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What is a gripper?

Robotic grippers, also known as end effectors, are devices attached to the end of a robotic arm that are used to manipulate objects. They are typically designed to grip objects securely and move them in a precise manner. There are many different types of robotic grippers, each with its own unique design and features. Some common types include vacuum grippers, pneumatic grippers, and electromechanical grippers.

Main types of grippers:

There are many different types of robotic grippers available, and the type that is best suited for a particular application will depend on factors such as the size and shape of the objects being gripped, the required level of precision and accuracy, and the overall design of the robotic system. Some common types of robotic grippers include:

The main types of grippers include:

1. Hydraulic grippers:

A hydraulic gripper is a type of mechanical device that uses hydraulic pressure to grip and manipulate objects. Hydraulic grippers are commonly used in industrial and manufacturing settings, and they are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip or hold objects securely and with a high degree of precision.

2. Vacuum grippers:

These grippers use a vacuum to generate the gripping force, and they are often used in applications where it is necessary in handling fragile, irregular shaped, or delicate items as well as uneven surfaces. Vacuum grippers are typically lightweight and easy to use, but they may not be suitable for applications where a high degree of force is needed.

3. Pneumatic grippers:

These grippers use compressed air to generate the gripping force, and they are often used in applications where a high level of precision is not required. Pneumatic grippers are typically low cost and easy to maintain, but they may not be suitable for applications where a high degree of force is needed.

4. and Electric grippers:

Electromechanical grippers, also known as servo grippers, use a combination of electrical and mechanical components to provide precise, controlled movement. These grippers use electric motors to generate the gripping force, and they are often used in applications where a high degree of precision is required. Electric grippers are typically more expensive than pneumatic grippers, but they offer a higher level of control and accuracy. A popular choice for many cobot applications including machine tending and pick & place.

Other types of grippers:

Other types of grippers include:

1. Angular grippers

Angular grippers are a type of robotic gripper that is designed to grip objects at an angle. Angular grippers are often used in applications where it is necessary to manipulate objects in a specific orientation, such as when assembling parts or inserting objects into a particular position.

Angular grippers typically use a combination of linear and rotational motion to grip and manipulate objects, and they can be either pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic depending on the application. Some advantages of using angular grippers include their ability to grip objects at a variety of angles, their high level of precision and accuracy, and their ability to handle a wide range of object sizes and shapes.

2. Parallel grippers

Parallel grippers are a type of robotic gripper that is designed to grip objects using a parallel motion. Parallel grippers are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip and manipulate objects with a high degree of precision and accuracy.

Parallel grippers typically use two or more fingers that move in a parallel motion to grip an object, and they can be either pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic depending on the application. Some advantages of using parallel grippers include their ability to grip objects with a high degree of precision, their ability to handle a wide range of object sizes and shapes, and their ability to apply a high level of gripping force.

3. Soft grippers

Soft grippers are a type of robotic gripper that is designed to grip objects using a compliant, or "soft" mechanism. Soft grippers are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip delicate or fragile objects without damaging them, or where it is necessary to grip objects with a non-uniform or irregular shape.

Soft grippers typically use a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber, to generate the gripping force, and they can be either pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic depending on the application. Some advantages of using soft grippers include their ability to grip delicate or irregularly-shaped objects without damaging them, their ability to conform to the shape of the object being gripped, and their ability to grip objects with a high degree of precision and accuracy.

4. Magnetic grippers

These grippers use magnets to generate the gripping force, and they are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip metallic objects. Magnetic grippers are typically easy to use and require little maintenance, but they may not be suitable for applications where a high degree of precision is needed.

5. Palletizer grippers

Palletizer grippers are a type of robotic gripper that is designed specifically for use in palletizing applications. Palletizing is the process of arranging objects on a pallet in a specific pattern or configuration, and palletizer grippers are used to grip and manipulate the objects as they are being placed on the pallet.

Palletizer grippers are typically large and robust, and they are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip and manipulate heavy or bulky objects. Palletizer grippers can be either pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic depending on the application, and they are typically designed to be able to handle a wide range of object sizes and shapes. Some advantages of using palletizer grippers include their ability to grip and manipulate heavy objects, their ability to handle a wide range of object sizes and shapes, and their ability to operate at high speeds.

6. Adaptive gripper

Adaptive grippers are a type of robotic gripper that is designed to be able to adapt to a wide range of object sizes and shapes. Adaptive grippers are often used in applications where it is necessary to grip and manipulate a variety of different objects, or where it is not possible to predict the exact size and shape of the objects that will be gripped.

Adaptive grippers typically use a flexible mechanism, such as a compliant material or a series of interlocking fingers, to generate the gripping force. This allows the gripper to conform to the shape of the object being gripped and to adjust to a wide range of object sizes and shapes. Some advantages of using adaptive grippers include their ability to grip a wide range of object sizes and shapes, their ability to handle objects with non-uniform or irregular shapes, and their ability to operate in uncertain or unpredictable environments.

How to choose the right gripper:

In addition to the type of gripper, there are also many different design variations that can be used to suit the specific needs of a particular application. For example, some grippers are designed to handle large, heavy objects, while others are designed to manipulate small or delicate items. Some grippers are designed to be versatile and able to handle a wide range of objects, while others are specialized for a specific task.

Regardless of the type or design of a robotic gripper, all of them share some common components and features. Most grippers have some form of jaws or fingers that can open and close to grip objects, and some form of actuator or motor that allows the gripper to move and manipulate objects. They may also have sensors to help the robot determine the position and orientation of the object being gripped.

Choosing the right gripper requires a complete and comprehensive assessment. These are some quick factors to take into account to help you pick the right gripper that fits your requirements and needs.

Application/Environment:

This is dependent on the designated task that you would like the cobot to perform, whether it is hazardous material, delicate material or to pick up materials. This is also dependant on the environment of which will the gripper function in.

Cost:

There are several costs associated with the gripper, for example, the initial investment of the gripper, implementation costs, and on-going costs such as maintenance costs. This is also not inclusive of the operational expenses of the power source usage costs associated with the utilisation of the gripper.

Cycle Time:

The speed required for clamping and/or opening/closing the gripper will decide the cycle time.

Robotic grippers are a key component of many robotic systems, allowing robots to manipulate objects and perform a wide range of tasks. The type and design of a gripper will vary depending on the specific application, but all grippers share some common features and components.

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What is a gripper?

Main types of grippers:

Other types of grippers:

How to choose the right gripper:

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