Flexible robotic system using end-effector with pass-through suction modules

A robotic system for manipulating plural component variations, the system comprising:

• a suction module shaped to mate with one component variation of the plural component variations, the suction module having a front side with a face shaped to match and mate with the one component variation, the suction module having a rear side with a coupling connectable with a suction line, wherein at least one opening extends through the face, wherein the suction module defines internal passages connecting the coupling with the at least one opening through the face to enable suction to pass-through the suction module;
• an end-effector having a base plate, a mounting plate selectively moveable relative to the base plate, and a clamp, wherein the suction module is selectively mounted to the mounting plate and releasably secured by the clamp, wherein the end-effector selectively carries a variety of suction modules, each one of which corresponds to an individual component variation of the plural component variations;
• and
• at least one actuator mounted to the base plate and configured to selectively move the mounting plate and the suction module relative to the base plate.

A robotic system for manipulating plural emblem variations, the system comprising:

• a suction module shaped to mate with one emblem variation of the plural emblem variations, the suction module having a front side with a face shaped to match and mate with the one emblem variation, the suction module having a rear side with a coupling connectable with a suction line, wherein at least one opening extends through the face, wherein the suction module defines internal passages connecting the coupling with the at least one opening through the face to enable suction to pass-through the suction module;
• an end-effector having a base plate, a mounting plate selectively moveable relative to the base plate, and a clamp, wherein the suction module is selectively mounted to the mounting plate and releasably secured by the clamp, wherein the end-effector selectively carries a variety of suction modules, each one of which corresponds to an individual emblem variation of the plural emblem variations;
• a set of three suction cups mounted to the end-effector for location of the end-effector relative to a vehicle panel, the suction cups coupled with a vacuum source for holding the end-effector against the vehicle panel;
• and
• at least one actuator mounted to the base plate and configured to selectively move the mounting plate and the suction module relative to the base plate to apply an individual emblem to the vehicle panel.