What Is an End Effector?
An end effector is a device attached to the wrist of an industrial robot, also known as end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) or a robot hand. These devices are crucial for automating factory production processes, enabling robots to assemble, inspect, and transport products with high efficiency.
End effectors can be mechanical or electromechanical and function as grippers, process tools, or sensors. Their diversity ranges from simple two-finger grippers for pick-and-place tasks to sophisticated systems equipped with complex sensors to mimic human touch.
Uses for End Effectors
End effectors play a pivotal role in automating assembly, transport, and pick-and-place operations within industrial settings. Grippers, designed with the versatility of the human hand in mind, are among the most developed end effectors, facilitating the manipulation of objects by robots.
Examples include finger grippers, which may have two to six fingers, vacuum grippers, magnetic grippers, and needle grippers, showcasing the ongoing innovation in end effector technology.
Principle of End Effectors
End effectors enable industrial robots to perform a wide array of tasks, from welding to painting, evolving alongside industrial robots to meet the demands of various applications. The use of an auto tool changer (ATC) allows robots to switch between different end effectors to tackle multiple processes, enhancing their versatility despite the time required for switching.
Other Information on End Effectors
1. Factory Automation
Factory automation (FA) encompasses the automation of production processes, significantly advanced by the development of technology that allows for automatic machining through CAM systems. Industrial robots, equipped with articulated arms or manipulators, are integral to this automation process, with end effectors enabling precise movements for tasks like assembly and inspection.