Built a more powerful gripper for the BlueROV2 — anyone interested?

Third Party Products Hardware
1

Hi everyone!

I’ve been working on a stronger manipulator arm for the BlueROV2 so it can handle heavier tasks.
I’ve tested it in the field and it’s been working really well, so I’m curious if anyone else has similar needs or would be interested in something like this.

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2 Likes
2

Hi @Itaru,

This is very fascinating! At this time, I don’t have any direct uses but some additional information would be really helpful! See below:

  1. How did you terminate the cable going into the gripper? Looks like a gland seal of sorts but that brings up the concern of depth rating. What’s the maximum depth you’ve tested to?
  2. It looks quite a bit longer than the standard Newton Gripper… Not including your fancy jaws, which are also impressive, how long is the overall body?
  3. You say it’s stronger, can you share how much stronger?
    1. Blue Robotics Newton Gripper:
      1. Grip Force (Tip): 97N
      2. Grip Force (Middle): 124N

Regardless, great work!! Looking forward to learning more!

-Steve

3

Yes, can you answer the questionS previously posted as well as estimate purchase price?

Thank you and good job!

4

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the detailed questions — and thanks for commenting!
You don’t seem to post very often, so I appreciate you taking the time.
(Just curious: are you a bot? :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:)

Here are the specs you asked about:

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These are the specifications I receive from the factory.

Parameter sample BlueRobotics
Electrical
Supply Voltage 12–24 volts 9–18 volts
PWM Logic Voltage 3.3 volts 3.3 volts
PWM Neutral Signal 1500 µs 1500 µs
PWM Open Signal <1400 - 1000 >1530 µs–1900 µs
PWM Close Signal >1600 -2000 <1470 µs–1100 µs
Peak Current 2amps 6 amps
Mechanical
Grip Force (at tip) 15kg(16.8V) 97N
Grip Force (in middle) 35kg(16.8V) 124N
Grip Force (in base) 50kg(16.8V)
Jaw Opening 120mm 62 mm
Time to Open/Close 1.6secs(24V) 1.6 secs
Cable
Cable Length 1000mm 635 mm
Conductor Gauge 16AWG 22 AWG
Wires Black - Ground Black - Ground
Red - Power Red - Power
Yellow - Signal Yellow - Signal
Physical
Pressure Rating 350m 300 m
Overall Length (Closed) 372.8mm 303.2 mm
Overall Length (Open) 371.4mm 309.2 mm
Body Primary Diameter 31mm 36 mm
Weight in Air (w/ cable) 800g 524 g

※Actual field testing has only been done to around 100 meters so far.

5

Hi Mark,

Thanks! Before I share more details, could you let me know roughly what depth you plan to use it at?

I’ve used this arm down to about 500 m before, but for that depth I switched to Blue Robotics’ cable and used WetLink for the termination.

As for pricing, I’ll send that to you via private message.

24V

16.8V

6

I usually don’t go deeper than 300 meters

Mark Stepanek

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Pro-ROV Services, LLC

7514 Girard Ave., 1-740

San Diego, CA 92037

Phone: 619-300-0540

FAX: 858-412-6150

mark@pro-rov.com

www.pro-rov.com

7

Hi Mark.

I’m a newcomer to this forum though have plenty of ROV years under my belt.

Your gripper looks a high quality build and as I’m looking for an alternative to fit to my Bluerov2 I have a couple pre requisites.

Are you considering a smooth round index in the jaw for sliding down ropes etc and would you consider a rope cutter fitting on the back of the jaw which is activated in the open jaw position (similar to what is found on the Hydrolec manipulators). These would both be usefull additions.

8

Hi Carl, Dexter @DRM_Marine1 maybe assist you with a Rope Cutter, he’s just finishing off a new type cutter which fit the gripper.

9

Thanks Colin, if anyone is interested in the rope cutter please fire me an email - dextermurdoch@seairsystems.com