Robotic system with gripping mechanisms, and related systems and methods

A method for operating an end-of-arm tool, the method comprising:

• identifying parameters of a target object, the parameters including at least one of a length of the target object or a width of the target object;
• generating commands for approaching the target object with the end-of-arm tool, wherein the end-of-arm tool comprises a frame, a vacuum-gripping component operably coupled to a lower surface of the frame, and a clamping system having a first clamping element and a second clamping element projecting from the lower surface of the frame, and wherein approaching the target object includes positioning the end-of-arm tool such that the target object is between the first clamping element and the second clamping element, wherein:
• the vacuum-gripping component includes a first vacuum element and second vacuum element spaced apart with a channel therebetween, and
• the first clamping element and the second clamping element are operably coupled to the frame through the channel between the first vacuum element and the second vacuum element;
• generating commands for grasping the target object using the vacuum-gripping component and the first clamping element and the second clamping element;
• generating commands for transporting the target object from a pick-up location to a placing location;
• and
• generating commands for releasing the target object at the placing location.

A robotic system, comprising:

• a robotic arm;
• and
• an end effector operably coupled to the robotic arm, the end effector comprising:
• a housing having a lower surface;
• a suction-gripping component coupled to the lower surface of the housing, wherein the suction-gripping component includes:
• a first vacuum element operably coupled to a first side of the lower surface;
• and
• a second vacuum element coupled to a second side of the lower surface and spaced apart from the first vacuum element with a channel therebetween;
• and
• an object-clamping component, comprising:
• a first clamping portion projecting from the lower surface beyond the suction-gripping component;
• a second clamping portion projecting from the lower surface beyond the suction-gripping component, wherein the first clamping portion and second clamping portion are operably coupled to the housing through the channel between the first vacuum element and the second vacuum element;
• and
• an actuator system operably coupled to the first clamping portion to move the first clamping portion along a motion path parallel to a lateral axis of the housing.