| 20100184575 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING THE OPERATION OF A ROBOTIC ACTUATOR - A robotic tool changer and systems and methods for controlling the operation of a robotic tool changer are provided. The tool changer, methods, and systems include a robot-side component mountable to a robot arm end interface; a tool-side component adapted to engage a tool; a first slave module associated with the robot-side component and adapted to communicate with a first master module; and a second master module associated with the robot-side component and adapted to communicate with a second slave module associated with the tool. The second slave module may include a temporary power supply, for example, a battery or a capacitor, for instance, a super capacitor. Aspects of the invention are advantageous for performing high-speed robotic connections and disconnections, and for providing tool and tool changer performance information gathering. | 07-22-2010 |
