Gripper

A gripper is the most common class of robot end-effector, designed to grasp and hold objects. Parallel-jaw grippers are the simplest and most widely used, with two opposing fingers driven by a motor or pneumatics. Suction grippers use vacuum to pick smooth, flat surfaces. Soft grippers use compliant materials (silicone, fabric) to conform around irregular objects. Multi-fingered hands (3–5 fingers) enable dexterous manipulation but are harder to control and more expensive. Gripper selection depends critically on object geometry, surface properties, required payload, and whether in-hand reorientation is needed.