What is a robot gripper?

A robot gripper is the end-effector on a robot arm that grasps and manipulates objects. 

State-of-the-art robot grippers can help robot arms exceed the capabilities of humans, and are fundamental to an enormous range of robotic applications, from industrial automation to research and healthcare.

Why are they so important? Let’s take a look:

• They’re versatile: Robot grippers can perform various tasks such as picking, placing, holding, and moving objects of different sizes, shapes, and materials.
• Mimicking and even surpassing humans: Advanced grippers are engineered to emulate the dexterity of human hands, which allows for complex operations like assembly and precise handling of delicate items.
• Very important in automation: In industrial settings, grippers are ultra-important to automating processes that require the handling of parts and products, which makes a significant contribution to efficiency and productivity.

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What types of grippers are available?

Robot grippers come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to suit different needs. 

The most common types you’ll find out there are:

• Parallel grippers: These open and close like a pair of pliers. They’re simple, compact, and can handle a variety of objects. A very popular choice for pick and place tasks.
• Angular grippers: As the name suggests, these grippers have two opposing fingers that meet at an angle, like crab claws, which makes them good for grasping irregularly shaped objects.
• Suction cup grippers: Using vacuum pressure, these grippers can pick up flat, smooth objects like sheets of glass, metal or plastic. They don’t leave marks but can’t grab uneven or porous items.
• Magnetic grippers: For handling metallic objects, magnetic grippers provide a strong grip with no moving parts, but they do require the object to contain iron or steel to be effective.
• Soft grippers: Made of pliable, flexible materials like rubber, soft grippers can conform around and grasp fragile objects without causing damage. But, they do trade strength for gentleness.
• Custom grippers: For unique needs, custom grippers can be designed and built to specification. They’re tailored to handle specific objects that standard grippers can’t manage. So, if you have unusual workpieces, a custom gripper may be what you’re after. 

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What should you keep in mind before you purchase a robot gripper?

A robot gripper is a significant investment, so there are several things you need to keep in mind before you make a purchase. 

The most important factors are:

How compatible is the gripper? 

Make sure the gripper you choose works with your specific robot model. Grippers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and connection types to suit different robots. 

Check with your robot manufacturer for gripper compatibility to avoid wasting money on what basically will amount to an expensive paperweight. 

What does your task need? 

Do you need a gripper for pick and place, assembly, machine tending or something else? Grippers are designed for different purposes, so choose one that fits what you need. 

Some grippers can handle heavy, large objects while others are better for delicate tasks that require precision. 

Think about the sizes, shapes, and weights of the objects you need to grab.

What’s the environment like? 

Pay close attention to the environment where your robotic arm will be operating. 

Will it be exposed to harsh chemicals, extreme heat, or other hazardous elements? Then, you’ll want a durable gripper that can withstand these environments. 

Also, give some thought to whether the gripper needs to be sterile for medical or food handling applications.

Price 

Grippers can vary wildly in price based on their features and capabilities. 

Of course, the more complex grippers with advanced sensing and precision control tend to cost more than basic open-close grippers. 

Pay close attention to your budget and how much you can invest. Often, you get what you pay for in terms of quality, durability, and performance.

What should you look for in a gripper manufacturer?

Of course, not all robot gripper manufacturers are the same. There are several factors that make a robot manufacturer good. 

Let’s take a look! 

• Reliability and support. Will the company stand behind its product and provide good customer service if there are any issues? Your choice should be manufacturers with a proven track record of building high-quality, durable grippers. Also, they should offer service contracts and support to help you keep your robots up and running through thick and thin. 
• Fast delivery for replacement parts. Downtime costs money, so you'll want a manufacturer that can deliver new or replacement grippers quickly. Check how long standard delivery times are and what options they offer for expedited shipping in case of emergencies.
• Pricing and financing. Grippers can cost a pretty penny, so compare pricing between different manufacturers to find options that fit your budget. Some companies offer financing and leasing programs to make the cost way more affordable.
• Distributors and integrators. The more distributors and systems integrators a manufacturer works with, the easier it will be to purchase, install, and maintain their grippers. See if they have partners in your area that can provide local support.
• Programming and simulation. The most advanced gripper companies provide software that allows you to easily program, simulate, and integrate their grippers into your robot arm. Programming tools and simulation features save time and ensure the grippers will function as intended before installation. Note: some robots have no-code frameworks that don’t require programming knowledge. 

