Clamping assembly

A clamping assembly for use in gripping an object. The clamping assembly includes a pair of opposed jaws, with each jaw having a pivot end pivotally attached to a frame structure, a clamp end opposite the pivot end, and a socket located between the clamp end and the pivot end. The clamping assembly further includes first and second balls rotatably mounted in the sockets of the opposed jaws, and a gear assembly connected to both of the first and second balls that includes a primary gear mechanically associated with a power source. Rotation of the primary gear by the power source results in actuation of the clamping assembly.