An end effector is a term used in robotics that refers to the tool or device installed at the end of the robotic arm. It is the part of the arm that mostly interacts with the surrounding environment. The design and the structure of the end effector and the kind of programming that would drive it depend on the potential task of the robot.
Types Of End Effectors
In manufacturing and engineering, different kinds of end effectors are utilized. Some of the most important kinds are mentioned below:
Grippers
Grippers are a classic example of the end effector. Grippers used different gripping method to perform a task. Some firms use two fingers or three fingers classic grippers to transfer product from one place to another. Other firms have developed innovative end effectors like Hydraulic Gripper, Servo-Electric Gripper, Pneumatic Gripper, Vacuum Gripper. Firms have to select the best kind of end effector according to their requirement and nature of the task in the manufacturing process.
Material Removal End Effector
In Material removal end effectors, tools of cutting, edging and digging are fixed at the end of the robotic arm.
Force Torque End Effector
Force Torque end effectors are fixed at the robotic flange. They use different kind of sensors to measure the force and torque that the robot put on to the machine it is working on. They are also named as six-axis force torque end effector because the sensors measure three force dimensions (x/y/z) and three torques round those dimensions. These end effectors are mostly used where the force applied by the robots need to be checked and controlled. It is mostly used in assembling parts, insertion, digging, sanding and scraping, etc.
Welding Torch
Welding torch end effector is very popular in manufacturing and engineering. They are used for welding different parts of the machine.
Collision
Collision end effectors are used to prevent harming the working of robots and the parts that are being assembled. Collision end effector used different sensors to detect a collision and send a signal to robot programming to stop the process.
Tool Changers End Effector
Tool changer end effector is used when different kinds of end effectors are to be used one after another by a robot. Tool changers standardized the mechanism. They can be either manual or automated.
Other kinds of end effectors include:
Sanders;
Cameras;
Screwdrivers;
Magnets;
Spray guns.
Tips And Importance
The best tip to choose the end effector is to keep the task in your mind for which you need it. That would highly help you in getting the right kind of end effector for your manufacturing process.
End effectors play a significant role in manufacturing, designing, product development, and engineering. They reduced manufacturing cost by not only minimizing the failure rate but by also speeding the process of product making. They eliminate the human error from the process that sometimes can cost huge t firms and organizations. They help them customizing the products according to the need and demand of their target segments.
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