New Schmalz gripper for collaborative robots

HUMANS AND robots are collaborating more closely in logistics. Schmalz (distributed by Automation Equipment (N. Z)) has developed a gripper solution that ensures safe human-robot collaboration thanks to unique design.

The Cobot gripper has a wide range of intralogistics applications, such as end- of-line packaging or pick-and- place. Using flexible foam gripping surface, the device can safely hold cardboard, boxes & structured components or components with recesses and three- dimensional outer shapes. Due to communication technology, it can also be easily integrated into automation environments.

Collaborative robots pose new challenges for their system components: They must be lightweight as they often have lower working loads and must not pose any danger to humans. Schmalz has taken this into account designing the new Cobot gripper. The increased contact surface and reduced impact forces, the gripper fulfills the requirements of ISO TS 15066, a standard for cooperation between humans and collaborative industrial robots. Additive manufacturing processes used to produce the Schmalz gripper ensure weight optimization and dynamic geometry making it possible to connect the gripper to the small robots with lighter load bearing capacities.

The modular design can be supplemented with, for example, energy-saving ejector modules or intelligent vacuum switches for process monitoring. The same gripper can be used for a variety of applications. Partial gripper coverage is also possible. Vacuum can be generated internally or externally depending on the circumstances of the site.

Demand for flexible solutions and plug-and- play solutions such as the Schmalz Cobot gripper is steadily increasing. Even untrained employees should be able to install the components quickly and easily, allowing the cobots to grip products that were often not specified in advance. Safety is a crucial factor in this rise in popularity, as boundaries between manual work and robots become increasingly blurred.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE TEAM AT AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT TODAY ON 0800 847 200 OR SALES@AUTOEQUIP. CO.NZ