Which gripper configuration is commonly used?

• A. Curvilinear
• B. Two-point Parallel
• C. Magnetic
• D. Three-point

Answer: (B)

Two-point parallel grippers are widely used because the two jaws move together in parallel to clamp the workpiece, giving a stable, repeatable grip on a wide range of parts. This configuration keeps the part square to the gripper, minimizes tilting, and distributes clamping forces evenly, which improves placement accuracy and reduces part damage. It’s simple to control, robust, and works well with standard sensing to confirm a successful grasp, making it a versatile, general-purpose choice for automation.

Curvilinear grippers suit curved surfaces but aren’t as versatile for many parts. Magnetic grippers only work with ferromagnetic pieces and can complicate release. Three-point grippers offer stable holds for certain irregular shapes but add complexity and are less common for generic handling.