IntermediateTopic 62 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
End effectors and grippers
Tools that grasp or process objects.
In depth
End effectors interact with workpieces: two-finger and adaptive grippers, vacuum cups, magnetic grippers, welding torches, spray guns, tool changers, soft grippers and dexterous hands. Design considers payload, grasp stability (form and force closure), compliance and tool centre point calibration.
Key points
- Parallel vs angular gripper
- Force sensing
- Quick-change
ExampleVacuum grippers handle flat boxes; soft grippers handle fruit.
What is End effectors and grippers?
Tools that grasp or process objects.
Why is it important to understand end effectors and grippers?
End effectors are the tools that touch the work, so their design determines whether a robot can grasp and process parts reliably.
What is a vacuum gripper?
A gripper that holds parts with suction from a pump or ejector, which suits flat, smooth and non-porous items.
What makes a gripper robust?
Good design for the part shape, enough holding force with a safety margin, and fast release, plus sensing for correct grasp.
How is End effectors and grippers used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a vacuum gripper for flat sheet parts, using a soft gripper for delicate food items and choosing an electric gripper with force feedback for assembly.
What should I learn before End effectors and grippers?
Study "Robot actuators and drives" first (topic 61 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of End effectors and grippers?
Parallel vs angular gripper. Force sensing. Quick-change.
Can you give an example of End effectors and grippers?
Vacuum grippers handle flat boxes; soft grippers handle fruit.
What comes after End effectors and grippers?
The next topic is "Robot control", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is End effectors and grippers?
It is classed as Intermediate in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 62 of 102). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems first.