https://opentechnical.org/feed/robotics-automation.xml 2026-09-15T11:21:53Z OpenTechnical Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000182026-09-15T11:21:53Z2026-09-15T11:21:53Z

This disclosure describes a system for managing automated guided vehicle (AGV) traffic by reserving individual path segments, addressing issues prevalent in traditional area-based control systems. Area-based methods often lead to vehicle deadlocks at intersections and underutilized floor capacity due to large, exclusive zones. The described segment reservation protocol allows for granular control, preventing collisions and optimizing path utilization. It includes mechanisms for resolving conflicting reservation requests, detecting and resolving deadlocks, and gracefully recovering when an AGV unexpectedly stops holding a reserved segment, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency and reliability.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000172026-09-15T11:21:22Z2026-09-15T11:21:22Z

This disclosure describes a method for precisely inserting a mating component into a corresponding receptacle using a robotic manipulator. The system employs a force-controlled spiral search pattern to locate the receptacle's opening. The search is bounded by an accumulated lateral force threshold, which prevents galling or damage to the components. Upon exceeding this threshold without successful insertion, the system distinguishes between a jammed state and a seated state. If a jam is detected, the system executes a retry sequence involving a modified approach angle to facilitate engagement, improving insertion reliability for components with tight tolerances or non-ideal alignment.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000162026-09-15T11:18:48Z2026-09-15T11:18:48Z

This disclosure describes a system for autonomous mobile robot docking utilizing a two-stage fiducial approach. It addresses the common challenge where a single fiducial either provides a wide capture range or high precision, but not both, often leading to docking failures during the transition. The system employs a larger, easily detectable coarse fiducial for initial approach and target acquisition, followed by a smaller, high-precision fine fiducial for final alignment and accurate docking. This method enables a broad capture envelope while ensuring precise final positioning, facilitating reliable and robust autonomous docking operations.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000152026-09-15T11:18:15Z2026-09-15T11:18:15Z

This disclosure describes a method and system for dynamic speed and separation monitoring for robotic manipulators. It addresses the limitations of fixed safety zones that either cause premature robot stops or necessitate conservative sizing, leading to reduced operational throughput. The described arrangement computes a predicted stopping contour based on real-time robot kinematics, current speed, payload, and joint configuration. This contour defines the dynamic safety boundary, allowing the robot to operate closer to personnel while maintaining safety. The contour is continuously updated, enabling adaptive speed control and improving operational efficiency in collaborative environments. A defined fallback mechanism ensures safety integrity if prediction data becomes unavailable.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000142026-09-15T11:16:36Z2026-09-15T11:16:36Z

This disclosure describes a system for compensating for positional and orientational inaccuracies of a mobile robot base prior to executing a precision manipulation task. It addresses the challenge of achieving high-accuracy manipulation with a mobile platform that has inherent limitations in docking repeatability. An arm-mounted vision sensor detects fiducial markers on or near the target workpiece, allowing for real-time calculation of a correction transform. This transform adjusts the planned manipulator trajectory to account for the base's actual pose relative to the target, ensuring precise end-effector placement and orientation, or indicates when the error is too large to proceed safely.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000132026-09-15T11:15:57Z2026-09-15T11:15:57Z

This disclosure describes a tool changer coupling system incorporating redundant locking detection mechanisms independent of the actuator state. The problem addressed is the potential for tool drops when a coupling reports locked solely based on actuator position, without confirming mechanical engagement of the locking elements. The described system employs two distinct detection paths: one responsive to the actuator position and another directly sensing the mechanical seating of the locking elements. Disagreement between these paths or loss of pneumatic supply initiates a safe condition, preventing unintentional tool release and enhancing operational integrity in robotic applications.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000122026-09-15T11:15:24Z2026-09-15T11:15:24Z

This disclosure describes a soft robotic gripper employing a granular jamming mechanism to conform to and grasp objects of varied shapes and stiffness. The gripper features a compliant outer membrane enclosing a volume of granular material, which transitions from a fluid-like state to a rigid solid state upon the application of a vacuum. This mechanism enables controlled, distributed force application, preventing damage to delicate items while providing sufficient grip for rigid components. The system addresses the challenge of handling diverse unpackaged goods within a single automated work cell, where traditional rigid grippers are unsuitable due to their inability to adapt to object variability.

https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-0000000112026-09-15T11:13:54Z2026-09-15T11:13:54Z

This disclosure describes a vacuum gripper array incorporating per-pad isolation to prevent system vacuum collapse when engaging loads with varying porosity or incomplete coverage. The arrangement utilizes individual check valves for each gripper pad, a vacuum reservoir, and a control unit. It details how the system acquires, holds, and releases loads, including mechanisms for detecting uncovered pads and a controlled release sequence to mitigate load displacement. This design addresses the challenge of reliably handling loads where one or more gripper pads might experience significant leakage, which typically compromises the entire vacuum system's integrity.