With the following wizard it is possible to add grasping and releasing functionality (like in robots) to any component. Useful when grasping of components is needed with very simple actuators or devices e.g. ones made by utilizing IO Wizard without connecting to a robot.
Same properties as in a robot (+ TCP/Detection Frame location) are added to the component on a GraspAction tab.
Requires access to Modelling tab (Professional or Premium)
Connect and send True signal to GraspSignal for grasping and False for releasing. Check TCPFrameLocation and DetectionVolumeSize if components are not picked up. Grasped components are attached (and following) the Node/Link given when applying the wizard.
Installation
Like usual: Just unzip the file to your âMy Commandsâ and re-launch. E.g C:\Users%username%\Documents\Visual Components\4.1\My Commands
Enjoy!
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EDIT (9/8/2022): Fixed release to world bug in 4.5
EDIT (10/8/2020): Fixed release with multigrasping
EDIT (27/1/2020): Fixed releasing to physics
It is used for detecting components while grasping and is working exactly the same as robot Grasp/Release Action Signals. When GraspSignal is sent, an invisible âDetectionVolumeâ is created around the TCPframe and is used for detecting collisions with other components. Collision test results are used to identify component(s) (if any) for grasping.
In this case the orientation of the frame is usually not so interesting, only the location.
I think you have missed to define the setPhysics function in the GraspActionScript, atleast for me the function was missing, it is easy to fix, but I just thought you should know.
thanks a lot for the add-on. It was really helpful.
I have one short issue. I am working with Works Process and I have found that your grasp action wizard is not working when I âAttachâ the Works Process to other component. It works only when I âDetachâ it.
Could you please let me know if I am doing any mistake here? I have to make the Works Process attached to another link to have clear movements for the entire process in a work station.
when the Works Process is attached, both grasping and releasing is not working. I tried the same setup but with âDetachâ the Works Process, then both grasp and release is working as usual.
Here you can see my small demo layout. Initially it is attached to Block Geo, so grasp is not working. If you detach the workprocess, then it will work.
This happens because the component (and all in its hierarchy) where the graspaction is, are excluded from the grasping/releasing detection. The intention is to prevent it from picking/detecting itself.
You can fix this by replacing VC_NODELIST_TREE with VC_NODELIST_COMPONENT on lines 213 and 220 in the GraspActionScript, see below:
Hi johua, Nice! I have played with this script a bit and I am trying to control the âGraspSignalâ by using the âWrite Signalâ Works Process task instead of the WP âSensorBooleanSignalâ. Is this possible somehow? I am already using the SensorBooleanSignal elsewhere. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing such add-on! But Iâm meeting trouble using it for modeling a gripper.
I need a gripper attached to a 3 axies moving feeder, and I just finished the feeder moving part. Before using this add-on, I tried End Effector Wizard, similar to modeling a basic gripper for a robot just like in the official tutorial. But it works only when plug the gripper onto a robot.
Then I tried this add-on, as in the screenshot, MyGripper: Action âGraspâ executed (Ok), but gripper does not move close to grasp.
Am I using the wizard wrong? How can I make it work correctly? Thanks!
Thanks for helping! But I opened the vcmx file you provided, the program in robot is empty, and I canât find any program. Clicking play button does not make those parts move like in the video you mentioned.
Whatâs wrong? Looking forward your reply.
PS Iâm using Premium version 4.1.