The realm of robotics undergoes continuous evolution, marked by machines growing increasingly versatile and adaptable. At the core of this transformation lies the essential component enabling robots to engage with the physical world – end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), which plays a pivotal role in defining a robotic arm’s utility across various industries.
How an EOAT interacts with its surroundings is the determining factor in its seamless integration into diverse workflows.
The gripper is one such end-of-arm tool that makes a robotic arm versatile and efficient for different processes like pick and place, labeling, camera handling, and vial handling, to name a few.
Whether you’re a robotics enthusiast or a tech-savvy professional, this guide is your gateway to understanding the essential components that enable robots to interact with the world around them.
What is a Gripper?
A gripper is a mechanical or robotic device designed to grasp, hold, manipulate, or transport objects. It serves as the “hand” or end-effector of a robotic arm or automation system, allowing the robot to interact with the physical world by gripping and releasing objects.
Types of Grippers
Various types of robot grippers are revolutionizing automation across industries.
Parallel Jaw Grippers
Parallel jaw grippers stand out as one of the most prevalent and versatile gripper types employed in robotics. Comprising two opposing jaws capable of moving parallel to each other, they boast a design that lends itself effectively to grasping objects of diverse shapes and sizes. Be it the delicate handling of small electronic components or the secure grip of larger, irregularly shaped items, parallel jaw grippers excel in executing precise pick and place operations.
One of its noteworthy features has to be its ability to exert meticulous control over the gripping force, a critical aspect when managing fragile items or materials that require a delicate touch.
Known for their speed and reliability, these grippers have become indispensable in applications such as packaging, manufacturing, and assembly lines.
They can be equipped with soft or compliant jaws for handling delicate items without causing harm, while sturdier jaws offer stability when gripping heavy objects.
Parallel jaw grippers often feature a range of jaw designs and materials tailored to suit diverse applications.
Vacuum Grippers
Also known as Suction grippers, these are particularly effective at handling flat and smooth-surfaced items such as glass, plastic, and metal sheets. A Vacuum gripper comprises a vacuum pump that creates suction through a network of channels or holes in the gripper’s pad.
In practice, the gripper attaches itself to the object’s surface using the suction force, allowing the robot to lift and manipulate it.
These grippers are commonly used in industries requiring precise positioning and minimal contact with the object such as the food industry (for packaging), printing, and the production of electronics.
Vacuum grippers’ adaptability allows them to accommodate various pad shapes and sizes while enabling them to handle a wide range of objects.
Certain vacuum grippers are also equipped with sensors to verify the security of their grip, enhancing their reliability when dealing with delicate items.
Dorna, known for its advanced robotic arms, also offers a range of vacuum grippers designed to complement its robotic solutions, providing even more versatility and efficiency in various automation applications.
Finger Grippers
When it comes to manipulating objects with irregular shapes or intricate geometries, finger grippers offer the perfect solution. These grippers are equipped with multiple fingers or digits that can conform to the object’s shape during grasping. These fingers can be crafted from rigid materials for stability or soft, compliant materials to safeguard delicate items, depending on the specific application.
Finger grippers are highly versatile and find applications in a wide range of industries. They are commonly used in tasks like bin picking, where a robot needs to select objects from a bin filled with mixed items.
The adaptability and flexibility of finger grippers make them ideal for a variety of automation tasks that require a high degree of dexterity.
Finger grippers can be equipped with tactile sensors or force feedback systems, allowing them to adjust their grip based on the object’s properties. This capability enables robots to handle objects of varying shapes and sizes with precision.
Pneumatic Grippers
Pneumatic grippers utilize compressed air to control the movement of their jaws. They are known for their speed and ability to provide a strong grip, which makes them a preferred choice for high-speed applications on assembly lines. These grippers are often found in industries like automotive manufacturing and electronics assembly.
The pneumatic system in these grippers allows for rapid jaw movement, making them suitable for tasks that demand quick and precise actions. Additionally, pneumatic grippers are known for their robustness and durability, making them suitable for repetitive and demanding industrial environments.
Pneumatic grippers come in various configurations, including two-finger, three-finger, and angular grippers, allowing them to adapt to different gripping requirements.
Some pneumatic grippers are designed to provide a soft touch, which is essential when handling sensitive materials or components.
A recognized cutting-edge robotic arms provider, Dorna’s automation solutions portfolio extends to a range of pneumatic grippers, expanding Dorna’s capability to address a broader spectrum of industrial needs.
Electromagnetic Grippers
Electromagnetic grippers leverage magnetic fields to hold and manipulate ferrous (magnetic) objects, such as metal components. These grippers are highly effective when a strong and stable grip on metal objects is required.
Electromagnetic grippers are commonly employed in metal fabrication, recycling processes, and various material handling applications.
Electromagnetic grippers offer a notable advantage in their capability to toggle the magnetic field, facilitating the effortless release of the held object. This attribute significantly enhances their versatility and adaptability, establishing them as a crucial tool in industries where ferrous materials play a prominent role.
Electromagnetic grippers are outfitted with advanced control systems, empowering precise fine-tuning of the magnetic force. This high degree of control guarantees the gripper’s ability to grasp objects, regardless of their size or weight variations.
Hydraulic Grippers
These grippers are the heavyweights of the gripper world. They employ hydraulic fluid to precisely operate their jaws, particularly excelling in tasks that entail handling sizable and weighty objects demanding substantial gripping force.
Industries such as construction, agriculture, and material handling rely on hydraulic grippers to effectively manage hefty loads with precision.
The hydraulic system in these grippers provides the high force needed to securely hold objects in place. Their ability to operate effectively under high loads and in harsh environmental conditions makes them invaluable for challenging industrial tasks.
Hydraulic grippers are built to withstand the toughest conditions and provide reliable performance in heavy-duty applications.
These grippers frequently boast robust construction and secure sealing mechanisms to eliminate hydraulic fluid leakage. They offer versatility through various jaw configurations, encompassing parallel jaws, angular jaws, and even customized designs, all tailored to meet the precise demands of specific applications.
Looking for robotic arm grippers?
Grippers are the unsung heroes of robotic arm automation that enable these machines to perform a wide range of tasks with precision and efficiency. Whether it’s the adaptability of finger grippers, the strength of hydraulic grippers, or the precision of vacuum grippers, each type has its unique set of advantages and applications.
Dorna, a leading provider of innovative robotic solutions, offers a wide variety of versatile and efficient grippers. Explore how our grippers can enhance your industrial operations.
As automation continues to reshape industries, the selection of the appropriate gripper becomes increasingly vital for optimizing efficiency and productivity. By gaining insights into the various types of robot grippers and their capabilities, businesses can make sure that their choice aligns with their needs.
Determine how applicability of the Dorna’s grippers caters to your specific needs.
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