This section provides an overview for electric grippers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 29 electric gripper manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked electric gripper companies as of November, 2024: 1.DESTACO, A Dover Company, 2.OnRobot US Inc., 3.KOGANEI International America, Inc..
Table of Contents
A gripper is a mechanism for grasping and holding an object. Among these, an electric gripper is a device that is driven electrically and grips an object.
The shape of the gripper varies depending on the shape and surface properties of the object to be gripped. The most commonly used gripper is the two-finger parallel gripper, in which two parallel members move in a linear motion to clamp and release the object. They are used as devices (end-effectors) that function at the end of robot arms and linear motion mechanisms.
Compared to pneumatic grippers, electric grippers offer more precise control and are used when the size of the object varies or when the gripping force needs to be varied as necessary.
As mentioned above, there are various types of grippers, but here we will discuss the most common type, the two-finger parallel electric grippers.
Since electric grippers can grasp and transport objects, they are used in equipment that lifts and transports objects by combining them with linear motion mechanisms such as cylinders and linear guides. Moreover, by attaching an electric gripper to the end of a robot arm, it is possible to move an object freely in three dimensions, just like a person holding an object.
Electric grippers mainly consist of a finger (sometimes called a claw) for gripping an object, a linear motion mechanism such as a feed screw for moving the finger, and a motor for operating this mechanism. A sensor such as a load cell may be separately incorporated to control the gripping force.
The opening and closing motion can be controlled by controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the motor, and the width of opening and closing can be fed back by reading the number of rotations from the rotary encoder built into the motor. By constructing process control or PID control according to this information, precise control can be achieved, such as slowing down the gripping speed at the moment of contact with the object or setting the distance between the fingers when gripping according to the size of the object.
In the robotics field, however, grippers with three or more fingers are often used to grasp more complex shapes or to learn human motions. Because grippers with three or more fingers require precise control, such as mimicking human motion, most grippers are electric grippers.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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OnRobot US Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Odense, Denmark, is a robotics manufacturer of tools and software for collaborative automation on various tasks, such as packaging, quality control, materials handling, machine tending, assembly, and surface finishing commonly used in industrial settings. They offer a range of products, including end-effectors, grippers, sensors, and tool changers that can be integrated with cobots from various manufacturers. They were recognized with awards such as the Gold Innovators Award and the Red Dot Design Award, and are certified by Universal Robots.
DESTACO, a Dover Company was founded in 1915, is a global manufacturer of automation, workholding, and containment solutions, headquartered in the United States. The company's product portfolio includes clamps, grippers, end effectors, and robotic tool changers. They are a worldwide supplier in the design, manufacture and support of clamping, gripping, linear/rotary transferring and robotic tooling solutions for workplace and flexible automation needs. Their customer base covers a wide range of industries requiring a global customer service network offering consistent solutions and program support.
PHD Inc. was founded in 1957 and is a manufacturer of automation solutions based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. The company manufactures various automation system products such as tri-axis tooling, rotary actuators, linear slides, blow molding, and tie rod cylinders. The products have been applied in various industries such as material handling equipment, stretch blow molding, aluminum, glass, and medical. The company has obtained the certificate of ISO 9001:2015 and complied to REACH and RoHS standards.
KOGANEI International America, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Fremont, California, is a manufacturer of industrial machines. The company sells pneumatic system products, industrial robots, electric actuators, centralized lubrication equipment, static electricity removing units, sensors, switches, vacuum equipment, and hygiene/environment related products. KOGANEI can help in selecting the parts that fit customer needs from more than 512,000 standard products, or it will work with the client to provide a solution that will enhance a machine’s performance and functionality.
RobustMotion® is a national high-tech enterprise that integrates the research and development of software and hardware for collaborative automation across various tasks commonly used in industrial settings. These tasks include Pick & Place, assembly, materials handling, packaging, quality control, machine tending, and surface finishing. Based on its independently developed and industry-leading precision motion control core technology, specifically the SoftForce® high-precision force control technology, RobustMotion provides global customers with more precise and reliable precision motion control systems. Additionally, the company offers a one-stop solution for intelligent electric actuator products, such as Electric Grippers, Rotary Grippers, Linear Actuators, Direct-drive Actuators, and Controllers.
