Flexible and safe automation with gripping interfaces

Gripping interfaces are solids which are attached to objects to provide standardized gripping surfaces for manipulation. Gripping interfaces considerably reduce flexibility requirements for the gripper of the handling system and enable automation of difficult handling processes. Benefits of gripping interfaces can be increased by the integration of further features. Two new functions for gripping interfaces are suggested in this paper to achieve enhanced functionality. An integrated storage device permits the storing of objects on standardized receptables, hence object-specific storage equipment becomes superfluous. The integration of actuating components allows safe synchronization of gripper action and object fixtures, which is relevant for automation tasks with high safety requirements. Two examples for application are described, ranging from mass production to one-of-a-kind products.