6 advances in robotic grippers to watch

As the need for specialized robotic grippers grows, their function and operations advance. There are many different grippers available, and more functions are added as the technology and demand grow. From simple finger grippers to soft grippers that can handle delicate products, there are many more applications that can be implemented. The use of the right tool is imperative for your operation to run smoothly.

Grippers fall within two categories: pneumatic and electromechanical. Pneumatic grippers work with suction or vacuum functionality to pick and move objects. Electromechanical grippers usually work with a jaw or fingers to maneuver products, simulating a human hand. Each has different uses, from handling large, heavy objects to delicate objects. They are used for many different applications such as handling consumer packaged goods, in pharmaceuticals, for machine tending, agricultural uses, plastics, and food processing.

Robot grippers are continually being adapted to handle a variety of products with better features to make your production line run faster and smoothly.

Here are six ways that robotic grippers are being improved for better precision and customizability.

The right tool for the job

Robot grippers have different applications and are constantly being updated for flexibility. Robotic suites have solutions such as sensors, grippers, and software. They are designed to grip different weights, sizes, and with better rigidity and users should consider the required cycle time, shape, torque, and force restrictions. More attention is being paid in the industry to developing end-effectors that are easy to install and can be used as robot arms, meaning that there are more solutions that can be used for different applications.

Improved dexterity

Robots are becoming more reliable and flexible to perform more diverse tasks and have been adapted to function better while working close to humans. More intelligence has been added to the movement of grippers through the implementation of six-axis force and torque sensors. Force sensors enable the gripper to manipulate fragile items which shows improved dexterity.

More intelligent sensors

Sensors, through machine learning that is fed by datasets and connectivity, are becoming more popular in the way grippers work and how they handle objects and tasks. The sensors have made it possible for the gripper to analyze products to determine the best way to approach it. Through artificial intelligence (AI), robots can learn through observation and comparison to better their handling of items. Robots can now compare the object to the gripper to choose how it should be approached. This can be done from a single image which means that less sensors and cameras are required on the robot or in the environment. They can teach themselves through observation and comparison.

Combining multiple technologies

For more reliable interactions, a combination of technologies is used where some robots are fitted with different grippers. Through AI, the robot will then determine which gripper would work best for the task at hand. Vacuum grippers are paired with fingers to widen the range of applications.

Nimbler fingers

For more flexibility and reliability there are three-finger adaptive grippers. It reduces tool changes and has high levels of customization. Given that robotic grippers can’t be used as clamps or fingers, newer models are needed that have nimbler fingers for grasping.

Better suction

Grippers have advanced to a point where you no longer need an external air supply for suction. This means less noise and lower energy use. More electrical grippers will be seen in the future where artificial muscles are used to develop suction without vacuum compressed air.

Through the advances in gripper technology, more industries will be able to implement gripper solutions into their workflow which will further grow the demand and subsequent technological advancements.

Yaskawa’s robotic grippers

We are a trusted partner and leader in the manufacturing of robotic solutions for palletizing and depalletizing. It involves flexibility through 2D and 3D vision software as well as specialized software and tooling to enable customization for speed, safety, accuracy, and maximum productivity. We can also provide you with the necessary training to use your robot to its full potential. Contact us for more info.