A Firm Grip, Even on Porous Objects

This robot arm is a vital component in lightweight and industrial robots. Even more important, however, is the interface between the robot arm and the workpiece (for instance, grippers, sensors, or tool changers), because these components are responsible for handling workpieces and products safely. That can be a challenge, for instance, if the objects are porous (like cardboard packaging) or have uneven surfaces. Handling non-rigid objects such as filled cardboard boxes in palletizing and de-palletizing processes can also be difficult.

J. Schmalz GmbH has developed the vacuum generator RECB for exactly such requirements. The RECB can handle workpieces weighing up to ten kilograms. Unlike its sisters from the ECBPi and ECBPMi series, it generates the vacuum purely pneumatically. The new RECB is both particularly compact and extremely powerful, with a suction rate of 59 standard liters per minute. It lets the user implement short cycle and evacuation times in fully automated processes, while also providing the benefit of high leakage compensation. Establishing the mechanical and electrical connection between the vacuum generator and a robot is very simple. Furthermore, its low overall height means it can be mounted directly on the robot arm when height is restricted. The new RCEB is controlled by digital robot outputs, with communication via IO-Link.