the invention provides an apparatus and method for clamping an object . the apparatus comprises a clamping mechanism and an actuation system to actuate clamping and de - clamping of the clamping mechanism , wherein the actuation system comprises two actuator devices which are operatively coupled whereby to provide an actuation force to the clamping mechanism . preferably , the actuator devices comprises a variable reluctance actuator and a linear induction actuator coupled together and adapted to cooperate to provide the actuation force to the clamping mechanism .