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SonyPatent applicationRobots & automationInterest 4/10

Sony patents robot arm that moves stiffly in some directions, loosely in others

Sony describes a robot arm that can be programmed to be rigid in specific directions while remaining flexible in others. This allows the machine to perform tasks more reliably without needing precise data about its surroundings.

Why it mattersThis approach could make industrial robots easier to program for delicate tasks, like handling fragile items, by letting them adapt their stiffness on the fly.

In the filing’s own words

To enable execution of a task with a high success rate without detailed information. A manipulator is a manipulator including a setting unit configured to set a movement direction in which at least one part of the manipulator is caused to move and a passive direction in which the part has passivity; and a movement control unit configured to control a movement of the part based on the set movement direction and passive direction.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A manipulator comprising: a setting unit configured to set a movement direction in which at least one part of the manipulator is caused to move and a passive direction in which the part has passivity; and a control unit configured to control a movement of the part based on the movement direction and the passive direction set by the setting unit.

Facts

Company
Sony (SONY GROUP CORPORATION)
Official title
MANIPULATOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MANIPULATOR
Publication number
US20260264237A1
Application number
19166665
Filed
Mar 22, 2024
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

B25J 9/1664 Operations & transportB25J 13/085 Operations & transportB25J 13/089 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.