Bimba, which is part of IMI Precision Engineering, has launched the Collaborative Robot Vacuum Tool (CRVT), a plug-and-play end effector that is currently designed specifically for Universal Robots. The Bimba CRVT can be modified to work with other manufacturers. The company says it’s developing a system for two additional robots and will launch those by the end of 2018.

Developed to meet the versatile nature of collaborative robots, the Bimba CRVT comes off-the-shelf as a complete solution. Although designed to support a variety of applications with minimal configuration, Bimba offers a variety of pump options to enable users to meet the vacuum requirements of their application.

“Collaborative robots are making it easier than ever before for manufacturers to implement automation. With the CRVT, Bimba is looking to make the end effector as flexible and easy to use as the robot,” says Jeremy King, product manager for Bimba. “The CRVT is designed to be controlled using the I/O connection built into the robot. No additional software or controls are required. That means simply connecting the tool to the robot and supplying an air-line to it. Once that’s done, you’re ready to program.”

The Bimba CRVT is designed for packaging, palletizing, pick and place, CNC, lab analysis, and machine tending applications. The Bimba CRVT comes standard with venturi vacuum pump, valve, vacuum switch, muffler and cups integrated in a single easy to use end effector.

As part of Universal Robots’ UR+ program, the Bimba CRVT is tested and approved to integrate directly with UR robots, ensuring set-up, programming, and operation can all be accomplished with ease. The UR+ program enabled the Bimba CRVT to be optimized for collaborative robots by working closely with the Universal Robots team. Bimba says it allows it to connect with users who might not have thought of Bimba as an end effector supplier.