Piab Kenos Safe&Light (KSL) Foam Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The Piab Kenos Safe&Light (KSL) is an extremely lightweight foam vacuum gripper with a carbon fibre structure holding a foam body. Payload reaches up to 130 lb depending on gripper size.
Foam pads attach magnetically with the EasyFoam system for quick replacement. It is offered with an independent check valve system that maintains vacuum without adjustment, or a lower-cost calibrated-holes system that allows picking items upside down. Vacuum can be generated internally or externally, and a UR cap provides plug-and-play use on Universal Robots cobots.
Quick Verdict
A standout cobot palletizing gripper: carbon fibre keeps weight low so more payload goes to the product, and magnetic foam swaps keep downtime short.
Piab Kenos Safe&Light (KSL) Foam Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Foam vacuum gripper |
Payload | Up to 130 lb, depending on size |
Structure | Carbon fibre with foam body |
Foam attachment | Magnetic EasyFoam system |
Valve technology | Independent check valves or calibrated holes |
Vacuum generation | Internal or external; optional ejector valve kit |
Cobot integration | UR cap for Universal Robots |
Compatibility | Other cobots and small industrial robots |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Cobot payload is the limiting factor in palletizing, so every kilogram saved on the gripper can be added to the carton. A carbon fibre frame makes the KSL very light, which can even allow a smaller cobot to do the job.
Check valves in each foam opening close when not covered by product, so the gripper keeps vacuum on partial picks and different carton sizes without adjustment. The calibrated-holes version is simpler and cheaper and works upside down.
Foam pads wear in palletizing, especially on dusty cardboard. EasyFoam magnets let operators change the foam in moments, avoiding long stops.
Integration and Selection
Choose the size for carton dimensions and payload, and pick check valve or calibrated holes depending on product variety. Use the UR cap for fast integration on UR cobots.
Decide between internal ejector and external pump depending on air availability and weight targets.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
E-commerce | Palletizing shipping cartons |
Warehousing | Mixed case handling |
Wood | Handling wood parts |
Construction materials | Handling boards in dusty environments |
Functional Uses
Cobot palletizing
Multi-size carton picking
Upside-down picking
Dusty environment handling
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Up to 130 lb payload
Very light carbon fibre
Quick magnetic foam change
UR plug-and-play
Limitations
Foam is a wear part
Payload depends on size
Less precise than cup grippers
Who Should Consider the Piab Kenos Safe&Light (KSL) Foam Gripper?
The Kenos KSL suits cobot palletizing in logistics and end-of-line production.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Piab prices the Kenos KSL by configuration, options and quantity. Budget for the complete solution, including mounting, vacuum or air supply, valves, sensors and commissioning, rather than the component alone.
Further Reading
Piab Kenos Safe&Light (KSL) Foam Gripper FAQ
What payload does the KSL handle?
Up to 130 lb depending on gripper size.
What is the structure made of?
Carbon fibre holding a foam body.
How are foam pads replaced?
They attach magnetically with the EasyFoam system.
Which valve options exist?
Independent check valves or calibrated holes.
Does it work with Universal Robots?
Yes, with a UR cap for plug-and-play use.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Piab.
