qb SoftHand Research

The qb SoftHand Research is an anthropomorphic robotic hand based on advanced soft-robotics technology, designed to provide flexible, adaptive, and safe manipulation in automated environments. Thanks to its synergy-based design and single actuation system, the hand automatically adapts to objects of different shapes, sizes, and materials without changing the control strategy, ensuring simple integration and intuitive use.

Many companies face challenges when handling delicate, irregular, or variable products with traditional rigid grippers, risking product damage, increased programming complexity, and reduced operational flexibility. The qb SoftHand Research addresses these needs by offering intrinsic safety in human-robot interaction and reliable performance in both Pinch and Power grasp configurations, making it ideal for dynamic production environments.

Integrated with Universal Robots, the hand is mounted using the provided flange and configured through the URCaps plug-in, enabling plug-and-play installation and simplified control with a single signal for opening and closing. It is particularly suited for industries such as food processing, consumer goods, research, and light manufacturing, where adaptability and safety are essential.

Bring flexibility and intelligence to your collaborative applications and optimize your automation today.

How Does it Work?:

The qb SoftHand Research operates through a synergy-based design and an underactuated system that coordinates the movement of all fingers using a single control signal. When the motor is activated, the hand closes and passively adapts to the shape of the object thanks to its soft and flexible structure. This mechanical compliance enables it to grasp different objects without changing parameters or control strategies.

Installation is quick and straightforward: the hand is mounted on a Universal Robots cobot using the provided connection flange and wired according to the manual instructions. Through the URCaps plug-in, installed via the teach pendant, the operator can easily configure and control the opening and closing of the hand with a single command. Once integrated, the qb SoftHand Research can be incorporated into robot programs to perform pick-and-place, handling, and assembly tasks in an intuitive, safe, and reliable way.

Minimum Software versions:

Polyscope versions 3.8+, 5.2+

License:

One-time purchase

Free URCap software

Free URCap updates

Dimensions:

• BOX dimensions (L × W × H): 30 × 30 × 30 cm
• Dimensions 216 x 191 x 56mm (open configuration)
• Weight: 0,77Kg
• 19 anthropomorphic DOFs, one synergy, one motor
• Grasp force 62N (grasp configuration)
• Pinch Grasp payload: 1.7 kg (Pinch configuration)
• Power Grasp payload: 2.1 kg (Power configuration)
• Maximum hanging payload: 5 kg
• From wide open to clenched fist in 1.1 s
• Feedback: motor position and motor current
• USB & RS485 interfaces
• ROS/ROS2 Compatible
• Flexible, Adaptive & Robust
• Dislocatable, self-healing finger joints

• Synergy-Based Adaptive Design
  • The hand automatically conforms to objects of different shapes, sizes, and materials without the need for reprogramming. It reduces setup time, simplifies integration, and ensures reliable grasping in variable production processes.
• Single-Motor Actuation
  • A single actuation system controls the entire hand with one open/close signal. This reduces wiring and programming complexity, facilitating integration while lowering costs and maintenance requirements.
• Pinch, Power and Hanging Configurations
  • Supports precision (Pinch), full-hand (Power), and hanging grasp configurations. It enables secure handling of small, delicate items as well as larger or suspended objects with the same device, maximizing flexibility across different applications.
• Intrinsic Safety
  • Soft-robotics technology ensures compliant and safe interaction with people and the surrounding environment. It reduces the risk of injury and product damage, making it ideal for collaborative applications.
• Plug-and-Play with Universal Robots
  • Mounted using the provided flange and configured via the URCaps plug-in. Fast installation and intuitive control enable quick commissioning and seamless integration into collaborative robot cells.

• PolyScope X
• UR3e
• UR7e
• UR8 Long
• UR12e
• UR15
• UR16e
• UR18

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• N.1 qb SoftHand Research 12/24V (variant pinch or power kinematics);
• N.1 ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 flange adapter;
• N.1 qb dummy;
• N.1 main cable of 5m;
• N.1 power cable;
• N.1 USB cable of 0.5m;
• N.1 USB pendrive;
• N.4 M6x10 screws;
• N.5 M4x12 screws.