Users can implement pick-and-place applications in no time at all with the Gripkit technology from Weiss Robotics. It is a ready-made plug-in solution for industrial robots and cobots from leading manufacturers that relieves the user of the otherwise complex integration of the gripper module into the robot controller, thus saving time and money.

In addition to the smart gripper module, the user is provided with all components for system-side integration. The highlight is the Gripkit plug-in, which is specially tailored to the robot controller and guarantees fast configuration and commissioning. Thanks to the mounting accessories and fastening material supplied, mechanical integration is also child's play.

Gripkit is available as a sensitive servo-electric, safe collaborative or powerful pneumatic version with both parallel and centric gripping and covers a gripping range of ten 500 Newton with its available sizes. The collaborative Gripkit CR, based on the CRG gripping modules, was specially developed for human-robot interaction and is available in two sizes. With a 30 Newton and 50 millimeter stroke and a 200 Newton and 85 millimeter stroke, it is a real all-rounder for collaborative applications. The functionality and design of the gripping modules are geared towards safety. For example, the CRG series is the first gripper on the market to feature the patented Permagrip technology from Weiss Robotics. This is a clever mechanism for maintaining gripping force that does not snap shut when workpieces are removed manually and can therefore be used safely in direct interaction with humans. Another plus point is the safe gripping force control, which achieves category 3, PLd. This means that the grippers meet all normative requirements for use in fully collaborative operation. The rounded edges of the gripping modules and the integrated glare-free illuminated ring not only minimize the risk of injury, but also make collaboration with the user considerably easier. The illuminated ring provides the worker with a clearly visible indication of the current status of the system so that he can better assess the system. As a result, cooperation between humans and robots is particularly smooth and risk-free.

The Gripkit CR can be used in numerous areas: in addition to purely collaborative applications and the reliable handling of components in Industry 4.0 processes with many variants, the smart gripper can also be found in smart factory applications.

For easy handling of different objects, all Gripkit series support freely parameterizable grippers, which can be flexibly parameterized directly on the robot controller and easily implemented without time-consuming and cost-intensive retooling. Batch handling with several grippers is also no problem with Gripkit: several different gripper modules can be integrated per robot arm. Combinations of different gripper modules are also possible.

The Gripkit technology from Weiss Robotics is available in two different versions, the Gripkit IO and the Gripkit ProO. The IO version is suitable as a flexible basic solution for almost all available robots and cobots. The gripping module is configured separately via a PC or laptop. The robot controller is only responsible for opening and closing the gripping module and querying whether a gripped part has been gripped correctly. The Pro version enables configuration from the robot panel, so that no additional device is required for setup. The innovative teach mode enables new gripped parts to be taught in at the touch of a button without having to know the exact dimensions beforehand. This means that the pick-and-place application can be set up in just a few minutes.

Gripkit Pro also significantly extends the functional scope of the user gripping solution. Data on the gripping process and device status can be retrieved directly from the gripping module and used in the robot program. Process data such as the current gripping position is also available and can be used directly for quality assurance, for example. In addition, maintenance and diagnostic information can be retrieved from the gripping module, helping to identify problems more quickly and avoid unnecessary system downtimes. The ability to change parameters during operation means that your robot system remains as flexible as possible.

Both versions are equipped with the integrated gripping part detection and monitoring known from Weiss Robotics. This ensures reliable handling throughout the entire process, even in demanding applications. pb