Gerardo Beni

Title: Gerardo Beni: Innovator in Robotic Systems

Introduction

Gerardo Beni is a prominent inventor based in Old Bridge, NJ (US), known for his significant contributions to the field of robotics. With a total of 11 patents to his name, Beni has developed innovative technologies that enhance the capabilities of robotic systems.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents is a robotic system utilizing a tactile sensor array. This invention features a movable part of a robot, such as the fingers of a robot hand, equipped with an array of tactile elements mounted on a substrate. Each element includes a magnetic dipole embedded in a compliant medium on one side of the substrate and a magnetic sensor on the other side. The dipole and sensor are positioned in parallel planes. When a force or torque is applied, the compliant medium deforms, displacing the magnetic dipoles relative to the sensor. The sensor detects changes in the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal to control the robot. Magnetoresistive sensors are preferred for this application. Additionally, to detect torque, each element includes four sensors arranged at 90 degrees to one another, with a magnetic dipole oriented at 45 degrees to each sensor. This patent also describes how a robot can handle objects using a tactile array in its gripper or hand, enabling pattern recognition functions.

Another notable patent is the waveguide robot system for laser beams. This invention consists of an articulating waveguide arm assembly, which includes long arm segments and short corner segments. Each segment contains a single-mode hollow dielectric waveguide and an optically reflecting device at the end. The waveguide assembly is mechanically attached to a robot assembly with protruding side shields. The robot assembly features a pair of long arms corresponding to the waveguide arms. The design allows a laser beam to propagate through the long arm segment and enter one of the long waveguide segments, with the robot arm segments controlling the orientation of the waveguide arm segments.

Career Highlights

Gerardo Beni has worked with renowned organizations such as Bell Telephone Laboratories and AT&T Bell Laboratories. His experience in these prestigious companies has contributed to his expertise in robotics and innovation.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Beni has collaborated with notable individuals, including Susan Hackwood and Joseph Leo Shay. These partnerships have fostered advancements in robotic technologies and have played a role in his successful patent portfolio.