Systems and methods for object processing with programmable motion devices using vacuum slider grippers

An object processing system comprising:

• an input area at which objects are presented to a programmable motion device;
• a perception system for providing perception data regarding an object to be processed that is at the input area;
• and
• an end-effector coupled to the programmable motion device, the end-effector including a first contact portion and a second contact portion, each of the first and second contact portions being generally planar and each including at least one opening through which vacuum may be provided, the second contact portion being generally non-parallel to the first contact portion, and the first contact portion including an actuator for adjusting a volume of vacuum flow at the first contact portion.

A method of processing objects in an object processing system, the method comprising:

• receiving an object at an input area proximate a programmable motion device;
• providing an end-effector coupled to the programmable motion device, the end-effector including a first contact portion and a second contact portion, each of the first and second contact portions being generally planar and each including at least one opening through which vacuum may be provided, the second contact portion being generally orthogonal to the first contact portion;
• moving the second contact portion with respect to the first contact portion at least in a direction that is generally non-parallel to the first contact portion;
• and
• contacting more than one surface of the object to grasped by the end-effector.