Abstract A structure of small special robot manipulator is designed by using the parallelogram lifting device. The stiffness and strength for the manipulator are both improved to meet indicators and functions of the performance by design and calculation. The grasping range of the manipulator is enlarged and the grasping force is enhanced by comparing different materials according to the simulation on Solidworks. The object can be grasped accurately by the manipulator. This kind of structure design provides a reference for a robot manipulator.