At the Automate Show 2026, we caught up with Destaco global product director Gary Labadie to chat about end-effecting technologies. Labadie detailed the Destaco Palletizing Solutions (DPS) bag gripper. It’s available in multiple sizes for 15, 30, and 50-kg bag sizes. What’s unique is that it’s a kit … so Destaco can sell it fully […]
Grippers + End Effectors
The enduring use of pneumatic grippers
In two previous articles, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics as well as peripheral motion systems that complement robotics. In fact, end effectors are another motion design for robotic workcells. The Design World library has more information on end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) such as process tools (for welding, for example) and inspection sensors […]
PI’s motion-amplified piezo actuators and grippers are designed for speed
The piezoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. PI uses this effect for high-precision, solid-state-based actuators, and grippers. Embedding a piezoceramic stack in a flexure-based arrangement can increase the motion range of the piezo actuator while providing protection, precision guidance, and a mounting interface at the same time. PI’s motion-amplified piezo actuators are […]
Festo Power Up initiative aims to transform machine building for food and beverage
The Festo Power Up initiative for food and beverage machine builders aims to spur the efficient adoption of electric automation and in the process support the development of the next generation of compact, flexible, energy efficient, and data-rich machines. Three pillars support the initiative. Machine builders now have the option of a Festo one-stop-shop of […]
Single-acting, centric clamping vises for pallet systems from SCHUNK
SCHUNK further expands its standard program with the affordable SCHUNK KONTEC KSC-F single-acting clamping vises with a fixed jaw. It has quick adjustment of the clamping range, flat design and a low weight – perfect conditions for an unmanned workpiece handling on pallet systems. The three sizes KSC-F 80, KSC-F 125, KSC-F 160 are particularly […]
SCHUNK PGN-Plus-E and PGN-Plus-P newest generation robotic grippers
PGN-Plus-E robotic grippers The PGN-plus-E, the world’s first digitally controlled mechatronic gripper with patented multi-tooth guidance is perfect for industrial environments. It has improved the multi-tooth guidance for higher moment capacity, a continuous lubrication pocket in the guide contour, and the proven wedge-hook kinematics with a high surface coverage in all stroke positions. The mechatronic universal gripper […]
Robots and end effectors: from heavy duty to human scale
Miles Budimir Senior Editor Robotics is hot. Manufacturers in the business know this, and others are catching on. From investors to companies using more robots on the manufacturing floor, to consumers snapping up robots to do mundane house chores, robots are here to stay. Industrial robots in particular are finding their way into new applications. And […]
SCHUNK PWG-plus two-finger angular gripper
The PWG-plus is compact and robust due to the oval piston drive, the strong aluminum housing, and the almost wear-free T-bar drive. Depending on the application, it can also be equipped with an ID/OD spring safety device. Numerous accessories are available, including inductive proximity sensors and magnetic sensors. The PWG-plus gripper jaws and gripper mounting […]
High-speed picker with safety functionality from Schunk
The Schunk EGP Safety is the world’s first performance level d/SIL3-certified electric small component gripper on the market with omnidirectional gripping force safety. In combination with a special safety module it enables SOS and STO functions. If the assembly process is interrupted as a result of an emergency shutdown, the module automatically switches to safe […]
EGN: the first certified human-robot safety gripper by Schunk
The EGN Safety is the first certified safety gripping system from Schunk for use with human and robot interaction. It is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13849 specifications. If the production process is interrupted by an emergency shut-off, the Schunk EGN goes into either a safety speed mode or a safe stop mode, […]
