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	Vicarm, Inc. of Mountain View,  Calif. announces its computer
based, general purpose manipulator system.  Their Model MIT robot and
DEC- LSI-11  computer  based system  can be  used  for all  types  of
manufacturing automation, automatic assembly, and robotics research.

	The  system  comprises  a   6  degree  of  freedom,  humanoid
configuration mechanical arm and hand.  This arm is powered by 7 d.c.
torque motors,  and has both  position and  velocity feedback on  all
joints.  Load capacity is  1 kg. and time to complete most motions is
less than one  second.   The robot  has a  reach of  22 inches  which
allows it to manipulate objects almost aywhere  within a 36" diameter
hemisphere.

	Also  provided  is a  hardware servo  controller,  a computer
interface and the 16 bit LSI-11 computer with 12k of memory.

	An operating software  package is  available for  controlling
the manipulator.   This  software includes  a solution  program which
enables preplanning  of all manipulator motions.  It is not necessary
to first lead the manipulator through a task.   Straight line motions
in  any  directiion  are  accomplished  with real  time  computation.
Programs of  any  length can  be  quickly and  easily  created  using
English language type commands  such as MOVE, GO, DRAW,  GRASP, OPEN,
PAUSE, STOP, etc.

	This  general  purpose manipulator  system,  an  outgrowth of
university  research in  the  field  of  Artificial  Intelligence  is
already  in  use  in  prototyype  applications  by  manufacturers  of
automobiles to semiconductors.

	Prices  start at  $12,000 for the  basic 6  degree of freedom
manipulator and  range to  $36,000  for a  complete system  including
computer, terminal and software.  Delivery is 120 days ARO.

	Also  offered are  a force  sensing wrist  and  touch sensing
fingers for performing more sophisticated tasks.

	With a weight of 20 lbs., the manipulator can easily be moved
between work stations.

	Applications include  machine tool loading,  part inspection,
telephone  assembly, calculator  assembly, stacking and  packaging of
components, continuous bead welding or bonding, adhesive application,
deburring of castings, etc.

	Future products  will include a  solid state image  array eye
for  visual  feedback controlled  tasks,  such as  picking  parts off
moving conveyor belts, or inspecting and sorting components.

	A larger  manipulator, with  a 4kg.   load  capacity is  also
currently offered.

	For furthur information  contact Victor Scheinman, President;
Vicarm, Inc.   154 East Dana  Street; Mountain View,  Calif.   94041.
Tel. 415-965-0557.