Piab's Kenos® KCS gripper enables a collaborative robot (cobot) that can handle just about anything, anywhere, at any time. This makes it the ideal "co-working" tool, especially for small businesses, where flexibility is essential. Originally developed together with a leading cobot manufacturer as a tailor-made automation tool for one customer, the resulting vacuum gripper cobot proved so successful that Piab decided to offer it more widely.

Piab's Kenos® KCS gripper enables a collaborative robot (cobot) that can handle just about anything, anywhere, at any time. This makes it the ideal "co-working" tool, especially for small businesses, where flexibility is essential. Originally developed together with a leading cobot manufacturer as a tailor-made automation tool for one customer, the resulting vacuum gripper cobot proved so successful that Piab decided to offer it more widely.

Combining Piab's proprietary air-driven COAX® technology for highly efficient vacuum ejection with an easily replaceable technical foam that molds itself around any surface or shape, the Kenos® KCS gripper can be used to safely grip, lift and handle any object. Standard interface (ISO) adapters enable the whole unit to be attached to any cobot type on the market and, with a body made in a lightweight 3D printed material, it can be easily moved to perform different jobs in different parts of a production site, warehouse or other setting.

"The KCS is the perfect small business all-rounder. Its modular, plug-and-play design means it can be adapted for universal use within a company," says Josef Karbassi, Vice President of Piab's Automation Division.

A cleverly designed quick-change system allows the same unit to be fitted with a special gripper for plastic bags. A simple twist and a secure locking mechanism enables the Kenos® KCS gripper to be configured and ready for new tasks within seconds, improving the productivity of operations and reducing system downtime.

"We have also made sure that the KCS gripper is easy to clean and service, with all parts and areas easily accessible. Designed with rounded edges and fitted with an efficient silencer it is safe and user-friendly, making for successful and harmonious human/robot cooperation," adds Josef Karbassi.