KiQ Robotics Launches 'Flexible Finger Generator', Accelerating Web-Based Design Review of Robot Hand Tools

KiQ Robotics Co., Ltd. (Location: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka; CEO: Takashi Takimoto) has launched the 'Flexible Finger Generator', an online service that allows users to begin evaluating the implementation of the robot hand tool known as the 'Lattice Structure Flexible Finger' (hereafter 'Flexible Finger'). The Flexible Finger Generator is an online design service where users can design flexible fingers using a lattice structure on a web browser, check the 3D shape, estimated price, and delivery timeline, and proceed directly to manufacturing inquiries. This service supports customers who want to create a concrete proposal before moving to custom design, especially when standard products do not meet their dimensional or gripping surface requirements.

Background of the Release

In robotic handling on manufacturing floors, challenges arise such as multi-product handling, shape variations, misalignment, gripping errors, workpiece scratches, and the time-consuming changeover of chuck claws. Hard chuck claws have high rigidity and are effective for workpieces with fixed shapes and positions. However, in processes involving multi-product manufacturing or shape variations, issues remain regarding claw design and replacement for each workpiece, localized load due to point contact, and stress on fragile surfaces.

To address this 'last contact' challenge, KiQ Robotics has developed and sold Flexible Fingers. A Flexible Finger is a robot hand tool where the soft tip of the lattice structure deforms to follow the shape of the workpiece, supporting the grip with broader surface contact rather than point or line contact.

Previously, inquiries were primarily handled based on standard products compatible with chucks and robot hands from major manufacturers, or through custom designs tailored to workpiece shapes and mounting conditions. However, there was a growing need among customers whose requirements were not met by standard products to independently check shape concepts and price ranges before consulting for a custom design.

The newly released Flexible Finger Generator is a service that digitalizes the implementation review process situated between these two options. Users can input parameters on their browser and quickly confirm a flexible finger shape concept, estimated price, and even proceed to a manufacturing inquiry in a short sequence of steps.

Capabilities of the Flexible Finger Generator

In the Flexible Finger Generator, after user registration, users can create, save, and re-edit flexible finger designs directly on their browser. On the design screen, users can adjust gripping surfaces and lattice conditions using the parameters on the left, check the shape using the central 3D viewer, and confirm the estimated price, materials, quantity, and delivery timeline on the right panel.

- Flexible Finger Design via Parameter Input: Users can input gripping surface type, mounting shape, width, height, lattice conditions, etc., to create a flexible finger shape concept tailored to their application.
- Shape Confirmation via 3D Viewer: Generated shapes can be viewed on the browser. By toggling between the base shape, flexible finger, and dimension lines, users can finalize initial concepts for internal review or customer proposals.
- Confirmation of Estimated Price, Quantity, and Delivery: Users can check the estimated price based on material and quantity, unit price, total, and delivery guidelines on the screen. The standard delivery time is estimated at 15 business days after order confirmation, though this may vary depending on actual conditions and quantity.
- 3D Data Output: Outer 3D data for confirmation can be downloaded in STEP format, useful for internal interference checks and preparing review materials. Post-lattice 3D data is only available for viewing and cannot be downloaded directly.
- Automatic Validation: The system automatically checks whether the parameter combinations are geometrically viable before generation, preventing unmanufacturable designs.
- Manufacturing Inquiries: Users can proceed from their created design to a direct purchase from KiQ or a manufacturing inquiry via a trading company, receiving a response from KiQ Robotics.

Exploring Shapes Close to the Workpiece from 4 Types of Gripping Surfaces

The Flexible Finger Generator allows users to select gripping surface types such as Flat, V-groove, R-concave, and R-convex, enabling review from contact surfaces close to the workpiece shape.

- Flat: Basic shape for flat or plate-like workpieces.
- V-groove: Shape that easily centers cylindrical or rod-like workpieces.
- R-concave: Shape used for aligning along rounded outer shapes.
- R-convex: Shape used for supporting from the inside or pressing against concave shapes.

Dimensions that cannot be input on the screen, special mounting conditions, and cases requiring physical evaluation will be confirmed individually through manufacturing inquiries or direct consultation.

Design Pathway Bridging Standard and Custom Products

There are broadly three pathways for implementing Flexible Fingers: Standard Products, the Flexible Finger Generator, and Custom-Made.

- Standard Products: Flexible fingers with predefined dimensions compatible with chucks and robot hands from major manufacturers. Ideal for immediate trials as the compatible equipment is pre-determined.
- Flexible Finger Generator: Used when standard products do not match dimensions or gripping surfaces. Users create design concepts on a browser to check shape and estimated price. It is utilized for initial reviews before custom design, internal approvals, and detailing customer proposals.
- Custom-Made: A pathway where KiQ Robotics designs individually for highly difficult projects involving special workpieces, special mounting conditions, and physical verification.