OnRobot presents its new mechanical robotic manipulator called Gecko Single Pad or Gecko SP for short. It’s a smaller version of the model that was designed for industrial and multi-purpose projects.
Unlike many other manipulators that use suction cups, the Gecko devices utilize microscopic rods to generate electric van der Waals forces. This effect allows the manipulators to capture objects similar to how some lizards (including geckos) stick to the walls and climb them. Hence the name. This approach helped the developers to reduce a number of components making maintenance easier.
Gecko SP features small sizes and can be used for smaller scale projects involving lighter weights compared to what other OnRobot products are capable of. The new machine comes in three sizes named SP1, SP3 and SP5 with the numbers standing for load capacity of the manipulators (in kilograms). The models Zu3, Zu5 and Zu7 by leading manufacturer of robotic manipulators JAKA are also similarly named (you can check the latest model here).
Gecko SP can lift the objects with flat, smooth and glossy surfaces without leaving any marks, so cleaning is not required. Moreover, the device can work with perforated parts, such as PCBs, aluminum grilles and cylinder head gaskets in the internal combustion engines.
