Customized End of Arm Tooling Transforms Applications of Robotics

End of arm tooling can enhance robotic functionality and maximize the efficiency and precision of a task. However, to ensure success of any project, selection of the right end of arm tooling is a critical part of planning a robotic system. Because there are so many applications of robotics, manufacturers have the choice between standard or customized end of arm tooling. This blog will explore the various types of specialized tools for robotics, discuss when and why manufacturers might want to consider customized end of arm tooling solutions and provide pointers for selecting the option that best suits the requirements of the process.

End of arm tooling is specialized equipment that is attached to the end of a robotic arm. These tools for robotics serve as an extension of the robot arm and permit it to perform grasping, gripping or other actions to assist with tasks such as assembly, welding, cutting, painting, inspecting, picking and placing and a host of other manufacturing activities.

End of arm tooling has the power to transform applications of robotics by making robots even more precise and efficient when manipulating objects or performing a specific action, which helps improve the performance and efficiency of the entire process. However, to achieve these benefits, end of arm tooling selection must consider both the action that is being automated and the object being handled.

Because there are diverse applications of robotics, there are many end of arm tooling options, including:

• Robot grippers: Perhaps the most common end of arm tooling, robot grippers encourage precise picking, positioning and assembly of small components. Grippers are available in a variety of types to accommodate different products, parts and tasks. For instance, a soft robot gripper may be the best option in the food industry if a robot is tasked with sorting delicate products like produce or chocolates or parallel robotic grippers, which feature two or more parallel “jaws” may be most useful for general assembly applications that require a high gripping force.
• Vacuum heads: Robotic vacuum suction tips are used for picking up and moving objects such as glass or soft boxes that might otherwise be damaged by typical robotic grippers.
• Welding guns: Because many applications include welding, there are specialized end of arm tools for robotics that make possible the automation of welding activities. This helps manufacturers increase the efficiency, precision and safety of welding tasks.
• Magnetic tools: This type of robot end of arm tooling features magnetic end effectors to simplify tasks that involve picking up metal parts, making them essential in metalworking and recycling operations.
• Inspection tools for robotics: End effectors, another term for end of arm tooling, can be equipped with sensors and vision systems allowing them to pick up and inspect each part or product, while also ensuring that it meets quality specifications. Inspection tools allow manufacturers to efficiently and effectively maintain product quality and consistency without the risk of human contamination, which is especially critical in electronics, medical device and food manufacturing.

Can End of Arm Tooling be Customized?

While there are many different types of robot end of arm tooling, choosing the best one for the specific application of robotics ensures that the robot performs the task with precision and efficiency. If the solution is not well planned, it may create issues such as slower speeds, broken components and faulty products.

Standard end of arm tools are mass produced and engineered to interact with a variety of products. While standard end of arm tooling works well in many applications, operations with specific needs, such as soft, delicate or critical parts or products that require delicacy or extreme precision, customized end of arm tooling may benefit from customization.

While customized end of arm tooling can take longer to build, these tools for robotics are designed to fit the specific requirements of the application and are likely to provide enhanced functionality, which will boost productivity and quality. Options might include suction cups, soft robot grippers, electromechanical grippers or extra “fingers.”

How to Choose the Best End of Arm Tooling for the Job

When the right end of arm tooling is selected, the manufacturing process becomes more streamlined as appropriate robot end of arm tooling will maximize speed and accelerate cycle times; increase precision to provide higher product quality and reduce waste; and boost the safety record of the facility as there will be less human interaction with potential hazards such as glass breakage, welding equipment and paint fumes.

Whether selecting a standard or customized solution, choosing the right tool for robotic applications can be intimidating.

Below are some tips to make sure end of arm tooling will enhance the efficiency of the process:

Examine the application	To choose the best tool for the job, it’s important to understand the requirements of the application of robotics. This includes task requirements, type and size of the object to be manipulated, the required level of precision and any unique specifications of the operation or object.
Calculate payload	To provide the highest level of performance and efficiency, it is important that the selected end of arm tooling can manage the weight of the objects without exceeding the capacity of the robot or the robotic gripper.
Determine the best robotic gripper or tool	As discussed above, a variety of solutions are available so that manufacturers can select the most appropriate end of arm tooling option for the task and object. It is crucial to make sure the chosen tool can securely grip and move the object without damage. It’s possible that a standard robot gripper will work for general assembly, but a soft robot gripper may be the best choice for food manufacturing, or a vacuum gripper may work best for glass, but process tooling, such as specialized welding or painting end of arm tooling is the better choice for specific process operations.
Account for the environment	It is essential to ensure that the selected tooling can withstand any extreme temperatures, humidity levels or hazardous materials to which the robot and its end of arm tooling will be exposed.
Consider customization	If the application of robotics includes handling of objects that are delicate or soft, such as glass or food, or if extreme precision is required, such as in the manufacturing of electronics or medical devices, or if an application for robots is very complex, a customized tool for robotics may be a good option.

The right end of arm tooling can help manufacturers get the most functionality and efficiency from their automation efforts, so please reach out to JHFOSTER, a Tavoron Company to discuss standard or customized solutions and discover how robot end of arm tooling can transform your process.