End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) forms the essential interface between the robot or handling system and the workpiece. These specialized tools or end effectors, which are attached to the robot arm, make it possible to carry out specific tasks such as gripping, joining or testing with precision. Without EOAT, robots and handling systems would simply be moving machines without any functions.
It is these tools that enable robots to perform certain tasks such as gripping parts, connecting components or testing products.
The typical tasks of EOAT include:
EOAT gives robots the adaptability and efficiency they need to implement complex automation processes. By using specialized tools, a general manipulator becomes a highly customizable system that is precisely tailored to the respective requirements.
A variety of end-of-arm tools are used, depending on the application and task. The most important types are:
Grippers are the most commonly used EOATs and exist in various designs from simple pneumatic or electric grippers consisting of a single product to complex grippers for larger components, which enable flexible gripping through format adjustment. They are suitable for tasks in which objects need to be gripped, held and transported to another location. Robot grippers can be flexibly configured to handle objects of different shapes and sizes – from precise force-fit or form-fit grippers such as parallel grippers and low-damage vacuum grippers that only gently touch the workpiece with suction cups, to virtually contactless Bernoulli-grippers.
The machining tools include joining tools such as welding guns, riveting tools, screw heads and feeding devices for bonding. Machining operations such as drilling, milling or grinding can also be carried out directly with EOATs, meaning that the robot can be used not only as a material handling tool, but also as a production machine. They are ideal for performing repetitive processing steps with consistent quality and reliability.
There are numerous special tools that have been designed for specific tasks. These include sensors for quality control, optical control systems, painting solutions or EOATs for special assembly solutions. These special tools expand the capabilities of a robot enormously and enable it to solve complex tasks efficiently.
EOAT offers numerous advantages that are invaluable for automation technology in production:
At the same time, there are also challenges that need to be considered when choosing and implementing EOAT. The complexity of integrating robots into existing processes and the need to find the right tools for different tasks are important aspects. Careful planning is essential to take full advantage of the end effectors.
End-of-arm tooling technologies are constantly evolving, and will leave a lasting impact on robotics and automation technology. The latest trends include:
We are also seeing innovative combinations of sensors and gripper technology that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automated material handling. These advances not only make EOATs more efficient, but also more versatile.
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a key performance indicator when it comes to the efficiency of production facilities. EOAT plays an important role in positively influencing the three key factors of OEE – availability, performance, and quality.
With the right end effectors, production lines can react faster and more flexibly to different requirements. EOAT is therefore a key factor in achieving a high OEE and making production efficient and flexible. The correct selection and design of end effectors creates the basis for successful line automation.
Find out everything you need to know about overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) here