Glossary · Robotics
Vacuum gripper
Also known as: Suction gripper, Vacuum cup gripper
German: Vakuumgreifer
In handling and robotics, a vacuum gripper is a gripper that holds objects by negative pressure through suction cups or foam pads, with the vacuum generated by an ejector using compressed air or by a vacuum pump.
- Robotics
In one sentence
A vacuum gripper holds objects by suction through cups or foam pads, using an ejector or pump to create the vacuum.
Example
The vacuum gripper lifts glass panes with eight cups and monitors the vacuum level, so the robot stops if a cup loses its seal.
How it applies
- Engineering: Holding force depends on cup area, vacuum level, surface tightness and acceleration. Porous or uneven surfaces need foam grippers or higher suction flow. Vacuum switches confirm part presence.
- Operation: On loss of energy, parts can drop unless the design includes check valves or vacuum reservoirs; the risk assessment decides what is needed.
- Documentation: The documentation team should document vacuum settings, monitoring thresholds, cup replacement and filter cleaning, and the behavior on air or power loss, including the Ejection hazard of dropped parts.
Vacuum gripper vs. mechanical gripper
A vacuum gripper holds by suction on one surface and needs no access around the part. A mechanical gripper such as a Parallel gripper clamps the part and holds it more positively under high acceleration.