A Gripper Does Double-duty on an Engine Assembly Line
The Zimmer Group has designed a custom gripper that enables one robot to handle both a crankshaft and an engine block. The crankshaft weighs 264 pounds, while the engine block weighs 1,100 pounds. The block arrives at the station upside down. The robot flips it over, and then inserts the crankshaft. Designed to minimize weight without compromising performance, the gripper features a one-sided stroke. Locking and clamping mechanisms ensure the load stays put in case of a power failure.
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