Flexible movement and precise gripping: at first glance, the Bionic Handling Assistant appears to be a readily yielding gripping arm whose structure and overall operation are modelled on the elephant’s trunk. Over and above its pure utility value, however, the system serves as a development platform that combines a wide diversity of technologies and components.
A development platform for new technologies
The Bionic Handling Assistant unites many interdisciplinary technologies.
The basis of the project was the development of the pneumatic lightweight structure, which is produced in a resource-efficient manner using new additive manufacturing technologies.
A mechatronic system based on a bionic model
The mechatronic development process is based on a multi-technology platform for the simultaneous development of mechanics, electronics and software for machines and handling solutions. In biomechatronics, Festo is testing new approaches to the control and regulation of bionic systems.
New approaches in automation
In addition to optimisation of the system itself, the ongoing development of the Bionic Handling Assistant generates novel solutions and approaches for industry, thus making Festo a driving force for customer innovations in a wide range of industries.