// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM

Gripper

A gripper is a type of end effector used by robots to grasp and hold objects. It mimics the function of a human hand and comes in various designs, such as two-finger, three-finger, or vacuum grippers.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A gripper is a robotic end effector designed to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects, typically consisting of mechanical jaws, vacuum cups, or other mechanisms, enabling robots to perform pick-and-place, assembly, and material handling tasks in automated production environments.

BACKGROUND

IronMind Enterprises, Inc. is an American niche market business based in Nevada City, California, that specializes in "tools of the trade for serious strength athletes." Though many of its products include strength-training equipment and accessories, IronMind also publishes books, DVDs and the quarterly magazine MILO: A Journal For Serious Strength Athletes.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Robotic Hand
  • End Effector
  • Clamp
  • Manipulator
  • Tooling

USAGE NOTE

The choice of gripper depends on the object's shape, weight, material, and the required gripping force.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Gripper.

  • Schunk

    A global leader in gripping systems and clamping technology, offering a wide range of pneumatic, electric, and magnetic grippers for industrial automation and collaborative robotics, integral to advanced manufacturing.

  • Festo

    Specializes in industrial automation, providing a comprehensive portfolio of pneumatic and electric grippers, including adaptive and bionic gripping solutions, essential for flexible and intelligent production systems in Industry 5.0.

  • Robotiq

    Develops plug-and-play grippers and sensors specifically designed for collaborative robots, enabling easier integration and deployment in manufacturing environments seeking automation flexibility and human-robot collaboration.

  • OnRobot

    Offers a broad spectrum of end-of-arm tooling, including electric, vacuum, and magnetic grippers, designed to be easily integrated with a variety of robot brands, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of automated manufacturing processes.

  • Soft Robotics

    Pioneers in soft robotic gripping technology, developing adaptive grippers capable of handling a wide variety of delicate, irregularly shaped, or fragile items without pre-programming, crucial for tasks requiring high flexibility and dexterity.

  • Zimmer Group

    Provides a vast selection of industrial grippers, including pneumatic, electric, and specialized robotic grippers, known for their robustness and reliability in demanding production environments.

  • SMC Corporation

    A global manufacturer of pneumatic and electric automation components, offering an extensive range of grippers, including parallel, angular, and specialized grippers, for diverse industrial applications and automation solutions.

  • Piab

    Specializes in vacuum technology, offering innovative vacuum grippers, suction cups, and complete vacuum gripping systems that improve efficiency and productivity in pick-and-place applications across various industries.

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