Robotics: End-Effector Applications
Smart sensor solutions for grippers and automatic tool changers
In robotic applications, end-effectors — grippers and tool changers — are the production line's most critical points of contact. Baumer's miniature sensors, with analog output or IO-Link, precisely measure the position of the gripper jaws, turning the gripper itself into a measuring device. This makes it possible to verify not just that a part is being held, but that it is held correctly.
Monitor gripper jaw position with measurement-grade precision
Baumer's miniature sensors, with analog output or IO-Link, provide precise feedback on gripper jaw position. This turns the gripper itself into a measuring tool and allows the held part to be verified. High resolution and repeatability, combined with low temperature drift, guarantee both process stability and precision.
Teach-in and linearized sensor versions save time during setup and calibration and require no further intervention at the control level. Up to two switching points can be defined on the output; hysteresis, curve steepness, and measuring range are fully configurable. With a response time of 0.5 ms, the sensors suit high-speed applications while also offering high dynamic resolution.
Superior sensor functionality provides access to data such as cycle counters and operating hours. This data can be used for preventive maintenance, warranty claim management, and statistics — allowing the smart gripper to contribute to IoT machine concepts.
Application areas
Make sure the tool changer is correctly locked
Reliably detecting whether the tool changer is correctly coupled to its mating half is critical for safety. The internal fail-safe mechanism in most tool changers cannot, on its own, prevent a failure caused by incomplete locking. Baumer offers different sensor technologies for reliably detecting piston position.
Locked/unlocked state detection can be performed with magnetic sensors, pressure sensors, and inductive sensors. Each technology offers different advantages depending on the ambient conditions and installation space of the application.
Locked / unlocked state detection
Magnetic sensors
Compact, non-contact, rugged sensing that performs reliably in harsh industrial environments.
Pressure sensors
Directly monitors pressure state in pneumatic clamping systems to confirm locking.
Inductive sensors
Delivers non-contact, wear-resistant position detection on metal targets with high precision.
Miniature inductive sensors with precise feedback for gripper jaw position
Miniature inductive sensors deliver high-precision measurement results in the smallest possible housings. Via the IO-Link interface, the sensors also provide access to valuable diagnostic and additional process data, simplifying the application solution and increasing system availability.
The high resolution of the sensors delivers precision through excellent repeatability, low temperature drift, and optimum process stability.
Looking for the right sensor solution for your robotics application?
Our expert team can help you identify the most suitable sensor technology for your end-effector and tool-changer applications.