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AmazonGranted patentRobots & automationInterest 6/10

Amazon patents robot arm that adjusts grip if objects swing

This patent describes a method where a robotic arm uses a machine learning model to analyze sensor data at two different times. By comparing how the object appears in these snapshots, the system calculates a 'swinging score' and adjusts the robot's movement plan to handle the object more stably.

Why it mattersThis helps warehouse robots handle items more safely and accurately, reducing the chance of dropping packages or damaging goods during transport.

In the filing’s own words

Techniques described herein relate to swing anomaly detection for objects transferred via robotic manipulation. For example, a computer system can generate, based on first sensor data of a robotic manipulator manipulating an object and by using a machine learning model, a first segmentation of the object represented by the first sensor data. The first sensor data can be received at a first time. The computer system can generate, based on second sensor data of the robotic manipulator manipulating the object and by using the machine learning model, a second segmentation of the object represented by the second sensor data. The computer system can generate, by comparing the first segmentation and the second segmentation, a swinging score indicating swinging of the object by the robotic manipulator. A motion plan for the robotic manipulator can be updated based on the swinging score.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: generating, based at least in part on first sensor data corresponding to a robotic manipulator manipulating an object and by at least using a machine learning model, a first segmentation of the object represented by the first sensor data, the first sensor data being received at a first time; generating, based at least in part on second sensor data corresponding to the robotic manipulator manipulating the object and by at least using the machine learning model, a second segmentation of the object represented by the second sensor data, the second sensor data being received at a second time subsequent to the first time; generating, based at least in part on an area of intersection between the first segmentation and the second segmentation, a swinging score indicating a degree of swinging of the object by the robotic manipulator; updating a motion plan for the robotic manipulator manipulating the object based at least in part on the swinging score; and causing the robotic manipulator to execute the updated motion plan.

Facts

Company
Amazon (Amazon Technologies, Inc.)
Official title
Swing anomaly detection for robotic manipulation of objects
Patent number
US12734687B1
Application number
18978595
Filed
Dec 12, 2024
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
20

Classified under

B25J 9/163 Operations & transportB25J 9/1664 Operations & transportB25J 9/1674 Operations & transportB25J 9/1697 Operations & transport
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.