KUKA Grippers: End-of-Arm Tooling for Automation

Summary: This article focuses on KUKA’s range of robot grippers and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), essential components for enabling robots to interact with their environment. We’ll explore the various types of grippers KUKA offers, their applications, and how KUKA’s expertise can help you find the right tooling solution for your automation needs. Discover why the right gripper is crucial for maximizing robot performance and productivity.

Why is End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) Crucial for Robot Applications?

End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) is the equipment attached to the end of a robotic arm that enables the robot to interact with its environment and perform specific tasks. The gripper, often considered the robot’s “hand,” is a critical component of EOAT. Without the right EOAT, a robot is simply a mechanical arm capable of movement but unable to perform useful work.

EOAT, particularly the gripper, determines what a robot can handle, how it manipulates objects, and the types of tasks it can perform. The choice of gripper directly impacts the robot’s efficiency, precision, and overall effectiveness in an automation application. A well-chosen gripper ensures a secure grip, prevents damage to the workpiece, and optimizes cycle times.

What are the Main Types of Grippers Offered by KUKA?

KUKA offers a wide range of grippers to suit diverse automation applications across various industries. These grippers can be broadly categorized based on their actuation method and gripping mechanism:

• Pneumatic Grippers: These grippers use compressed air to actuate the jaws or fingers, providing a cost-effective and versatile solution for many applications. KUKA’s pneumatic grippers come in various configurations, including two-jaw, three-jaw, and angular grippers.
• Hydraulic Grippers: For applications requiring high gripping force, KUKA offers hydraulic grippers. These grippers use hydraulic fluid to generate the force needed to handle heavy or irregularly shaped objects.
• Vacuum Grippers: Vacuum grippers use suction cups to lift and hold objects. KUKA’s vacuum grippers are ideal for handling flat, non-porous materials like sheet metal, glass, or plastic panels.
• Electric Grippers Electric grippers offer advantages such as precise force control, data feedback, and the ability to handle delicate objects.

How Do KUKA’s Pneumatic Grippers Provide Versatile Automation?

KUKA’s pneumatic grippers are a popular choice for many automation applications due to their versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. They use compressed air, a readily available resource in most industrial settings, to open and close the gripper jaws. This simple yet effective mechanism allows for quick and precise gripping and releasing of objects.

KUKA offers a wide variety of pneumatic grippers, including:

• Two-Jaw Parallel Grippers: These are the most common type, featuring two jaws that move in parallel to grip objects. They are suitable for a wide range of parts with varying shapes and sizes.
• Three-Jaw Centric Grippers: These grippers have three jaws that move synchronously towards the center, providing a secure grip on cylindrical or round objects.
• Angular Grippers: These grippers have jaws that open and close at an angle, making them suitable for gripping objects from the side or in tight spaces.

Pneumatic grippers are often used in pick and place operations, machine tending, and assembly tasks across industries like automotive, electronics, and consumer goods.

When are KUKA’s Hydraulic Grippers the Best Choice?

KUKA’s hydraulic grippers are designed for heavy-duty applications where high gripping force is required. They use hydraulic fluid, pressurized by a pump, to generate the force needed to securely hold heavy or irregularly shaped objects. Hydraulic grippers excel in tasks that require a high degree of power and stability.

These grippers are commonly used in industries such as metalworking, foundries, and heavy equipment manufacturing, where they handle large castings, forgings, or other heavy components. The high gripping force of hydraulic grippers ensures that these objects are held securely during machining, welding, or other processing operations.

What are the Advantages of Using KUKA’s Vacuum Grippers?

KUKA’s vacuum grippers offer a non-contact method of handling objects, making them ideal for delicate or easily damaged materials. They use suction cups, connected to a vacuum generator, to create a vacuum that lifts and holds the object. This method avoids the risk of scratching, denting, or otherwise damaging the workpiece.

Vacuum grippers are particularly well-suited for handling:

• Flat, non-porous materials: Sheet metal, glass, plastic panels, and cardboard are easily handled by vacuum grippers.
• Delicate objects: Electronic components, solar cells, and food products can be safely handled without damage.
• Irregularly shaped items: If a sufficient surface area is available for suction, vacuum grippers can handle objects with complex shapes.

KUKA offers a variety of vacuum grippers, including single-cup grippers for small objects and multi-cup grippers for larger or heavier items. They also provide specialized vacuum grippers for handling porous materials.

Does KUKA Offer Grippers for Collaborative Robots (Cobots)?

