SMW Autoblok just launched a new line of quick-change, pneumatic robotic tool changers that can be combined with various pneumatic grippers and C40 inductive couplers for contactless, wear-free energy and signal transmission. With these new products, grippers, tools, and other end effectors can be changed quickly to increase cycle time and productivity and are effectively […]

Pneumatic grippers are revered for being an economical, easy-to-maintain solution with high force density. However, force control and precision can prove challenging, especially when handling delicate parts and parts of different sizes. Sensory feedback is essential in such applications to measure parameters such as the force applied, object position, and speed. Position sensing is especially […]

Piab’s clever end-of-arm-tool piCOBOT has so far had almost a decade of prosperity on the market for cobot equipment. The success relates to the unit’s compact yet user-friendly design, precision, and capacity. Despite its limited weight, only 1.5 lb (720 g), this EOAT is able to lift objects of up to 15.4 lb (7 kg). […]

From recently completed production lines, Festo introduces the DHPL, a new generation of competitively priced long-stroke grippers that offers a host of advantages for high load and torque applications. The DHPL is interchangeable with competitive long-stroke grippers. It provides the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision, and no maintenance. The new long-stroke gripper is […]

With its lifting capability of up to 35 lb, the piCOBOT L is particularly attractive for e-commerce, logistics, and warehouse applications as well as for assisting with the lifting of heavier items in production. It builds on the same technology platform as the original version, for example, it consists of a vacuum pump unit and […]

In August 2022, Piab acquired AVAC, adding innovative products for sealed applications to their automation components business. After months of preparation, a selection of AVAC’s product assortment, which includes some of the company’s most trusted bestsellers, is now available under the Piab brand. The new sub-range includes the Multi-Functional Ejector (MFE), a compact, stackable design […]

From recently completed production lines, Festo introduces the HPPF, an innovative flat parallel gripper that ranges in height from 19 to 41 mm among its four sizes: 8, 12, 16, and 20. The stroke ranges from a narrow 8 mm to a wide 80 mm, and gripping forces span from 60 to 377 N. HPPF […]

A new tooling system allows auto manufacturers to construct vacuum-end effector tools with minimal design time — to meet their exact needs for critical applications, such as sheet metal stamping, die-casting, injection molding, thermoforming, and glass handling. Made of hard-coat anodized aluminium, the Piab Modular Automation Tooling (PMAT) is lightweight and easy to assemble on-site […]

From recently completed production lines, Festo introduces a new generation of competitively priced compact grippers that offer a host of advantages for precision electronics and small part assembly. The DHPC parallel gripper offers ≤ 0.01 mm repetition accuracy, while the DHWC angle and DHRC radial  gripper variants offer ≤ 0.2 mm accuracy. The DHPC, DHWC, […]

20 years ago, COVAL first created SITON, an innovative, exclusive and patented silicone-free material. Its SITON suction pads are characterized not only by their non-marking capability, but also by their abrasion resistance and remarkable mechanical performance at temperatures of up to 160°C. SITON was originally developed to satisfy the specific requirements of the cosmetics industry, […]

An unavoidable challenge when defining a new bag gripping system in a palletizing line is to get the exact measurements to align with the conveyor rollers for a smooth lifting and releasing process. This demands time-consuming analysis and design and, later, even more time for adaptation and adjustments. Furthermore, additional solutions may have to be […]

Piab has continued to evolve its piCOBOT program by adding a larger version. Developed with the needs of customers in mind who work with small industrial robots and cobots, its high payload combined with a low building height enables maximum capacity usage. With its lifting capability of up to 35 lb, the piCOBOT L is […]

Vacuum gripper technologies provide many advantages for machine and OEM payload handling. Designers find that modular gripper system kits are a versatile and rapid way to create handling solutions, with other benefits such as internal vacuum routing. By Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect Manufacturing equipment, pick-and-place systems, robotics, and other machinery typically need to reliably grip products, […]

FLIW (Foam Lip Wide) is Piab’s latest contribution to the piGRIP series. Fully configurable with a multitude of combinations, makes it a perfect fit for any picking application. Select the type of lip, bellow, support, and fitting, and get the right match for any specific need. piGRIP FLIW is the perfect choice for picking objects […]

Piab has continued to evolve its piCOBOT program by adding a larger version, the piCOBOT L. Developed for customers who work with small industrial robots and cobots, its high payload and low building height enable maximum capacity usage. The piCOBOT family consists of two pump units and a selection of grippers. Optionally, a tool changer with […]

In fruit picking, flexibility is key. A suction cup able to handle items with difficult surface and various shapes is needed for reliable processes. Piab’s new detectable fruit suction cup FCX50 is all this: Flexible bellows for off-axis grips and adaptation as well as multi-lip design for the surface ensuring good sealing. With its innovative […]

Piab’s new ECX36 egg suction cup, with its stable design and multistage actuation, provides easy control over the product release. It impressively reduces the risk of damaging eggs in the process, thus enabling high speed applications in egg handling. Thanks to the low vacuum required in the operation, energy is saved — a growing necessity […]

In May, Piab acquired Joulin, a global leader of vacuum gripping solutions. Now, the company has integrated three of Joulin’s gripper ranges into its existing Kenos portfolio. However, solutions for heavy-duty industries will continue to be marketed under the Joulin brand. As the market for material handling solutions is growing rapidly, Joulin has been a […]

The piCOMPACT 10X SMART is a compact, efficient, and intelligent ejector that enables you to take the next step in production control and ease of use. Based on COAX technology and integrated IO-Link technology, piCOMPACT 10X SMART offers enhanced flexibility, quicker installation, and improved customization. Building on the air-driven, multistage ejector piCOMPACT 10X, this product comes […]

Piab has continued to evolve its piCOBOT program by adding a larger version. Developed for customers who work with small industrial robots and cobots, its high payload combined with a low building height enables maximum capacity usage. With its lifting capability of up to 35 lb, the piCOBOT-L is particularly attractive for e-commerce, logistics, and […]

At this week’s National Fluid Power Association event, the annual International Economic Outlook Conference, Donna Ritson of DDR Communications shared results of an industry survey done for PMMI that looks at the future of robots and cobots for automation. Ritson’s firm had discussions with the leading robot manufacturers, robot suppliers, and integrators in the industry…

Vacuum technology is essential for safely handling food products without damage or waste. Justin Katz • Manager, Vacuum Automation Components Group • Schmalz Inc. • Raleigh, N.C. The world wastes about 1.4 billion tons of food every year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The United States alone annually discards nearly 40 […]

The piSOFTGRIP 100-4 has four gripping fingers and a vacuum cavity allowing it to hold objects up to 100mm (3.93 in.) in width. Like all other members of the piSOFTGRIP family, it is made in one piece, resulting in a simple and robust product. Made in detectable silicone approved for direct contact with food, the […]