The invention relates to as gripping device (1) for a manipulation system (5), particularly for a robot, for receiving parts and feeding manufacturing equipment, for example a metal sheet folding machine, punching press, welding plant etc., with workpieces (2) from a readied stack (3) of workpieces (2), with a gripper head (6) fitted with gripping means (7), e.g. suction cups (9), magnets, tongs, etc., and with a detection system (17) for the workpeice (2) received by the gripping means. The detection system (12) and at least one pulse emitter acting upon the workpiece (2) as a vibration exciter, and at least one vibration sensor (15) are arranged on the gripper head (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a gripper device (1).