Innovative composite end effectors for handling lightweight, flexible elastomers

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This project will development a range of innovative 'grippers' capable of handling high volumes of small, lightweight & flexible elastomer (rubber & synthetic rubber) products every second. The automation opportunities developed through this project include automating the removal of elastomers from moulding lines; picking e;elastomers from moving conveyors; & rigid 'tools' into flexible elastomers. The successful development of 'grippers' to deal with these manufacturing challenges will also have wider applications. Automating processes in high volume elastomer production environments can be complex because the moulded products often need to be removed from fast moving production lines/ conveyors; air flows around the elastomer products can cause difficulties; and the products are highly flexible, & not uniform in shape. We have a number of strong concepts for developing grippers capable of handling elastomers which will utilise a combination of innovative mechanical; electrical; and electo-mechanical techniques & enhanced visioning/sensing technologies. Through this project, we will develop & comparatively evaluate several proofs of concept for different gripping technologies. The most promising grippers are selected for development & one or more grippers will be integrated in a prototype of a full automation machine