Gripper for a picking device and method for operating the picking device

A gripper for a picking device with horizontal storage surfaces for storage of drug packages, the gripper comprising:

• a tray table extending in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, the tray table having an end portion with an arcuate front extending in the second horizontal direction, said end portion forming a loading and unloading front, said tray table and said end portion defining an upper support surface;
• a transport device arranged above the tray table and movable in the first horizontal direction, the transport device configured to move drug packages from a horizontal storage surface onto the tray table;
• a control device;
• and
• at least one sensor coupled to the control device, the at least one sensor arranged in the end portion below the support surface, the at least one sensor configured to determine a presence of a drug package in its detection area.