The right gripping system plays an important role here.
For users to be able to use their lightweight robots safely, economically and reliably, the grippers must meet certain requirements. Depending on the type, cobots can move between 3 kg and 25 kg. To achieve a maximum load capacity, the gripper must be as light as possible. Rounded shapes and a design in accordance with ISO TS 15066 - a standard for cooperation between humans and collaborative industrial robots - reduce potential sources of injury during use. In addition, the gripping systems must be quick and easy to integrate and enable continuous status monitoring. Schmalz incorporates these characteristics - communicative, flexible and intuitive configuration - into the development of vacuum components for lightweight robots.

The electric vacuum generator 'ECBPi' is an intelligent and compressed air-independent vacuum pump with an integrated interface for gripper and robot connection.

© J. Schmalz

One of these components is the electric vacuum generator 'ECBPi', an intelligent and compressed air-independent vacuum pump with an integrated interface for gripper and robot connection. Because the vacuum is generated without compressed air and the associated tubing, the lightweight robot remains mobile, flexible and easy to set up. The 'CobotPump ECBPi' provides the user with important data via IO-Link for continuous process transparency. This enables functions such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

The smaller 'CobotPump ECBPM' version is suitable for lightweight robots with a payload of less than 4 kg, particularly for automated handling of small parts with a single suction gripper or where installation space is limited.

Communication via IO-Link

The 'SLG' lightweight gripper from Schmalz's Cobot range can be configured and additively manufactured with just a few mouse clicks.

© J. Schmalz

Schmalz has developed the surface gripper 'FXCB/FMCB' especially for handling workpieces regardless of size and geometry using cobots. Thanks to its large contact surface and low impact forces, the gripper complies with ISO TS 15066. Equipped with flexible foam as a gripping surface or with bellows suction pads, it can securely hold cardboard boxes, boxes and components with structures and recesses as well as three-dimensional external shapes weighing up to 8 kg. The system is available with or without integrated vacuum generation. Thanks to its communication technology with IO-Link, the area gripper can be integrated into any automation environment. Users can also access all device data via smartphone using the 'Schmalz ControlRoom' app and parameterize the gripping system quickly and easily.

The modular 'VEE' system is ideal for creating individual vacuum end effectors. It consists of various individual parts that can be assembled into a customized gripper using configuration software. Users can configure and modify the solution themselves. Schmalz provides support in determining the best possible selection and delivers the assembled unit on request.

Digital platform and 3D printing

The latest development is the 'SLG' lightweight gripper: users can use a digital platform to create the right gripper for their requirements without expert knowledge. In addition to web-based configuration, Schmalz relies on additive manufacturing processes so that particularly lightweight, safe and robust grippers are quickly available, tailored to the respective application.

Individual complete packages are also available to match the various robot models from different manufacturers - optionally with an electric vacuum generator, the surface gripper or the end effector. The sets contain all the necessary components to assemble a complete gripper, including a flange for connection to the robot.
The preconfigured gripping solution is therefore ready for use within a short space of time.

The article was based on documents from J. Schmalz, Glatten.