robotic gripper and end effector

grabcad

An end effector, in robotics, refers to the device at the terminal point of a robotic arm designed to engage with its surroundings. Its specific design depends on the application of the robot. In strict terms, it's the final link or endpoint where tools are attached. However, in a broader sense, an end effector is the part that interacts with the environment, not including mobility components like wheels and feet. End effectors can be comprised of grippers or tools. Grippers fall into four general categories: impactive (jaws/claws), ingressive (pins/needles), adhesive (suction/magnetism/electrostatic attraction), and contigutive (glue/surface tension/freezing). Industrial grippers are commonly mechanical, vacuum-based, or magnetic. Vacuum cups and electromagnets dominate the automotive field, while Bernoulli grippers utilize airflow for contactless lifting. Other less common principles include electrostatic, capillary, cryogenic, ultrasonic, and laser grippers. Specialized end effectors serve specific purposes like needle grippers (intrusive grippers) and surgical robots with custom-made tools. End effectors can also function as tools for tasks such as spot welding or spray painting.