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GM partnered with MassRobotics to hold a Gripper Challenge reaching out to startups, academia and integrators to develop a proof-of-concept universal end effector capable of grasping and holding a large variety of sheet metal components for purposes of precise robotic assembly.

The end effector must be capable of holding the parts firmly enough to enable precise part alignment (using sensor-based robotic control) and subsequent processing (e.g. resistance spot welding).

Key performance metrics for concept selection include: geometric flexibility, holding force, cycle time, reliability, and complexity. 

The end effector must:

• Hold 12+ different parts 
• Hold up to 25lbs 
• Be capable of precision alignment with parts
• Use sensor-based robotic control
• Endure spot welding and other processing while gripping
• Minimal integration and self-contained 

Performance was judged on:

• Flexibility
• Holding force
• Speed (Cycle time < 5 sec)
• Reliability
• Complexity