Grippers in Motion

We handle objects hundreds, perhaps thousands of times every day. This process is so deeply ingrained in our nature that we are virtually unaware of it happening.

Grippers and robots form a single unit that makes a specific handling process possible. Without the right gripper and appropriate handling system, the production task involved cannot be accomplished.

Technically speaking, grippers have one main task when it comes to handling technology. In the 80s, the VDI regulation 2860 formulated this function as follows:

After the pick operation, the next step is to examine the movement of the gripper together with the workpiece, as different acceleration rates could impact components and grippers. Dynamics cause forces to arise due to movement, which need to be absorbed by the gripper in addition to the force of the weight. Therefore, in order to make the most effcient decisions possible when designing grippers, we are also reliant on knowledge of the handling device used and its performance capabilities. On the other hand, knowledge of the gripper parameters in conjunction with the workpiece is a significant design factor in the choice of the handling system. During the development phase of an automation solution, an iterative process takes place that goes back and forth between gripper construction, overall cell layout, material flow and kinematics selection. In addition, the ambient conditions of the kinetic task and the workpiece order status are also to be taken into account. This creative process is crucial for the economic efficiency of the automation solution. Major cost factors involved in the solution are defined during this process. The specific workpiece throughput that can be processed per unit of time is determined.

Emerging megatrends in industry and society, as well as the developments over the last several years, could impact the future of gripper and handling technology in many ways.