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Robot tools, or in more general terms, end‐of‐arm tools, or robot end‐effectors are general purpose, programmable or task‐oriented devices connected between the robot wrist and the object or load to be manipulated and/or processed by the robot. They can offer and/or limit the versatility of grasping and/or processing of different components, sensing their characteristics and working together with the robot control system to provide a reliable “service” throughout the component manipulation cycle. Reconfigurable robot tooling enables the robot to rapidly change its end‐effectors or fingers of its end‐effectors, typically under programmable software control. The importance of providing lean‐flexibility by means of reconfigurable, automated robot hand changers (ARHC), particularly in small‐batch robotic welding, assembly, machine loading and in other flexible robot cells, is discussed with examples. Some known systems are demonstrated and the “Ranky‐type” ARHC design is illustrated in more detail.

Describes the development of sturdy tool changes for robots employed in harsh environments such as water and mud, for example in the offshore industry. Various companies offer standard mechanical interfaces between tool and robot but are only intended for use in a clean industrial environment. Proves that it is possible to design a small tool changing mechanism for robots by using a pneumatic drive and a pin‐type locking system and that mechanical coupling of a tool changer is feasible under water, even with dirt and mud. Subsequently a tool changing mechanism for manipulators has been developed which is usable both inside the workspace of production machines and in offshore production.

Choosing end‐effectors for robotic applications can be a mind‐boggling task, unless you are familiar with what is available and the appropriate application for each. Presents the XChange Tool Change system, offered by Applied Robotics, which facilitates fast and reliable end‐effector changing. The system has the ability to interface virtually any utility: pneumatics, vacuum, signal level input/output, high voltage, high current electrical power, cooling fluids, hydraulic oil, fibre optics and video signals. With the increasing need for a wider variety of products manufactured in smaller quantities, quick and automatic end‐effector changing is critical.

This paper aims to present a novel lightweight distribution grid operating robot system with focus on lightweight and multi-functionality, aiming for autonomous and live-line maintenance operations.

A ground-up redesign of the dual-arm robotic system with 12-DoF is applied for substantial weight reduction; a dual-mode operating control framework is proposed, with vision-guided autonomous operation embedded with real-time manual teleoperation controlling both manipulators simultaneously; a quick-swap tooling system is developed to conduct multi-functional operation tasks. A prototype robotic system is constructed and validated in a series of operational experiments in an emulated environment both indoors and outdoors.

The overall weight of the system is successfully brought down to under 150 kg, making it suitable for the majority of vehicle-mounted aerial work platforms, and it can be flexibly and quickly deployed in population dense areas with narrow streets. The system equips with two dexterous robotic manipulators and up to six interchangeable tools, and a vision system for AI-based autonomous operations. A quick-change tooling system ensures the robot to change tools on-the-go without human intervention.

The resulting dual-arm robotic live-line operation system robotic system could be compact and lightweight enough to be deployed on a wide range of available aerial working platforms with high mobility and efficiency. The robot could both conduct routine operation tasks fully autonomously without human direct operation and be manually operated when required. The quick-swap tooling system enables lightweight and durable interchangeability of multiple end-effector tools, enabling future expansion of operating capabilities across different tasks and operating scenarios.

This paper aims to present the critical issues and methodologies to improve robotic machining performance with flexile industrial robots.

A complete solution using active force control is introduced to address various issues during the robotic machining process.

Programming complex couture parts without a CAD model is made easy by using force control functions such as lead‐through and path‐learning. The problem of process control is treated with a novel methodology that consists of stiffness modeling, real‐time deformation compensation for quality and controlled material removal rate for process efficiency.

Experimental results showed that higher productivity as well as better surface quality can be achieved, indicating a promising and practical use of industrial robots for machining applications that is not available at present.

One of the primary problems in the production of cement testing cubes is inconsistency in quality due to skill differences between operators and low repeatability in human performance of identical operations. To eliminate this problem and to enhance productivity, a state‐of‐the‐art robot workcell system, which utilized a multitasking control strategy and tool changer and sensor technology to automatically produce cement testing cubes, was designed and integrated. A comparative analysis of compressive strength values of specimens made by human operators and robots indicated that the specimens made by the robot workcell system had lower variation than the human made ones. This study not only demonstrates that robot workcells are flexible and robust enough to be used in cement testing cube production, but also suggests that revision of American Society of Testing Methods (ASTM) procedures to facilitate implementation of high technology in the materials testing process should be considered.

Robots have undoubtedly proved their worth in the automotive industry. Even the man in the street remembers the spectacular Fiat TV advertisement with robots welding and transporting car bodies. Perhaps less spectacularly, but equally important, robots have been making steady inroads into other industries, including the aerospace industry.

The purpose of this paper is to review the biannual Robot Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display.

The approach takes the form of in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications.

Robots are rapidly moving from the industrial environment into all types of service applications. They are also becoming more autonomous, more mobile, finding their own way and delivering critical loads in office, hospital, and laboratory settings and even providing security functions.

Users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found that they did not meet applications requirements may find it is time to revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.

Robots for non‐industrial applications are receiving lots of attention. Many first time exhibitors at the recent biannual Robot Show featured units for personal service, healthcare, and other non‐industrial applications.