Plug-and-Play Vacuum End-Of-Arm Tooling for Collaborative Robots

In Booth E-134825, Bimba Manufacturing Company (University Park, IL), launches their Collaborative Robot Vacuum Tool (CRVT), a device that offers a new plug-and-play end effector option for collaborative robots. Developed to meet the versatile nature of collaborative robots, the CRVT comes off-the-shelf as a complete system – no external valve required. Although designed to support a variety of applications with minimal configuration, a wide array of pump options are available to enable users to meet the vacuum requirements of their application.

“Collaborative robots are making it easier than ever before for manufacturers to implement automation. With the CRVT, we are looking to make the end effector as flexible and easy to use as the robot,” says Jeremy King, a product manager for Bimba. “The CRVT is designed to be controlled using the I/O connection built into the robot. No additional software or controls are required. That means simply connecting the tool to the robot and supplying an air-line to it. Once that’s done, you’re ready to program. Vacuum end effectors offer many advantages over mechanical grippers. They only require access to one side of the work piece. In addition, vacuum grippers can handle a variety of part sizes, shapes, and weights without making changes to the robot’s settings.”

As part of the UR+ program of Universal Robots USA, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI), the CRVT is tested and approved to integrate directly with UR robots, ensuring set-up, programming, and operation can all be accomplished with ease. Compatibility with additional robotics manufacturers will be available in the future. The CRVT comes standard with venturi vacuum pump, valve, vacuum switch, muffler and cups integrated in a single easy to use end effector.

Bimba Manufacturing Company, 25150 S Governors Highway, University Park, IL 60484, 708-534-8544, Fax: 708-235-2014, www.bimba.com.