Configure a Fake Gripper

Configure a fake gripper to test implementing a gripper on your machine without any physical hardware:

Navigate to the CONFIGURE tab of your machine’s page in the Viam app. Click the + icon next to your machine part in the left-hand menu and select Component. Select the gripper type, then select the fake model. Enter a name or use the suggested name for your gripper and click Create.

An example configuration for a fake gripper in the Viam app Config Builder.

{
  "name": "<your-fake-gripper-name>",
  "model": "fake",
  "type": "gripper",
  "namespace": "rdk",
  "attributes": {}
}

No attributes are available for fake grippers. See GitHub for API call return specifications.

Test the gripper

After you configure your gripper, open the gripper’s TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tabs. Use the buttons to open and close the gripper.

The gripper component in the test panel

Troubleshooting

If your gripper is not working as expected, follow these steps:

  1. Check your machine logs on the LOGS tab to check for errors.
  2. Review this gripper model’s documentation to ensure you have configured all required attributes.
  3. Click on the TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tab and test if you can use the gripper there.

If none of these steps work, reach out to us on the Community Discord and we will be happy to help.

Next steps

For more configuration and usage info, see:

Gripper API

Give commands for opening and closing a gripper device.

Configure a machine

Create a machine in a few steps using Viam's modular system of components and services without writing much or any code.

Plan Motion with an Arm

Use the motion service to move robot arms and other components.

Have questions, or want to meet other people working on robots? Join our Community Discord.

If you notice any issues with the documentation, feel free to file an issue or edit this file.