Robotics: Maximize Your Robot's ROI with End of Arm Tooling

Mix and Match Compatible End of Arm Tooling on Yaskawa Smart Series Robots.

How do you want your robot to interact with its environment?

If you have a Yaskawa Smart Series robot, you are already manipulating the arm with ease using the intuitive touchscreen Smart Pendant. End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) is the accessory that provides dexterity to the robot arm. EOAT allows the robot to pick up, grip, move and let go of objects. 

Yaskawa has made the End of Arm Tooling selection very easy. There are a series of plug-and-play EOATs that are designed specifically for Yaskawa Smart Series robots. Yaskawa has partnered with manufacturers to standardize the flange and I/O that plug into the Smart Series robots. Mix and match! You can move a robot to different stations on the factory floor and swap out tools easily.

The entire range of Smart Series robots are paired with corresponding off-the-shelf tooling. All EOAT part numbers reflect the make and model of the Smart Series robot onto which the tool fits.

What types of End of Arm Tooling should you choose?

Mechanical = Great for picking up smaller, three dimensional objects

This variety of EOAT is electrically actuated to mechanically close around the target object. Also called grippers, mechanical EOAT functions like the human hand with adjustability in grip force and expansion. Just like a human hand, it is easier for these grippers to grab objects with dimension and curvature. 

Examples of basic mechanical EOAT that are compatible with Yaskawa Smart Series

Here is a Schunk Co-act EGP-C, ideal for collaborative robotic applications.

The OnRobot RG2, RG6 and RG2-FT shown above. For applications with smaller, three dimensional objects, mechanical grippers like these would be ideal. Some models even have force control and feedback, so you can avoid damaging parts.

Vacuum = Great for picking up larger, flat and smooth objects

This variety of EOAT is ideal for large, flat and smooth surfaces. Applications include boxes, sheets and parts with flat faces. You can get creative with the type of vacuum cup to address porous surfaces, such as prepackaged sandwich and lettuce bags. Some plug-and-play models have an on-board vacuum pump, eliminating the need for air lines.

Examples of basic vacuum EOAT that are compatible with Yaskawa Smart Series

The Coval Vacuum Managers CVGC Series Vacuum Gripper uses a fixed array of vacuum suction cups. With Coval Vacuum Managers' wide range of vacuum cup options, porous or delicate materials are still feasible pick-up targets.

The OnRobot VG10 and VGC10 utilizes an adjustable configuration of vacuum cups that can expand or contract for improved suction, depending on the target object.

Hybrid = Great for picking up flat, porous objects

Hybrid EOATs are neither mechanical nor vacuum. This technology is particularly good for niche applications in which mechanical and vacuum will not solve the problem.

Example of hybrid EOAT that are compatible with Yaskawa Smart Series

The OnRobot Gecko Gripper is purely electrical, based on technology developed by NASA. The Gecko Gripper acts like a vacuum gripper but utilizes electric charge to hold up to 6.5kg (14.33 LBS) of payload. Ideal for flat, porous objects, it is used for circuit board pick-and-place, and it comes with a built-in proximity sensor for part detection.

How can you get a Yaskawa Smart Series Robot and compatible End of Arm Tooling?

What kind of part do you want to pick up? Please send me a message, I would love to help you!