Gripping technology for precise and safe automation

The right gripping technology for your application

Gripping technology and gripping systems for industrial automation

Gripping technology is a key component of modern automation. It ensures that workpieces can be securely picked up, moved, positioned and set down. Whether mechanical grippers, vacuum grippers, magnetic grippers or customised gripping systems: the right gripping technology is crucial to the precision, cycle time, process reliability and cost-effectiveness of an automated system.

AGS Automation Greifsysteme has been developing gripping systems and industrial grippers for demanding production applications for over 30 years. At its site in Herkenrath near Cologne, the company develops gripping solutions that impress with their ease of integration, high reliability and robust ‘Made in Germany’ quality.

Gripper function: How does a gripping system work?

The gripper function is essentially always the same: a gripper picks up a workpiece, holds it securely during movement and sets it down again at the desired position. For this to work reliably, the following factors must be taken into account: gripping force, workpiece geometry, surface finish, weight, cycle time and process environment must be precisely tailored to the application. Only when these factors are coordinated can safe and repeatable handling be achieved.

A modern gripping system often consists of several coordinated components:

• Gripper as a central gripping unit
• Gripper fingers or suction cups for direct contact with the workpiece
• Adapter for connection to robots, gantries or systems
• Sensors for monitoring position, presence or gripping status
• Interfaces for integration into the control system
• Changeover systems for flexible product or format changes

It is the interaction of these components that makes gripping technology This enables workpieces to be picked up, moved, positioned and set down automatically – stably, with repeatable accuracy and tailored to the specific process.

Types of grippers in industrial automation

Various types of grippers are used in industrial automation. Mechanical grippers grip workpieces using fingers, jaws or special contact elements. Vacuum grippers utilise negative pressure and are particularly suitable for flat, smooth or delicate surfaces. Magnetic grippers are used for ferromagnetic workpieces. Specialised grippers are used when standard solutions are insufficient or when workpieces with unusual geometries need to be handled.

The selection of the appropriate gripper type depends on the workpiece, material, surface, weight, gripping direction and production environment. AGS provides support in the design of customised gripping systems for various industries and levels of automation.

Mechanical grippers, vacuum grippers and special-purpose grippers

A mechanical gripper is particularly suitable for structured components with defined gripping surfaces. It enables direct force transmission and precise positioning of the workpiece. Mechanical grippers are frequently used in assembly automation, machine loading, robotics and quality assurance .

Depending on the workpiece and application, different gripping principles are used:

• Vacuum grippers gently pick up delicate or flat components using negative pressure.
• Magnetic grippers are suitable for metallic workpieces where rapid pick-up, robust operation and a compact design are required.
• Specialised grippers are developed to customer specifications for complex tasks and implemented as modular gripping solutions.

AGS combines the right gripping technology with the specific workpiece, process and automation concept.

Gripping systems and industrial grippers for various industries

AGS gripping systems are used across many industrial sectors. In the automotive industry, they support the handling of body, powertrain and interior components. In electronics manufacturing, sensitive gripping technology and precise positioning enable the safe handling of delicate assemblies. In the plastics industry, industrial grippers ensure fast removal times, safe part handling and efficient integration into injection moulding processes.

Reliable gripping systems are also crucial for stable automation processes in packaging, mechanical engineering, medical technology and general manufacturing.

Gripper technology with sensor systems and modular integration

Modern gripper technology can be equipped with sensors, standardised interfaces and digital functions. Position monitoring, part recognition, gripping force control and process monitoring enhance safety and transparency in the production process.

Modular systems allow gripping systems to be flexibly configured and adapted to new workpieces or process requirements. This facilitates integration into existing plant, reduces changeover times and supports cost-effective automation.

Quality and manufacturing: Made in Germany

AGS Automation Greifsysteme adheres to high quality standards and certified processes in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN EN ISO 14001. Development and manufacturing at the Herkenrath site enable short coordination channels, flexible adaptations and reliable quality for demanding automation projects.

The combination of experience, technical advice and modular gripping technology makes AGS a strong partner for bespoke gripping systems and industrial grippers.

Your partner for innovative gripping technology

Whether it’s a mechanical gripper, a bespoke gripping system, modular gripping technology or a complete industrial gripper: AGS develops solutions that are precisely tailored to your application.

Benefit from expert application advice, bespoke system solutions, rapid project implementation, comprehensive service and long-term spare parts availability.

Contact our experts for expert advice on your gripping technology.