Electric grippers are revolutionising the performance of pick-and-place robots by providing precise control, speed, and space-saving advantages. In industries where robots are required to handle a variety of objects quickly and accurately, traditional pneumatic grippers are proving to be less effective. The limitations of pneumatic systems, such as their bulky air supply requirements and lack of fine control, are pushing industries to adopt these grippers in robotics powered by miniature electric motors. This shift is helping improve productivity, reduce maintenance costs, and enable more compact robotic designs.
Pneumatic Vs Electric Grippers
For decades, pneumatic grippers were the preferred choice for pick-and-place applications. These electromechanical ‘hands’ allowed objects to be grasped, manipulated, and released in industrial processes. However, as the demand for more precise control and higher functionality increased, the limitations of pneumatic designs became apparent. Electric grippers, powered by miniature electric motors, are proving to be the more modern and efficient solution, offering numerous benefits over their pneumatic counterparts.
Advantages of Electric Grippers
The advantages of electric grippers are:
Precision Control and Grip Force
One of the key advantages of electric grippers is their ability to offer precise control over position, speed, and torque. These parameters can be fine-tuned much more effectively than with other types of actuation systems. These excel in modulating grip force, which can be controlled by adjusting the motor’s current or voltage. This enables delicate handling of fragile objects, such as electronics, or a stronger grip for heavier, more robust loads. The precise control and grip force modulation make electric grippers ideal for a variety of modern pick-and-place applications.
Speed and Repeatability
One of the inherent benefits of using robots is their ability to perform tasks quickly. Electric grippers enhance this advantage with miniature electric motors that offer high speeds and rapid acceleration. The quick opening and closing of the grippers result in reduced cycle times, boosting productivity. Additionally, these grippers are capable of performing repeated actions with high accuracy. In applications like bin picking, where consistent gripping and releasing actions are necessary, the repeatability of these grippers is crucial for maintaining efficiency and precision.
Space-Saving Advantages of Electric Grippers
Pneumatic systems require complex air supply components, including compressors, filters, and regulators. These add unnecessary bulk and space requirements to the robotic system, which is undesirable in modern, compact production environments. In contrast, electric grippers powered by miniature electric motors offer significant space-saving advantages. The motors are torque-dense, allowing for high power in a small package. This enables robots to be more compact and versatile, freeing up space on the production line for other equipment and increasing operational efficiency.
Flexibility and Integration of Electric Grippers
Electric grippers provide greater flexibility in terms of control and integration with various systems. Unlike pneumatic systems, these grippers can easily interface with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontrollers, or computers, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. This flexibility ensures that robots equipped with grippers can be used in custom automation setups, supporting more complex processes. Additionally, feedback from the motor can be used for grip programming, replacing the need for timers and improving overall process efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Electric grippers are known for their energy efficiency, particularly when utilising brushless DC (BLDC) motors. These motors convert electricity into mechanical energy with minimal losses, reducing power consumption and lowering energy costs. This energy efficiency, when applied across an entire facility, can result in substantial savings. Furthermore, electric grippers eliminate the need for additional subsystems like compressors and valves, reducing maintenance costs. Their simpler design also makes servicing quicker and more cost-effective, contributing to a reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX).
Selecting the Right Motor for Electric Grippers
When choosing a motor for electric grippers, the most suitable option is a BLDC motor, which provides high-speed, high-torque performance in a reliable and compact design. These motors are ideal for rapid, precise gripping movements. For applications requiring an even smaller motor, flat BLDC motors are a perfect choice. Their pancake-shaped design fits easily into compact gripper systems, providing the same dynamic performance in a reduced space. These motor options make the transition from pneumatic to electric grippers easier for OEMs and end-users.
Portescap’s Electric Gripper Solutions
Every robotic gripper system is unique, which is why expert support is critical when choosing the right motor solution. Portescap offers a range of electric grippers powered by Brushless Slotless motors, including Ultra EC™ and Flat BLDC motors. These motors provide the high-performance characteristics required for electric grippers, including precise control, speed, and torque. Portescap’s solutions also include multiple winding and gearbox options, as well as hall sensors and encoders for accurate positioning. With personalized engineering support, Portescap helps OEMs and end-users select the best miniature motor solution to optimize their robotic gripper systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric grippers are transforming the way robots perform pick-and-place tasks. By offering precise control, high speed, energy efficiency, and compact design, these grippers powered by miniature electric motors are now the preferred choice over pneumatic grippers in many industrial applications. As automation continues to evolve, the use of grippers will undoubtedly play a critical role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and supporting more complex robotic processes.
