What are the Different Types of Cobot Grippers and What is Each Best Suited For

Cobots, or Collaborative Robots, have become a popular solution for automating various tasks in the manufacturing and assembly industry. One of the most crucial components of any cobot system is the gripper, as it provides the robot with the ability to manipulate and handle objects.

There are several different types of cobot grippers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will discuss the different types of cobot grippers and their ideal applications.

 Vacuum Grippers:

Vacuum grippers use suction to grip and hold objects in place. They are best suited for handling flat and smooth objects, such as cardboard boxes or plastic sheets. Vacuum grippers are easy to set up and use, making them a popular choice for cobot systems.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Versatile
  • Good for handling flat and smooth objects

Cons:

  • Limited to handling flat and smooth objects
  • May not be strong enough for heavy objects

 

Pneumatic Grippers:

Pneumatic grippers use compressed air to grip and hold objects. They are best suited for handling heavy objects and are capable of gripping a variety of shapes and sizes. Pneumatic grippers are ideal for use in high-stress environments, such as in the automotive industry.

Pros:

  • Strong enough for heavy objects
  • Versatile
  • Ideal for use in high-stress environments

Cons:

  • May be more complex to set up and use compared to other gripper types
  • May require more maintenance

 

Electromagnetic Grippers:

Electromagnetic grippers use electromagnets to grip and hold objects. They are best suited for handling metal objects and are ideal for use in the electronics industry. Electromagnetic grippers are fast and precise, making them a popular choice for cobot systems.

Pros:

  • Fast and precise
  • Ideal for handling metal objects
  • Good for use in electronics industry

Cons:

  • Limited to handling metal objects
  • May require more maintenance compared to other gripper types

 

Mechanical Grippers:

Mechanical grippers use a combination of moving parts and mechanical force to grip and hold objects. They are best suited for handling irregularly shaped objects and are ideal for use in the food and beverage industry. Mechanical grippers are known for their durability and reliability, making them a popular choice for cobot systems.

Pros:

  • Durable and reliable
  • Ideal for handling irregularly shaped objects
  • Good for use in food and beverage industry

Cons:

  • May be more complex to set up and use compared to other gripper types
  • May require more maintenance

 

The type of cobot gripper you choose will depend on your specific application and requirements. Whether you are handling heavy objects in a high-stress environment or irregularly shaped objects in the food and beverage industry, there is a cobot gripper that is right for you.

To learn more about the different grippers we offer, check out our grippers page.