Test bed for the development of new gripper technologies

The force measuring stand contributes to the implementation of Industry 4.0 through an intelligent measuring and testing systems, the use of special gripper technologies and communication protocols. Thanks to optimised processes, automation and digitalisation are also possible for challenging materials such as flexurally flexible materials. 

It is no longer possible to imagine our everyday life without flexurally flexible materials. Whether in the clothing or automotive industry or in the production of fibre composites - they play a centrl role. In the production process, especially destacking, feeding, separating or removing and defined depositing, automated handling has a limited pracitcability. Due to their properties, flexible materials are very susceptible to strong deformations caused by external influences, so that process steps are currently only partially automated or handled with a high degree of manual effort. 

Modern hydroadhesive gripper technologies are the key to solving this problem. 
To test and calibrate this technology under field conditions, a test stand was developed at the TH-Wildau. The heart of this system is a 6-component force measuring sensor, which makes it possible to precisely determine the holding forces of the grippers in connection with numerous workpieces. In this way, the usability of gripper technologies can be optimised and adapted to the requirements of different applications. 

The force measuring stand also has sensors for ambient temperature and humidity, a PLC and a human-machine interface. These components are all digitally networked with each other and are in constant exchange. This system detects malfunction measurements and enables precise and efficient production through automatic correction of measurement results. All in all, the force measuring stand represents an important demonstration object for modern test stands and measuring systems. 

Areas and sectors of application: This technology is particularly suitable for companies that carry out R&D as well as for research institutions. The following industries can benefit from the knowledge gained from research with this technology: Automation, Material sciences, Logistics

Where can you access this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildau