This paper aims to provide an analysis of the current state of research in the field of artificial clamping systems using astringent electro adhesive technology. The principle of electro adhesion phenomenon is described based on devices build as research prototypes made by several technology developers and research institutes. Here is presented, starting with the first uses of electro adhesion devices in the 1960's as a standalone technology by NASA Research Center on astronaut garment for

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... space, to the prehensile prototypes developed by Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, used for gripping soft, fragile objects. In this paper we show the various advantages of electro adhesion devices, also the limitations that depend on the proprieties of the adherent object. Focusing on the reliability, the materials and the operating environment in the future commercial users(factories, logistics centers etc.) could envision the replacement of classic devices based on vacuum or magnetic technology with electro adhesive devices.