Industry 4.0-compatible and automated handling technology for free-form surfaces

This paper presents the development of an industry 4.0-compliant smart adaptive clamping system for robotic handling. Based on a needle clamping system an automated gripper which allows the handling of three-dimensionally free-formed components is developed. For this purpose the existing system is extended with suitable sensors and actuators. The aim of the development is the force- and path-monitored moulding of unknown components. A complete surface replica is achieved without a prior teaching of the system. In addition to the exact imprint of the contour the system can also be used to apply a defined clamping force. © 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH.