Subscribe

Select Topics

Posts by Tag

See all

Latest Blog Post

Servo-Electric Grippers: How does it Work?

Samuel Bouchard
by Samuel Bouchard. Last updated on May 05, 2016 5:11 PM
Posted on Aug 09, 2011 10:20 AM. 2 min read time

This article presents an overview on how a servo-electric gripper works. The image below shows the main components of an electric gripper and how it interfaces with a robot.

Simplified schematic of a servo-electric gripper

Here is how servo grippers works:

  1. An Input command is sent to the gripper from a robot control unit. This unit is usually pre-programmed by an operator via a teach pendant. With most electric grippers, the command can be a position, a speed or a grip force. The robot can send commands to the gripper using digital I/O's, or by using any of the available robot communication protocols.

  2. The command from the robot is received by the gripper control module responsible for driving the gripper motor(s). This gripper module is sometimes embedded in the gripper but most of the time it consists of a box sitting between the robot controller and the gripper.

  3. The servo-electric motor reacts to the signal. The shaft will then rotate to the commanded position, speed or force. To enable closed-loop control, feedback from the motor position is usually necessary at the gripper level. Until there is a signal change, the servo will hold the position (and resist change).

  4. Some servo grippers can also send a status (jaw position, speed, grip detection) back to the robot control unit.

Flexible Programming Options

The servo-electric gripper can be programmed via an interface integrated to the robot control or on it's own control unit. For example, Robotiq's Adaptive Gripper can be controled via a very simple Touch-Screen GUI where teaching the gripper is done the same way (and same timeframe) as using the robot teach mode.

If you're wondering what gripper to choose for your application, read this article on the advantages of servo electric grippers and this one on how to choose the right gripper for your application.

GET THE EBOOK: Electric Robot Gripper Advantages

Leave a comment

Samuel Bouchard
Written by Samuel Bouchard
Samuel is CEO and co-founder of Robotiq. His mission is to free human hands from repetitive tasks. He is also the author of Lean Robotics: A Guide to Making Robots Work in Your Factory. He lives in Québec City with his wife and four children.
Connect with the writer:
http://robotiq.com

Related posts

What's New In Robotics?  07.12.2018

-UR celebrates 10 years since 1st sale-China robot production data -World's first automated ferry -Hello Bennu-Elowan the...

Emmet Cole
By Emmet Cole - December 7, 2018
Demo Week Highlights

What's trending on DoF this week? Demo week kick-off, circle move looped twice, security planes, use of Arduino to control...

Amanda Lee
By Amanda Lee - February 9, 2017
Trending on DoF This Week - Nov. 17

What's trending on DoF this week? Using one snapshot position to sort multiple parts, sampling rate for polishing, Revtech...

Amanda Lee
By Amanda Lee - November 17, 2016