Cobot grippers are the tools that go on the end of a collaborative robot’s arm. It’s the robot's “hand,” or end-effector, and allows it to pick, hold, twist, and do other hands-on tasks.
Whether it’s handling delicate electronics, stacking pallets, or sorting objects by weight, the right cobot gripper means the difference between efficient operations — or a heavy paperweight.
Read on to learn:
- Types of cobot grippers
- Key features to consider
- Pros of cobot grippers
- Cons to keep in mind
The first thing to “handle” (sorry) is the type of cobot gripper.
Types of cobot grippers
Now that you know generally what a gripper is, let’s get this gripper review with the main types.
Here they are and what they’re best for:
- Vacuum grippers: These use suction to handle objects with a delicate touch, making them ideal for items that can’t be squeezed. Picture a Piab suction gripper effortlessly moving fragile glassware in a production line without leaving a single scratch.
- Two-finger grippers: Perfect for handling things very precisely, these grippers use a pincer motion to grab items with pinpoint accuracy. The Robotiq 2F-85, for example, can pick up anything from small metal parts in an electronics factory to coffee mugs on a conveyor belt.
- Magnetic grippers: Made for lifting metal parts, these grippers use magnets (“Magnets, yeah! Science!”) to hold onto metal objects securely. Schmalz offers magnetic grippers that can handle anything from sheet metal in car manufacturing to small metal tools in assembly lines.
- Adaptive grippers: Known for their versatility, adaptive grippers can adjust their grip to different shapes and sizes, making them great for mixed-product environments. The OnRobot RG2-FT has a sensitive touch that lets it handle anything from squishy fruits to hard industrial parts.
Key features to keep in mind
Not all grippers are created equal!
Here’s what you should check out before making a choice:
- Payload capacity: This is all about weight — how much can the gripper lift without dropping the ball (or object, in this case)? Choose a gripper that can handle the heaviest items in your production line without a hiccup.
Remember that the gripper “takes away” from the total payload capacity of your robot arm.
- Grip precision: Some jobs require something a bit more gentle. High-precision grippers guarantee your cobot isn’t crushing fragile items or mishandling components.
- Is it adaptable? You want multi-tasking, especially in environments with diverse objects. Look for grippers that can switch between different items without needing a manual reset.
- RO1 compatibility: If you’re working with Standard Bots’ RO1, you want a gripper that pairs well with its modular design for maximum flexibility on the job. OnRobot grippers are a great fit.
Applications of cobot grippers
Cobot grippers are versatile, and they’re in more industries than you’d think.
Here are some industries where grippers are common:
- Manufacturing: From assembling electronics to piecing together car parts, grippers take on the (literally) dirty work and free up human hands for higher-value jobs.
- Warehousing: Sorting, picking, and packing are some of the toughest jobs on human hands. Grippers are great for this stuff, moving packages, stacking boxes, and organizing items efficiently.
- Electronics: Handling tiny components or delicate devices is where grippers shine. They keep items steady and in place, with no scratches or misplacements.
- Medical labs: In sterile environments, grippers handle samples and test tubes, keeping human touch to a minimum while ensuring precise placement. And they’re not prone to getting their hands dirty with potato chip grease. Just sayin’.
Benefits of using cobot grippers
Why go for cobot grippers in your setup?
Here’s what you gain:
- More efficiency: Cobot grippers speed up repetitive movements and relieve humans from tedious work, which keeps productivity way up.
- Better safety margins: These grippers make human-robot interaction safe by handling heavy, dangerous, or delicate materials that could pose risks if mishandled.
- Flexibility for various jobs: With the right grippers, cobots become adaptable for multiple jobs, especially with RO1’s quick-swap modular options.
Challenges and limitations
Not all grippers are perfect, of course, so “A man’s got to know his limitations” applies here too.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Not every gripper fits every job: Some items might need custom grippers, especially if they’re oddly shaped or require a very specific hold.
- Weight constraints: Cobots have a payload limit, so be mindful not to overload the gripper with objects that are too heavy.
- Precision concerns: Some grippers may lack the fine control needed for delicate tasks, especially with very tiny or sensitive items.
Summing up
Cobot grippers bring a lot of flexibility and “can-do” to robotics, but still, not everyone outside of the industry knows about them.
They literally give cobots the hands they need to handle materials, move objects, and keep operations running smoothly.
Each type, be it vacuum, two-finger, magnetic, or adaptive grippers, brings its strengths to different industries.
And with RO1 by Standard Bots, you get a six-axis cobot arm that gets an added boost of flexibility and precision thanks to its wide range of compatibility with grippers.
Next steps
Are you curious about how a six-axis cobot arm can upgrade your shop floor? Standard Bots’ RO1 is designed with adaptability in mind, making it the ideal partner for versatile, hands-on jobs — and compatible with a wide variety of major gripper brands, like OnRobot.
- Affordable and reliable: RO1 combines high-end performance with cost-efficiency, starting at $5/hour. If you choose to buy? It’s half of competing models.
- Speed and accuracy: With a best-in-class 18 kg payload and repeatability of +/- 0.025 mm, RO1 won’t miss a beat on any task.
- Plug-and-play simplicity: RO1’s no-code setup means anyone can operate it, with easy integration for different grippers.
- Safety-first design: Equipped with machine vision and collision detection, RO1 works perfectly alongside human teams.
Ready to add some serious grip to your workflow? Get in touch for a risk-free, 30-day on-site trial and see what RO1 can bring to the table.
