Robotic gripping surface for sensitive devices improves handling

This conforms to the weight of 40 tablets handled with a surface half postcard size. Within these new findings, it will be possible to use the same gripper for heavy and lightweight, sensitive devices. These innovations will open up new avenues for Industry 4.0.

The researchers will be presenting their results from 25th to 29th April 2016 in Hall 2 at the stand B46 of the Hannover Messe in the context of the leading trade fair for R & D and Technology Transfer.

"Artificially produced microscopic pillars, so-called gecko structures, adhere to various items. By manipulating these pillars, the adhesion can be switched on and off. Thus, items can be lifted and released quickly and precisely," Karsten Moh from INM explains.

"Our new materials add a new dimension to the handling of heavy devices which are sensitive, even in vacuum," says Moh. "With the currently developed adhesion system, adhesive forces of more than eight Newton per square centimeter can be achieved".

"In our tests, the system has proved successful even after 15,000 cycles," the technology expert Moh says. Even slightly rough surfaces can be handled reliably.

The development group now focuses on the gripping of objects with non-planar surfaces. Additionally, new triggers for switching the adhesion are being explored.