A system and method for collecting data regarding operation of a robot using, at least in part, responses from a first operation model to an input of sensed data from a plurality of sensors. The collected data can be used to optimize the first operation model to generate a second operation model. While the first operation model is being optimized, a train data-driven model that utilizes an end-to-end learning approach can be generated that is based, at least in part, on the collected data. Both the second operation model and the train data-driven model can be evaluated, and, based on such evaluation, a determination can be made as to whether the train data-driven model is reliable. Moreover, based on a comparison of the models, one of the second operation model and the train data-driven model can be selected for validation, and if validated, used in the operation of the robot.

An encoder apparatus includes a detection unit, a scale disposed to oppose the detection unit and relatively rotatable with respect to the detection unit, and a processor configured to process an output signal output from the detection unit to obtain a relative position of the scale with respect to a standard position and thus detect an absolute position of the scale. The processor is configured to execute a setting process in which a position where a deviation amount of the scale in a predetermined direction with respect to a rotation axis is equal to or smaller than a threshold value is set as the standard position, the deviation amount changing in accordance with relative rotation of the scale with respect to the detection unit.

A system and method for use of artificial and nature racking features to calibrate sensors and tune a robotic control system of a sensor fusion guided robotic assembly. The artificial tracking features can have a configuration, or be at a location, that may be less susceptible to noise and error. Thus, the sensors can at least initially be calibrated, and the control system initially tuned, using the first tracking features until the sensors and control system satisfy operation performance criteria. Second tracking features, which may correspond to features on a workpiece that will be utilized in an assembly operation performed by the robot. By pre-calibrating the sensors, and pre-tuning the control system prior to calibration using the second tracking features, sensor calibration and system tuning based on the second tracking features can be attained faster and with less complexity.

Embodiments of present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for calibrating a laser displacement sensor for use with a robot. The apparatus comprises an auxiliary object arranged in a work space of the robot or held by the robot and comprising a planar surface adapted to be detected by the laser displacement sensor; and a controller configured to: determine a characteristic point on the planar surface of the auxiliary object based on a detection result from the laser displacement sensor; cause the laser displacement sensor to point at the characteristic point for plural times with the same angle and different distances to obtain an orientation of the laser displacement sensor; and cause the laser displacement sensor to point at the characteristic point for plural times with different angles and the same distance to obtain a relative position relationship between the laser displacement sensor and the robot.

The invention relates to a method for calibrating a virtual force sensor of a robot manipulator, wherein the following steps are carried out in a plurality of poses: applying an external wrench to the robot manipulator, ascertaining an estimate of the external wrench, ascertaining a first calibration matrix based on the ascertained estimate and a specified external wrench, ascertaining a second calibration matrix by inverting the first calibration matrix, and storing the respective second calibration matrix in a data set of all of the second calibration matrices, thereby assigning each second calibration matrix to the respective pose for which each second calibration matrix was ascertained.

Systems and methods for systems and methods for real time calibration of multiple range sensors on a robot are disclosed herein. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, methods for self-calibration are used to independently correct rotational errors in a pose of a sensor. In some instances, the self-calibration may further yield errors along at least one translational axis. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, methods for cross-calibration are used to correct translational errors and to ensure all sensors on a robot agree on perceived locations of objects.

To effectively utilize work information acquired by maintenance of an instrument in a plant, an apparatus is provided, which includes an acquisition unit that acquires work information about at least one of a calibration or an adjustment performed on the instrument in a plant; an extraction unit that extracts a plurality of data elements to be included in output information having a predetermined output format from the work information; and a generation unit that generates the output information from the plurality of data elements.

An industrial robot system includes: a robot that includes a torque sensor on at least one rotary shaft; and a controller that controls the robot. The controller includes a moment output unit that outputs a value of moment from a posture of the robot or the posture and a motion of the robot, a program storage unit that stores a motion program, a drive control unit that causes each of component parts of the robot to perform a rotating motion around the rotary shaft in accordance with the motion program, and an output calibration unit that associates a torque detection value detected by the torque sensor with the value of moment output from the moment output unit in the rotating motion of each of the component parts around the rotary shaft performed by the drive control unit.

A robot includes a robot arm, a force sensor, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the robot art. The control unit initializes the force sensor while the robot arm is moving at uniform speed. It is preferable that the control unit initializes the force sensor while the robot arm is moving at the uniform speed and the amplitude of a detection value of the force sensor is smaller than a threshold.

A device is provided that comprises a hardware segment and an actuator to adjust a position of the segment within a range of positions. The device also comprises an encoder to rotate about an encoder axis responsive to the actuator adjusting the position. The device also comprises data storage that includes a dataset indicating offset angles between a reference configuration and a plurality of configurations of the encoder. The device also comprises a controller to cause the actuator to adjust the position to an end of the range of positions, responsively identify a range of encoder positions of the encoder that corresponds to the range of positions of the segment, modify the dataset such that the reference configuration corresponds to an end of the range of encoder positions, and determine a mapping between the offset angles indicated by the modified dataset and the range of positions of the hardware segment.