A FLAT SURFACE ROBOTIC GRIPPER FOR HANDLING LIMP MATERIAL

A prototype flat-surface, single-chambered and multi-chambered gripper , based on the operational principle of suction and pressure different ial has been designed, implemented and experimentally tested. The prot otype grippers are proven sufficient to pick and place fabric material accurately and reliably without causing any distortion and/or folding of the fabric. Both prototype grippers have been mounted on AdeptOne( R) and AdeptThree(R) robot arms for experimental and reliability analy sis. Both prototypes meet requirements as set by the U.S. apparel indu stry, related to pick and place single cut plies of several types of f abric.