Robotiq Hand-E 100 mm Adaptive Gripper: Is the Longer Stroke Better for High-Mix Manufacturing?

Robotiq has expanded its Hand-E adaptive gripper range with a new 100 mm stroke configuration. The longer stroke allows manufacturers to handle a wider range of part sizes without frequently changing grippers or modifying fingertips.

For manufacturers operating high-mix production lines, this update offers a practical question: when does a longer gripping stroke improve flexibility, and when is the standard 50 mm version still sufficient?

The main change is the gripping stroke. The original Hand-E is available with a 50 mm stroke, while the new configuration provides 100 mm of travel.

According to Robotiq, the new version retains the core characteristics of the existing Hand-E platform, including its 7 kg payload, IP67 protection, precision and integration capabilities.

This means manufacturers can choose between two stroke options based on their workpiece dimensions rather than changing to a completely different gripper platform.

Actual gripping performance depends on the workpiece, fingertip design and operating conditions.

A 100 mm stroke provides more gripping travel, making it easier to accommodate different workpiece dimensions within the same production setup.

For high-mix manufacturing, this can bring several practical benefits:

• Wider part-size range: Handle more workpiece sizes without changing the gripper.

• Fewer tool changes: Reduce the need for frequent end-of-arm tooling adjustments.

• Flexible machine tending: Support CNC loading and unloading when workpieces vary in size.

• Simplified automation: Maintain a common gripper platform across different production tasks.

The IP67-rated sealed design is also relevant to CNC machine tending, where dust, coolant and moisture can affect conventional grippers.

The Hand-E 100 mm configuration is worth considering for:

• CNC machine tending and workpiece loading

• Flexible assembly lines

• Mixed-part handling

• Small-batch manufacturing

• Robotic pick-and-place operations

For applications involving frequent changes in workpiece dimensions, the longer stroke can reduce tooling adjustments and improve production flexibility.

Not necessarily. A longer stroke is useful when the production line handles parts with significantly different dimensions. However, it does not automatically improve gripping performance in every application.

Buyers should also consider the robot's payload capacity, including the gripper and workpiece, as well as fingertip geometry, gripping force and cycle time.

The Robotiq Hand-E 100 mm extends the flexibility of an established adaptive gripper platform. Its longer stroke is particularly relevant to CNC machine tending and high-mix production environments where workpiece dimensions vary.

For manufacturers handling a consistent range of parts, the 50 mm version may remain sufficient. For applications requiring greater size flexibility, the 100 mm configuration offers an additional option without changing the core Hand-E platform.