Robotic tool changers and methods of use

A robotic tool changer comprising:

• a tool adapter comprising:
• a body having a robot wall, a tool wall, and a side wall extending from the robot wall and the tool wall, a rear opening is formed in the side wall and the tool wall;
• and
• a locking member movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position;
• and
• a tool element comprising:
• a base attachable to a tool;
• and
• a head coupled to the base, wherein:
• the head of the tool element is insertable through the rear opening of the body of the tool adapter and into a tool hole of the tool adapter;
• when the locking member is in the open position, positioning of the head of the tool element through the rear opening of the body is permitted;
• and
• when the locking member is in the closed position, positioning of the head of the tool element through the rear opening of the body is not permitted.

A method comprising:

• rotating a locking member of a tool adapter coupled to a robotic arm in a first direction from a closed position to an open position to provide access to a tool hole of the tool adapter through a rear opening of the tool adapter;
• inserting a tool element coupled to a tool through the rear opening of the tool adapter and into the tool hole of the tool adapter;
• and
• rotating the locking member in an opposite second direction from the open position toward the closed position to prevent removal of the tool element out of the tool hole of the tool adapter through the rear opening.