Harvest Moon Automation is developing a universal robotic gripper that can perform a variety of tasks. The typical robotic gripper is designed for specific tasks and a robot will go through a number of tool changes depending upon the various tasks that it must perform. The universal robotic gripper can be used for both delicate and heavy tasks, so the robot can accomplish many tasks with this one tool. An example of how the universal gripper has been used in the past, the same gripper was used to change a 100 watt light bulb and then lift a 20 pound weight. This gripper will allow a robot to work in a hazardous environment that is dangerous to a human and perform many of the tasks done with a human hand. An example would be in an Air Force nuclear silo where the robot could handle delicate or radiated materials. It could also assist with maintenance and handle heavy or delicate hardware. The universal gripper has been tested on a NASA simulated control panel whereby it demonstrated the capability of operating a variety of electrical and fluid switches and connectors. The focus area this proposal is addressing is AFNWC Robotics, ID: 20855.
