A manufacturing apparatus includes a manufacturing unit; a cover that includes a see-through portion; an input unit that occupies a predetermined area on a surface of the see-through portion and detects a contact to the predetermined area and outputs information regarding the detection; a display that displays a predetermined image at a position of the cover; and a controller that in response to a predetermined input to the input unit, controls the display to display the predetermined image at or near a position where the predetermined input is detected, controls the display to display a predetermined operation panel image as the predetermined image at or near a position on the cover that overlaps the input unit; and controls the manufacturing unit based on a detection position of the predetermined input on the predetermined operation panel image.

The present invention relates to the automated cutting of pliable items. More particularly, the present invention relates to the automatic cutting and/or trimming of pliable items, such as a shoe upper that lacks uniformity. An image of the pliable item is captured having image features and a pattern is retrieved having pattern features, such as a proposed cut path. An image feature is compared to distance tolerances associated with pattern features to adjust the proposed cut path such that it satisfies the distance tolerances while providing a consistently sized and shaped trimmed item.

A method includes: compiling images, captured by an end effector traversing a scan path over a workpiece, into a virtual model of the workpiece; generating a toolpath based on a geometry of the workpiece represented in the virtual model; and assigning a target force to the workpiece. The method also includes, during a processing cycle: navigating a sanding head, arranged on the end effector, across the workpiece according to the toolpath; based on force values output by a force sensor coupled to the sanding head, deviating the sanding head from the toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the target force; and tracking a sequence of positions of a reference point on the sanding head, traversing the workpiece, in contact with the workpiece. The method also includes transforming the virtual model into alignment with the sequence of positions of the reference point.

A consumable insert for welding a first component to a second component is provided. The first component is positioned with respect to the second component in such a manner that a gap is defined between adjacent surfaces thereof. The consumable insert includes a body having a profile. The profile of the body matches a scan of a profile of the gap between the adjacent surfaces. The consumable insert also includes a dam portion having a profile. The profile of the dam portion matches, at least in part, a scan of corresponding surfaces of the first component and the second component respectively. The dam portion is provided in contact with at least one end of the body. The dam portion is configured to control an overflow of a weld puddle therefrom. The body and the dam portion are formed using three dimensional printing.