Schunk Adheso Gripper: Gecko‑Inspired, Smudge‑Free Adhesion for Precise, Lightweight Handling

Schunk’s Adheso Gripper harnesses Van der Waals forces through a patented polymer surface engineered with micro‑scale “hairs” ranging from 25 to 700 µm. These fine structures, bonded to a three‑durometer foam substrate, enable reliable adhesion on a wide array of materials without the need for additional power sources.

On perfectly smooth substrates such as glass, a mere 1 cm² of Adheso can lift 1 kg of weight. A 25 mm × 25 mm gripper, which weighs only 9.5 g, can support up to 25 kg—an impressive 33 lb capacity in its largest configuration. These figures demonstrate how the lightweight design frees robotic arms for heavier payloads.

The technology’s versatility spans from glass fibers and micro‑mechanical parts to delicate battery components and thin plastic films. Schunk can tailor each gripper to the specific needs of a customer, enabling automated separation of breathable components and other high‑precision tasks.

Adhesion is achieved by gently pressing the gripper onto the workpiece, maximizing contact area and locking the grip in place via Van der Waals forces. Releasing the object requires only a slight pressure change or rotary motion, leaving no residue or marks behind.

Customisation extends to surface roughness, material type, and component size—from sub‑micron features to meter‑scale items—ensuring reliable handling across a broad spectrum of applications.

As a fully passive device, the Adheso Gripper does not rely on compressed air, vacuum, or electrical power for gripping or maintaining force. It retains its holding strength during power outages, achieves gripping times of under 100 ms, and operates seamlessly in both conventional industrial settings and cleanrooms. Micro‑handling precision of less than 0.01 mm is attainable, and the bayonet‑style locking system allows rapid exchange of grippers in just a few steps.

Schunk’s new Adheso Gripper technology mimics gecko feet for a strong grip and no smudges.