Das Chamäleon kann verschiedenste Insekten fangen, indem sich seine Zunge über die jeweilige Beute stülpt und sie sicher umschließt. Der FlexShapeGripper nutzt dieses Prinzip, um unterschiedlichste Objekte formschlüssig zu greifen. Mit seiner elastischen Silikonkappe kann er sogar mehrere Gegenstände in einem Greifvorgang aufnehmen und gesammelt ablegen – ohne dass ein manueller Umbau notwendig ist.
Whether on a handling system or on the arm of a robot, the gripper can perform various tasks once it has been put into operation. This functional integration is one possible way in which systems and components themselves will be able to adapt to various products and scenarios in future. The project also shows how we gain new insights from nature for our core business of automation.
The aims of the Bionic Learning Network involve more than just learning from nature, however. Early recognition and fostering of good ideas also plays a major part. The FlexShapeGripper came about through a cooperation with Oslo and Akershus University and is an outstanding example of close collaboration beyond the boundaries of a company.