A system for lifting a deformable object includes a support structure, two pairs of opposing arms coupled to the support structure, and a fluid power driver operatively coupled in parallel to the pairs of opposing arms via a fluid power system. Each of the arms includes inclined surfaces configured to contact the deformable object. When the support structure is positioned above the deformable object on the surface, the fluid power driver is configured to increase pressure in the fluid power system until the pressure in the fluid power system reaches a predetermined level such that (i) each of the pairs of opposing arms independently closes a distance until the inclined surfaces are in contact with sides of the deformable object, and (ii) the pairs of opposing arms exert a compressive force on the deformable object that causes the deformable object to slide up one or more of the inclined surfaces.

Technologies are generally described for pneumatically actuated parallel grippers that include a frame, a linkage system, two pistons, and a pair of slidable plates. The linkage system includes three or more links comprising a central link that is pivotably coupled to the frame, a first link coupled between a first piston and a first end of the central link, and a second link coupled between a second piston and a second end of the central link. The linkage system is arranged to synchronize motion between the first and second pistons. The pistons are further coupled to the slidable plates such that synchronized movement of the pistons translates into synchronized motion of the slidable plates. The parallel gripper is readily adaptable for use in gripper applications; and it is simple to service without the necessity for costly high tolerance and high precision parts.

An object gripping mechanism is provided for use with a robotic arm. A robotic arm and method of manufacturing an object gripping mechanism are also provided. The object gripping mechanism includes an attachment modular configured to connect the object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm. The object gripping mechanism also includes a plurality of retractable arms each pivotably connected with the attachment modular. The object gripping mechanism also includes one or more movement mechanisms collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position. The object gripping mechanism further includes a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature using a gear and timing belt configuration.

An object gripping mechanism is provided for use with a robotic arm. A robotic arm and method of manufacturing an object gripping mechanism are also provided. The object gripping mechanism includes an attachment modular configured to connect the object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm. The object gripping mechanism also includes a plurality of retractable arms each pivotably connected with the attachment modular. The object gripping mechanism also includes one or more movement mechanisms collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position. The object gripping mechanism further includes a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature using a gear and timing belt configuration.

A chuck unit includes a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber disposed on both sides of a piston for driving fingers. A valve unit includes a first output air flow path connected to one of the first and second pressure chambers, a second output air flow path connected to the other thereof, a first solenoid valve connected to the first output air flow path, and a second solenoid valve connected to the second output air flow path. The first solenoid valve connects the first output air flow path to an air supply source when energized and opens the first output air flow path to atmosphere when de-energized, and the second solenoid valve opens the second output air flow path to atmosphere when energized and connects the second output air flow path to the air supply source when de-energized.

A gripper head, including a frame having a plurality of cantilever arms, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end, with a vertical axis extending between the upper end and the lower end. The gripper head includes a plurality of discrete and spaced-apart tracks, each track extending out from the vertical axis and supporting a gripper finger operable to move along the track between a first position and a second position, the second position being farther from the vertical axis than the first position, each track supported by a corresponding cantilever arm of the plurality of cantilever arms. The gripper head also including a plurality of support bars, each support bar extending between two cantilever arms of the plurality of cantilever arms.

An emptying system for emptying a box of food products comprising: —a box overturning robot (2) comprising gripping means (20); —acquisition means (3) for acquiring at least one image of at least one part of the box; —a control unit (4) that moves said gripping means (20) in function of the information arising from said acquisition means (3) for grasping the box by said gripping means (20).

Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.

An air chuck includes a chuck unit including a pair of fingers that capable of being freely opened and closed, an operation unit that includes an operation mechanism, which opens and closes the pair of fingers, connection mechanisms for attaching the chuck unit to the operation unit such that the chuck unit is freely attachable and detachable to and from the operating unit, and a locking mechanism that locks the pair of fingers such that the pair of fingers are capable of being freely opened and closed when the chuck unit is attached to the operation unit and such that the pair of fingers are not able to be opened or closed when the chuck unit is detached from the operation unit.

A pair of grippers movable with respect to each other and each of which comprising a body presenting an annular ring oriented perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal length of the end effector. The annular ring of each gripper of the pair of grippers is oriented facing each other so that a space between the annular ring of each gripper of the pair of grippers increases and decreases as the pair of mounting blocks move laterally towards and away from each other.