A robotic finger mechanism for robust industrial applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and analysis of a robotic finger mechanism for robust industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The resultant design is a compact rigid link finger, which is adaptive to different shapes and sizes providing necessary grasping features. A number of such fingers can be assembled to function as a special purpose end effector.

Findings

The mechanism removes a number of significant problems usually experienced with tendon‐based designs. The finger actuation mechanism forms a compact and positive drive unit within the end effector's body using solid mechanical linkages and integrated actuators.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the design issues associated with a limited number of actuators to operate in a constrained environment and presents various considerations necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Originality/value

The design is original in existence and developed for special purpose handling applications that offers a strong and reliable system where space and safety is of prime concern.

Citation

Dubey, V.N. and Crowder, R.M. (2011), "A robotic finger mechanism for robust industrial applications", Industrial Robot, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 352-360. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439911111132049