Festo’s Compact EHMD Gripper Performs Fast Opening/Closing in Tight Spaces

November 26, 2020

Festo’s new smallest-in-class, compact rotary gripper module EHMD is optimized for reliable gripping and rotation of small objects in confined spaces. It’s ideal for applications like screwing or unscrewing of caps on sample vials with up to 15 ml volume in laboratory automation. The unique Z module automatically adjusts to the thread pitches of the caps, eliminating the need for head/adapter changeover times. EHMD also is fast for so small a unit – up to 120 rpm at full torque.

EHMD is equally effective whether the application is for in-vitro diagnostics, cell or genome research or quality inspections in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. This includes functions like preparing and analysing samples, loading centrifuges, gripping, rotating and placing microwell plates or even opening and closing sample vials of different sizes. Its wipedown surfaces and a clean, compact design make it particularly well-suited for operations in a laboratory environment. It is also perfect for pick and place tasks in light assembly in the electronics industry or for food and beverage applications.

When combined with a 3D gantry and a camera, EHMD can support quality inspections, rotating samples in front of a barcode reader, or label printing with a label printer.

The EHMD is available in two versions: fully electric or as a hybrid with a pneumatic gripper. Both permit infinite rotation. An optional assembly module with Z compensation automatically adjusts to the thread pitch of the caps without moving the Z-axis. When powered by the motor controller CMMO-ST from Festo, it allows sample containers of unknown size to be gripped with varying levels of force.

For more information, visit www.festo.com.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Spring Spotlight: Unlock Smart I/O & Filter Performance

    June 19, 2025 Introduction As digital transformation reshapes manufacturing and warehousing, gaining actionable insights from the field and protecting sensitive assets are top priorities. Smart I/O brings intelligence to every corner of your facility, while motor protection filters shield your drives and motors from harmful voltage transients. Together, they form a robust foundation for a… Read More…

  • Feedback Devices: Exploring Linear, Rotary and Sine Encoders

    June 19, 2025 Encoders are the most widely applicable feedback devices for high-precision industrial servo systems. Learn the operating principles and appropriate applications for linear, rotary and sine encoders, as well as how to mitigate EMI/RFI noise for the most precise and reliable servo system control. Encoders: The High-Resolution Feedback Choice Encoders are characterized under… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Universal Robots Launches UR Studio – A New Online Simulation Tool Making it Simpler than Ever to Customize the Optimal Robot Cell

    June 24, 2025 UR Studio – showcased at the UR booth at Automatica Universal Robots (UR), one of the world’s leading collaborative robot (cobot) companies and a part of Teradyne Robotics, presented UR Studio, a powerful online simulation tool built on PolyScope X, UR’s most advanced, open and AI-ready software platform on June 24. UR Studio – showcased at the UR… Read More…

  • F3SG-SR Series Light Curtain from Omron

    June 23, 2025 Safety light curtain with improved alignment capabilities, advanced diagnostics, and reduced installation Struggles with light curtain installation, maintenance and troubleshooting result in unplanned downtime, increased costs and frustrated maintenance teams. The F3SG-SR series light curtain simplifies installation and reduces startup costs with quick alignment via 3-color Area Beam Indicators, no troublesome dead… Read More…