An underactuated adaptive 3D printed robotic gripper

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary work on prototype design and analysis of a 3D printed three-fingered underactuated robotic gripper with a breakaway clutch mechanism. An underactuated mechanical design, kinematics of gripper's finger and a breakaway clutch mechanism are described in details. These elements provide passive adaptive object grasping and relatively high load carrying capacity of the gripper. The robotic gripper was prototyped using 3D printing technology and off-the-shelf components. Simulation and experimental results of grasping performance characterization of the robotic gripper are also presented.