Enhancing robot flexibility with the new gripper ecosystem from Zimmer
The increasing number of robots, both industrial and collaborative types, being deployed within our manufacturing facilities highlights the growing demand across multiple industry sectors for flexibility within their production lines.
The new MATCH Gripper Ecosystem available from Zimmer Group enables robots to utilise multiple gripper types and end effectors, further enhancing the capability and functionality of these already flexible systems. Targeted at lightweight industrial and collaborative robots, this unique platform is the result of a joint project between Zimmer Group and J Schmalz which combines the best expertise in the world of gripping technologies.
This gripper change system can be operated either fully automatically, with the robot releasing and collecting different grippers or end effectors to and from a docking station, or manually with just one hand in just a few seconds using simple click to remove functionality. The system is compatible with pneumatically or electrically operated grippers which utilise either vacuum or mechanical gripping principles.
Multi-faceted system with standardised interfaces
The quick-change system incorporates the mechanical interface together with pneumatic and electrical connections. These options make it possible for the system to be used by many different robot types and a wide variety of end effectors. For electrically operated grippers, the quick-change system is capable of hot-swapping, changing grippers during live operation with the integrated pin array transmitting both the load and signal currents. For pneumatically/vacuum-based grippers, four internal and two lateral channels supply the gripper systems with compressed air or vacuum pressure. The design, combined with high levels of manufacturing quality, guarantee a long service life greater than 100,000 cycles. The position and orientation of the fixed and interchangeable elements of the system are clearly defined in use, eliminating the potential for mis-alignment of the two halves.
The flexibility of the system gives the user access to a wide range of applications, whether they are with mobile robots, collaborative robots or other types of automation – across production, assembly, warehouse logistics, shipping and even laboratory automation operations.
Smart system with intuitive software
Zimmer Group and Schmalz each have their own systems that the user can draw upon for digital integration. In addition to the SCM communication module (master gateway), additional functionality is offered by the intuitive guideZ setup software for further configuration of the gripper, and Schmalz Connect Suite for diagnostics of IO-Link devices in the cloud.
Ian Sinclair, managing director of Zimmer Group (UK) commented: “This unique modular system is generating a significant amount of interest from a diverse range of both existing and potential new customers. The benefits of this technology mean it is fast becoming a key component in supporting the ongoing growth in lightweight and collaborative robot applications.”
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