Afag is based in Huttwil, Switzerland, and is a manufacturer of assembly automation components that was originally founded in 1956 as Apparatefabrik AG before its acquisition by Emerson Electric Co. in 2023. The company’s product lineup includes automatic refill units, gripping rotary modules, and feeder bowl drives. It also offers control devices for adjusting the amplitude, speed, and frequency of feeder bowl drives. The company is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001 standards, and operates internationally with subsidiaries in Germany, China, and the United States.
Clinical Laboratory Automation (CLA) S.A., founded in 1997, is a manufacturer based in Delémont, Switzerland, developing automation solutions for medical laboratories, micro technology and watchmaking applications. As the center of expertise for Mitsubishi robots in Switzerland, the company offers various robotic solutions designed to enhance automated operations. It also develops sample management systems (SMSs) for component handling. The company also offers precision measurement devices for torque and force, height clearance, and precision metrology. It further produces specialized machinery for the watchmaking industry, including automatic rating control stations, manual and automatic winding stations, and demagnetization stations for watch movements.
SMC corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. SMC Corporation manufactures and sells automatic control equipment and filtration equipment. SMC has production facilities in 30 countries, technical development centers in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, and sales offices, globally. SMC product lines divided by them include filter replacements, condensation prevention, heat resistance, thermos-chilling, and others. SMC provides a video library as well as product selection guide to assist customers in finding solutions and optimizing product efficiency.
Trapo GmbH, established in 1957 and headquartered in Gescher-Hochmoor, Germany, is an automated intralogistics solutions manufacturer and supplier for manufacturers. The company's products include precision and high-performance pick-and-place systems, carton filling systems, and automated depalletizing systems. It also offers the Trapo intelligent management system, a platform where client processes are monitored, analyzed, and permanently optimized. The company's services include the supply of planned maintenance programs, software updates, and onsite operator training.
Effecto Group S.p.A., established in 2016 and headquartered in Via Roma, Italy, is a manufacturer of products and services related to gripping and clamping. The company offers pneumatic and hydraulic vises, manual and automatic indexing chucks, rotary actuators, pressure intensifiers, and more. It also organizes events, meetings, conferences, and seminars aimed at professional training. Its pneumatic and electric grippers can clamp and grip workpieces. It serves a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, medical, food processing, life sciences, and more.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
CKD Corporation, established in 1943 under the name of Japan Aircraft Electric Co., Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer of automation machinery and manufacturing components, headquartered in Komaki, Aichi. Their diverse portfolio includes pneumatic and fluid control components, fine system components, drive components, and labor-saving components. The company has also developed various types of automation machinery, such as transparent object inspection systems, pharmaceutical products packaging machines, and more. These products find applications in various industries, for example their automated food packaging systems are designed for maintaining food quality and hygienic conditions. Their fluid control components are used in the solar cell manufacturing process.
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. was incorporated in 1951in Japan and manufactures and supplies machined components, and electronic devices and components globally. It operates through four segments: machined components, electronic devices and components, MITSUMI Business, and the U-Shin business segment. MinebeaMitsumi specializes in bearing products including spherical, roller, rod end, and ball bearings for aerospace. MinebeaMitsumi also produces products including precision mechanical assemblies, fasteners, other special components including clutches and brakes, motors, blowers, sensors and lighting devices. Additionally, MinebeaMitsumi offers its products for use in PCs and peripheral equipment, information and telecommunications equipment, household electrical appliances, automobiles, and aerospace.
SCHUNK is a German manufacturer of clamping machinery and gripper systems that was established in 1945 in Lauffen am Neckar, Stuttgart. The company primarily produces devices for handling workpieces for machining operations, such as stationary work holding machines and quick-change pallet and tool holding systems. It also offers various grippers for industrial robots, as well as chuck jaws and modular assembly automation products. SCHUNK products are mainly used by clients in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer electronics sectors.
SanGo Automation Limited, founded in 2010 with facilities and headquarters in China, is a manufacturer of linear and rotary transmission solutions for original equipment manufacturers requiring industrial automation and in the robot field. The company's products include ball screw linear modules, sync belt linear modules, linear Motors, cam indexing drives, and planetary gearboxes. SanGo Automation Limited also develops smart motorized grippers for industrial robots. The company's clients include Samsung, Huawei, Han's Laser, BYD, and Midea.
