摘要 |
<p>A robotic system in which robot devices are assembled from an inventory of elements responsive to a work request. The robotic devices include robots incorporating two-dimensional, linear motors movable along a stationary platen and coupled to various power sources through flexible, extendible, umbilical cords. The robot devices are selectively connectible with manipulators for holding parts to be assembled and/or for performing operations on such parts and/or members to which such parts are mounted. The devices are automatically assembled by selecting elements capable of performing the tasks necessary to complete the work request as well as selecting those elements which result in optimization of the assembly time and avoid collisions and cord tangling in moving along the paths traversed by the robot devices during their assembly. A multiplicity of assembled robotic devices may perform the tasks associated with the work request under control of an electronic system permitting simultaneous operations while preventing collisions and cord tangling. Robotic device assembly, disassembly and job tasks based on work requests can be performed simultaneously in any combination.</p> |