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Our top 5 robot gripper manufacturers

Now that we’ve touched on the points that a great robot gripper manufacturer needs to excel at to provide top-notch service, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. 

Here are our top 5 picks for the best robot gripper manufacturers: 

OnRobot

Of all the robot gripper manufacturers out there, OnRobot makes the top of our list.

This innovative Denmark-based company is known for producing high-quality, durable grippers that work with all major robot brands.

Their main aim is to produce, “plug-and-produce” grippers that are easy to program and integrate into your system. 

Their products include vacuum, magnetic, and mechanical grippers with multi-fingered hands. With options suited for plenty of payloads, OnRobot pretty much has every base covered. 

Also, they have a worldwide presence, so replacement parts can be delivered very quickly to cut downtime. OnRobot also works closely with a large network of distributors and systems integrators to help get their grippers up and running.

Plus, their grippers can also be seamlessly integrated with major robot programming environments, so you can control the gripper directly with the robot’s programming.

Robotiq

Another well-regarded gripper is the Canadian company Robotiq. 

Based out of Quebec, Canada, they’re known for their innovative adaptive grippers that are compatible with a wide range of robot arms. 

Their grippers have industry-leading force-to-weight ratios, which lets them handle heavier objects compared to similar grippers in their size range. 

Another standout feature is that their grippers feature built-in sensors and advanced control systems that allow for flexible handling of objects of varying sizes and shapes. 

Copal

Copal, based in the UK, provides low-cost grippers and gripper kits for hobbyists and those on a budget. 

While more basic in design, their products can still get the job done for many standard gripping applications, and they’re a very good entry-level gripper for those starting out with automation. 

Copal grippers are also known for their modular design, allowing for easy customization and expansion. This means users can add interchangeable fingers or adapt the gripper to different gripping tasks.

And, they also offer industrial-grade grippers with higher gripping forces and durability. 

Weiss Robotics 

Another manufacturer known for high-quality yet competitively priced grippers is Weiss Robotics. 

With its HQ in Germany, Weiss Robotics produces a wide selection of electric grippers, as well as rotary modules and linear modules. 

Their products are known for their reliability and long service life. 

Plus, Weiss Robotics’ grippers are available through a global network of distributors, making them easily accessible to many buyers, no matter where they are. 

Schunk

No list would be complete without Schunk, a German leader in automation technology.

Schunk produces a huge array of grippers, as well as robotic components, workholding solutions, and machine tooling. 

With worldwide locations, Schunk is a pioneer in innovative gripper designs like their flexible Co-act gripper series. 

Bear in mind, though, that their products do tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. So, if you’re strapped for cash, one of the other manufacturers may be a better fit.

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Summing up

No matter your budget or application, one of these companies will have a robotic gripper that fits your needs – and, if not, they’ll make one for you.

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Next steps

If you’re looking to find the perfect pairing of robot arm and end-effector for any application, RO1 by Standard Bots comes with a variety of grippers out of the box, universal M8 connectors, integration with OnRobot end-effectors and is the best choice for machine shops large and small:

• Cost-effective: RO1 is the most affordable robotic arm in its class, starting at almost half the price of incumbent competitors, and lease models starting at $5/Hr. 
• All-seeing: RO1 is equipped with best-in-class vision systems. Easy no-code programming makes it easy to detect the smallest of defects and imperfections.
• Collaborative: RO1 comes equipped with safety sensors and built-in collision detection, for safe operation anywhere on your shop floor.

Talk to our solutions team right now to set up a free, 30-day onsite trial and get expert advice on everything you need to deploy your first robot.