SCHUNK develops reliable grippers for the use in ventilators for Covid-19 patients, by utilizing a team of its specialists. It further aims to drive the development of new automation applications in medical technology and other industries. Manual and error-prone processes now can be automatically completed with the assistance of automation as well as optimization of related processes.

The exemplary gripper was developed in collaboration with physicians from the University of Tübingen. The equipment is based on automated ventilation via a resuscitator. Moreover, it can be easily set up and adjusted via touchscreen. With options in pressure ranging 4 mbar to 50 mbar, volume from 200 ml to 800 ml, frequency from 5 to 80 cycles/minute, and an inspiratory time I:E of 1:2 to 4:1, the system covers all important parameters related to artificial ventilation of coronavirus patients.

It uses proven sensor systems and mechatronic grippers with additively manufactured gripper fingers from its own product line as well as an industrially established control unit for the patent-pending system. Proper function of the device is permanently monitored and any malfunction such as leak or obstruction of the ventilation hose are promptly signalled. Also, the design allows the switch between manual and automated ventilation in a brief timeframe.

"This application illustrates how versatile and reliable our gripping systems components can be used in the field of medical technology and other industries," underlines Timo Gessmann, Chief Technology Officer, SCHUNK. Encouraging the creative use of potential in automation and  robotics, he further added, "The modular design of our software and electronics enables us to implement new functions and services within a very short time. With our new team for new types of automation applications we are able to successfully implement such customer- and solution-oriented products and solutions from "the development up to certification."

For more information: www.schunk.com