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.
The RM-GB servo electric gripper, also known as a servo gripper, is a direct replacement for same-size pneumatic grippers. Featuring ultra-fast opening/closing and adaptive gripping, with built-in empty-grip and workpiece-drop detection, it is ready to run within 1 minute of connecting power. Lower in cost and easier to use, it also delivers greater precision, controllability and intelligence, making it an ideal way to boost your automation efficiency.
High Gripping Force
Wide Stroke Range
High Rigidity
Self-Locking on Power Loss
Models and Specifications
| Item | RM-GB-11-20-2-ITG | RM-GB-11-40-2-ITG | RM-GB-17-30-2-ITG | RM-GB-17-60-2-ITG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size code | 11 | 11 | 17 | 17 |
| Stroke (mm) | 20 | 40 | 30 | 60 |
| Max. gripping force (N) | 65 | 110 | 350 | 175 |
| Max. speed (mm/s) | 80 | |||
| Repeatability (mm) | ±0.05 | ±0.05 | ±0.02 | ±0.05 |
| Fastest open / close time (s) | 0.33 / 0.33 | 0.58 / 0.58 | 0.4 / 0.4 | 0.7 / 0.7 |
| Allowable load moment (N·m) | MR 8.0, MP 5.9, MY 5.9 | MR 8.0, MP 5.9, MY 5.9 | MR 58.5, MP 15.0, MY 25.5 | MR 58.5, MP 15.0, MY 25.5 |
| Self-locking on power loss | Mechanical self-locking | Mechanical self-locking | None | Mechanical self-locking |
| Control (fieldbus) | Modbus RTU / CANopen | |||
| Control (interface) | I/O control | |||
| I/O interface | 3 inputs (NPN), 3 outputs (NPN) | 3 inputs (NPN), 3 outputs (NPN) | 2 inputs (NPN), 3 outputs (NPN) | 2 inputs (NPN), 3 outputs (NPN) |
| Rated voltage (V) | DC24 ±10% | |||
| Rated current (A) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Weight (kg) | 0.8 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 105 × 85 × 36 | 125 × 85 × 36 | 165 × 112 × 50 | 165 × 112 × 50 |
| 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.
The table above lists the 11 / 17 series ITG integrated models (built-in controller). The 16 series, with strokes of 80 mm and above, is available only as a separate controller type; see the separate table below. Max. gripping force is a value measured in the lab at 25°C.
For full specifications and dimensional drawings, see RM Electric Actuator General Catalogue (PDF).
11 / 17 series separate controller models (external controller): differences
Separate controller types require a separately ordered controller. Only the parameters below differ from the ITG integrated model of the same size; all other specifications are identical.
| Item | RM-GB-11-20-2 | RM-GB-11-40-2 | RM-GB-17-30-2 | RM-GB-17-60-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. gripping force (N) | 65 | 110 | 500 | 250 |
| Self-locking on power loss | Mechanical self-locking | Mechanical self-locking | Optional brake | Mechanical self-locking |
| Compatible controller | RM-C-20, RM-CEP-20, RM-CEM | RM-C-20, RM-CEP-20, RM-CEM | RM-C-40, RM-CEP-40, RM-CEM | RM-C-40, RM-CEP-40, RM-CEM |
| Supported fieldbus protocols | Modbus RTU, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-LINK, CANopen | |||
| Supported control methods | I/O, pulse (except RM-CEM) | |||
16 series (stroke 80 mm and above, separate controller type only)
Size code 16 is the long-stroke model. There is no ITG integrated version; it must be used with an RM-CEU-55 or RM-CEM controller.
| Item | RM-GB-16-80-2 | RM-GB-16-120-2 | RM-GB-16-170-2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size code | 16 | ||
| Stroke (mm) | 80 | 120 | 170 |
| Max. gripping force (N) | 700 | ||
| Max. speed (mm/s) | 100 | ||
| Repeatability (mm) | ±0.02 | ||
| Fastest open / close time (s) | 0.9 / 0.9 | 1.3 / 1.3 | 1.8 / 1.8 |
| Allowable load moment (N·m) | MR 60, MP 30, MY 40 | ||
| Self-locking on power loss | Optional brake | ||
| Compatible controller | RM-CEU-55, RM-CEM | ||
| Supported fieldbus protocols | Modbus RTU, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-LINK, CANopen | ||
| Supported control methods | I/O, pulse (except RM-CEM) | ||
| Rated voltage (V) | DC24 ±10% | ||
| Rated current (A) | 6 | ||
| Weight (kg) | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.7 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 215 × 126 × 58 | 255 × 126 × 58 | 305 × 126 × 58 |
| Operating environment | 0–40°C, 85%RH or less (non-condensing) | ||
| Protection rating | IP40 | ||
Model Code
RM－GB－[size code]－[stroke]－[spec / lead]－[cable outlet position]－[cable outlet type]－[series / brake]
| Field | Available codes |
|---|---|
| Size code | 11, 17 (20~60 mm stroke); 16 (80 mm and above) |
| Stroke | 20, 40 (11 series); 30, 60 (17 series); 80, 120, 170 (16 series) |
| Cable outlet position | 1 (side), 2 (bottom, recommended) |
| Cable outlet type | 11 / 17 series: A (aviation connector adapter), S (adapter cable), H (horizontal outlet), V (vertical outlet); 16 series: A0028 (aviation connector adapter) |
| Series / brake | 11 / 17 series: ITG (built-in controller), no suffix = separate controller type; 16 series: / (no brake), BK (with brake) |
Typical Applications
Handling and positioning of medium to large workpieces
With a stroke of 20~170 mm and max. gripping force of up to 700 N, it suits larger and heavier workpieces. The compact 11 series fits space-constrained locations, the 17 series covers applications needing higher force, and the 16 series handles wide openings of 80 mm and above.
