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What are the advantages and disadvantages on the I/O Coupling?

Plugless setup with efficient grip check—see what you gain and what’s not supported.

Context

Robotiq’s I/O Coupling accessory simplifies gripper integration by allowing a direct connection to the robot’s wrist, eliminating the need for external cabling. This article outlines its benefits and technical limitations to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your application.

 

 

1. Advantages

  • Cable-Free Installation
    The I/O Coupling plugs directly into the robot wrist, removing the need for routing cables along the arm. This:
    • Reduces cable wear and tear
    • Simplifies setup and maintenance
    • Improves robot mobility and range of motion

 

  • Grip Check Functionality Supported

Even without a communication cable, the system supports grip detection, allowing you to confirm part presence after a pick.

 

2. Limitations

  • Only 4 Gripper Presets Available
    You can use a maximum of four pre-configured gripper actions (e.g., open/close positions). These presets must be:

    • Configured via a PC using Robotiq’s interface software

    • Uploaded before deployment (cannot be changed through the robot interface)

     

  • No Live Position Feedback
    Unlike full communication setups, the I/O Coupling does not provide real-time feedback on gripper position or force. This means:

    • You can’t retrieve the current opening distance

    • There’s no adaptive grip behavior or position logging

  • Not Compatible with Dual Gripper Setups
    The I/O Coupling supports only one gripper at a time. Dual configurations (e.g., using a Dual Adapter Plate) require a cable-based communication setup to function properly.

 

3. When to Use the I/O Coupling

The I/O Coupling is a good fit when:

  • You want to minimize cable use and simplify integration

  • You’re using a single gripper

  • Your application relies on basic open/close motions with grip confirmation

It is not recommended if:

  • Your process requires adaptive gripping or precise position feedback

  • You plan to use multiple grippers simultaneously

 

4. How to Control the I/O Coupling

Control it : 

  • On UR, we have a URCap to control it with three nodes : 
    • Wrist Connection Activation
    • Wrist Connection
    • Wrist Grip Check
    • You can find more informations on the documentation available on the Website Support. You can find it in the documentation of the gripper in this section :  

  • On TM Robot, we also have a TM Compoment. You can find more informations on the documentation available on the Website Support.

5. How to Change Presets

You can refer to this article to change Presets : How to change the presets on the I/O Coupling?


Conclusion

Robotiq’s I/O Coupling offers a clean, streamlined alternative to traditional cabling by enabling grip check and basic control directly through the robot wrist. However, it comes with tradeoffs in flexibility, feedback, and multi-gripper support.