OnRobot launches the magnetic gripper MG10

With the MG10, the Danish robotics specialist OnRobot introduces its first magnetic gripper. Unlike conventional models of this type, the MG10 allows precise control of force and grip. This opens up new possibilities for users in handling metal workpieces: where parallel or vacuum grippers reach their limits, the MG10 automates processes in machine loading, material handling, or assembly. By securely gripping and holding perforated and irregularly shaped metal parts, it is suitable for applications in the automotive or aerospace industries, for example. The gripper can be quickly reconfigured for new tasks and is compatible with robots from all major manufacturers.

While standard magnetic grippers can often only be turned on or off, the electric MG10 can dose its force according to the task and workpiece. Until now, magnetic grippers required rubber attachments to create the necessary distance between the magnet and the workpiece. Adjusting these is a lengthy process that usually yields only imprecise results. Especially when handling sheet metal parts and small metal elements like screws, it often happens that magnetic grippers pick up more than one part because they are set too strongly.

„Traditional magnetic grippers cause a lot of effort: every time the application or workpiece changes, users have to manually adjust the parameters,” explains Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. „The MG10 allows companies to quickly and flexibly switch between different applications, even in low-volume/high-mix production. Just used in machine loading, it can support depalletizing sheet metal parts in the next moment.”

Application potentials in the automotive sector

Especially in vehicle manufacturing, irregularly shaped, punched, or drilled sheet metal or other metal parts are often involved. When handling these, parallel and vacuum grippers reach their limits: on perforated surfaces, no vacuum can be generated, and complex geometries are difficult for a gripper to grasp firmly. The MG10 handles this: equipped with multiple magnets, it can handle workpieces of various shapes, sizes, and weight classes. With a load capacity of up to 10 kg and a gripping force of 300 N, it provides strong hold on small surfaces and reliably handles objects with rough, uneven, or perforated surfaces—such as grids. This makes it suitable for numerous tasks in automotive manufacturing or aerospace. One conceivable application scenario is a robot lifting sheet metal parts from a stack to place them into a pressing or bending machine and removing them after processing. The MG10 can also assist in assembly or material handling, such as depalletizing sheet metal parts.

Affordable alternative to pneumatic grippers

To ensure safe handling of heavy workpieces, the MG10 is equipped with integrated sensors for part and gripper detection. For example, if the power fails or the robot unexpectedly needs to perform an emergency stop, these functions ensure it continues to hold the workpiece securely.

It also offers an alternative to expensive, complex pneumatic grippers. „Unlike pneumatic systems, the electrically operated MG10 requires no external air supply,” says Krog Iversen. „This means no wear-prone, maintenance-intensive hoses. Our new gripper is ready to use right out of the box—and saves users a lot of time and money.”