US11097417B2
The core product offering at Kindred Robotics revolved around robotically manipulating and singulating objects from a single source into a partitioned destination as part of a logistics and supply chain application of sortation.
US11312014B2
Developed at Kindred, this robotic gripping system integrates vacuum suction and finger grasping, utilizing a dynamic collision model to selectively actuate the most effective method based on the surrounding environment. The system identifies potential obstacles along a motion path to ensure precise and safe object manipulation.
US10518372B2
This patent developed at Kindred is for a robotic apparatus that employs dual prismatic platforms and two sets of linear actuators to provide multi-axis translation and rotation for an end effector. By independently controlling the movement of each platform relative to the base, the system enables highly precise and complex positioning for a robot’s wrist or appendage.
US20210016454A1
Developed at Kindred, we built a robotic arm tool changer that uses magnetic engagement plates to quickly attach and detach a variety of tools. The system allows the robotic arm to swap tools on-the-fly, making decisions based on changing target package factors to enhance versatility and efficiency.
US20200167531A1
While working with novel piece part detection and identification techniques at Kindred, we developed a system to identify specific objects during extraction or movement by using antennas to trigger response signals from transponders attached to each item. By analyzing fluctuations in signal characteristics, the technology distinguishes the unique identifier of the moving object from the surrounding group to enable automated tracking and processing.
US12042933B2
This multi-stage robotic manipulator utilizes a single actuator to move a second (third, or fourth...) stage, which passively drives the movement of succeeding stages through cables or rack and pinion systems. This design enables complex, coordinated extension or retraction while minimizing the number of active components required for operation. This was developed at Kindred.
US20230294312A1
While at Kindred, and to facilitate preventative maintenance of a wear item on the robotic end effector, I developed this detection methodology. It utilizes contact pads embedded with detectable features, such as fluorescent materials, colors, or RFID tags, to monitor their level of physical wear. Sensors in the environment detect these elements and trigger maintenance signals when the pads require replacement.
US10812198B2
This robotic gripping system utilizes electromagnetic shielding to block unwanted wireless data exchange between RFID tags and remote transceivers. The technology is intended for use in the piece picking environment above where we were singulating items from a mixed batch at Kindred.
US11850732B2
These underactuated robotic manipulators utilize a single actuator to control multiple independent degrees of freedom across a system of driving, connecting, and driven links. By coupling these links at various joints, the design enables multiple touch points to grasp objects while reducing the mechanical complexity of the system.
US11359958B2
This system for singulating objects uses a robotic manipulator to grasp items from a bin and place them on a scale to measure their weight. A computer system then compares these measurements against established weight ranges to identify "double picks," where more than one object was accidentally grasped. To ensure accuracy, the acceptable weight ranges are determined by pre-weighing a variety of objects.
US11839986B2
This robotic control system utilizes active perception to prioritize computational resources on the most relevant environmental data for object manipulation. Inspired by the primate visual-motor system, the technology allows a robot to analyze objects from various distances and viewpoints to develop "human-like" hand-eye coordination.
US12036673B2
This robotic system combines an active manipulator with a passive grasping component to handle a wide range of object types. This hybrid design provides "soft" grasping capabilities that significantly reduce the risk of damaging sensitive or fragile items during manipulation.
US11426864B2
This robotic system uses two manipulators to perform a "hand-off" maneuver, allowing the first robot to readjust its grip on an object. By transferring the object to a second manipulator and then back again, the system can re-orient the item or change its grasp position before final placement at a new location.
US10933533B2
At Kindred, we developed a need for verifying placing items into partitioned areas visually. This patent uses a camera mounted on a robotic end-effector to verify that items are accurately placed into their designated reception spaces. By comparing "before and after" images of each space, the system automatically detects placement errors or confirms successful stowing, ensuring high precision in sorting operations.