Collaborative Grippers and Sensors

The Gecko Gripper, RG2-FT gripper, and a technical upgrade of the HEX force-torque sensor product line based on OptoForce technology will open new applications for collaborative robotics and make implementation even easier.

The Gecko Gripper was inspired by nature and uses the same adhesive system for gripping as the feet of a gecko, with millions of fine fibers that adhere to the surface of the workpiece and generate strong van der Waals forces. For the Gecko Gripper technology, OnRobot licenses a concept originally developed by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and brought it to market maturity.

This unique and fast-moving solution for handling large, flat objects makes vacuum grippers and their compressed air system unnecessary. In contrast to vacuum grippers, the Gecko Gripper can also handle perforated or porous workpieces such as printed circuit boards without any problems. The gripper is compatible with Universal Robots and Kawasaki robotic arms.

A variation of its established RG2 gripper, the RG2-FT has integrated force-torque sensors and a proximity sensor, which also accurately detects the condition of objects. The gripper detects the danger of objects slipping off even before it happens, making handling even safer – for workers as well as for the workpiece. This gripper model is particularly suitable for use in precision assembly and is compatible with lightweight robots from Universal Robots and KUKA.

The OnRobot product line for force-torque sensors based on OptoForce HEX technology has received a substantial technical upgrade, making installation and handling of the sensors even easier and faster. Mounting is now up to 30% faster, partly thanks to overload protection integrated in the sensor, which no longer must be removed and mounted separately when attaching to the robot arm.

Furthermore, the weight of the sensor can be reduced by 20%. A new, improved sealing ring also protects the HEX products better against dust or water in the environment.