End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) Design & Integration

When an off-the-shelf gripper or tool doesn’t quite meet the requirements of a specialized task, custom EOAT design solutions become invaluable. Our engineering team collaborates closely with you to analyze part geometries, handling tolerances, and throughput targets. By doing so, we can propose a custom end effector that balances robust functionality with minimal weight. Reducing end effector mass directly decreases wear on the robot’s joints and maximizes its payload capacity.

How We Approach Custom EOAT Design

1. Initial Assessment: We gather product samples, CAD models, or physical dimensions to understand the mechanical properties and gripping challenges. This might include evaluating friction coefficients, surface finish constraints, or compliance factors for fragile components.

2. Conceptual Modeling: Our designers use 3D modeling software to create digital prototypes of the EOAT. These prototypes simulate how the tool will interface with your product.

3. Material Selection: From lightweight aluminum to specialized polymers, the material choice depends on operating temperature, required strength, and potential chemical exposure.

4. Iterative Testing: We often 3D-print or fabricate prototypes in small batches. This approach allows us to test how well the tool grips, lifts, or manipulates your items before mass production.

5. Final Integration: Once the custom tool is proven reliable, we integrate it with the chosen robot brand (e.g., FANUC, ABB, or KUKA). We ensure that force sensors, cameras, or other sensors align properly to support advanced functionalities like seam tracking or pick-and-place vision guidance.

These steps ensure that your specialized EOAT meets real-world production demands. A well-engineered custom solution not only boosts efficiency but also protects your products from damage and your workers from manual handling risks.