How to Choose the Right End-of-Arm Tool (EOAT) for Your Robot

Choosing the right end-of-arm tool (EOAT) for a robot is crucial for achieving optimal performance and efficiency in your automation process. For the past several decades ABCO Automation has created automation solutions for our customers that meet their needs. Many of those included robot arms. Our engineering team has designed hundreds of EOAT’s. Here are some general guidelines which follows to help in that design process:

1. Understand the Application

• Task Requirements: ABCO defines the scope of work for the project and identifies the specific tasks the robot will perform (e.g., picking, placing, welding, assembly).
• Material Type: ABCO considers the material you’re handling (e.g., metal, plastic, food).
• Precision and Accuracy: ABCO determines the level of precision required.

• Weight of the Object: ABCO ensures the EOAT can handle the weight of the objects the robot will be manipulating, considering both the maximum and minimum weights. We run multiple simulations before we build the EOAT to test.
• Payload Capacity of the Robot: ABCO matches the EOAT weight with the robot’s payload capacity, ensuring it doesn’t exceed it.

• Mounting Interface: ABCO verifies that the EOAT is compatible with the robot’s mounting interface because if you don’t do that, what’s the point.
• Control System: ABCO ensures the EOAT integrates smoothly with the robot's control system and software.

• Grippers: Depending on the application, ABCO uses grippers for picking and placing items to include vacuum grippers, pneumatic grippers, and electric grippers.
• Welders: For welding tasks, we choose between spot welders or arc welders.
• Tool Changers: If the robot will perform multiple tasks, ABCO considers a tool changer for switching EOATs automatically.
• Cutting Tools: For cutting or trimming applications, ABCO ensures the tool has the right specifications (e.g., blade type, cutting speed).

• Operating Conditions: ABCO considers the environment where the robot will operate (e.g., temperature, humidity, exposure to chemicals).
• Cleanliness: For industries like food or pharmaceuticals, ABCO ensures the EOAT and entire robot cell meets hygiene standards.

• Regulations: ABCO ensures the EOAT we design complies with relevant safety standards and industry regulations.
• Operator Safety: ABCO considers features like force limitation or emergency stops if the EOAT will operate near human workers.

• Material Durability: ABCO creates EOAT’s from materials that can withstand the operational environment and are cost effective
• Ease of Maintenance: ABCO designs EOAT’s that are easy to maintain and have parts which are easy to replace.

• Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Value: We evaluate the cost of an EOAT against the expected lifespan and expected maintenance along with our customer’s goals for budget and productivity.  
• Return on Investment (ROI): ABCO considers how the EOAT will affect the overall efficiency and whether it justifies the investment.

If you need help automating a single process at your facility or need a complete line upgrade, please contact ABCO Automation and let us help.