DHEF Adaptive Shape Gripper

The new DHEF adaptive shape gripper from Festo offers maximum gripping flexibility with minimal engineering. The adaptive shape gripper automatically grips mixed objects with multiple shapes, unaligned objects and numerous objects at once. The gripper gently forms around an object and is ideal for gripping fragile items. It is suitable for human/machine interaction.

The DHEF adaptive shape gripper is the industrial version of the Bionic Learning Network’s FlexShapeGripper, which models the gripping mechanics of a chameleon’s tongue. The lizard’s tongue darts out at its prey and then pulls it in while the outside edges wrap around the target, securely holding it. The DHEF adaptive shape gripper uses a flexible silicone cap as the tongue device that draws an object in and captures it.

The DHEF is rated for objects with diameters ranging from 0.47 to 1.5 inches (12 to 38 mm). One of the key areas of use for the adaptive shape gripper is collaborative robotics where maximum flexibility and safety are required. Other areas of interest include machine building, packaging, automotive, electronics and assembly. The gripper also has application as a prosthetic.

The adaptive shape gripper is designed to be applied as a pneumatic end-of-arm robotic tool. DHEF adaptive shape grippers have a sensor slot for position sensing, as well as a bayonet lock for easy replacement of the silicone cap.