| 摘要 |
A method and an apparatus are described for picking and placing a plurality of items as a group for placement in a particular spacing using a robotic arm and gripper device. The claimed method comprises the steps of positioning the device over the items and then lowering (see actuators 10A, 28A, 32A), operating (see actuator 18) and raising (see actuators 10A,28A,32A) each gripper means in turn to pick up the items one by one, until a predetermined number have been picked, moving (see actuator 36) at least one of the gripped items within the device so as to form with the other items the said particular spacing, positioning the group of items over a new location where they are to be deposited, opening the gripper means so as to release (see actuator 18) the items into the new location, and raising (see actuators 10A,28A,32A) the device so as to leave the group of items in the new location. A corresponding pick and place gripper device is claimed which includes a plurality of item-gripping means (12, 14; 20, 22; 24, 26) and drive means (36). |
