Intelligent gripper using low cost industrial sensors

Intelligent generic grippers using low-cost electronics can be used for part identification when attached to a robot end effector. The versatility of a generic gripper makes it suitable for the automated population of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Electronic component assembly onto printed circuit boards was implemented by means of the reverse engineering concept commonly used in flexible manufacturing systems. The process of component assembly was made more efficient using a generic gripper as opposed to using individual dedicated grippers. The conceptual design of the gripper was based on the group technology approach that required the manipulation of electronic components. The automated assembly of the PCB was a successful test of the grippers capabilities. The integration of the generic gripper with the low-cost hardware and software required for reverse engineering could increase the efficiency and flexibility of automated assembly stations. The work details the design, control, fabrication, implementation, procedures and results of the generic gripper for electronic component assembly