Design, Sizing and Validation of a Heavy-Duty Robotic Gripper for Industrial Palletizing Applications

Track

Mechatronics

Reference: MECHA001

Context and Objective

Industrial palletizing operations often require the handling of large and heavy products with different dimensions and packaging characteristics. The reliability of the gripping tool is essential for safe handling, repeatable cycles, and effective integration with industrial robots.

The project aims to develop a robust, lightweight, and adaptable end-of-arm tooling solution for products weighing up to 50 kg. The gripper must accommodate a defined range of product sizes, provide reliable retention during robot motion, and remain compatible with the payload and wrist-load limits of the selected industrial robot.

Main Tasks

• Perform functional analysis and specification: study industrial gripping principles; identify target product families, dimensions, mass range, contact surfaces, and operating constraints; and establish functional and technical specifications.
• Develop the gripper architecture and detailed 3D models in SolidWorks, including the gripping mechanism, adjustable elements, structural frame, and robot-mounting interface.
• Select suitable materials and standard components based on strength, stiffness, mass, manufacturability, availability, and cost.
• Calculate gripping forces, structural loads, load paths, stresses, and deflections, accounting for product mass, gripper mass, center of gravity, and relevant safety factors.
• Perform SolidWorks Simulation finite element studies for relevant load cases; assess stress distribution, deformation, and safety margins; and optimize geometry and material choices based on simulation results.
• Prepare the Bill of Materials, detailed drawings, assembly drawings, manufacturing information, component references, technical dossier, and cost estimation.

Expected Deliverables

• Functional analysis and approved technical specification.
• Complete SolidWorks 3D assembly and native CAD files.
• FEA simulation report with identified load cases and results.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) and component list.
• Technical manufacturing and assembly dossier.

Application Requirements

Send a CV and cover letter by email. The subject line must include the reference. Any other application method will not be considered.