Grippers are one type of end-effector that lets a robot pick up, move, and hold things, a tool that attaches to the end of a robot arm to help it do specific tasks.
Think of a gripper as the "grabber" on the arm, whether it's picking up boxes in a warehouse or handling tiny electronics in a factory.
Read on to learn more about:
- Types of grippers in robotics
- Challenges of picking the right gripper
- How grippers connect with robotic arms like RO1
- Costs
- Tips on keeping your grippers working longer
Let’s look at the different types.
Different types of grippers used in robotics
There are a few main types of grippers, and each has its uses.
Let’s go over the different types:
- Impactive grippers: These use jaws to grab onto objects — what most people picture when they think of a gripper. These jaws can be arranged in different ways — like pliers (angular), like a hand (concentric), or like a wrench (parallel). Each type of jaw setup suits different jobs.
- Ingressive grippers: These use pins or needles to penetrate an object, like fabric.
- Astrictive grippers: Think of magnets or suction cups — these grip objects without physically grabbing them.
- Contigutive grippers: These rely on adhesive forces, like glue or freezing, to hold onto objects.
What materials and tasks are grippers designed for?
Industrial grippers handle all sorts of materials, from hard metals to soft, fragile electronics.
Some examples to look out for:
- Wood and metal: Require stronger, more rugged grippers.
- Fragile electronics: Need soft, cushioned tips to avoid damage.
Your gripper should be tailored to the material you're handling. If you're working with delicate parts, you'll want something more sensitive, like the ones found in this guide to two-finger grippers.
Major challenges when choosing a gripper
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to grippers.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Precision vs. durability: One of the main challenges is finding a gripper that offers the right amount of precision without sacrificing durability. If your tasks involve handling delicate objects like electronics or food, you’ll need a soft, sensitive gripper. But in heavy industries like manufacturing, where the robot handles raw materials, you’ll need something with a bit more power.
- Grip force control: Many grippers are designed for heavy-duty gripping, but not all can be fine-tuned for more delicate tasks. Finding a gripper that can adapt to varying levels of grip force — such as handling both tomatoes and aluminum blocks — can be hard.
- Actuation method: Choosing between electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic EOT (End of Arm Tooling) or grippers depends on the speed, force, and precision you need. Pneumatic grippers are known for their speed, though not all models offer precise force control for delicate tasks. In contrast, hydraulic grippers are powerful but slow. Electric grippers offer precision but tend to take up more space due to their motors and servos, which might be a challenge in confined areas.
- Payload and weight: It’s important to ensure the robotic arm can handle the weight of both the gripper and the objects it’s picking up. Some heavy-duty grippers might limit the payload capacity of the robotic arm. For example, if your arm has a payload of 10kg and the gripper weighs 3kg, you're left with only 7kg for your job, which could put a damper on things.
- Specialized materials: Grippers come in different materials, such as metals, plastics, and rubber, depending on the job. Picking the wrong material for your task can lead to damaged goods or wear and tear on the gripper itself. For example, rubber-tipped grippers work well with fragile items but might wear out quickly in rougher industrial settings.
- Environmental conditions: Harsh environments, like those that involve heat, moisture, or corrosive chemicals, require grippers with specialized materials and designs. Failing to account for environmental factors can drastically reduce the lifespan of the gripper and lead to increased maintenance costs.
How do grippers integrate with robotic arms like RO1?
Universal M8 connectors work with a variety of grippers and allow you to connect with robotic arms like RO1 from Standard Bots easily.
Plus, RO1's no-code interface makes switching between grippers quick and painless, letting you handle multiple jobs super easily.
How much do grippers cost?
What is a gripper price that we can call “decent?” It depends on the application.
Here's a rough breakdown:
- Basic grippers: Expect to spend around $1,000 for these meat-and-potatoes models, typically those with basic electric actuation. These grippers are often used for light tasks like pick-and-place in packaging or light assembly operations.
- Mid-range pneumatic or hydraulic grippers: For more advanced stuff where speed, strength, or precision is a factor, pneumatic or hydraulic grippers can range from $3,000 to $10,000. They deliver high speeds and grip force, while hydraulic grippers offer the strongest grip for heavy-duty applications. This generally covers more rugged environments.
- High-end specialized grippers: If your jobs involve delicate handling (like electronics or medical supplies) or if you need highly customizable grippers with advanced technology (e.g., force sensors, multi-functionality, or computer vision), costs can go much higher — sometimes exceeding $15,000. If your gripper needs machine vision or something extra, then budget for more.
For example, a Schunk electric gripper might be priced at $6,500, while a Robotiq 2-finger adaptive gripper designed for precise applications might start at around $4,000. Check out a list of OnRobot grippers.
Tips to extend a gripper's lifespan
Keeping your gripper in good shape helps it last longer.
Some simple maintenance tips:
- Preventive maintenance: Scheduling regular maintenance checks can prevent unexpected breakdowns that might lead to costly repairs or replacements. Ensuring that your gripper is properly lubricated and regularly inspecting for wear and tear on components (like rubber pads or seals) can extend the lifespan of your gripper and reduce replacement costs.
- Energy efficiency: Grippers that use electric actuation tend to be more energy-efficient than pneumatic or hydraulic options. Opting for electric grippers where possible can lead to long-term energy savings, especially in facilities with multiple robots operating around the clock.
- Upgrade instead of replace: Rather than fully replacing a worn-out gripper, consider upgrading components. For instance, some manufacturers offer replacement parts for jaws or motors instead of requiring the purchase of a new gripper. This can significantly cut down on expenses over the long term.
- Optimize gripper usage: If your robot is handling light tasks, opt for a gripper with lower grip force. Using a high-force gripper for unnecessary tasks will wear it down more quickly, requiring more frequent replacements.
Summing up
What are grippers? Well, now you know, and they’re a big deal in robotics.
Whether you’re shuffling boxes around or handling sensitive materials, the right gripper makes all the difference.
But always be on the lookout: You have to match the gripper to the task, or otherwise, you’ll just be left with what amounts to a very expensive paperweight.
Next Steps
Suppose you’re looking to find the perfect pairing of the robot arm and end-effector for your application. RO1 by Standard Bots comes with a variety of grippers out of the box, universal M8 connectors, and integration with OnRobot and Robotiq end-effectors.
RO1 is the best choice for machine shops large and small:
- Affordable: RO1 is the most affordable robotic arm in its class, starting at almost half the price of incumbent competitors.
- All-seeing: RO1 is equipped with best-in-class vision systems, AI, and AI on par with GPT-4, which makes it easy to detect the smallest of defects and imperfections.
- No-code: You don’t need to know any programming languages to get RO1 going, thanks to its user-friendly interface.
- Collaborative: RO1 comes equipped with safety sensors and built-in collision detection for safe operation anywhere on your shop floor.
Speak to our solutions team today to organize a free, 30-day onsite trial and get expert advice on everything you need to deploy your first robot.
