Manipulator
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A manipulator is a stationary (does not mean that nothing moves) movement assisting device that is often equipped with end effectors for handling different types of loads. End effectors include all forms of grippers, forks, barrel grabs, etc. Manipulators counteract the weight of the load, rendering it almost weightless by way of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or simply by way of counter weights and the exercising of very limited manual control. Most manipulators require manual actuation and control and are therefore manual assist devices. They are mounted to the floor, wall or ceiling. In some cases, manipulators are mounted to a fixed base plate and the entire unit can be moved via a trolley, cart or forklift truck.[2]
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Applications of Manipulators
- Vertical and horizontal translation and rotation of loads
- Counterbalance the weight of a load so that an operator lifts a small portion (1%) of the load’s weight
- Fill the gap between hoists and industrial robots: they can be used for a wider range of positioning tasks than hoists and are more flexible than industrial robots due to their use of manual control
Types of Manipulators
Rigid-Link Manipulator
Although similar in construction, a rigid-link manipulator is distinguished from an industrial robot by the use of an operator for control as opposed to automatic computer control.
Articulated Jib Crane Manipulator
An articulated jib crane manipulator extends a jib crane’s reaching capability in a work area through the use of additional links or "arms."
Vacuum Manipulator
A vacuum manipulator provides increased flexibility because rigid links are not used.(Vacuum, rigid-link, and articulated jib crane manipulators can all use vacuum gripper end-effectors)[3]
 Rigid-link manipulator |
 Articulated jib crane manipulator |
 Vacuum manipulator[1] |
