Types of robotic grippers used in production today

Currently, robot grippers are quite popular in many fields. They are placed at the end of the robot arm and allow for arm strength and hand dexterity. This combination helps from organizing large containers to moving small and delicate electronic components. However, many different types of grippers are compatible with the UR robot arm. In this article, we will learn about the types of robotic grippers used in production today.

Concept of types of robotic grippers used in production

The gripper is a device that helps the robot pick up and grasp objects. When combined with collaborative industrial robot arms (or ‘cobots’), grippers enable manufacturers to automate critical manufacturing processes such as inspection, assembly, pick & fit, and care machines.

We can think of these grippers as real human hands; they are placed at the end of the cobot’s arm and allow for arm strength and hand dexterity

Types of robotic grippers used in production

According to general usage needs, grippers are divided into 5 to 6 main types. Each type is distinguished based on the operating and/or control methods of the gripper itself.

Electric gripper

• Electric grippers are commonly used for robots in machine tending and pick & place applications. They are suitable for applications requiring high speed and light/moderate gripping force. Electric grippers will often have two-jaw and three-jaw configurations.
• Most electric grippers often come with microprocessors that help you adjust the speed and force of the grip. Equipped with a force sensor to help the electric gripper easily handle many different parts.

Vacuum gripper

• Grippers use the difference between air pressure and vacuum to lift, hold, and move objects. Vacuum flow must be maintained uninterrupted so that the assembly robot can safely grip the object it is holding.
• Pneumatic grippers have four to ten times more power than their electromechanical counterparts. Thanks to that, this is the optimal choice for heavy lifting tasks.
• These vacuum grippers are used to automate a variety of tasks, most commonly packaging and palletizing.
• Advantages: ability to handle many different items and cheaper price than other types of grippers.
• Disadvantage: additional electricity costs to operate a pneumatic or vacuum pump are high. Not suitable for operation in dusty environments.

Pneumatic gripper

• Pneumatic grippers use compressed air and a piston to activate the ‘jaw’. Commonly found in 2-finger and 3-finger configurations
• Pneumatic grippers can be operated flexibly in a variety of applications. Can handle single stages well.
• Advantages: low price, large gripping force, ability to operate in narrow spaces, and fast response time.
• Pneumatic grippers are not suitable for units that produce many different finished products in small quantities.

Hydraulic gripper

• Works based on the hydraulic solution. Hydraulic grippers have much more gripping capacity than pneumatic grippers. They are suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• The main advantage of hydraulic grippers is their superior gripping capacity. However, along with that come some disadvantages regarding oil handling, pumps, and water tanks.
• Hydraulic grippers require higher maintenance costs than other types of grippers. Not suitable for use in most cleanrooms and other medical applications.

Benefits of Types of robotic grippers used in production

Improve productivity

• Increase production speed: Robots work continuously without rest, helping to increase production speed and complete orders faster.
• Optimize work cycles: Repetitive operations are automated, minimizing changeover time between stages.

Improve product quality

• High precision: Robots perform operations with high precision, minimizing errors and ensuring consistent product quality.
• Enhance consistency: Products are manufactured with stable quality, minimizing differences between batches.

Labor safety

• Eliminate dangerous work: Robots replace humans in performing heavy, dangerous work such as lifting heavy objects, working in toxic environments, and minimizing the risk of work accidents.
• Create a safe working environment: Minimize factors that cause stress and fatigue for workers, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment.

Flexible and adaptable

• Easy to program: Robot grippers can be programmed to perform many different types of tasks, meeting the changing needs of production.
• Integration with other systems: Easily integrated with other automation devices such as industrial robots, conveyors, machine vision systems, etc.

Reduce costs

• Reduce labor costs: Robots work continuously, without the need for salaries and other welfare regimes, helping to reduce labor costs.
• Optimize the use of raw materials: Robots perform precise operations, minimizing the waste of raw materials.
• Increase equipment life: Automation helps reduce breakdowns, extending equipment life.

Note when choosing types of robotic grippers used in production

There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing a gripper, but the most important factor is still the specific application the business needs. When choosing a gripper for a robot, we should still consider the following issues:

• Will the picker specialize in handling one or more different items?
• What type of item will the gripper handle – e.g. food, electrical components–?
• What is the shape of the items that need to be handled? (Flat, curved, uneven)
• Can the gripper be deployed in a clean room environment?
• Do you need feedback data from the gripper itself?
• What are the certifications associated with the gripper (e.g. food safety certification, IP7 compatibility, and so on)? What is the required load capacity of the gripper?
• Does the gripper need to operate in narrow spaces?

The unit provides all Types of robotic grippers used in production

Choosing a suitable gripper for an automatic robot hand is not easy. Especially when there are too many types of automatic grippers and too many related specialized terms. Vnatech Company will support you with a full range of grippers specifically designed for the most common production tasks.

Vnatech is a manufacturer, distributor, and trader of automatic production machines, and transportation robots… With the desire to bring comprehensive solutions to customers, we commit to:

• Fast construction, good price because we are a manufacturing unit.
• Available 24/7 to answer technical and operational questions
• Direct installation and repair with a team of experienced engineers
• In-depth training on robot system operation and risk management
• Full equipment to replace, repair, and maintain robots
• Smart design, capturing modern technology
• Long, reputable warranty.

With a team of experienced engineers, highly specialized and comprehensive solutions. We are confident that we will bring different changes to customers. If you need our products, please contact us immediately with the information below for dedicated advice.

Contact Info

VIETNAM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER JOINT STOCK COMPANY.

Office: VT09-BT02 – Xa La Urban Area – Ha Dong – Hanoi.

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