TRIGGER: A Lightweight Universal Jamming Gripper for Aerial Grasping

This work introduces TRIGGER, the first lighTweight univeRsal jammInG Gripper for aErial gRasping. TRIGGER is an omnidirectional, landing-capable aerial grasping system with resilience and robustness to collisions and inherent passive compliance. In particular, this work presents the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a novel, intelligent, modular, universal jamming gripper specifically designed for aerial applications. Leveraging recent developments in particle jamming and soft granular materials, TRIGGER generates 15 N of holding force with only a relatively small activation force of 2.5 N. Experiments show the relationship between fill ratio and activation force and reveal that adding an additive to the membrane’s silicone mixture improves the holding force by up to 52 %. Based on the experimental data, a simulation model for robotic simulators is introduced to facilitate future controller developments. To showcase the concept, TRIGGER is attached to a multicopter platform, performing a pick-and-place task under laboratory conditions. The aerial experiments are concluded by grasping a variety of shapes demonstrating the universal grasping capability.