shell. Elastic transmission parts are installed in the flexible body shells in a matched way. The exothermic reaction system includes chemical fuel storage units and exothermic reaction stimulation devices. The vacuum system includes vacuum suction cups, vacuum exhaust tubes and vacuum pumps.

Described is a robotic apparatus (10) for investigating a confined area comprising: an articulated robot (20) for insertion into a confined area, the robotic apparatus further comprising a robot control system (30) for controlling the articulated robot. Further, the robot control system comprises a control unit (50), a robot driving means, a seal (70) for isolating the confined area from the external environment and at least one transmission member (80), wherein the control unit is configured to send control signals to the robot driving means, and the at least one transmission member extends from the robot driving means to connect to the articulated robot, the at least one transmission member extending through the seal.

A universal actuator for driving a continuum arm robot having a plurality of tendons includes; a housing; a power supply pack with a power source; a control pack with an industrial programmable logic controller, a screen, a rotary encoder linked to an analogue input device, a digital output device, a plurality of electronic control cards that connect the programmable logic controller to a user input device, the rotary encoder and an actuator pack for controlling the motion of the continuum arm robot, the programmable logic controller or the screen having a computer program to allow for set up and control of the continuum arm robot.

A mechanism (30) and a method for inserting an elongate member (35) through an aperture of a body, along a longitudinal axis (35), the mechanism comprising a feed portion (42) comprising a feed actuator (43) configured to engage with and drive the elongate member along the longitudinal axis; and, a twist portion (44) comprising a twist actuator (82) configured to engage with the feed portion and rotate the elongate member about the longitudinal axis.

Various embodiments of a bio-inspired robot operable for detecting crack and corrosion defects in tubular structures are disclosed herein.

A robotic system for fueling or charging a vehicle having a vehicle connector, the robotic system including a robotic arm having a plurality of sequentially arranged articulated links and at least one group of operating cables extending from a proximal end of the arm to terminate at a control link, for controlling the position of that link, the cables each having a path comprising a passage in each successive more proximal link for closely receiving the cable, a flexible conduit operably connected with the robotic arm for delivering a fluid or an electrical current, respectively, to a vehicle, the conduit being connected to a source at a first end and a delivery connector at a second end, and a control system for operating the robotic arm and the hose or cable, wherein the control system directs the robotic arm to engage the vehicle connector with the delivery connector and, upon engagement of the vehicle connector and delivery connector, the control system relaxes the robotic arm to an under-constrained condition.

A device sized and shaped for insertion into a body comprising: at least one mechanical limb comprising: a support segment; a first flexible section extending from the support segment and terminating in a coupling section; and a second flexible section extending from the coupling section and terminating in a tool or a connector for a tool; wherein a long axis of one or more of the flexible sections is bendable in a single bending plane; wherein a long axis length of the first flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the first flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis; wherein a long axis length of the second flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the second flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis.