Pneumatic grippers with IO-Link technology
The smart option
What makes a pneumatic gripper truly smart? Our GPP5000IL and GPD5000IL series hybrid grippers communicate in real time via IO-Link and report their status at all times. Position sensing, gripper status, air supply pressure, number of cycles already completed – keep track of all the key data from your pneumatic end effectors.
Your benefit: up to 50% shorter cycle times and up to 90% less compressed air consumption!
Impressive in action
Save on maintenance, materials and costs!
With our hybrid grippers, you can achieve faster throughput times and flexible production. Thanks to the IO-Link technology, built-in sensors and pneumatic valve directly on the gripper, you do not need any complex wiring and tubing. This makes installation and maintenance a breeze. The following two application examples show the benefits:
Use case A: System gripper on the robot arm
1. Setup with conventional grippers:
The image shows an end-of-arm tool consisting of multiple grippers attached to a robot arm. The pneumatic supply is provided by two hoses per gripper, bundled together along the robot arm, while the valve manifold is located externally. In addition, two cables each for the sensors and the control system run to the PLC. The complex wiring and tubing can be potential interference contours and cause additional maintenance work.
12
Pneumatic hoses
12
Sensor cables
2. Setup with hybrid grippers:
By integrating the valve and sensors directly in the gripper and mounting the IO-Link master on the EOAT, the number of cables and hoses is reduced to the maximum extent possible. There are no more annoying interference contours along the robot arm, and maintenance is much easier because the number of components required in this design is minimized.
1
Pneumatic hose
6
Sensor cables
Use case B: Multiple grippers in a single system
1. Setup with conventional grippers:
Conventional pneumatic grippers require two hoses each for the compressed air supply, as well as extra wiring for the robot control system (PLC) and sensors. The compressed air supply is controlled centrally via a valve manifold. This means many individual components, which may require complex installation and maintenance.
16
Pneumatic hoses
16
Sensor cables
2. Setup with hybrid grippers:
Thanks to valves built into the gripper, a valve manifold is not required. Instead, the tubing is routed centrally through a supply channel that leads to individual hoses for the grippers. Built-in sensors ensure communication with the robot control system. One cable per gripper to the IO-Link master is all you need. This significantly reduces the cost of installation and maintenance.
1
Pneumatic hose
8
Sensor cables
Your benefits:
- Lower machine complexity, resulting in fewer interference contours and sources of error
- No additional sensors required
- Faster troubleshooting and shorter setup times
- Process monitoring and quality control with real-time data
- Less downtime thanks to predictive maintenance
- Fast cycle times with a flexible production line: up to a 50% reduction in cycle time
- Sustainable: up to 90% less compressed air used compared to conventional pneumatic grippers
Hybrid vs. Traditional
An overview of the benefits
Our hybrid grippers combine the best of both worlds, making them ideal for anyone who wants to prepare their manufacturing operations for Industry 4.0 without having to give up pneumatic end effectors. They enable both fast throughput times and flexible production. IO-Link technology and integrated sensors ensure reliable part detection without the need for extra sensors. The advantages become clear when compared directly:
Conventional pneumatic grippers
 | Robotics up to 25 kg |
 | Standardized ecosystem |  |
 | Plug & Work | |
 | No built-in pneumatic valve; valve manifold required |
 | No compressed air savings |
 | Normal cycle time |
Hybrid grippers
 | Average purchase costs |
 | Low installation, material and maintenance requirements |
 | Integrated sensors for part detection |
 | Built-in pneumatic valve; no valve manifold required |
 | Less compressed air used during operation |
 | Fast cycle time |
Well-rounded
Applications for hybrid grippers
Our hybrid grippers with IO-Link make the installation and maintenance of complex systems in automated facilities so much easier. Instead of complex valve manifolds and elaborate tubing, all you need is a streamlined infrastructure that has a central air supply and a continuous IO-Link connection. This not only simplifies the engineering of end-of-arm tools, but also makes it significantly easier to do maintenance, diagnostics and scaling of existing systems.
