Objective
FLEXGRIP builds on breakthroughs from the ERC-CoG-funded SFOAM project to introduce a new class of scalable robotic grippers inspired by origami design. Instead of relying on bulky sensors, complex control, or energy-intensive actuators, FLEXGRIP exploits folding kinematics and geometric nonlinearity to adapt seamlessly to objects of different shapes, sizes, and materials. The result is a lightweight, hybrid rigid-soft design that combines the strength and payload of rigid grippers with the delicacy and versatility of soft ones.
This technology addresses critical bottlenecks in automation. In logistics, it enables reliable picking and sorting of fragile, deformable, or heterogeneous items that remain a major challenge in e-commerce and warehouse operations. In automotive, it offers a route to automating tasks still dependent on human labor, such as handling cables, gaskets, foams, or fabrics, components difficult to grasp with existing technologies.
The project is strengthened by collaborations with two leading industrial partners. One partner, a global robotics and automation provider, is exploring next-generation solutions for logistics and flexible manufacturing and has shown strong interest in FLEXGRIP’s scalable architecture. Their involvement enables early feedback, pilot testing, and validation of performance metrics such as grasping reliability, actuation speed, durability, and integration. We are also working with a second partner, a pioneer in origami-inspired manufacturing, to develop fabrication strategies that ensure precision and scalable production for real-world deployment.
By merging adaptability, robustness, and efficiency, FLEXGRIP advances the state of robotic gripping while aligning with the vision of Industry 5.0: automation that is intelligent, sustainable, and human-centric, enabling safe collaboration between humans and robots in flexible, resilient production systems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences sociology industrial relations automation
- social sciences economics and business business and management commerce e-commerce
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
38122 TRENTO
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.