A
dual mode end
effector is disclosed. The
dual mode end
effector includes a bridge member having a first end and a second end, wherein the bridge member includes a first substantially axial
flange extending from the first and, wherein the bridge member includes a second substantially axial
flange extending from the second end; a tire / wheel gripping
assembly connected to the bridge member, wherein the tire / wheel gripping
assembly includes a pair of substantially axial members, a substantially radial support member, and a pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies, wherein the pair of substantially axial members are movably-supported upon the substantially radial support member, wherein a first end of the substantially radial support member is connected to the first substantially axial
flange of the bridge member, wherein the a second end of the substantially radial support member is connected to the second substantially axial flange of the bridge member, wherein a first radially-projecting engaging
assembly of the pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies is connected to an inner
radial surface of a first substantially axial member of the pair of substantially axial members, wherein a second radially-projecting engaging assembly of the pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies is connected to an inner
radial surface of a second substantially axial member of the pair of substantially axial members.