Kurt Schmalz

Bio: Kurt Schmalz is an academic researcher from Daimler AG. The author has contributed to research in topics: Suction & Clamping. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 69 publications receiving 589 citations.

Gripper system, in particular vacuum gripper system

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper system which can be secured to a hand of a robot and has at least two mutually independent gripper elements; each gripper element is provided with at least one force sensor for ascertaining a force in a predetermined direction. With this gripper system, it is possible to grasp components more reliably.

Vacuum grip system for gripping an object, and handling apparatus for handling an object using a vacuum grip system

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum grip system (10) for gripping at least one object (11 a), whereby the vacuum grip system (10) has a base unit (18) and at least two suction units (19, 20) affixed thereto, disposed at right angles to one another, each having at least one suction gripper (21, 22), and whereby at least one of the suction units (19) grasps the object or objects to be gripped (11 a) from above, and at least one of the suction units (20) grasps the object or objects (11 a) from one side. In order to provide a vacuum grip system (10) having maximum flexibility, it is proposed to affix the suction units (19, 20) to the base unit (18) such that, in order to grip the object (11 a), the distance between the upper suction unit (19) and the lateral suction unit (20) may be varied. It is further proposed that the vacuum grip system (10) have a mechanical undergripper (25) upon which the gripped object (11 a) may be laid.

Under pressure handling device

Abstract: Under pressure handling device comprising an under pressure generator, a device for controlling the under pressure and several grippers which engage on a work piece to be handled, wherein each gripper is provided with a device for controlling the under pressure, a sensor for detecting state variables on the gripper and an evaluation electronics to which the device for controlling the under pressure and the sensor are connected.

Handling device, especially vacuum handling device

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum handling device with a suction box (12), a vacuum blower (22), a handling device (16) and a suction unit (20) obturating the suction box and consisting of a suction plate (26) and a suction pad (30). The inventive handling device is further characterized in that the suction unit is provided with suction openings (36) that have a certain flow resistance.

Vacuum lift device

Abstract: A vacuum lift device comprising a lift tube which is able to contract and expand in an upward and downward direction, and a lift tube expansion control valve controlling the opening areas of the atmospheric openings of the lift tube. A hovering control valve controlling the flow area between the second atmospheric opening and the interior of the lift tube is provided. The lift tube expansion control valve is normally positioned at a position such that is completely covers the first atmospheric opening, and the second atmospheric opening is open to the outside space. At this time, the level of vacuum in the lift tube is adjusted by the hovering control valve so that an object to be lifted is maintained at a desired height.

Robotic systems for automated construction

Abstract: A robotic system may include a movable gantry robot, and a nozzle assembly movably coupled to the overhead beam of the gantry robot. The gantry robot may include an overhead beam extending between, and supported by, at least two side members slidably mounted on a pair of rails. The nozzle assembly may be coupled to the overhead beam of the gantry robot, and may be configured to extrude material through an outlet. The robotic system may further include a position controller configured to control position and movement of the gantry robot and the nozzle assembly.

Systems and methods for selecting stimulation sites and applying treatment, including treatment of symptoms of Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders, and/or drug side effects

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.

Object Pickup Strategies for a Robotic Device

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.

Robotic carton unloader

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a mobile body, a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body and comprising an end effector configured to unload a row of cartons in a side-by-side orientation from the carton pile, and a conveyor system mounted on the mobile body and configured to receive the row of cartons from the end effector in the side-by-side orientation. In various embodiments the conveyor system may comprise a front-end descrambler and a central descrambler coupled to the front-end descrambler. In various embodiments, the robotic arm may be configured to straddle at least a portion of the mobile body and at least a portion of the conveyor system such that the conveyor system conveys cartons from the carton pile through the robotic arm.

Methods and systems for distributing remote assistance to facilitate robotic object manipulation

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing remote assistance to facilitate robotic object manipulation are provided herein. Regions of a model of objects in an environment of a robotic manipulator may be determined, where each region corresponds to a different subset of objects with which the robotic manipulator is configured to perform a respective task. Certain tasks may be identified, and a priority queue of requests for remote assistance associated with the identified tasks may be determined based on expected times at which the robotic manipulator will perform the identified tasks. At least one remote assistor device may then be requested, according to the priority queue, to provide remote assistance with the identified tasks. The robotic manipulator may then be caused to perform the identified tasks based on responses to the requesting, received from the at least one remote assistor device, that indicate how to perform the identified tasks.