Multi-faced apparatus and system for automated handling of components

An end effector 200 includes a vacuum source 118 and a plurality of gripping surfaces 202 generally arranged in a polygonal shape such as a cuboid, each surface 202 including a plurality of vacuum zones 206 with a non-smooth portion 204 and a plurality of openings 208. The gripping surfaces 202 may be substantially planar and flexible. A frame 212 may hold the gripping surfaces 202. The vacuum zones 206 may be independently activated and surrounded by a seal 206 and are generally configured to grip cut-outs or plies 100a, 100b, 100c cut on a cutting table 106 from a sheet 104 which may be pre-impregnated composite precursor material for forming a composite component for a gas turbine engine. The cut-outs or plies 100a, 100b, 100c may be moved to a ply storage area or to a ply layup or stacking area 110. Pressurised air, a vacuum release valve or mechanical devices may be used to release the cut-outs or plies 100a, 100b, 100c from the end effector 200. Sensors 218 may sense the shape or location of cut-outs or plies 100a, 100b, 100c.