OnRobot A/S today announced the release of its Gecko Single Pad gripper, a smaller version of the company’s innovative end effector for collaborative robotics applications.

Unlike other adhesive grippers, which often use suction, OnRobot said its award-winning Gecko grippers use microscopic stalks to exert van der Waals forces. This enables them to grasp objects in the same that geckos climb, without compressed air or external power.

As a result, certain pick-and-place robots have fewer parts requiring maintenance, according to the Odense, Denmark-based company.

Gecko Single Pad gripper specs

The Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper is designed to be compact and be suitable for new applications with smaller footprints and a lower payload than OnRobot’s other products.

It comes in three sizes — SP1, SP3, and SP5 — named after its capacity in kilograms (2.2, 6.6, and 11 lb., respectively). This is similar to the UR3 and UR5 cobot arms from market leader Universal Robots A/S.

The Gecko Single Pad can lift flat, smooth, or shiny surfaces without leaving a mark, eliminating a cleaning step in manufacturing processes, said OnRobot. It can also handle perforated items such as circuit boards, aluminum mesh, or head gaskets.

“Our unique Gecko technology automates processes that no other gripper can accomplish, and now it’s available in a compact, flexible format that offers our customers even more options,” stated Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “This is a true plug-and-play gripper that fulfills our promise of a full range of easy, cost-effective, flexible robotic tooling that lets customers focus on their application rather than the robot.”

Ease of integration

In addition, the One-System Solution platform allows the Gecko Single Pad to be integrated with cobots or light industrial robot arms with little or no programming, said OnRobot.

The One-System Solution was recognized last December with a Gold Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program (LEAP) Award for industrial automation at DeviceTalks West, which was co-located with the Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum. Both events were produced by WTWH Media, the parent organization of Collaborative Robotics Trends and The Robot Report.

Also in December, OnRobot, which has offices in nine countries, raised $27.5 million (U.S.) to continue its global expansion.