Preparing the published article.
Robot Grippers and Tooling Basics
A robot can only be as good as its tool.
Tooling families
| Type | Fits when |
|---|---|
| Parallel gripper | Rigid parts with consistent geometry |
| Angular gripper | Rounded or variable parts |
| Vacuum | Flat, smooth and non-porous surfaces |
| Magnetic | Ferrous parts at high temperature |
| Soft or compliant | Fragile, irregular or food products |
| Special purpose | Welding, dispensing or machining |
Design notes
- Count tooling weight and centre of mass in the payload.
- Leave room for cables, hoses and sensors.
- Plan for wear items such as pads, cups and springs.
Tooling is usually specific to the part. Test with real samples before finalising the design.