Oriental Motor USA Corp., established in 1978 and based in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of motors and control systems and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. The company stocks over 50,000 products that it sells worldwide, including actuators, motors, and controller products used in several industries like the medical, semiconductor, and factory automation industries. In 1983, the company developed brushless DC fans, and it later developed watertight, dust-resistant motors in 1990. In 1991, it came up with motorized linear slides and motorized cylinders.
Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd., founded in 1918 and headquartered in Nagano, Japan, is a manufacturer of drive systems and precision motors and also offers customized motion solutions. Its products include robotic grippers, drivers, actuators, blowers, and pumps, used in several industries, including automation, life environment, automotive, space, and assistive technology. The company stocks over 9000 drive system and motor models, and over 95% are customized. It is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO13485 certified, and it also acquired IATF16949 accreditation.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
DH-Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer and supplier of motion control core components that was established in 2016 in Shenzhen, Guangdong. The company primarily produces miniature electric table type cylinders for pick-and-place or assembly applications, rotary as well as parallel electric grippers for use by industrial robots, and voice coil actuators for motion control applications. It also offers consultation and custom engineering services for unique projects. The company's products are used mainly by clients in the semiconductor, optical and medical device manufacturing, and robotics industries.
AUTOMAX sarl is a French custom manufacturer and supplier of various automation products that was established in Mont Près Chambord, Loir-et-Cher in 1989. The company primarily produces automation products according to customer specifications. These include custom welding and cutting machines, as well as industrial robots such as selective compliance articulated robot arms (SCARAs). It also offers HMI system development and PLC programming software. Aside from its products, the company provides various engineering services including commissioning, installation, and maintenance.
Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., founded in 1955 and based in Iwata, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of motorized products. Its product range includes several lines of motorcycles, scooters, and motorized bicycles. Its motorcycles feature an electronic control system for stabilization and a responsive braking system for safety. The company also offers, recreational off-highway vehicles, outboards, and snowmobiles. The company has received several accolades such as the Red Dot Design Award for 12 consecutive years and operates the Yamaha Technical Academy for technician certification.
Gimatic S.r.l., founded in 1985 and based in Brescia, Italy, is a UNI EN ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and supplier of automation machinery, particularly End of Arm Tools (EOAT). The company's product range includes Rotary Units, Quick Changer, Profiles and Brackets, Grippers, and Linear Actuators. These tools are essential in various automation processes. Industries such as plastics, packaging, automotive, and general machinery frequently utilize them. In addition to its extensive product line, the company offers services such as consultation, product customization, power-saving solutions, and maintenance support.
Robotiq is a manufacturer of robot tools and accessories for the industrial sector founded in 2008 and based in Quebec City, Canada. The company offers sensors allowing robots to detect and respond to environmental variables, a range of grippers to enable robots to handle or position workpieces, and wrist cameras for enabling visual inspection or quality control. The company is ISO 9001-certified, and chiefly serves clients in the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | DESTACO, A Dover Company |
7.7%
|
2 | OnRobot US Inc. |
6.4%
|
3 | KOGANEI International America, Inc. |
4.7%
|
4 | SanGo Automation Limited |
4.7%
|
5 | THK U.K. |
4.7%
|
6 | Afag Holding AG |
4.3%
|
7 | IAI Industrieroboter GmbH |
4.3%
|
8 | AUTOMAX sarl |
3.9%
|
9 | GMT GLOBAL INC. |
3.9%
|
10 | MinebeaMitsumi Inc. |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the electric gripper page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 5 | 21.7% |
Japan | 5 | 21.7% |
United States of America | 4 | 17.4% |
Germany | 4 | 17.4% |
Switzerland | 2 | 8.7% |
Italy | 1 | 4.3% |
France | 1 | 4.3% |
Canada | 1 | 4.3% |
1 product is listed.
Mulab
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Electric gripper that enables ultra -precision operation with small, lightweight and high output The size is 117.4mm x □ 30mm, the weight is 300g ...