RM-EGB Compact Electric Gripper
The RM-EGB is an all-in-one electric gripper with a built-in controller, designed as a drop-in replacement for pneumatic grippers of the same specification. Gripping force from 10 to 80 N and stroke from 6 to 10 mm are both selectable in steps, chosen directly by an I/O signal combination with no parameter setup required. Built-in adaptive gripping plus empty-grip and workpiece-drop detection; supports Modbus RTU and I/O control.
Manufacturer: RobustMotion | Category: Electric Grippers | Models: RM-EGB-06-6, RM-EGB-06H-16D, RM-EGB-06L-20D
Models and Specifications
| Item | RM-EGB-06-6 | RM-EGB-06H-16D | RM-EGB-06L-20D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size code | 06 | 06H | 06L |
| Stroke (mm) | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Gripping force (N) | 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 (4 steps) | 10 / 15 / 35 / 60 (4 steps) | 16 / 30 / 60 / 80 (4 steps) |
| Absolute position (mm) | 0 / 2 / 4 (3 steps) | 0 / 2 / 4 (3 steps) | 0 / 4 / 8 (3 steps) |
| Repeatability (mm) | ±0.02 | ||
| Fastest open / close time (s) | 0.3 / 0.3 | 0.1 / 0.1 | 0.18 / 0.18 |
| Allowable load moment (N·m) | MR 1.36, MP 0.8, MY 0.68 | MR 1.36, MP 0.8, MY 0.68 | MR 2.65, MP 2.35, MY 1.65 |
| Controller | Built-in | ||
| Control (fieldbus) | Modbus RTU | ||
| Control (interface) | I/O control | ||
| I/O interface | 3 inputs (NPN), 3 outputs (NPN) | ||
| Rated voltage (V) | DC24 ±10% | ||
| Rated current (A) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Peak current (A) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Weight (kg) | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.32 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 23.5 × 38 × 98 | 23.5 × 38 × 98 | 27.6 × 50 × 108 |
| Operating environment | 0–40°C, 85%RH or less (non-condensing) | ||
| Protection rating | IP40 | ||
Highlighted rows differ between models; values shared by all models are merged into one cell.
Both gripping force and absolute position are selected directly by I/O signal combination — no parameter setup is needed. Gripping force is a reference value measured at 25°C with a tolerance of ±15%.
For full specifications and dimensional drawings, see RM Electric Actuator General Catalogue (PDF).
Model Code
RM-EGB-[size code][version]-[spec]-[cable outlet position]-[cable outlet type & length]-[series]
| Field | Available codes |
|---|---|
| Size code | 06 |
| Version | / (standard), H (high speed), L (standard length) |
| Spec | 6, 16D, 20D |
| Cable outlet position | 1 (side), 2 (bottom) |
| Cable outlet type & length | D0200, D0300 (D = direct cable) |
| Series | ITG, RTU |
I/O Combination Control Signals
Three input signals select motion and force directly by their ON/OFF combination, with no parameter setup; three output signals report position, grip and error states.
Input signals (motion commands)
| No. | IN0 | IN1 | IN2 | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OFF | OFF | OFF | Open to limit, force 100% |
| 2 | OFF | ON | OFF | Position to 2 mm, force 100% |
| 3 | OFF | OFF | ON | Position to 4 mm, force 100% |
| 4 | OFF | ON | ON | Open to limit, force 50% |
| 5 | ON | OFF | OFF | Grip to limit, force 100% |
| 6 | ON | ON | OFF | Grip to limit, force 75% |
| 7 | ON | OFF | ON | Grip to limit, force 50% |
| 8 | ON | ON | ON | Grip to limit, force 25% |
Output signals (status feedback)
| No. | OUT0 | OUT1 | OUT2 | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OFF | OFF | OFF | In motion |
| 2 | OFF | ON | OFF | Open position reached (no externally gripped workpiece detected, or workpiece dropped) / positioning move completed |
| 3 | OFF | ON | ON | Open position reached and workpiece detected by external grip |
| 4 | ON | OFF | OFF | Grip position reached, no workpiece detected / workpiece dropped |
| 5 | ON | ON | OFF | Grip position reached and workpiece detected |
| 6 | OFF | OFF | ON | Positioning move not completed, force reached 100% |
| 7 | ON | ON | ON | Device error |
Typical Applications
Pick-and-place of small parts
The 6–10 mm stroke covers the outer dimensions of most small electronic parts and connectors, and the minimum 10 N gripping force handles thin workpieces. Force is selected by I/O combination, so a product changeover only requires a different input pattern — no re-parameterisation.
Direct replacement of pneumatic grippers
The mounting interface matches pneumatic grippers of the same specification, so the mechanism usually does not need to be redesigned — only the air tubing and solenoid valve are replaced by a DC24V supply and I/O wiring. The changeover also adds stepped force control and status feedback that pneumatics cannot provide.
Pick-and-place doubling as presence detection
Grip-completed, empty-grip and workpiece-drop each have their own output state, so the handling motion itself confirms whether a workpiece is present — no separate photoelectric or proximity sensor is needed at the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the RM-EGB directly replace an existing pneumatic gripper? Do I need to modify the mechanism?
