Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a workpiece or the like comprising a pair of inger assemblies mounted on a common support. The finger assemblies have belts with contact surfaces arranged in a confronting relationship. A first operating mechanism is provided for moving the finger assemblies along a first axis towards each other to grip a workpiece between the belt contact surfaces. A second operating mechanism is provided for rotating the belts about the first axis in order to impart a corresponding rotation to the workpiece gripped therebetween. A third operating mechanism is provided for moving the belts in either the same or opposite directions in order to impart either translational movement to the workpiece along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis or rotational movement to the workpiece about the second axis.