Experimental Results for QuBu Gripper: A 3-Jaw Electric Gripper

Abstract

Main factors influencing modern industrial processes are competition in a global market and more and more customized products. Thanks to new technologies, the idea of the “next day delivery” is becoming a standard for all kind of customers. This requires more flexible, automated and efficient processes. In fact, industrial robots play a fundamental role: they are becoming more and more “smarter”, faster, less expensive and “collaborative”. Therefore, it is clear how the link between the robots use and the integration of manipulation devices is extremely tight. In fact, a correct and smart manipulation allows more effective, efficient and sustainable industrial processes.

The present paper presents an innovative industrial gripper, called “QuBu Gripper”. It shows all steps that have interested the design process and it is focused on the experimental results obtained. The main function of this gripper is to manipulate products belonging to the family “oil ring seals” within an automated robotic molding cell. The criteria that have guided the entire design process, until the implementation and industrialization of the first prototype, are flexibility, versatility, cost rationalization and performance improvement.