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working along with humans. The work stems from the company’s Bionic Learning Network, where engineers develop nature-inspired technologies for industrial automation in collaboration with leading universities and research institutes. Bionically inspired robots with pneumatic drives are well-suited for collaborative working spaces, according to the company, and could represent a cost-efficient alternative to classic robot concepts. One such soft bionic gripper, called the OctopusGripper, was introduced at last year’s Hannover Fair in Germany. The device is modeled on an octopus tentacle and consists of a soft silicone structure that features pneumatically controlled kinematics with vacuum-based holding force. Applying compressed air bends the tentacle inwards, letting it wrap around and grip an object in a form-fitting and gentle manner. Two rows 17-1864_Kaw_Horz_9x5.25.pdf
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of actively and passively controlled suction cups on the inner surface securely attach to and hold a variety of different shaped objects. Its soft, inherently flexible structure has great potential for use in collaborative, human-safe working spaces in the future, according to Festo. The flexible gripper is used in combination with the company’s BionicMotionRobot and BionicCobot. These pneumatic lightweight robots feature natural movement dynamics modelled on the human arm and elephant trunk. Another interesting development is Festo’s FlexShapeGripper, a device reportedly modelled on a chameleon’s tongue. The gripper consists of a nontraditional, double-acting cylinder with one chamber filled with compressed air; and a second one permanently filled with water and includes an elastic silicone molding. The
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volumes of the two chambers are designed to compensate for deformation of the silicone part. The piston, which separates the two chambers, is fastened with a thin rod on the inside of the silicone cap. In use, a robot or handling system guides the gripper so the silicone cap contacts the object. This vents the top pressurized chamber; the piston moves upwards by means of a spring support; and the water-filled silicone part pulls itself inwards. Further movement lets the silicone cap wrap itself around the object, resulting in a tight form fit. The elastic silicone construction precisely adapts to a wide range of geometries. The material’s high static friction generates a strong holding force. The concept has potential to enable various tasks in the factory. For instance, it flexibly grips a wide range of objects, holds
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