Festo launches GripperAI software to simplify flexible robot handling

Designed for manufacturers seeking greater flexibility from automated handling systems, GripperAI automatically identifies the optimum gripping point for each item and selects the most appropriate gripper for the task from the end-of-arm tools available. The software enables robots to adapt to changing product mixes in real time, helping manufacturers deploy and scale automation more efficiently.

Grippers have evolved significantly as advances in robotics, sensor technology and materials science have enabled greater levels of intelligence and adaptability. No longer simply tools for picking and placing components, modern gripping systems are increasingly expected to respond dynamically to changing products and production requirements. GripperAI addresses these challenges by enabling robots to handle a wide variety of products without requiring operators to load templates or reconfigure the system between SKUs.

GripperAI can work with a variety of gripping technologies, including vacuum and mechanical grippers, and supports automatic tool selection where applications require multiple gripping methods. The solution is suitable for logistics, packaging and manufacturing environments where products vary significantly in shape, size or surface characteristics.

Operating locally on a standard industrial PC connected to a 3D camera, the software calculates gripping points automatically and communicates the required motion to the robot’s path control system. If a grip is unsuccessful, the software recalculates and retries the operation, helping to maintain productivity without interrupting the process.

The platform has been designed for broad compatibility and can be used with most industrial robots, cobots and Cartesian handling systems. Because the software architecture remains consistent across different camera types, users can select the most cost-effective vision hardware for their application rather than being tied to proprietary systems. This enables manufacturers to expand or upgrade automated handling systems without being tied to a single robot, gripper or vision platform.

Commenting on the launch, Peter Potters, Product Manager for End-of-Arm Tooling at Festo, said: "Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to solve engineering and manufacturing challenges. GripperAI is a strong example of AI being applied practically to address operational issues. 

“As gripping systems become more intelligent and adaptable, manufacturers need solutions that can respond dynamically to changing products without creating additional complexity. By reducing the programming effort traditionally associated with flexible robotic handling, GripperAI enables manufacturers to deploy automation more quickly, respond more easily to changing production demands and make better use of their existing equipment investments."

The technology has already been proven in demanding logistics applications where robots are required to identify, grip and package thousands of different products. By combining AI-driven vision with intelligent gripper selection, these systems can automate handling tasks that have traditionally been difficult to standardise using conventional robotic approaches.

The launch of GripperAI further strengthens Festo's portfolio of AI-enabled automation technologies, demonstrating how practical AI can help manufacturers overcome long-standing automation challenges while improving flexibility, productivity and ease of deployment.

www.festo.co.uk