A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

Various examples of the present invention provide a server for providing information of an electronic device, and the server can comprise: a communication unit for receiving, from at least one first electronic device, at least one piece of information of the first electronic device; and a control unit for determining, from the received information, a current state among a plurality of states preset for the first electronic device, and controlling the first electronic device such that state prediction information of the first electronic device is transmitted to a second electronic device if the determined current state satisfies a preset notification condition on a state diagram in which a relationship among the plurality of states is set. Additionally, other examples could be possible besides the various examples of the present invention.

Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing process controllers in a process automation system with one or more intelligent electrical devices (IEDs) of an electrical automation system to use process and electrical control space information to perform actions and make decisions regarding actions in a connected enterprise system to facilitate energy management goals as well as process control goals in view of electrical control space information and process control space information.

Various examples of the present invention provide a server for providing information of an electronic device, and the server can comprise: a communication unit for receiving, from at least one first electronic device, at least one piece of information of the first electronic device; and a control unit for determining, from the received information, a current state among a plurality of states preset for the first electronic device, and controlling the first electronic device such that state prediction information of the first electronic device is transmitted to a second electronic device if the determined current state satisfies a preset notification condition on a state diagram in which a relationship among the plurality of states is set. Additionally, other examples could be possible besides the various examples of the present invention.

A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

A processing module is provided for improving performance of a robot. The processing module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The processing module includes a processor that processes sensor data received from one or more sensors. The processor generates lower bit rate processed sensor data from the incoming sensor data. The processed sensor data is transmitted from the processing module to another processor of a robot controller.

A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing process controllers in a process automation system with one or more intelligent electrical devices (IEDs) of an electrical automation system to use process and electrical control space information to perform actions and make decisions regarding actions in a connected enterprise system to facilitate energy management goals as well as process control goals in view of electrical control space information and process control space information.

Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing process controllers in a process automation system with one or more intelligent electrical devices of an electrical automation system to use process and electrical control space information to perform actions and make decisions regarding actions in a connected enterprise system to facilitate energy management goals as well as process control goals in view of electrical control space information and process control space information.