Such systems deployed in several tasks, including holding tools in position, inserting components, assembling printed circuit boards, and moving, loading, or unloading parts.
“They are often heavy, their moving parts wear out over time, and they tend to execute a constant, highly repetitive motion pattern. This existing technology limits the extent of miniaturization that can be achieved, and small-scale gripper systems with minor grip points are challenging to realize,” stated a press release by the university.
Smart, energy-efficient grippers
According to the university’s press statement, conventional robot arms are also stiff and difficult to reprogram quickly, making them unsafe for human workers involved on production lines. However, the robotic gripper developed by the team led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki from Saarland University is set to offer a much-needed solution.