Title
Cobots: A Novel Material Handling Technology

Abstract
Cobots are a class of hybrid human-controlled/computer-controlled material handling device, which can enhance ergonomics, productivity, and safety. Cobots implement software-defined virtual guiding surfaces, as well as providing some amplification of human power ("power assist"). Cobots make use of steerable nonholonomic joints to produce the guiding surfaces that aid the operator. This unique steering system, in place of powerful actuators, results in guiding surfaces that are smooth, frictionless, and intrinsically stable -- making cobots particularly appropriate for safety-critical tasks.

In this paper we describe the basic concepts of cobots with reference to laboratory prototypes having two or three workspace dimensions. Early industrial application in automobile final assembly plants is underway, and two cobots presently in industrial environments are described.

Source: Proceedings of IMECE 1998