Festo_TentacleGripper_en

TentacleGripper Gripping modelled on an octopus tentacle The natural model The octopus is a fascinating creature: depending on its mood and environment, it can not only change colour as quick as a flash; for camouflage purposes, it can also adapt the surface structure of its body to the ground underneath. As it has no skeleton and is made almost entirely of muscle, it is also extremely flexible. It can thus force itself through even the smallest crannies, swim agilely in all directions and grip a wide range of objects in a form-fitting manner. With the aid of the suction cups on the inside of its eight tentacles, it can also grip with great force and hold tight onto smooth surfaces. The technical implementation The TentacleGripper consists of a soft silicone structure, which pneumatically deforms and thus wraps around the object being gripped. For this purpose, a chamber running lengthways is cut out in the back of the tentacle and is filled with compressed air. A textile cover is embedded around the air chamber, restricting its expansion and protecting the silicone from bursting. In the middle of the tentacle is a wafer-thin film. Together with the small recesses on the inside of the gripper, it ensures that the structure only bends inwards. The gripping process is supported by passive and active suction cups, which provide additional grip on the object. The industrial benefit This combination of interlocking gripping and secure adhesion makes the TentacleGripper suitable for a number of objects with different shapes and geometries, with a smooth surface and high sensitivity. Furthermore, its safe structure already meets the strict criteria of a soft robotics compo- nent and guarantees a safe working relationship with people. 4 Festo AG & Co. KG 5 TentacleGripper: Gripping modelled on an octopus tentacle