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How to Control a Robotiq Gripper with a PLC

Connecting and operating your Robotiq gripper via PLC using Modbus or Universal Controller

Some customers prefer to control Robotiq grippers using a PLC. While this is technically possible, it’s not officially supported by Robotiq. If you choose to proceed, here’s what you need to know before attempting it.

Information

1. Understand Communication Requirements

  • The grippers natively support Modbus RTU communication—common among PLCs needing to read or write gripper registers. Ensure your PLC supports this protocol and lets you easily interact with Modbus registers. Blog Robotiq

2. Using the Universal Controller (Optional but Recommended)

For greater flexibility or if your PLC doesn’t support Modbus RTU directly, you can connect via Robotiq’s Universal Controller, which translates to various industrial protocols:

  • Controller Model Supported Protocol
    UNI-CTR-001-CANO CANopen
    UNI-CTR-001-DNET DeviceNet
    UNI-CTR-001-ECAT EtherCAT
    UNI-CTR-001-ENIP Ethernet/IP
    UNI-CTR-001-MTCP Modbus TCP
    UNI-CTR-001-PNET ProfiNET


You can find more information about "universal controller" in the manual:  Controller UserManual


You will find details about how to control the gripper by reading and writing its memory registers in the manual: Gripper Instruction Manual