Robotiq Adds “Seamless Integration” With Major Cobot Brands to Grippers

Collaborative robots are often used in applications where the robot needs to change gripper types quickly or be used with a variety of differently shaped objects. Collaborative robot-focused company Robotiq has updated its adaptive grippers so that they are now compatible and can be quickly deployed with most popular brands of collaborative robots.

Cobots with Robotiq adaptive grippers. Image used courtesy of Robotiq

Grippers for Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots are all about quick and simple integration. The facilities that use cobots typically do not have dedicated robot programmers, so when the robot needs to be redeployed to another application, the user doesn’t need to spend hours or even days programming the new application. Even a gripper can have complex programming behind its function. This is why it is important to choose a gripper for a collaborative robot that integrates directly with the robot brand you have chosen for your application.

Ergonomics is also an important feature of a gripper for a collaborative robot. The body of the gripper needs to be smooth and feel comfortable in the hand so that when the operator guides the robot around the workspace, the hand doesn't fatigue. Some applications, like machine tending, are wet or dusty, so the body of the gripper should also have a high IP rating to prevent premature failure.

Robotiq’s adaptive grippers are now compatible with Universal Robots, FANUC, Techman Robot, Doosan, and Omron cobots. Image used courtesy of Robotiq

Robotiq Adaptive Grippers

Robotiq’s adaptive grippers that now seamlessly integrate with major cobot brands include the Hand-E, Hand-EC10, 2F-85, and the 2F-140. These grippers feature software that makes it simple for users to program different gripping applications, as some facilities that take advantage of collaborative robot technology do not have skilled programmers on-site to configure different grippers when the automation application changes.

Robotiq’s adaptive grippers are designed for efficiency and ease of use. The Hand-E gripper, for example, has a 7 kg maximum payload and a 50 mm stroke and the gripper fingers move in a parallel motion, which eliminates part movement while the gripper is closing. The body of the Hand-E gripper is entirely sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering the gripper and damaging sensitive components. When your application changes, you might need a different gripper fingertip design. Robotiq also offers different fingertip designs that can be installed on the Hand-E gripper in minutes.

Cobot pendant with software and integrated gripper. Image used courtesy of Robotiq

Gripper Software

Collaborative robots are designed around quick deployment, so the gripper needs to have the same quick deployment design. Robotiq has developed software for their Hand-E gripper line that interfaces with the robot pendant. The software offers real-time diagnostics, quick pre-configured functions, and adaptive gripping settings.

Seamless Cobot Integration

Each robot manufacturer has different pendants and uses different programming technologies for their robots. This makes it difficult to create generic grippers that can interface with the most popular robot brands. Robotiq has cracked the code, and its Hand-E, Hand-EC10, 2F-85, and 2F-140 adaptive grippers will now interface with collaborative robots from Universal Robots, FANUC, Techman Robot, Doosan, and Omron robots. Having this integration allows gripper settings, pre-programmed functions, and configurations directly from the existing robot pendant. With Robotiq’s latest update, there is no need to connect to the gripper with a laptop or flip through manuals and figure out how to connect signals.