Easy to use gripper

With its GRIPKITs, Weiss Robotics offers a high-performance gripping solution that seamlessly integrates the Ludwigsburg-based gripping specialist’s industry-proven gripping modules into the robot arms of the Danish manufacturer Universal Robots. How did this development come about, and what makes GRIPKIT so special?

Integrating gripper modules into robotic systems is often a complicated and time-consuming process. Whilst mounting on the flange can usually be achieved using an adapter plate that is straightforward to design, the user is faced with many unanswered questions, particularly regarding electrical and control-side integration: Does the gripper module’s interface match the capabilities of the robot controller? Is an electrical connection at the front of the wrist possible, or do the connection cables have to be routed along the arm? Are additional bus couplers required, or does a PLC even need to be connected upstream? How can the interface be accessed from within the robot programme? Are there any sample programmes, etc.?

The path to a finished application is therefore time-consuming and costly. Often, it can only be realised with the help of an integration partner. “Our customers are increasingly asking for turnkey integration solutions based on our products,” explains Dr Karsten Weiß, Managing Director of the Ludwigsburg-based gripper specialist. “As our gripper modules already feature all the necessary interfaces, developing an all-in-one gripping solution was naturally the obvious next step for us.”

The gripping solution for Universal Robots

For its debut, the engineers at Weiss Robotics opted for integration into the robotic arms of the Danish manufacturer Universal Robots. “From the very beginning, it was important to us to achieve the smoothest possible integration into Universal Robots’ control software,” recalls Julian Schill, software engineer and GRIPKIT project manager at Weiss Robotics. “UR is one of the few manufacturers to offer a very comprehensive programming interface to design plug-ins to integrate third-party products.”

GRIPKIT has now resulted in a comprehensive gripping solution that is not only easy to integrate and operate, but also stands out for its robustness and durability. There are currently five variants of GRIPKIT in total, covering a wide range of applications. GRIPKIT contains all the components required for the quick and easy implementation of a gripping application with Universal Robots. Starting with the flange adapter and the appropriate interface converter, the scope of delivery also includes the necessary cables, suitable mounting hardware and a USB stick containing documentation and sample programmes. This means the gripping module can be mounted on the robot arm in no time at all and put into operation in the shortest possible time. This makes GRIPKIT a true plug-and-work solution.