A modular configurable robot, comprising robot modules comprising a coupling mechanism including an electrical coupling member comprising a network communication signal connection, an arrangement forming upon coupling an orientation signal, an integrated circuit comprising a microcontroller circuit with unique identification code and I/O ports coupled to said electrical coupling to receive orientation electrical signal, a communication slave module comprising ports and registers storing state values of the ports, one port pre-designated as input, the ports being open or closed depending on the port state, the robot comprising a master communication module forming with said slave modules a master slave communication network topology, a server hosting a database of robot module parameters, accessible by unique identification code, said master module retrieving from said communication slave module the unique identification code, and from the database robot module parameters, and from said microcontroller circuit said information of a relative orientation.

A modular configurable robot, comprising robot modules comprising a coupling mechanism including an electrical coupling member comprising a network communication signal connection, an arrangement forming upon coupling an orientation signal, an integrated circuit comprising a microcontroller circuit with unique identification code and I/O ports coupled to said electrical coupling to receive orientation electrical signal, a communication slave module comprising ports and registers storing state values of the ports, one port pre-designated as input, the ports being open or closed depending on the port state, the robot comprising a master communication module forming with said slave modules a master slave communication network topology, a server hosting a database of robot module parameters, accessible by unique identification code, said master module retrieving from said communication slave module the unique identification code, and from the database robot module parameters, and from said microcontroller circuit said information of a relative orientation.

A design unit and a computer-implemented method for calculating a design data set for designing a part-specific gripping tool for gripping parts that have to be transported from or to a processing machine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing part parameters for at least one part which is to be gripped with the part-specific gripping tool and executing a design algorithm which designs the part-specific gripping tool from the part parameters provided and thereby outputs a gripping tool data set as a result.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

Provided is a robot including: a chassis; wheels; electric motors; a network card; sensors; a processor; and a tangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: capturing, with at least one exteroceptive sensor, a first image and a second image; determining, with the processor, an overlapping area of the first image and the second image by comparing the raw pixel intensity values of the first image to the raw pixel intensity values of the second image; combining, with the processor, the first image and the second image at the overlapping area to generate a digital spatial representation of the environment; and estimating, with the processor using a statistical ensemble of simulated positions of the robot, a corrected position of the robot to replace a last known position of the robot within the digital spatial representation of the environment.

A modular frame for an intelligent robot includes a base and one or more devices for performing specified functions. The base controls the actions and functions of the robot and contains a memory of operating instructions for a plurality of modules, each module performing unique functions. The base has a smart connector. The devices for performing specified functions have a smart connector which contains a unique code for that device or module and firmware for operation of the module. When a module is affixed on the modular frame, the smart connector of the module electronically communicates with the smart connector of the base, thereby providing the base with sufficient operating information to operate the intelligent robot.

A modular frame for an intelligent robot includes a base and one or more devices for performing specified functions. The base controls the actions and functions of the robot and contains a memory of operating instructions for a plurality of modules, each module performing unique functions. The base has a smart connector. The devices for performing specified functions have a smart connector which contains a unique code for that device or module and firmware for operation of the module. When a module is affixed on the modular frame, the smart connector of the module electronically communicates with the smart connector of the base, thereby providing the base with sufficient operating information to operate the intelligent robot.

The present disclosure relates to the field of robots, and particularly relates to a robot control method, a robot control system and a modular robot. The robot control method includes the steps of: T1: providing a robot, with at least one wheel and at least one motion posture; T2: regulating the robot to a motion posture, saving motion-posture information corresponding to the motion posture, and generating preset action control information based on the speed of the wheel and the motion-posture information; T3: constructing and forming an operating model based on the preset action control information; and T4: outputting, by the operating model, actual motion control information of a motion according to user's input to control the robot to perform the motion. Thus, it is convenient to set motion modes to meet the diverse needs of users, and the design space of the robot suitable for more scenarios is increased.

An active arm module and modular robot arm for an industrial robot comprises a housing, a heat exchanger, a drive device, and a connecting side with a connecting plate. The connecting plate can be mechanically connected to a further arm module or to a robot base for transmitting drive and support forces. The housing defines an interior space for receiving the drive device. The heat exchanger accommodates the drive device at least in sections, and is thermally coupled to the drive device. The heat exchanger has a fluid channel and can exchange heat between the drive device and the fluid. The arm module comprises a fluid contact device arranged at the connecting plate. Fluid can be exchanged with the further arm module or robot base via the fluid contact device; e.g., the fluid channel can be filled with the fluid for exchanging the fluid with the first fluid contact device.