These large-surface lifters come with software, robot tool mounts, and connectors for quick setup and use with FANUC CRX robot arms. Using compressed air through multiple suction ports, they lift larger and heavier items than standard vacuum lifters. Also known as venturi devices, they generate suction without an installed vacuum system. To view data and adjust settings in a smartphone app, hold a phone that can read near-field communication (NFC) up to one of the NFC tags on these lifters. A digital display lets you read measurements while standing next to them.

These lifters have an IP40 rating, meaning that they keep out objects 1 mm or larger—such as wire—to protect their inner parts. They also meet ISO/TS 15066—with no pinch points or sharp edges, you can safely use them on robots that will be near people.

Lifters with cups grip irregularly shaped items better than lifters with a pad.

Lifters with a pad are better at lifting porous items than lifters with cups, and are also less likely to damage delicate surfaces.

Warning: Never use to lift people or items over people.

Everything you need to build a custom vacuum lifter for your collaborative robot—including rails, connecting hardware, vacuum cups, air hose, robot arm mount, and vacuum generator, also called a venturi device. Whether you’re picking and placing stamped sheet metal, molded plastic, or cardboard boxes, this system gives you the freedom to position vacuum cups where you need them. Go from concept to ready-to-lift in minutes—you’ll need only simple tools for assembly. Build a custom frame with the aluminum rails—you can cut them down to size and join them together with the included connectors. Place the vacuum cups anywhere along your frame.

Hooking these lifters up to your robot arm is simple too. Use the included mount to bolt them right to the end of your robot arm. All that’s left is to plug the power cord into your robot arm and hook the lifter up to your compressed air line.

These lifters have integrated air control valves, so you can use your robot’s control program to turn suction on or off via digital inputs and outputs. A built-in vacuum switch tells your robot when an item is picked up, so it knows to move to the next location.

Maximum weight capacity is achieved only when lifting items with smooth, nonporous surfaces, such as glass and sheet metal. Materials like cardboard leak air when lifted, which reduces your lifter’s capacity. For instance, you can lift about 20% of the maximum capacity when using these lifters on a cardboard box similar to those we ship our parts in.

Attach these lifters to FANUC CRX or Universal Robots collaborative robots. They handle items up to 3.5 times heavier than our lifters for lightweight items. Because they use electricity to pick up and move items with suction, there’s no need for compressed air or air control valves. They don’t have pinch points or sharp edges, so they help you meet ISO/TS 15066 international safety standards for people working near robots.

Often used in packaging, palletizing, and material handling, these lifters can grip everything from cardboard boxes to bags of screws. With soft rubber cups, they’re less likely than pick-and-place grippers to damage glass, thin plastic, and other delicate objects. To install, plug the cord into your robot arm. It carries both power and control signals.