Preparing the published article.
Choosing a Gripper: Two-Finger, Vacuum, Magnetic and Soft
Matching the end effector to the part is where most picking problems start.
Fit the tool to the part
| Type | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Two-finger gripper | Rigid parts, defined faces | Needs a repeatable grip face |
| Three-finger / adaptive | Round or irregular objects | More complex, higher cost |
| Vacuum | Flat, light, smooth surfaces | Porous or dusty surfaces fail |
| Magnetic | Ferrous parts | Not for aluminium or composites |
| Soft / compliant | Fragile or food items | Force limits, wear |
Questions that decide it
- Is the surface flat, porous or wet?
- Can the part be gripped without marking the visible face?
- What is the worst-case tolerance in part position?
- Is a quick-change needed for multiple products?
Gripper design causes more deployment delays than robot selection. Prototype the tool early, on real parts, in real lighting and dust.