Robotics often focus on anthropomorphic concepts, grippers should look like fingers and grabbers should look like hands. This robot gripping system goes a different direction using 3D-printed-origami and suction. Via DesignBoom:

A team of technologists at MIT have developed a robot gripper that uses a 3D-printed origami structure to lift up to 100 times its own weight. the cone-shaped gripper comprises three parts — a 3D-printed, 16-piece silicone rubber skeleton with a gripper-to-mount connector encased by an airtight skin.

a vacuum collapses the origami-inspired gripper which then closes around the object functioning like a stronghold grasp. the soft robot gripper can adapt to the shape of whatever it’s grabbing without compromising its strength. this allows it to pick up delicate objects without harming them, while still maintaining a strong enough grip to lift 100 times its own weight.

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