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.

For robotically operating a catheter, translation and/or rotation manipulation is provided along the shaft or away from the handle, such as near a point of access to the patient. A worm drive arrangement may allow for both translation and rotation of the shaft. Some control may be provided by robotic manipulation of the handle, while other control (e.g., fine adjustments) are made by robotic manipulation of the shaft.

A mechanism for holding surgical instruments includes a carrier mounted on a machine tool and multiple holding modules mounted on the carrier. At least one of the holding modules is selected to be used during surgical operation. A swing element of the selected holding module enables a guidance sleeve to be swung to allow a guidance hole on the guidance sleeve to face toward a surgical operation region. The guidance sleeve is provided to hold one surgical instrument for surgical operation.

A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails. Moving the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first motion mode to position the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is turned over a corner of the intersection that is accessible from the first position and that includes continuous rails connecting a vertical track and a horizontal track, whereby positioning the pinion-driven lift-robot in a second position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is moved in a second motion mode towards a designated direction.

A mobile robot apparatus is provided. The mobile robot apparatus includes: a body; a first wheel disposed at a first side surface of the body; a second wheel disposed at a second side surface of the body opposite to the first side surface; a first drive device configured to provide a driving force to each of the first wheel and the second wheel; a second drive device configured to move the body in a vertical direction relative to at least one of a first center axis of the first wheel and a second center axis of the second wheel; and a processor configured to control the second drive device to move the body to contact a surface on which the mobile robot apparatus is disposed, or move the body away from the surface on which the mobile robot apparatus is disposed.

The present application discloses a robotic control system, and a method and a computer system for controlling a robot. The robotic control system includes a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store configured to store a model of a robot having a plurality of axes of control including at least a linear axis and one or more rotational axes. The one or more processors are configured to use the model to control the robot to perform a task, including by sending to the robot a set of control signals to cause the robot to move with respect to two or more of said axes of control including at least the linear axis.

A wrist device for an industrial robot, the wrist device including a wrist housing; a first member; a second member; a first pinion rotatable about a first pinion axis; a first crown wheel for driving the first member, the first crown wheel meshing with the first pinion; a second pinion rotatable about a second pinion axis; a second crown wheel for driving the second member, the second crown wheel meshing with the second pinion; and an integral pinion housing fixedly attached to the wrist housing, the pinion housing supporting the first pinion for rotation about the first pinion axis and supporting the second pinion for rotation about the second pinion axis. An industrial robot including a wrist device, and a method of assembling a wrist device for an industrial robot, are also provided.

The present application discloses a robotic control system, and a method and a computer system for controlling a robot. The robotic control system includes a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store configured to store a model of a robot having a plurality of axes of control including at least a linear axis and one or more rotational axes. The one or more processors are configured to use the model to control the robot to perform a task, including by sending to the robot a set of control signals to cause the robot to move with respect to two or more of said axes of control including at least the linear axis.

A surgical instrument holder includes a carriage, a housing, and a drive assembly. The carriage is configured for engagement to a surgical robotic arm and for supporting an instrument drive unit. The housing extends from the carriage and defines a channel. The drive assembly includes a pulley, a belt, and an annular member. The pulley is rotatably disposed within the housing and in operable engagement with a motor of the carriage such that actuation of the motor rotates the pulley. The belt is rotatably disposed within the housing and in operable engagement with the pulley such that rotation of the pulley effects rotation of the belt. The annular member is disposed within the channel of the housing and configured for non-rotatable receipt of an instrument drive unit. The annular member is in operable engagement with the belt such that rotation of the belt effects rotation of the annular member.

A direction switching module for lift robots using a pair of pinions coupled to a rack for propelling vertically and horizontally according to the track's orientation, is disclosed. In a linear motion mode both pinions rotate in the same velocity. In a direction switching mode, when changing from vertical to horizontal motion mode and vise versa, the module is capable of propelling one pinion on a vertical track and its counterpart on a horizontal track, simultaneously, each pinion in a different velocity. A bogie propelled by two pairs of said module is also disclosed, and a controller configured to drive both pinions in same velocity during linear motion and each pinion in a separate appropriate velocity during the direction switching mode. A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails and a controller for controlling the linear motion modes and the direction switching modes of the lift robot are also disclosed.