How many common types of grippers are there?

In the context of robotic systems, grippers are essential components that allow robots to manipulate objects. The common types of grippers generally include two main categories: parallel (or two-finger) grippers and suction grippers.

Parallel grippers consist of two opposing fingers that move either towards each other or apart to grasp objects. This type of gripper is highly versatile and can handle a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a popular choice for many industrial applications.

Suction grippers, on the other hand, use vacuum or suction to pick up and hold objects, allowing them to manipulate items that may not have a consistent shape or surface. These are particularly useful for handling flat or non-rigid items.

Some classifications might extend beyond these two types with variations or specialized designs, but the foundational understanding typically revolves around these two primary categories. Thus, considering these two types, it is accurate to state that there are two common types of grippers in robotic systems.