These advantages make the grippers extremely attractive for a wide range of industries. The hybrid combination of pneumatics and IO-Link ensures greater efficiency, transparency and flexibility throughout the entire value chain – from logistics and intralogistics for fast pick-and-place processes, to automotive and e-mobility production for the precise handling of components, to electronics manufacturing for sensitive parts, life science applications with high standards for cleanliness and process reliability or even in traditional mechanical engineering.
Flexibility:
Control system via PLC; can be changed during operation.
Accuracy:
Position feedback accuracy of 0.05 mm.
Data output from the gripper:
Allows for direct monitoring of the process.
Digital twin:
Run your grippers virtually in the digital twin.
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000IL
- Pneumatic drive combined with IO-Link technology
- Up to 50% cycle time reduction and up to 90% compressed air savings
- Connection via just one pneumatic line and IO-Link cable
- Pneumatic drive combined with IO-Link technology
- Up to 50% cycle time reduction and up to 90% compressed air savings
- Connection via just one pneumatic line and IO-Link cable
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000IL
- Pneumatic drive combined with IO-Link technology
- Up to 50% cycle time reduction and up to 90% compressed air savings
- Connection via just one pneumatic line and IO-Link cable
- Pneumatic drive combined with IO-Link technology
- Up to 50% cycle time reduction and up to 90% compressed air savings
- Connection via just one pneumatic line and IO-Link cable
3-Jaw Concentric Grippers
Series GPD5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
3-Jaw Concentric Grippers
Series GPD5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
2-Jaw Parallel Grippers
Series GPP5000AL
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Only here – larger stroke, reduced costs
- The value promise – Consistent and without fine print
- Steel Linear Guide – The superior guidance system concept
- Leakproof and corrosion protected – The universal gripper
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Aluminum Linear Guide – The alternative
- Only here – larger stroke, reduced costs
- The value promise – Consistent and without fine print
FAQ – hybrid grippers from the 5000 series
Hybrid grippers bring pneumatic actuation with IO-Link technology together. They combine the proven power and durability of pneumatic grippers with digital communication. IO-Link allows for the real-time monitoring and control of status, position and process data. With hybrid grippers, this data can be collected without extra components thanks to built-in sensors.
IO-Link grippers significantly reduce installation work, as fewer components, cables and interfaces are required. At the same time, they enable easy commissioning, transparent process data and faster error diagnosis. Thanks to faster cycle times, easier maintenance and lower compressed air consumption, you can reduce costs and improve process efficiency during operation.
Integration is achieved via a standardized IO-Link interface with just one cable. The only additional requirement is a central air supply. This makes installation so much easier and more straightforward than with conventional solutions. For instructions on how to set up your IO-Link gripper, click here:
IO-Link grippers can be integrated into existing automation systems without any problem. Because of its reduced infrastructure requirements, this technology is ideal for retrofit projects. In addition, the accessories for the 5000 product family are also compatible with the GPP5000IL and GPD5000IL series. You can therefore switch from a conventional pneumatic gripper to a hybrid gripper at any time.
Technical specifications vary by model and installation size. Use our Product Finder or the product comparisonto make the right choice. We will also be happy to give you personal advice to find the best gripper for your application.
IO-Link grippers provide a wide range of process data, including gripper position, status, workpiece detection and diagnostic data. This information helps monitor and optimize processes. Continuous feedback from the gripper allows deviations to be detected early on. This improves process reliability and reduces downtime.
The hybrid grippers are highly versatile. They are ideal for applications such as pick-and-place, assembly processes, machine loading and flexible, high-dynamic handling tasks. Their benefits are especially evident in complex systems, where reducing the amount of tubing and wiring simplifies installation and thus minimizes potential sources of error and maintenance requirements.
The lower number of components, simplified installation and quick commissioning all help to cut your investment and operating costs. They also reduce the maintenance costs. The GPP5000IL and GPD5000IL series are designed for a long service life with 30 million maintenance-free cycles and require very little maintenance. Diagnostic functions help ensure that maintenance is carried out in a planned and efficient manner.