This is because the gripper enables the unmanned transport of tools or other products in production facilities. The gripper is the result of a collaboration between Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) and the Industry 4.0 experts from Digital Worx.
Drones not only show images from impressive aerial perspectives, they can also deliver packages. In the future, they will offer even more support from the air. Röhm says the possibilities are almost endless, however, it is not enough for the drones to just fly from one point to the next for complex handling tasks. For example, products have to be gripped reliably and accurately and distributed unmanned in the shortest possible time. This would be a challenge for any manufacturing company.
Nevertheless, this capability has become a reality with Röhm and its new drone gripper. Moreover, it provides other features that are needed for effective work and easy operation. The gripping technology specialist has indirect and a direct gripping system in its range for a wide variety of applications.
With the indirect gripping system, the drone flies with the mounted gripper and approaches an object equipped with an adapter ring. It can be a rectangular container, for example. With the optional limit switches, which are placed around the gripper at 3 x 120°, it is possible to check the correct position of the gripper. As soon as all three limit switches send a signal, caused by resting on the adapter ring, the electrically powered servo motor can be triggered.
With the direct gripping system, the drone flies with the mounted gripper to the object directly and accurately. During the landing, the dead weight of the drone is cushioned by centrally located damping that ensures the drone lands gently. The curved gripping surfaces are uncovered simultaneously with the process supported by lead-in chamfers on the gripper arms.
The airborne system is also service friendly. No lubrication is required for smooth operation, and the long-lasting servo drive is electric. An integrated damping system is included for careful docking on delicate parts. In addition, the gripper jaws can be individually adapted as they can be printed by Röhm using an additive process. This way, even complex shapes can be gripped. Röhm also offers self-centring in part, which makes the handling even easier.
Logistics drones could be the ultimate unmanned solution in these circumstances, but they could also expand the types of delivery possibilities.
For example, in large company buildings, the drones could make thousands of delivery flights each day. The autonomous navigation in indoor environments is a major challenge due to the complexity and dynamics of the environment, however with its drone grippers, Röhm is demonstrating what could be possible in the future with in-plant logistics.
Röhm www.roehm.biz