Yes, KUKA offers a range of grippers specifically designed for use with collaborative robots (cobots). Cobots are designed to work alongside humans, so their grippers must meet stringent safety requirements. KUKA’s cobot grippers are designed with rounded edges, force limitations, and other safety features to minimize the risk of injury to human workers.

KUKA was a pioneer in collaborative robotics, launching the LBR iiwa, the world’s first collaborative robot with built in all axis sensors. KUKA’s experience in this field ensures that their cobot grippers are not only safe but also highly functional and easy to use. These grippers often feature intuitive user interfaces and simplified programming, making them accessible to operators with varying levels of robotic expertise.

What Other Types of End-of-Arm Tooling Does KUKA Provide?

Beyond grippers, KUKA offers a comprehensive range of end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to enhance the capabilities of their robots. This includes:

• Tool Changers: These devices allow robots to quickly and automatically switch between different tools, such as grippers, welding guns, or deburring tools, increasing flexibility and reducing downtime.
• Compliance Devices: These devices provide a degree of “give” or compliance to the robot’s wrist, allowing it to adapt to variations in workpiece position or shape.
• Vision Systems: KUKA offers integrated vision systems that enable robots to “see” and identify objects, improving accuracy and enabling more complex tasks.
• Sensors: A variety of sensors, such as force/torque sensors and proximity sensors, can be integrated into the EOAT to provide feedback to the robot controller, enhancing control and precision.
• Specialized Tools: KUKA can also develop custom EOAT solutions for specific applications, such as dispensing tools, screwdrivers, or specialized grippers for unique objects.

How Can You Select the Right KUKA Gripper for Your Application?

Choosing the right KUKA gripper involves careful consideration of several factors:

• Object Characteristics: The size, shape, weight, material, and surface texture of the object to be handled are crucial considerations.
• Application Requirements: The specific task the robot will perform (e.g., pick and place, assembly, machine tending) dictates the type of gripper needed.
• Cycle Time: The required speed of the operation influences the choice of gripper actuation (pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric).
• Payload Capacity: The robot’s payload capacity must be sufficient to handle the combined weight of the gripper and the object.
• Environment: The operating environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, presence of dust or debris) may affect gripper selection.
• Safety: If the robot will be working alongside humans (cobot application), safety features are paramount.

How Does KUKA Support Gripper Integration and Programming?

KUKA provides extensive support for gripper integration and programming. Their robot controllers are designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of KUKA grippers and other EOAT. KUKA’s user-friendly programming software, such as KUKA.WorkVisual and the smartPAD teach pendant, simplifies the process of configuring and controlling the gripper.

KUKA also offers training courses and technical support to help users integrate and program their grippers effectively. Their online resources, including the my.KUKA digital customer portal, provide access to documentation, software downloads, and expert support.

What are the Benefits of Choosing KUKA for Your EOAT Needs?

Choosing KUKA for your end-of-arm tooling needs offers several advantages:

• Wide Range of Products: KUKA offers a comprehensive selection of grippers and other EOAT to suit diverse applications.
• High Quality and Reliability: KUKA products are known for their robust construction and reliable performance.
• Expertise and Experience: KUKA has decades of experience in robotics and automation, providing valuable expertise to customers.
• Seamless Integration: KUKA grippers are designed to integrate seamlessly with KUKA robots and controllers.
• Comprehensive Support: KUKA offers extensive support, including training, technical assistance, and online resources.
• Innovation: KUKA continues to develop new and innovative EOAT solutions to meet evolving industry needs.
• Global Presence: KUKA has a global presence, providing sales and support to customers worldwide.

Key takeaways

• EOAT is Essential: End-of-arm tooling, especially the gripper, is crucial for robot functionality.
• KUKA Offers Variety: KUKA provides a wide range of grippers, including pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum types.
• Pneumatic Versatility: KUKA’s pneumatic grippers are cost-effective and adaptable.
• Hydraulic Power: Hydraulic grippers are ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• Vacuum for Delicates: Vacuum grippers handle fragile or flat materials.
• Cobot Compatibility: KUKA offers grippers specifically designed for collaborative robots.
• Beyond Grippers: KUKA provides tool changers, vision systems, and other EOAT.
• Selection is Key: Careful consideration of application requirements is essential.
• KUKA Support: KUKA offers comprehensive support for integration and programming.
• KUKA Advantage: Quality, expertise, and a wide range of solutions make KUKA a leading choice.