Robotic Grippers: 5 Technologies for Robotic Handling

It may be too bold a statement to make in saying that robotic grippers are the future of robots. However, with their ever-increasing popularity and easy adoption into production lines and manufacturing setups - such as in the automotive industry - it’s safe to assume that these technologies will be around for a long time to come.

In short, robotic grippers developed out of the need to automate operations that require dexterity and precision, much like the human hand and arm, but on a much larger scale and at a much faster rate. Due to increasing demand and the increase of types of robotic grippers on the market, they have been incorporated into a variety of industries, from industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and most commonly, consumer goods. 

Robotic grippers for handling

Whilst the first robotic grippers took the form of rudimentary claws - which are still used today - grippers have since been developed for a range of uses, each of which performs for a specific purpose with a specific action. Grippers are meant to replicate an arm and a hand, working with guaranteed precision and consistent accuracy.

Simple grippers use two “claws” or “fingers” for simple tasks, like picking up and putting down, organising and moving. However, a rather limited range of applications meant that grippers were not the most versatile of automated systems but due to technological developments, grippers are now able to outperform what is possible for manual operation.

Here is a list of five technologies available for robotic grippers:

Pneumatic systems 

Pneumatic grippers use compressed air to pick up and place objects using fingers - much like human hands. They come with either two or three fingered jaws and can grasp, hold and release. Mostly used in automated manufacturing production, their scope can range from handling small to large, heavy objects. They are a lightweight and cost-effective option, however, some systems may not allow for upgrades or integration with smart software.

Electromechanical systems 

Electromechanical grippers are powered by a motor and are programmable. Also referred to as an end effector, the robot grasps using mechanically operated fingers which can range from just two to over three depending on its purpose. Recommended for lifting large and heavy objects, they are still able to execute with precision. Like pneumatic grippers, they can be used for small, intricate jobs in addition to larger scale pursuits.

Vacuum grippers

Vacuum grippers are unique in their versatility and can be used for many gripping purposes. Whilst other grippers may be hindered when required to work with uneven and inconsistent shaped items, vacuum grippers make light work of this and are also able to pick up and place items of varying materials. They do, however, prove costly as they use more electricity to operate than other grippers and are not suitable in dusty environments.

Hydraulic grippers 

In principle, hydraulic grippers are very similar to their pneumatic counterparts. They are used to pick up and place objects during the manufacturing process but are operated by pressurized fluids. The momentum created by the fluids moves a piston which enables the claws or fingers to open and close. Hydraulic grippers are a cut above the rest due to their gripping power. They surpass the force of pneumatic systems but, adversely, are not suited to clean environments or environments where cleanliness is a requirement as hydraulic grippers use oil, which is then compressed to grip with required force. The use of oil runs the risk of soiling the vicinities in which they are housed.

Magnetic and electromagnetic grippers

Magnetic and electromagnetic grippers use a magnetic field to safely pick up and hold objects. Stating the obvious, magnetized grippers work with metal products and rely on a flat, smooth surface as opposed to the clawed setup of most other grippers. This type of gripper system is commonly used in automotive manufacturing or industries that work with sheet metal. Although they are the preferred solution for the above, the most notable drawback is the possibility of the magnets dislodging or coming loose leading to products being dropped and damaged.

Choosing the right robotic gripper for your business’s purpose and output depends on your production line and the products you work with. As with most anything, there are pros and cons to every system or solution and doing thorough research and talking to relevant industry experts - like Yaskawa - is the best way to proceed.

Yaskawa

Yaskawa is 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 specialised software and tooling to enable customisation 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.