An end effector for an articulated arm in a robotic system includes an enclosed flexible membrane generally in the form of a tubular annulus that contains a fluid within the membrane. The tubular annulus includes a distal end for engaging objects; and a linear actuator that is positioned for reciprocal movement within the tubular annulus. The linear actuator provides actuation of the tubular annulus to grasp an object and the linear actuator provides a vacuum source at a distal end of the linear actuator. The linear actuator is also selectively coupled to a source of positive air pressure for providing positive air pressure to an object-retaining area.