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Robot assembly components are plentiful, true that. A functional gripper must have a proper grip & grab. Otherwise it would be like a blog editor without a right hand. You have to choose one that grabs and doesn’t let go – no tricky pedestrian plush-toy-hunting machines allowed.
A small distinction at the start: today we will be moving into DIY areas and will skip industrial robots or any collaborative cobots. It is possible that you are more interested in grippers for industrial robots. You can find more on this topic here.
Robots have acquired many human characteristics and skills. Or in the likeness of humans. Or ones whose sophistication even exceeds the human level. They can move, are equipped with artificial intelligence, carry smaller and larger objects. The latter is possible through the use of grippers. If we are looking for a system even more precise than the opposable thumb in primates, there are several manufacturers worth considering. Today we look at those smaller and often used in maker projects.
SparkFun Actobotics robot claws
The Actobotics series of grippers works with micro and standard servos and offers different jaw opening ranges from 70 mm to 152 mm. We also have metal grippers, including the robust Robotic Claw MKII, which is equipped with a spring clutch to protect the servo from overload and offers a gripping range of 0 to 50 mm. Actobotics robot gripper kits require self-assembly, but simple tools like a Phillips screwdriver will suffice. Be sure to check servo compatibility before purchase.
Kitronik gripper – Klaw MK2 & Klaw Kit
Known for its electronics design kits beloved by kids (and parents), UK-based Kitronik also deals in close accessories just in time for engineers and builders. The first multifunctional offering is the Klaw MK2 Robotic Gripper Kit, a servo gripper kit that we can easily place as the finial of our robot’s design. All you need to control your robot is the included 180° mini servo with accessories, powered by 3V – 6V. Assembly of the precision laser-cut parts is not difficult – the steel pad, screws and most importantly the instruction manual are also included. The Klaw MK2 gripper is not only compatible with the MOVE:mini MK1 and MK2, but you can also use it in your own robot design from scratch. In the MK1 we place it on the back cover, and in the MK2 we place it on both the back and the base plate. This is further facilitated by the holes and the new shape of the servo support part.
The Kitronik :MOVE Motor Klaw Kit, on the other hand, is a slightly more specialized clamp, actually a kit that works well with the BBC micro:bit V1 and BBC micro:bit V2 – a great addition to the :MOVE Motor. It’s designed to mount both vertically and horizontally, and you only need one screw to do it. We include both mounts and a low voltage servo. All mounting instructions are on hand, and there’s even an online guide that walks you through coding options with MakeCode or MicroPython.
Micro Gripper Pololu Kit
A kit to build a grappler of a slightly smaller spread, but from an equally reliable manufacturer – American Pololu. The modified micro servo in the kit allows you to track the actual position of the gripper blade with a feedback potentiometer. The parallel gripper model will prove useful for particularly precise work requiring precise control of the gripping motion.
Micro Gripper is designed to operate from a 4.8 V to 6 V (nominal) battery or a suitable power source within this general range. Kit includes upper and lower housing, plate and all necessary mounting parts. The same gripper is used in the robot arm kit for Romi. The manufacturer provides diagrams and schematics. As for Romi, here you can see how the Pololu gripper handles the ball it encounters – in twenty seconds.
Easy robot building
Easier said than done! But it’s still much less effort with selecting components and accessories at Botland store, and that’s half the battle.
Mounting parts such as propellers, hooks, mounts, spacers, support balls, motor mounts and adapters, gear and all sorts of screws are there too. Or you can assemble your own prefabricated kit – and it will still be “yours” because it will open up vast possibilities for modification.
What are you building today?
