EFFECTO Applied Robotics Palletizing Gripper (ARPG) Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The Applied Robotics Palletizing Gripper (ARPG) from EFFECTO, formerly Applied Robotics, is designed for rapid pick-and-place palletizing of bagged products. Its high payload-to-gripper weight ratio lets lighter robots handle bags efficiently.
Width is adjusted and locked with a patent-pending self-locking rotary handwheel, and the gripper will not lose its payload on loss of power or air. Options include a pneumatic pusher, pallet picker, sheet picker and servo bag-width adjustment.
Quick Verdict
A well-thought-out bag gripper for end-of-line palletizing. Fail-safe holding and modular options cover the full cycle of bags, pallets and slip sheets.
EFFECTO Applied Robotics Palletizing Gripper (ARPG) at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Bag palletizing gripper |
Payload ratio | High payload-to-gripper weight ratio |
Width adjustment | Self-locking rotary handwheel (patent pending) |
Fail-safe | No payload loss on power or air failure |
Options | Pneumatic pusher, pallet picker, sheet picker, servo bag-width adjustment |
Construction | Robust for industrial environments |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Bag grippers typically use tines or forks that slide under the bag, with a clamp holding it from above. A light gripper body leaves more of the robot's payload for the bag, allowing smaller robots or faster cycles.
The pneumatic pusher option clamps with equal force regardless of bag thickness, and the pallet and sheet picker options let one gripper handle empty pallets and slip sheets without a separate tool.
Servo width adjustment allows changing bag sizes on the fly, useful for lines running multiple products.
Integration and Selection
Specify bag dimensions, weights and pattern, and choose options for pallet and sheet handling. Size the robot for bag plus gripper weight at the required rate.
Integrate the gripper signals into the palletizing software and verify bag release accuracy.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Agriculture and feed | Palletizing feed and seed bags |
Chemicals | Palletizing powder and pellet bags |
Building materials | Cement and mortar bags |
Food | Flour, sugar and grain bags |
Functional Uses
Bag palletizing
Empty pallet handling
Slip sheet placement
On-the-fly width changes
Pros and Cons
Advantages
High payload-to-weight ratio
No payload loss on air/power failure
Self-locking width adjustment
Modular options
Limitations
Designed mainly for bags
Options add weight
Requires pallet and sheet logistics planning
Who Should Consider the EFFECTO Applied Robotics Palletizing Gripper (ARPG)?
The ARPG suits end-of-line bag palletizing in agriculture, chemicals, food and building materials.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. EFFECTO prices the ARPG by size, options and quantity, so the final figure depends on the exact configuration. Budget for the complete tooling package, including fingers or adapters, mounting, air or electrical connections and commissioning time, rather than the module alone.
Further Reading
EFFECTO Applied Robotics Palletizing Gripper (ARPG) FAQ
What is the ARPG?
A robotic bag palletizing gripper from EFFECTO (formerly Applied Robotics).
Does it drop bags on air loss?
No, it will not lose its payload during loss of power or air.
How is width adjusted?
With a self-locking rotary handwheel, or optionally by servo on the fly.
Can it handle pallets and sheets?
Yes, with pallet picker and sheet picker options.
What is the pneumatic pusher?
An option that clamps with equal force on all bag thicknesses.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from EFFECTO.
