CHICAGO — As collaborative robots (cobots) take on bigger tasks such as palletizing, the end effectors need to keep pace. OnRobot A/S unveiled two new, heavy-duty grippers at Automate this week.
“As cobots grow more powerful, OnRobot customers are scaling up their collaborative applications,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “Building on the success of our existing, industry-proven gripper range, the new 3FG25 and 2FG14 grippers deliver unrivaled gripping and payload power while also providing customizability for heavy-duty applications, including in harsh environments.”
Founded in 2018 from the merger of three end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) companies—Perception Robotics, OptoForce, and OnRobot—the Odense, Denmark-based company also acquired Purple Robotics in 2018 and Blue Workforce in 2019.
OnRobot provides hardware and software for collaborative applications, helping small and midsize manufacturers optimize processes such as palletizing, packaging, pick and place, sanding, and screwdriving.
Addressing the Needs of Growing Cobot Capabilities
Several leading cobot brands now offer models that can handle around 30 kg (66.1 lb.), and industrial robot arms are being deployed in collaborative applications, OnRobot noted. To meet these demands and improve workpiece adaptability, the company plans to officially launch the 3FG25 gripper later this month, while the 2FG14 gripper made its North American debut this week.
Enhancing Flexibility with Heavier Grippers
OnRobot stated that both new electric grippers can manage larger parts without the bulk or power constraints of pneumatic systems. The three-fingered 3FG25 provides 25 kg (55.1 lb.) of payload capacity in a compact, all-electric, lightweight form factor.
The 3FG25 is an upgrade from the 3FG15 gripper, widely adopted for CNC (computer numerical control) machine tending. Both can handle cylindrical and oddly shaped items, with the 3FG25 featuring new fingers for heavier metal workpieces. It is available for preorders.
Similarly, the 2FG14 doubles the payload and gripping force of the popular 2FG7 gripper, while also providing 30% more total stroke. With a payload of 14 kg (30.8 lb.), it is suitable for machine-tending applications.
The 2FG14 has a compact base and is designed for challenging work environments where workpieces are exposed to oils or cutting fluids.
“The 2FG14 is a great gripper. It’s easy to use and allows our cobots to maintain maximum payload,” said Alex Pinkerton, mechanical engineer at Gosiger. “OnRobot products have intuitive, operator-friendly user interfaces, and the 2FG14 maintains this tradition. It’s perfect for demanding packaging, machine tending, and assembly applications.”
User-Friendly and Plug-and-Produce Experience
OnRobot’s grippers, connectors, and software “offer an all-round plug-and-produce experience.” They include fingers with multiple configurations, flange adapters, cabling, and software to simplify robot programming. OnRobot supports multiple robot arms and is part of the UR+ ecosystem as a certified offering with Universal Robots cobots.
“The flange is not new, but we’ve used a new material to reduce the weight,” said Kristian Hulgard, general manager of OnRobot. “It’s really about the flexibility; cobot users should still do safety assessments of their payloads and applications, such as welding.”
Collaboration with Ellison Technologies
OnRobot also announced a collaboration with Ellison Technologies Inc., a provider of advanced machining systems. The companies are releasing AutoPilot powered by D:PLOY, aimed at simplifying the deployment of CNC machine-tending applications.
OnRobot’s D:PLOY is an automated platform for building, running, monitoring, and redeploying machine-tending applications. By automating the development process, it can reduce deployment times and enable factory floor deployments without programming or simulations.
“Companies racing to plug labor gaps and meet growing demand in an uncertain economic climate can’t afford to spend weeks deploying and redeploying CNC machine tending automation,” said Greg Haley, vice president of automation at Ellison Technologies.
“D:PLOY is the perfect software for Ellison’s AutoPilot solution, as it decreases programming complexity and makes part changeover a snap,” he added. “This puts automated CNC machine tending in reach for more customers than ever, even those with high-mix, low-volume part runs.”
