Parallelgrijpers

Parallelgrijpers, or parallel grippers, are a category of robotic end effectors with two jaws that move in parallel to grip and release a workpiece. The defining feature is that the gripping surfaces stay parallel as they close, which promotes even pressure distribution and straightforward centering of many parts, especially rectangular or cylindrical objects.

Operation and design typically involve a linear actuator, which may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric, to drive the jaws together. A return mechanism opens the jaws when the grip is released. The contact surfaces are often hardened metal, but can be rubberized pads or soft inserts to reduce damage to delicate parts. Many parallelgrijpers include sensors for jaw position or contact force to achieve repeatable grasping and part detection. Some designs offer adjustable jaw width and stroke to accommodate different part sizes, while others rely on a fixed opening range.

Advantages of parallelgrijpers include simple kinematics, high repeatability, strong gripping force for a wide range of part sizes, and easy integration into automated pick-and-place lines. Their parallel geometry minimizes off-axis loads, which helps maintain part orientation during handling. Limitations include reduced effectiveness for highly irregular or very delicate shapes, sensitivity to part presentation and alignment, and a limited grasp range dictated by jaw opening and part thickness. They are commonly used in manufacturing, packaging, electronics assembly, automotive production, and logistics for fast, reliable part handling.

See also gripper, end effector, pick-and-place robotics.