FlexShapeGripper brings greater gripping flexibility
The FlexShapeGripper robot gripper from Festo is another of its bionic creations inspired by nature. The FlexShapeGripper provides a flexible and adaptable gripping mechanism that can be used in a wide range of applications.
Pictured: the FlexShapeGripper can grasp, pick up and put down several differently shaped objects in one process.
The FlexShapeGripper was developed in cooperation with University of Oslo, with a working principle is derived from the tongue of a chameleon. The FlexShapeGripper can pick up, gather and put down several objects with the widest range of shapes in one procedure, without the need for manual conversion.
The unique ability of the FlexShapeGripper to adapt to many different shapes is made possible by its water-filled silicone cap. With this, the FlexShapeGripper wraps itself around any item being picked up in a flexible and form-fitting manner.
“We see the FlexShapeGripper being used in any facility where multiple objects with a range of different shapes are handled at the same time,” says Heinrich Frontzek, head of corporate communication and future concepts at Festo. Within the robotics sector, this could see the FlexShapeGripper being used for assembly tasks or when handling small parts.
Features of the FlexShapeGripper include form-fitting gripping, controlled gathering, flexible gripping of multiple objects. The FlexShapeGripper also offers energy-free holding.
The FlexShapeGripper ensures soft gripping thanks to its water-filled silicone cap, with almost infinite flexibility to pick up objects of any shape.
Visit the Festo website for more information on the FlexShapeGripper.
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