‍Customer: Geberit

‍Application: Production Automation / Component Handling

‍Products Used: CTL Linear Axis on a KUKA Industrial Robot

The Challenge: Handling Large Components Securely and Flexibly

Anyone who needs to handle large or variable-width components in automation knows the problem: standard grippers quickly reach their mechanical limits. If you specifically search for electric robot grippers with long strokes, you often end up with highly complex specialized systems. These are usually not only mechanically complicated but also a heavy burden on your budget.

Geberit faced exactly this challenge. They needed a solution flexible enough for various component sizes, absolutely precise, and easy to integrate directly into the existing robot control system.

The Solution: Clever Application of Compact Technology

Instead of installing a traditional, high-priced servo gripper, Geberit uses our CTL linear axis. Because all crucial components—such as the ball screw, motor, and controller—are already fully integrated inside the housing, the axis functions beautifully as a robust, long-stroke gripper.

Flurin Hochstrasser, Mechanical Development Engineer at Geberit, explains why this works so well in practice:

"The CTL linear axis has enabled us to implement an extremely lean yet highly powerful gripping concept. For us, the combination of a long stroke, precise force control, and integrated position monitoring was crucial. This allows us to grip a wide variety of component sizes reliably and reproducibly—always with exactly the right amount of force.

We were also particularly impressed by the integrated brake, which ensures that components are held securely even during a safety shutdown. The CTL allowed us to optimize our application both technically and economically."

Key Practical Advantages of This Gripping Concept

Combining an industrial robot with a linear axis as a gripper solves several automation hurdles at once. The most important advantages include:

• Zero Cabinet (No Extra Control Cabinet Needed): Control is remarkably simple. Via an IO-Link master (e.g., for Profinet), the axis is commanded directly from the robot controller. Additional external drives or separate controllers are completely eliminated.
• Ideal as a Long-Stroke Gripper: Unlike classic gripper mechanisms, the CTL easily handles stroke lengths from 100 mm up to 1000 mm.
• Integrated Part Measurement: The linear axis provides real-time position feedback of the current gripping width. The robot controller immediately receives the exact dimension of the part—perfect for precise, centered placement.
• Force-Controlled Gripping: Even if components have tolerances or vary in width, the force control ensures the axis always grips securely and gently.
• Power-Failure Safety: The version with an integrated brake chosen by Geberit guarantees that the workpiece is held securely even during an emergency stop or a complete system shutdown.

Durability Meets Outstanding Cost-Efficiency

Beyond the simple IO-Link control, the internal mechanics make a massive difference. The integrated ball screw is built for 24/7 industrial use and offers a significantly longer service life than many compact gripper mechanisms. Thanks to the integrated heavy-duty guide, the CTL manages payloads of up to 100 kg and builds holding forces of up to 800 N.

The bottom line for system integrators and machine builders: This solution meets every technical requirement of modern gripper technology while remaining significantly below the cost of conventional specialized servo grippers.

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