Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Manikantan Nambi

Gregory Coleman

Beth A Marcus

Erica Aduh

Timothy G Dietz

Jude R Jonas

Andrew Dominic Marchese

Leonard Thomas Lilliston, Iii

Bertan Atamer

Chaitanya Mitash

Areej Pirzada

Kristin Covelle

Margaret Jean Williams George

Robert Kevin Katzschmann

Gregory Thomas Merlino

Parris S Wellman

Mathias Moser

Jonas Eichenberger

Dominique Ernst

Ueli Schlaepfer

Shiyang Lu

First image data is received via a first imaging device that represents an item being manipulated by a robotic arm, and second image data is received via a second imaging device that represents item being manipulated by the robotic arm. Using a machine-learning model to analyze the first image data, a first score is determined that represents whether the item includes a defect. Additionally, using the machine-learning model to analyze the second image data, a second score is determined that represents whether the item includes the defect. Whether the item includes the defect is based on at least one of the first score or the second score, and in such instances, the robotic arm to perform an action.

Identifying defect(s) within item(s) being manipulated by a robotic arm

Robotic end effectors may include a suction cup, one or more grasping fingers, and one or more flexible nails to securely and reliably engage, grasp, and cage items. The grasping fingers may move between open and closed positions to grasp items. In addition, the flexible nails may be coupled to ends of the grasping fingers to facilitate caging of items by the fingers and nails. For example, the flexible nails may bend, flex, or slide under, around, or relative to items and thereby enable grasping and caging of portions of items by the fingers and nails. The nails may be formed of various materials, with various layers or thicknesses of materials, and/or with variable flexibility or friction properties. Further, the nails may be transitioned or actuated between multiple configurations, including a sliding configuration and a grasping configuration.

Robotic end effectors having fingers and nails to grasp and cage items

Examples described herein are directed to methods, computer-readable media, and systems for controlling an end of arm tool with one or more suction zones to pick up an item. Sensor data regarding the item is obtained. The sensor data is used to determine which of the one or more suction zones should be used to pick up the item. A rotational orientation is also determined that orients the determined suction zone(s) with the item. The end of arm tool is then instructed to create a suction force at the one or more suction zones and to pick up the item using the suction force.

Rotating end of arm tool including asymmetrical independently controllable suction zones

Aspects described herein include an end effector having an interface system that includes a body member attached to a mounting plate, and a plurality of strength-varying features at a plurality of regions of the interface system. The plurality of strength-varying features encourage the body member to repeatably deform into a deformed configuration. The end effector further comprises a vacuum port in fluid communication with an inner recess of the body member, and a plurality of actuators that apply a force to the mounting plate to pivot a portion of the mounting plate and deform the body member into the deformed configuration.

Varying strength interface system for robotic end-effector

Aspects described herein include an end effector that includes a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end. The sealing surface forms a seal with items and defines a first suction area. The end effector also includes an inflatable bladder that expands into the inner recess. When the bladder is in an inflated state, the bladder defines a second suction area smaller than the first suction area. The end effector also includes a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.

Controlling end effector suction area using expandable bladder

Aspects described herein include an end effector capable of prehending items using impactive and astrictive forces. The end effector includes an interface system having a deformable mounting plate and a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate. The end effector further includes a linkage system between a plurality of actuators and the interface system. The linkage system connects to lateral portions of the mounting plate.

Linkage system for prehending objects using impactive forces

A soft actuator for a suction-cup end effector bends or deforms in response to air pressure within bladders in the actuator. The walls of the air bladders, upon pressurization, expand to contact adjacent structure, such as other expanding air bladders, to move a constraining layer of the actuator from a rest position toward an actuated position. A gripper for engaging items is formed by the soft actuator and a suction cup.

Soft actuator and gripper assembly

Examples described herein are directed to an item manipulation system that includes an end of arm tool. The end of arm tool includes a suction manifold including multiple independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones. The end of arm tool is also configured to rotate about a tool axis to selectively align the independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones with target items for manipulation.

An actuator for a suction-cup end effector bends or deforms in response to air pressure within bladders in the actuator. Air bladders of the actuator apply bending moments to rigid flange structures, which transmit the moments to a base layer of the actuator. Grasping elements may be used.

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Malden, MA, United States of America

Manikantan Nambi