Robotic grippers are critical for efficient and safe automation. Pneumatic grippers have traditionally been favored due to their simplicity and affordability. However, as manufacturing evolves, many businesses are turning to electric grippers, such as those from Ubiros, because of their precision, flexibility, and suitability for handling delicate products.
What Are Pneumatic Grippers?
Pneumatic grippers use compressed air to operate jaws that grip objects. They are commonly integrated into robotic arms for quick, repetitive tasks. Because they depend on compressed air, pneumatic grippers require substantial infrastructure, including compressors, valves, and airlines.
Types of Pneumatic Grippers
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Parallel Grippers: Ideal for gripping uniform items with straightforward movements.
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Angular Grippers: Feature pivoting jaws for operation in tight spaces.
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3-Finger Pneumatic Grippers: Designed for handling cylindrical or rounded objects like bottles or jars.
Pros and Cons of Pneumatic Grippers
Advantages:
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Fast operation for repetitive tasks
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Lower upfront cost
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Easy integration into existing pneumatic systems
Limitations:
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Limited grip control, generally restricted to simple open-close actions
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High maintenance and infrastructure requirements
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Potential product damage due to fixed gripping force
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Noisy operation and possible air leaks
Typical Applications of Pneumatic Grippers
Pneumatic grippers are typically used in automotive assembly, high-volume packaging, bottle handling, and basic palletizing operations.
Advantages of Electric Grippers
Electric grippers utilize electric actuators or servo motors, enabling precise control over grip force, positioning, and operational speed. Unlike pneumatic grippers, electric grippers eliminate the need for air compressors, making them more energy-efficient, quieter, and cleaner.
Exploring Ubiros Electric Grippers
Ubiros specializes in advanced electric grippers designed for handling delicate or irregularly shaped products safely and efficiently:
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Gentle Duo 2 Finger Gripper: Versatile, adaptive gripping for varied applications.
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Gentle Pro 4 Finger Grippers: Robust gripping strength for heavier and more stable product handling.
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Gentle Flex Modular Grippers: Highly adaptable, ideal for complex shapes and frequent product changes.
All Ubiros electric grippers are food-grade certified and easily integrate with collaborative robots (cobots) and traditional industrial robots.
Compatible with Leading Robot Brands
Ubiros electric grippers are designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of collaborative and industrial robotic systems. Compatibility includes, but is not limited to:
- FANUC
- Yaskawa
- Universal Robots
- Doosan
- ABB
- Devonics
- Mitsubishi Electric
- KUKA
- Stäubli
- Rethink Robotics
- Epson
- Franka Robotics
- Omron
- Denso
Whether you’re working with a major industrial robot or a flexible cobot platform, Ubiros grippers integrate quickly and reliably into your system.
Why Manufacturers Choose Electric Grippers
Electric grippers from Ubiros offer distinct advantages over pneumatic grippers, particularly in precision, flexibility, and maintenance:
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Enhanced Grip Control: Precise, programmable grip force prevents product damage.
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Higher Accuracy: Allows fine adjustments for delicate handling tasks.
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Reduced Operational Costs: Eliminates compressed air systems, reducing maintenance and infrastructure costs.
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Suitable for Cleanrooms: Quiet, clean operation ideal for sensitive environments.
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Flexible and Versatile: Handles diverse products without frequent tool changes.
Pneumatic vs Electric Grippers: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Pneumatic Grippers | Ubiros Electric Grippers |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Compressed air | Electric servo motor |
| Grip Force Control | Limited | Highly adjustable |
| Maintenance Level | Moderate to high | Low |
| Cleanroom Suitability | Limited | Excellent |
| Handling Delicate Items | Risk of product damage | Safe and gentle |
| Infrastructure Requirements | Extensive air system needed | No air system required |
| Adaptability to Different Products | Low | High versatility |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a pneumatic gripper? A pneumatic gripper uses compressed air to open and close its jaws for gripping objects.
Can pneumatic grippers damage products? Yes, due to fixed and uncontrolled grip force, pneumatic grippers can damage fragile or sensitive items.
Is switching to electric grippers worth it? Yes, electric grippers offer precise control, lower operating costs, and greater adaptability, making them ideal for varied and delicate tasks.
Are Ubiros electric grippers compatible with cobots? Yes, Ubiros electric grippers integrate quickly and easily with popular cobot brands and industrial robot systems.
Upgrade Your Automation with Electric Grippers
While pneumatic grippers are known for simplicity, Ubiros electric grippers offer superior precision, versatility, and operational efficiency. Transitioning to electric grippers can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and enable safe handling of delicate and varied products.
Ready to improve your robotic automation? Request a free trial of Ubiros electric grippers today.