Automated lines with centralized multi-axis control
Separate controller types paired with RM-C / RM-CEP / RM-CEM / RM-CEU-55 controllers support fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-LINK, integrating with existing PLCs or host systems. Well suited to lines with many axes.
Stations requiring grip hold on power loss
The 11-20, 11-40 and 17-60 feature mechanical self-locking and keep holding the workpiece after power loss; the separate controller type of the 17-30 and the 16 series offer an optional brake. Suitable for operations where the workpiece must not be released during transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the RM-GB ITG integrated models and the separate controller models, and how do I choose?
On ITG models the controller is built into the gripper body, which means less wiring and a smaller footprint; they support Modbus RTU/CANopen and I/O control, and suit stations with simple motions that need to go live quickly. Separate controller models require an RM-C, RM-CEP or RM-CEM controller and, in addition to Modbus RTU, support EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-LINK and CANopen, making them suitable for lines with many axes or deep integration with existing host systems. Separate controller models also offer a higher maximum gripping force: for example, the 17-80 and 17-120 reach 700N, versus 500N for the ITG versions.
How do I choose between the RM-GB 11, 17 and 16 size series?
Look at stroke first, then gripping force. The 11 series is more compact: 11-20 has a 20mm stroke, 65N gripping force and 0.8kg weight; 11-40 has a 40mm stroke, 110N and 1.1kg. The 17 series offers more force: 17-30 has a 30mm stroke and 17-60 a 60mm stroke, weighing 2.1~2.3kg. Strokes of 80mm and above are covered by the 16 series: 16-80, 16-120 and 16-170, all with a maximum gripping force of 700N and weighing 3.6~4.7kg. Note that gripping force does not increase with stroke: on ITG versions the 17-30 is 350N and the 17-60 is 175N, while on separate controller versions they are 500N and 250N respectively. Please base your selection on the values for the specific model.
Is the ITG integrated version available for all RM-GB models?
No. The ITG integrated version (built-in controller) is offered only in the 11 and 17 series, i.e. the four models with 20, 40, 30 and 60mm strokes. The 16 series with strokes of 80mm and above is available only as a separate controller type and requires an RM-CEU-55 or RM-CEM controller. If a station needs a long stroke but you want to minimize wiring, we recommend planning the controller mounting location at the mechanism design stage.
Will the RM-GB gripper release the workpiece after a power loss?
It depends on the model. The 11-20, 11-40 and 17-60 have mechanical self-locking and maintain their grip after power loss. The ITG version of the 17-30 has no self-locking mechanism, while its separate controller version can be ordered with a brake; the 16 series (80/120/170mm) can also be ordered with a brake (model suffix BK). If your process has a safety requirement to keep gripping during power loss, please specify it when selecting the model.
What are the repeatability and speed of the RM-GB?
Maximum speed is 80mm/s for the 11 and 17 series and 100mm/s for the 16 series. Repeatability varies by model: ±0.05mm for the 11-20, 11-40 and 17-60, and ±0.02mm for the 17-30 and the 16 series. Fastest open/close time ranges from 0.33 s on the 11-20 to 1.8 s on the 16-170; the longer the stroke, the longer the time. Please use the values of the actual model when estimating cycle time.
What should I use if the workpiece is fragile and needs more precise gripping force control?
The RM-GB works by setting a maximum gripping force and is suited to general pick-and-place and heavier workpieces. For fragile, high-value parts such as chips, dies or flexible flat cables, you can use the RM-GB-HF/F precision force-control type instead: built on the same platform with an added force sensor for closed-loop force control, it offers a closed-loop gripping force of 0.2~98.9N and strokes of 20/40/60mm, and can record force-position-time curves for quality traceability.