The Future of Robotic Grippers in the Manufacturing

The idea of humans and robots cohabitating harmoniously is no longer the stuff of sci-fi movies and Elon Musk’s dreams; in reality, robots have been a part of our lives for decades. For the most part, robots were invented as a means to improve the lives of humans and to make processes faster and more efficient. Manufacturing plants have benefitted immensely from the introduction of automation on the production line.

While you’re bound to find robots used for transferring and packing stock like SCARA robots, articulated robots that are able to operate on non-parallel planes, and robots that operate with intricate pieces of machinery, robotic grippers are yet another type of robots that are having a positive impact on the manufacturing process. 

 

Robot grippers in manufacturing

In essence, robotic grippers work like the human hand - picking up and holding objects for inspection, assembling, and sorting. Their design mimics the human arm and hand in dexterity and executes processes that can be done manually but at a much faster rate and increased precision. Due to their undeniable success, the future looks bright for robotic grippers. 

 

The future of robotic grippers

The drive to enhance manufacturing processes has accelerated in recent years with the growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and is currently making waves in a variety of industries and sectors. Robotic grippers, in particular, have seen a surge in popularity due to this and rapidly evolving gripping technologies. Robotic arm grippers are seen as the entry-level technology that then leads to more complex machines that offer both controlled and programmable function.

 

Their flexibility in application has seen them being incorporated into a plethora of sectors, such as agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the automotive industries.

 

But what makes them so versatile?

Listed below are just a few of the reasons why we’re bound to see their popularity grow exponentially in the near future:

 

Accuracy and precision 

The overarching advantage of robotic grippers is their ability to perform with accuracy. This makes them an ideal solution for tasks that require absolute precision and with the dexterity of a human hand.

 

Customizability

Due to the intricate work grippers are expected to do, the need for customization is a prerequisite. Grippers can be programmed to handle products or objects in a variety of shapes, sizes, and delicateness (should that be the requirement). For example, a gripper programmed to work with vehicle parts cannot perform with the same dexterity with glass bottles.

 

Variety

Gripper technology has gone so far as to expand designs and build, which has led to the diversification of their applications. This includes: claw, rotary, magnetic, and vacuum grippers; enabling them to be incorporated into many production processes.

 

Dexterity

The dexterity of robotic grippers has already been discussed above but it’s most certainly their trump card. The vast range of gripper types and advancements in technology means they can be used for many different tasks.

 

Intelligence 

Most robotic grippers are fitted with sensors that enable them to accurately approach and handle objects with the appropriate sensitivity. These sensors also locate and analyse objects using AI.

The use and subsequent benefits of robotic grippers have never been in doubt. Their increasing popularity and constant technological advancements will pave the way for intelligent manufacturing processes and production. In the years to come, we’re bound to see technologies develop, be adopted, and assimilate at an exponential rate.

 

Yaskawa

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 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.