Sensitive grippers for
flexible applications

There is also a trend in Precision Agriculture to use autonomous robots for time-consuming tasks such as picking. The challenge is to use mechanical drives to handle the fruit and vegetables as gently as possible when picking. In addition, everything has to withstand harsh conditions compared to automation in ordinary factory halls. The solutions have to function perfectly under constant exposure to sand, water, and fruit juices. At the same time, easy cleaning is required to meet hygienic requirements.

The bending actuator can meet these requirements. By dispensing with mechanical elements such as hinges, bearings, and guides, there is no need for relative movement and friction, which avoids problems with protection and the like. This means that high-speed functions can also be implemented under harsh conditions. There is no electrical risk of a short circuit caused by liquids, as the low-resistance actuator can be operated with low voltage.

In the context of Smart Farming, the end effector for picking presented is able to sensitively grip a wide variety of fruit sizes and gently separate the fruit from the plant with a high-speed cutter function. This technology fits well with Robotic Harvesters and Drones for Agriculture, providing a sensitive solution for delicate fruits such as tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, and more. These advancements are part of broader Agri-Tech Solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity in modern agriculture.