The EHMD is designed for life science applications where small objects need to be gripped and turned in a confined space. Source: Festo
Earlier this year, Festo Corp. added new sizes and capabilities to its electric handling module, or EHMD, line of compact grippers. These grippers are suitable for life science automation applications that require gripping and rotating small objects in confined spaces.
An optional module with Z-compensation automatically adjusts to cap thread pitch without moving the Z-axis, eliminating changeover times, said the Esslingen, Germany-based company. EHMD grippers now come in 40 mm (1.5 in.) and 50 mm (1.9 in.) sizes.
The EHMD is used in applications such as in vitro diagnostics, cell or genomic research, and quality inspection in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. This gripper line can also be used in the preparation and analysis of samples; loading centrifuges; gripping, rotating, and placing microwell plates; and opening and closing various-sized vials.
Combined with a 3D gantry and a camera, the EHMD can be integrated into systems that perform quality inspections, read barcodes, and print labels. Outside of lab device applications, EHMD can be used in light assembly and in the electronics industry.
The EHMD comes in a fully electric version or with a pneumatic gripper. When powered by the Festo multi-protocol servo drive CMMT-ST, the end effectors can grasp and turn with variable levels of force.
See Festo at Pack Expo
At Pack Expo later this month, Festo Didactic North America will showcase its hands-on learning systems built to simulate real-life industrial environments. The Eatontown, N.J.-based unit will exhibit its product range at Booth N-9018 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
As a global automation company celebrating its centennial year and its 60th year in career and technical education, Festo said it is well positioned to address the critical need for upskilling the industrial workforce. The company offers training to strengthen competencies in key areas such as automation, mechatronics, robotics, and fluid power.
“We fully understand the challenges employers are facing when it comes to finding qualified workers,” stated Karolyn Ellingson, head of industrial workforce development at Festo Didactic North America. “Festo has a longstanding history of delivering industry-aligned education and job training that’s proven effective in qualifying and upskilling individuals for highly-skilled technical work.”
Festo Didactic will showcase learning tools at Pack Expo 2025. Source: Festo
The company is collaborating with the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) to provide association members and education partners with technical training and certification programs aligned with industry standards.
The strategic partners said they have helped many companies create tailored internal training programs that ensure their workforces are equipped to handle the latest technologies.
“Equipping emerging talent for the future of work creates a ripple effect, which leads to empowering industrial teams everywhere,” said Mark Walters, industry manager for end-of-line packaging at Festo North America. “That’s what Festo aims to do, not only for the packaging industry, but for automation-powered businesses worldwide.”
At its booth in Las Vegas, Festo plans to feature:
- Industrial workforce development training solutions, and hands-on learning systems from Festo Didactic
- Smart electric automation and pneumatic systems for efficiency and precision in packaging operations
- Palletizing and material handling with compact gantries and smart software for efficient palletizing
- Guide system durability with high-speed 2D pick-and-place systems
- Vacuum and gripping solutions for reliable handling and diverse packaging needs
- Safety, motion control, and remote I/O with simplified motion systems like the VTUX and CPX-AP-A-EP for smarter automation in food and packaging operations
- Festo’s Fabco Air brand includes actuators, valves, and air preparation products to meet the needs of industries that require inch-based solutions
- Festo AX Industrial Intelligence collects real-time production data and uses AI to analyze it, helping companies reduce downtimes by 25%, cut waste by 20%, and reduce leakages by up to 65%
To schedule a consultation with a Festo expert at the event, fill out this form to schedule an appointment.
Editor’s note: This article is syndicated from The Robot Report sibling site Design World.