For equivalent specifications it can be a direct replacement: the mounting interface is designed to match pneumatic grippers, so the mechanism usually does not need to be redesigned. What changes is the control side: where you previously connected the air line and solenoid valve, you now connect a DC24V power supply and I/O signal lines. Because the controller is built in and both force and position are selected directly by I/O combinations, no parameter setup is required; in practice wiring, power-up and operation can be completed in about one minute.
Without parameter setup, how do I specify the gripping force and position on the RM-EGB?
They are selected directly by the ON/OFF combination of 3 input signals (IN0, IN1, IN2), giving eight combinations: all OFF = open to limit, 100% force; IN1 = position to 2mm; IN2 = position to 4mm; IN1+IN2 = open to limit, 50% force; IN0 = grip to limit, 100% force; IN0+IN1 = 75% force; IN0+IN2 = 50% force; all three ON = 25% force. No PC or configuration software is needed.
How do I know whether the gripper has actually picked up the workpiece? Can it detect empty grips or dropped parts?
3 output signals (OUT0, OUT1, OUT2) report seven states: in motion; open position reached (no workpiece detected in outward gripping, or workpiece dropped); open position reached with a workpiece detected in outward gripping; grip position reached but no workpiece detected (empty grip or dropped part); grip position reached with a workpiece detected; positioning move not completed but force has reached 100%; and device error. The pick-and-place motion itself becomes an inspection step, with no additional sensors required.
How do I choose between the three RM-EGB models?
RM-EGB-06-6 has a 6mm stroke, gripping force of 10/20/30/40N (4 steps) and a 0.3 s open/close time, suitable for general pick-and-place. RM-EGB-06H-16D is the high-speed version: same 6mm stroke but open/close time shortened to 0.1 s, with gripping force of 10/15/35/60N. RM-EGB-06L-20D increases the stroke to 10mm, with gripping force of 16/30/60/80N, a 0.18 s open/close time and a higher allowable load moment (MR 2.65, MP 2.35, MY 1.65 N·m). Choose the 06H for speed, and the 06L for a longer stroke or higher gripping force.
Can the RM-EGB grip fragile workpieces such as thin glass?
The lowest force step of the RM-EGB is 10N (RM-EGB-06-6 and 06H-16D) and 16N for the RM-EGB-06L-20D; combined with adaptive gripping, it can handle general thin parts. If the workpiece is more fragile and needs a gripping force below 10N, we recommend the RM-RGM instead (minimum 4N). Gripping force values are measured reference values at 25°C with a tolerance of ±15%, so please confirm the usable force with trial grips on the actual workpiece. When selecting a model, feel free to send us the workpiece material, dimensions and weight for evaluation.
Other Electric Grippers Models
- RM-GB Servo Electric Gripper — The RM-GB servo electric gripper is a drop-in replacement for pneumatic grippers of the same specification, with a stroke of 20~170 mm and a max. gripping force of 65~700 N. It offers very high-speed opening and closing, adaptive gripping, and built-in empty-grip and workpiece-drop detection. The 11 / 17 series are available as ITG integrated versions (built-in controller); separate controller types work with RM-C / RM-CEP / RM-CEM / RM-CEU-55 controllers and support a range of industrial fieldbuses including EtherCAT, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP.
- RM-GB-HF/F Precision Force-Control Servo Electric Gripper — The RM-GB-HF/F is a servo electric gripper in the RobustMotion SoftForce® precision force-control series (also called a force-control electric gripper or force-control servo gripper). It adds a force sensor to the RM-GB platform for closed-loop force control with real-time gripping force feedback, while capturing force–position–time data to generate process curves. Strokes are 20 / 40 / 60mm, the closed-loop gripping force range spans 0.2–98.9N depending on sensor range, and repeatability is ±0.05mm. With position hold on power loss and power-loss detection, it is suited to transfer, assembly, soldering and inspection of workpieces such as chips, dies and flexible flat cables. Used with the RM-CEPF / RM-CEMSF controllers, it supports EtherCAT, PROFINET, CC-LINK and Modbus TCP / RTU.
- RM-MGBD-HF Precision Force-Control Miniature Electric Gripper — The RM-MGBD-HF is a two-jaw miniature electric gripper in the RobustMotion SoftForce® precision force-control series (also called a force-control electric gripper). With force-control accuracy down to ±0.01N, it performs closed-loop force control with real-time gripping force feedback while capturing force–position–time data to generate process curves. Stroke is 13mm, repeatability ±0.02mm and fastest open / close time 0.25 s; the closed-loop gripping force range spans 0.02–15N depending on sensor range. It is suited to pick-and-place of fragile, high-value workpieces such as packaged chips, micro optical lenses and precision components. Used with the RM-CEUF / RM-CEMF controllers, it supports EtherCAT, PROFINET, CC-LINK and Modbus TCP / RTU.
- RM-RGM Servo Rotary Electric Gripper — The RM-RGM servo rotary electric gripper combines gripping and unlimited 360° rotation in a single actuator. It offers an adjustable stroke of 0~32 mm, gripping force of 4~100 N, a max. rotation speed of up to 2160°/s, position repeatability of ±0.02 mm and rotation repeatability of ±0.05°. With a built-in controller and Modbus RTU support, it suits assembly and inspection stations that need to pick, place and rotate parts at the same time.
A key-spec comparison of every model, with selection notes and FAQs, is in the Electric Grippers selection guide.
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