Soft Robotics in Industrial Automation: Adaptive Industrial Gripper Design and Evaluation

The rapid evolution of industrial automation demands more versatile gripping solutions beyond conventional vacuum, magnetic, and fingered grippers. This study introduces the development and evaluation of an adaptive Universal Jamming Gripper (UJG) optimized for industrial applications. Utilizing a flexible membrane filled with granular materials, the UJG transitions between soft and rigid states under vacuum pressure, enabling secure and adaptive grasping of objects with diverse shapes and materials. Three types of membrane fillings—ground coffee, polystyrene microspheres (EPS), and thermoplastic elastomer granules (TPE)—were assessed for grip stability and force efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that EPS microspheres provide superior adaptability and stability, offering the highest gripping force across various object geometries. Performance tests on a universal testing machine further validate the gripper’s capability to handle differently shaped objects with minimal adjustments. The findings underscore the potential of adaptive gripping technologies in enhancing automation flexibility, reducing operational downtime, and increasing overall industrial efficiency. Future research will focus on long-term durability, integration with robotic automation, and performance assessment in real-world manufacturing environments.