Whether the precise finger movements of a pianist, the skillful prey catching techniques of a chameleon or the powerful grip of an elephant's trunk – each of these natural movements tells a story of adaptation and efficiency. Over the years, our bionics team has developed a large number of bionic grippers and pneumatic lightweight robot arms, all of which can effortlessly implement the flowing motion sequences of their natural counterparts. Click through our bionic concepts, which provide inspiration for our core business of automation technology.
Gripping has always played an important role in the Bionic Learning Network. Nature is often a source of amazing ideas and new solutions for industrial applications. Numerous bionic gripping applications have already been developed in the interdisciplinary research work of the network, from which two concepts have been further developed into series products.
Adaptive shape gripper DHEF: adaptable like a chameleon’s tongue
The adaptive shape gripper DHEF is a further development of the FlexShapeGripper. Its principle of action is derived from the tongue of the chameleon. In order to catch prey, the animal lets its tongue zip out like a rubber band. Shortly before the tip of its tongue reaches the insect, it pulls back in the middle as the edges continue to move forward. As a result, the tongue adapts to the shape and size of the prey and wraps around it tightly.
The pneumatic gripper’s main component is a silicone cap that is filled with a slight overpressure. The silicone cap is modeled on a chameleon’s tongue and fits flexibly and tightly over the material being gripped. This allows a gripping object to be enclosed and held. Even multiple objects, such as screws from a bowl, can be picked up by a corresponding control with proportional valves.
Adaptive gripper finger DHAS: inspired by the fish fin
The adaptive gripper finger DHAS is based on the amazing behavior of the fish tail fin. If you press sideways against the fin, it does not bend away, but curves around the pressure point. The developers have technically implemented this so-called FinRay Effect® with the aid of two flexible polyurethane tapes that are connected to each other via intermediate webs.
Whether parallel or centrically arranged: when gripping, the stable yet simultaneously flexible gripper fingers easily adapt to the contour of the workpiece. This enables gentle and secure gripping of sensitive objects with irregular surfaces. The DHAS is already being used in the food industry – for example, to sort fruit and vegetables.