polegrippers

Polegrippers are devices designed to grip, manipulate, and secure cylindrical poles, rods, or similar slender objects. They are used across fields including utility pole work, forestry, film and stage rigging, and robotics. A polegripper typically features one or more jaws or fingers that can adapt to circular cross-sections, often with padding or textured surfaces to increase friction. Actuation is commonly hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric, with some manual variants. Some designs use segmented or curved fingers to conform to irregular poles; others rely on compliant polymers to distribute load. Vacuum or magnetic variants exist for ferromagnetic or non-porous poles.

Applications include assisting linemen in climbing and positioning poles, anchoring and handling temporary poles in construction, and serving as end effectors in robotic systems for pole manipulation, inspection, or installation tasks. In cinematography, polegrippers can attach to lighting rigs or camera booms for quick repositioning.

Safety and performance considerations include ensuring sufficient gripping force without damaging the pole surface, slip resistance depending on surface texture and padding, overload protection to prevent crushing, and compatibility with a range of pole diameters. Regular maintenance is advised to prevent wear and ensure reliable operation.

Variants can be powered polegrippers with integrated sensors for force feedback or passive grippers relying on spring-loaded fingers, as well as magnetic or vacuum-based designs for specialized poles. Related terms include gripper, end effector, pole kit, and pole-climbing equipment.