Robotergreifer.

A research team at Saarland University has developed a new robot suction gripper that can quickly adapt to various workpieces. The gripper consists of artificial muscles made of nickel-titanium, which move its fingers and can create a strong vacuum. The system enables more flexible production and manufacturing and only requires electrical power. The artificial muscle fibers allow for fast movements and high pulling force. The gripper can hold objects firmly and move freely in space without the need for compressed air, and it operates quietly. Control is done through a semiconductor chip that provides all the data and enables precise movements. The system can reprogram itself and can determine whether it securely grips the workpiece. The research team has founded the company mateligent GmbH to bring these and other intelligent material systems into industrial practice. [Extracted from the article]