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Friction Grabber Manipulators

A 3D rendering of a robotic gripper holding a red ball. Labeled arrows show the forces at play: an upward arrow labeled Frictional force opposes gravity and a downward arrow labeled Force of gravity are on the top and bottom of the gripper. There is a motor at the back as well.
A claw holding and object using frictional force

Friction Grabber Manipulators

Friction grabber manipulators apply force between an object and a pad, and then rely on the frictional force between the object and pad to manipulate the object.

The most common form of this manipulator is a claw which pinches an object. The claw pressing against the object provides the force, and the friction between the claw and the object allows for the object to be manipulated.

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