Which type of gripper can grip irregularly shaped objects from inside or outside?

• A. Vacuum
• B. Expandable
• C. Claw
• D. Magnetic

Answer: (B)

Adaptive gripping for irregular shapes comes from expandable grippers, which use expansion to conform to contours and distribute force. By inflating or extending their structure, they can wrap around exterior features or press outward to grip against inner surfaces of a cavity. This compliant, adjustable contact lets the gripper secure objects that aren’t uniform or easy to grab with rigid fingers, without needing a perfect match to the object’s shape.

Other gripper types rely on suction, rigid fingers, or magnets. Suction needs smooth, compatible surfaces and a good seal, which irregular shapes often don’t provide. Rigid claws are built for specific geometries and struggle with inside-outside variation. Magnets depend on ferrous material and don’t adapt to non-magnetic, irregular surfaces. Expandable grippers overcome these limitations by changing shape to fit the object, making them the best choice for gripping irregular objects from inside or outside.