The chameleon of grippers: the adaptive shape gripper

For the first time, a number of completely different gripping functions can be realised in one gripper.

This makes the new adaptive shape gripper so interesting that Audi’s “Technology Development Production Assistance Systems“ put it to the test.

Many robots specialise in gripping tasks. But of the grippers in use currently only a few are truly flexible. The Audi Technical Center therefore decided to test a gripper that has perfected flexibility: the adaptive shape gripper from Festo. It can grip and hold objects, pass them to a person or place them in a workpiece carrier.

Inspired by the chameleon

The operating principle of the adaptive shape gripper is based on nature and is reminiscent of a chameleon’s tongue. The connection between the piston rod and elastic cap produces a form-fitting grip around the object when the piston rod is retracted. It folds over the object to be gripped and clasps it tightly.

Free shapes, round geometries, delicate objects are no problem!

Unlike today’s mechanical grippers that can only grip certain components, the adaptive shape gripper is extremely flexible. It can even handle components with free shapes and round geometries. Since it doesn’t have any sharp edges, it is also ideal for gripping delicate objects like air nozzles or trim strips.

In principle, the gripper can pick up several parts such as nuts from a bowl in one motion. The functional model isn’t yet as versatile as the human hand, but it’s not far off.

Audi’s Technical Center Production Assistance Systems

The “Technology Development Production Assistance Systems” department at Audi deals with new production technologies that support employees with their work. The team is currently working on the following core issues: human-robot collaboration, supporting assembly workers, new lightweight robots and new sensors and display concepts.

A gripper with numerous applications

In the future, it will be possible to use the adaptive shape gripper in any application where several objects need to be gripped at the same time or objects with different shapes need to be handled.

This includes more sectors than the automotive industry, for example small parts handling in classic machine building, feeder units for packaging systems, gripping fruit and vegetables in the food processing industry, service robots in assembly tasks or prosthetic supplements in medical technology.

www.festo.com

  Ask For More Information…