CPC B23Q 7/043 (2013.01) [B23Q 7/046 (2013.01); B25J 9/14 (2013.01); B25J 9/1612 (2013.01); B25J 9/1633 (2013.01); B25J 13/082 (2013.01); B25J 15/0028 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A gripping system for holding a workpiece, the system comprising:
a layer jamming structure including a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers;
a pressure system including a pump coupled with the internal cavity; and
a shape conforming tool including at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure,
wherein the shape conforming tool comprises a clamp formed in a shape that holds the layer jamming structure in a state configured to receive and envelop the workpiece;
wherein the shape conforming tool is configured, with operation of the at least one part, to conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece,
wherein the pressure system, with operation of the pump, is configured to change a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.
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