Robotic grippers play a central role in increasing efficiency in automated production lines. These grippers can perform precise and repeatable movements, which improves the accuracy of handling workpieces. With CoreTigo's advanced communication solutions, especially IO-Link Wireless technology, robot grippers can be controlled wirelessly and in real time, which helps to further optimize production processes.
End-of-arm tooling devices are available in different designs, each tailored to specific industrial requirements. These tools enable robot arms to perform a wide range of tasks, from precise assembly to handling heavy loads.
The common denominator of these is the fact that each can be enhanced by integrating IO-Link Wireless communication to it – thus enabling it to perform in a more agile and flexible manner.
Industrial-Grade IO-Link Wireless communication enables robotic end-of-arm devices with the low-latency, reliability and interference-free communication needed for real-time wireless control and monitoring, which drives a range of benefits:
- Flexibility – Full rotation flexibility and agility without cable interference and constraints.
- Complexity Reduction – Efficient deployment with minimal cables and dresspacks, and simple tool changeover.
- Improved Maintenance – Reduce downtime and maintenance due to cable wear and tear.
- Payload Reduction – Multiple sensors and actuators connected wirelessly on the end-of-arm reduce the weight burden on the robot.
- Cost Effective – Significant reduction of expensive high-flex cables and accessories.
Gripper types at a glance
Grippers are the most commonly used EOAT. They are available in different designs to meet the diverse requirements of robotics. Here are several examples:
- Vacuum suction cups
Vacuum suction cups use negative pressure to safely grip and transport workpieces and are ideal for handling delicate or smooth surfaces. They play a crucial role in modern robot arm systems, especially in the packaging and logistics industry. - Parallel grippers
Parallel grippers have two parallel gripping jaws that enable precise and smooth gripping movements, making them particularly suitable for processing small and delicate parts. In the manufacturing industry, they are indispensable to ensure high accuracy.
- Angular grippers
Angular grippers offer greater freedom of movement due to their angle-adjustable gripping jaws, making them versatile, especially in assembly.
- 3-finger grippers
3-finger grippers are ideal for gripping cylindrical or irregularly shaped objects and offer high flexibility when handling complex workpieces.
- Needle grippers
Needle grippers use fine needles to grip soft or porous materials such as textiles or foams and are widely used in the packaging and textile industries.
- Internal grippers
Internal grippers grip workpieces from the inside, making them ideal for handling hollow bodies or tubular objects. This special form of end effector is often used in specific application areas where traditional gripping methods are not sufficient.
Improving efficiency with robotic grippers
Robotic grippers play a central role in increasing efficiency in automated production lines. These grippers can perform precise and repeatable movements, which improves the accuracy of handling workpieces. It is, of course, crucial to match the specific gripper/end-of-arm tool for each task, to gain the best results and refrain from causing damage during the work process.
With CoreTigo’s advanced IO-Link Wireless communication solutions, robotic grippers can be controlled wirelessly and in real time, which helps to further optimize production processes.
The role of the vacuum suction cup in modern systems
Vacuum suction cups are indispensable components in modern EOAT systems, especially in the packaging and logistics industry. They enable smooth and sensitive surfaces to be lifted quickly and safely without damaging them.
Thanks to the wireless control via IO-Link Wireless, vacuum suction cups can be flexibly integrated into different robotic arms, which further increases the adaptability and efficiency of the systems.
Application of parallel grippers in manufacturing
Parallel grippers are particularly important in the precise handling of workpieces in the manufacturing industry. They offer high accuracy and repeatability, which is crucial for the assembly and machining of small parts.
With the integration of IO-Link wireless technology, parallel grippers can be monitored and controlled in real time, which further improves the quality and efficiency in manufacturing.
Robotic End-of-Arm Tools Go Wireless
The integration of IO-Link Wireless technology into robotic end-of-arm tooling has significantly increased their capabilities, making each perform better than before, and able to handle more complex tasks.
While past attempts of integrating everyday wireless technology into the industrial realm have failed time and again, IO-Link Wireless keeps delivering, even in the harshest of conditions. It’s now clear that the industrial-designed communication protocol is able to perform in the highest of standards, similarly to its wired version, with better capabilities, and without compromising.
Enabling wireless communication for end-of-arm devices on robots and cobots addresses an array of challenges:
- Cables in constant motion tend to break and wear out.
- Complex cabling dresspacks increase deployment cost and limit flexibility.
- Heavy payloads require larger robots, which are more expensive, slower and consume more footprint in the machine/workcell area.
Final Thoughts
End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) devices are essential in Industry 4.0, enabling robot arms to perform tasks like assembly and handling heavy loads with precision. CoreTigo’s advanced IO-Link wireless technology is transforming the industrial automation landscape by providing real-time, wireless communication between EOAT devices and control systems. This allows for greater flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency in smart factories. Grippers, such as vacuum suction cups and parallel grippers, are key components that benefit from this innovation, enhancing processes in sectors like packaging, logistics, and manufacturing with improved accuracy and speed.
Gabi is an experienced executive with over 20 years in the hi-tech industry and wireless technologies. He brings global experience in enterprise solutions from a variety of companies ranging from large corporates such as Intel and Stanley Black & Decker, in addition to start-up companies at various stages. Most recently, Gabi led the Marketing and Product strategy of AeroScout which pioneered the WI-FI RFID space and were acquired by Stanley Black & Decker. At Stanley, Gabi led the Solutions, Products, Business Development, and Marketing of the STANLEY Healthcare division serving over 10,000 global enterprise customers.
Gabi holds an Information Systems & Industrial Engineering degree (B.Sc with honors) and an MBA from Ben-Gurion University.
