The Gripper 3.0 is a precision CNC-machined end-effector design for all robots using the Parallax's Small Robot Chassis. The Gripper 3.0 12-Pack is offered as a companion accessory to our Robot 12-Pack Plus Kits for Classrooms, sold separately:
- cyber:bot Robot 12-pack Plus for Classrooms
- ActivityBot 360° 12-Pack Plus for Classrooms
- Shield-Bot with Arduino 12-pack Plus Kit for Classrooms
- Boe-Bot Robot 12-pack Plus Kit for Classrooms
The Gripper 3.0's single servo actuates the grab-and-lift motion with only a small amount of linear movement. The tension between the Gripper plates is determined by a torsion spring which also holds the plates down until the Gripper has closed on the object, with remaining servo motion lifting the object from the surface. The programmer only needs to determine the servos opened/lowered, closed/raised position and the rate at which the transition occurs without consideration of the width of the object (provided it fits within the Gripper’s paddles).
The kinds of objects the Gripper can easily pick up include 3D-printed cylinders, small wooden square blocks, and most lighter things about 1-½” in diameter and up to an ounce in weight. Adding foam tape to the paddles (included) and a small counterweight to the chassis (not included) may increase lift capacity. Take these parameters into consideration when designing autonomous robot contest rules.
The Gripper is an open source design and available for licensing if you wish to incorporate the concept into your own product.
Features:
- Easy to assemble in less than one hour, following our Gripper assembly instructions web tutorial
- CNC manufactured from 6061 aluminum in Rocklin, California to provide durable and lightweight performance
- Compatible with the Parallax small robot chassis for a wide number of uses
Application Ideas:
- Object retrieval and sorting of many types
- Simulation of control systems and automation with real hardware
- Contests using ping pong balls, 3D printed cylinders, wooden blocks, dry-erase markers
- Use with Parallax sensors to detect objects
- Ping))) Ultrasonic Sensor for simple location
- Ping Laser Rangefinder when used in pairs may “center” the object ahead of the robot
- Pixy2 Camera to identify colored objects, their size and position
Specifications:
- Power Requirements: 4-6 VDC for servo
- Communication interface: PWM signal for servo control
- Dimensions: 3.1 in depth x 3.3 in width x 3.0 x 1.7 in tall (7.8 cm x 8.4 cm x 4.3 cm)
- Opening width:
- 2.0 in (5.1 cm) with no adhesive foam installed on Paddles
- 1.5 in (3.8 cm) with adhesive foam installed on Paddles
Gripper 3.0 12-Pack Contents:
12 sets of the following parts per Gripper:
- CNC machined aluminum parts:
- (1) Hinge (#720-00027)
- (1) Base (#720-00028)
- (2) Arms (#720-00029)
- (2) Idler Gears (#720-00030)
- (2) Fingers (#720-00031)
- (2) Paddles (#720-00032)
- Laser-cut parts
- (2) Gear Plate (#720-00033)
- Hardware parts
- (9) 4-40 ⅜” panhead screws (#700-00002)
- (1) 4-40 nut (#700-00003)
- (9) 4-40 nylon locknuts (#700-00024)
- (6) 4-40 ¼” panhead screws (#700-00028)
- (4) 4-40 3/16” flathead screws (#710-00005)
- (1) 4-40 1-¼” panhead screw (#713-00052)
- (2) #4 stainless steel washers (#712-00011)
- (1) 1” Nylon spacer 3/16” diameter (#713-00031)
- (2) Universal “L” brackets (#720-00011)
- (1) Universal straight bracket (#720-00012)
- (1) Torsion spring, 90 degrees (#725-00022)
- (1) Brass rod with ring terminal connector (#725-00027)
- Miscellaneous
- (1) 3M Safety glasses (#700-10003)
- (1) Super Lube white grease (#700-10019)
- (1) Combination wrench - not pictured (#700-00025)
- (1) Servo horn connector, brass (#725-00007)
- (1) Parallax Standard Servo (#900-00005)
- Foam tape, 10" strip - not pictured (#900-00105)
RoHS CE and UKCA Declarations of Conformity are available under the Downloads tab.
Resource Links
- Gripper assembly web tutorial (Learn site)
- Gripper in Action video (YouTube)
