New adaptive shape gripper by Festo needs no manual adjustment by users

Festo’s new DHEF adaptive shape gripper mimics the action of a chameleon’s tongue – wrapping its elastic silicon cap around objects.

Festo Canada expands its family of innovative automation products with the new DHEF adaptive shape gripper. This device can pick and move any object, whether round, square, rectangular, or irregularly shaped, with no need for manual adjustment. Unlike other mechanical grippers on the market, which can only handle specific components, the DHEF can tackle components with virtually any geometry, such as variable or free-form shapes.

Modelled off movement in nature

The DHEF shape gripper is the most recent product to emerge from Festo’s Bionic Learning network. This research department studies highly efficient forms of movement in nature and bases new devices on this research. The DHEF emulates the action of a chameleon’s tongue by wrapping its elastic silicon cap around objects. When a chameleon is catching insects, it shoots out its tongue like an elastic band; before the tip reaches the insect, it retracts in the middle as the edges keep moving forwards. This way, the tongue adapts to the shape and size of the insect to enclose it firmly, and the prey sticks to the tongue. The DHEF works in a similar way.

This gripper works in conjunction with its own pneumatic drive to facilitate a secure, form-fitting hold while using minimal energy. Because it has no sharp edges, it is perfect for gripping air nozzles, trim strips, and other sensitive objects. The DHEF can also pick up several parts at once, such as nuts from a bowl. Festo recommends this shape gripper for handling small parts in classic machine building in the electronics and automotive sectors, as well as in supply units for packaging installations, for human-robot interaction during assembly applications, and as prosthetic extensions in medical technology.

The DHEF has an elastic silicone membrane that is flexible and pliable. It is ready for common automation tasks as soon as the user supplies compressed air and a standardized robot interface. The gripper also has a standard sensor slot for position sensing and a bayonet lock for easy cap replacement.

Learning from nature is learning from the best. Trust Festo for the top solutions.

To learn more, contact Festo.

• Tweet