The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Exoskeletons
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Markets
    • Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Logistics
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
    • Security
  • Financial
    • Investments
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Earnings
  • Resources
    • Careers
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Issues
    • Publications
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
      • Robotics Business Review
    • RBR50 Winners 2022
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
    • Leave a voicemail

Soft Robotics’ new coDrive enables untethered pneumatic cobot manipulation

By The Robot Report Staff | October 31, 2019

BEDFORD, Mass. — One challenge for developers and users of collaborative robots and end effectors is managing a nest of power and control cables and hydraulic or pneumatic supplies. To address this, Soft Robotics Inc. today unveiled its new coDrive technology. The company said the modular system enables its patented mGrip soft gripper kits to work with cobot arms without needing tethered pressurized air.

As collaborative robots become increasingly mobile, they require a gripping system that is as easy to deploy and use. Soft Robotics said its adaptive grasping systems are proven globally in demanding production environments, such as food handling.

coDrive “cuts the pneumatic cord” and allows mGrip to be deployed where the customer needs it, untethering the soft grippers for a variety of applications such as pick and place, packaging, and machine tending, said Soft Robotics. Cobot users can now bring mGrip adaptive technology to their applications with the ease and portability of traditional electrical grippers, it added.

“Our customers are deploying collaborative robots in an agile infrastructure, but to do so, they require a gripping solution that enables their agile manufacturing strategy and removes barriers that traditional grasping technologies present,” stated Carl Vause, CEO of Soft Robotics. “We designed coDrive with this in mind to power our proven mGrip technology in our new Cobot Kits, allowing customers to deploy or re-deploy their collaborative robotic solution anywhere and with ease, enabling flexibility in their supply chain and manufacturing operations.”

Soft Robotics' coDrive enables untethered pneumatic cobot manipulation

The coDrive system allows for mobile compliant cobot manipulation. Source: Soft Robotics

coDrive compatible with UR arms

The first iteration of coDrive is designed for plug-and-play capability with arms from cobot leader Universal Robots and has a UR+ certification. The controller tucks away into the UR cabinet and includes URCap software for easy programming via a teach pendant.

Enabling untethered mGrip applications was the inspiration for coDrive, said Soft Robotics. Users can simply install the mGrip system and set the grip pressure and release timing. They are able to immediately start picking in the manufacturing location of their choice, no longer dictated by the proximity of house air.

“We are excited by the new mGrip Cobot Kits from Soft Robotics that we see filling a gap in the collaborative market,” said Joe Campbell, senior manager of strategic marketing and application development at Universal Robots.” These kits are truly designed with our customers in mind and are sure to enable quick deployment and a quick ROI.”

Soft Robotics and Universal Robots will host a webinar on Nov. 14, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern to preview the mGrip Cobot Kits with the new coDrive technology. To register, visit http://bit.ly/SoftRoboticsWebinar.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles Read More >

MIT CSAIL develops soft, pneumatic actuator
Designing a quadruped controlled & powered by pneumatics
Soft robot inspired by sea creatures can walk, roll, and transport cargo
Soft robot inspired by sea creatures can walk, roll, and transport cargo
Michigan State finds that stronger soft gripper could lead to safer human-robot interactions
Michigan State finds that stronger soft gripper could lead to safer human-robot interactions

2021 Robotics Handbook

The Robot Report Listing Database

Latest Robotics News

Robot Report Podcast

Anders Beck introduces the UR20; California bans autonomous tractors
See More >

Sponsored Content

  • Magnetic encoders support the stabilization control of a self-balancing two-wheeled robotic vehicle
  • How to best choose your AGV’s Wheel Drive provider
  • Meet Trey, the autonomous trailer (un)loading forklift
  • Kinova Robotics launches Link 6, the first Canadian industrial collaborative robot
  • Torque sensors help make human/robot collaborations safer for workers

RBR50 Innovation Awards

Leave us a voicemail

The Robot Report
  • Mobile Robot Guide
  • Collaborative Robotics Trends
  • Field Robotics Forum
  • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
  • RoboBusiness Event
  • Robotics Business Review
  • Robotics Summit & Expo
  • About The Robot Report
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Exoskeletons
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Markets
    • Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Logistics
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
    • Security
  • Financial
    • Investments
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Earnings
  • Resources
    • Careers
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Issues
    • Publications
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
      • Robotics Business Review
    • RBR50 Winners 2022
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
    • Leave a voicemail