Presentation and gripping of flexible materials

Examines studies into the automated handling of flexible materials such as fabrics, paper and food products and the behaviour of such materials during handling, concentrating on the two most crucial aspects of presentation and gripping. Looks at the problems caused by lack of obvious reference points with many flexible materials and looks at solutions involving overhead cameras and multiple cameras. Outlines the various types of grippers which can be used for non‐rigid materials, covering mechanical action grippers, intrusive grippers and surface attraction grippers. Concludes that understanding the properties of the material to be handled is very important when selecting both presentation strategies and gripping technology.