Tactile perception apparatus for robotic systems

US11642796B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• RIOS Intelligent Machines, Inc.

Inventors

• Christopher Lalau Keraly · San Francisco, US
• Clinton Smith · San Francisco, US
• Christopher A. Paulson · Redwood City, US
• Bernard D. Casse · Saratoga, US
• Matthew E. Shaffer · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2020
• Grant date: May 9, 2023
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05K2201/10151
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A human-like tactile perception apparatus for providing enhanced tactile information (feedback data) from an end-effector/gripper to the control circuit of an arm-type robotic system. The apparatus's base structure is attached to the gripper's finger and includes a flat/planar support plate that presses a pressure sensor array against a target object during operable interactions. The pressure sensor array generates pressure sensor data that indicates portions of the array contacted by surface features of the target object. A sensor data processing circuit generates tactile information in response to the pressure sensor data, and then transmits the tactile information to the robotic system's control circuit. An optional mezzanine connector extends through an opening in the support plate to pass pressure sensor data to the processing circuit. An encapsulating layer covers the pressure sensor array and transmits pressure waves generated by slipping objects to enhance the tactile information.