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Glite Dictionary
🤖 A grabbing tool ✊ A hand exerciser
gripper

gripper

2 4.1
A machine part that holds or picks up objects firmly, like on a robot arm
  • noun
  • /ˈɡrɪpər/
translation icon : agarre
  • The mechanic employed a strong gripper to hold the metal part securely during repairs.
  • gripper arms

We had a, an experiment of a farm of grippers, if you know what those are so robotic arms that are attempting to grip something.

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Examples

  • Ball bearing guides direct gripper jaws, and dual air pistons maintain gripping force.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Articulable attachments, such as a gripper, can also be connected and controlled through the mount points.

    Academic text (2011)

  • A "target" switch is mounted on the robot arm gripper or "hand."

    Academic text (1991)

  • " The gripper produces force similar to a human finger," Hayes said.

    Academic text (2008)

  • So you do want to use your jar grippers and place them into the water here.

  • Universal design fits all fully automated gripper arms and semiautomated collection systems.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Some robots have finger-like grippers that can pinch objects, and some robots have various cutting devices on them.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The AVG prototype shown here has a microcontroller, LCD display, and servo-controlled gripper that enables it to function as an intelligent AGV for moving materials.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Schunk, a top supplier of robotic grippers, believes humanoid hands will make robots more flexible and eliminate tens of thousands of dollars' worth of auxiliary equipment.

    Academic text (2008)

  • She used the rubber gripper to easily open the stubborn jar lid.

Synonyms

claw
vsgripper
31 5.6

A curved tool that grips and pulls things

is wider, covering many holding shapes not only curved hooked parts
grab
vsgripper
  • UK
15 7.2

A machine tool that holds things to lift or move them

is similar but applies to both light and heavy picking up tasks
grapple
vsgripper
6 7.4

A tool with hooks used to grab and lift things

is more general and can use different gripping methods beyond hooks or jaws
reacher
vsgripper
5 4.9

A tool with a long handle used to pick up things out of reach

focuses more on firm holding or lifting rather than extending reach
grappler
vsgripper
1 9.1

A tool with hooks on a rope that you throw to catch or pull things

covers similar catching but also applies to simpler handheld holding tools
grasper
vsgripper
  • Specialized
1 5.6

A tool that holds objects firmly, like forceps used by surgeons

can be a tool or a person that holds or picks up objects firmly
tongs
vsgripper
1 1.0

A tool with two arms that you use to pick up hot or small things

is the general idea that includes many two‑arm and single part tools
holding device
vsgripper
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A tool that keeps something steady in one place

emphasises holding in place rather than picking up or moving objects
griper
vsgripper
9.3

A tool for holding or lifting things safely

is broader, also used for picking up objects as well as holding them
tweezers
vsgripper
2.6

A small metal tool with two thin arms to pick up very small things

is broader and applies to objects of many sizes, not only tiny ones
seizer
vsgripper
7.7

A person or thing that takes and keeps something

is specifically about tools and devices used to hold or pick up items

How Firm

vise
  • US
18 6.5
clamp
92 3.3
gripper
2 4.1
tongs
1 1.0
clip
152 1.3
holder
73 1.4

Surface Forms

gripper singular
grippers plural

Morphology

gripper = grip (transparent) = grip + er

The word is a straightforward agent/instrument noun formed by adding the productive suffix '-er' to the verb 'grip'.

Etymology

Gripper comes from the simple word grip, which means 'to hold tightly', plus the ending -er that means 'one who' or 'something that does', so a gripper is literally a tool or person that grabs and holds objects firmly.