Schunk has announced that its new Adheso gripper system has won first place in the New Product of the Year Awards at the 2021 Assembly Show.
Adheso placed first in the Robotics category. The technology leverages gripping force using tiny filaments that adhere to the workpiece via Van der Waal forces. The grippers perform ideally with flat workpieces and foils, and unlike vacuum grippers, their effectiveness isn’t hampered by holes or other interruptions in the workpiece surface.
The size and types of filaments can also be optimized for holding force depending upon different types of workpieces that need to be handled. Also, Adheso uses no power to maintain its grip once the workpiece is held, and it leaves no marks when released.
Because of its ability to handle the most sensitive parts gently, without external energy or leaving any residue, Adheso is especially suitable for the automated assembly industry, Schunk says.
Adheso is available in standard sizes and is customizable for specific workpieces up to two square meters.
The New Product of the Year awards are hosted annually in conjunction with the Assembly Show as a way to highlight new technologies on display during the event. Attendees vote for the products they find are especially innovative.