Gripper guide for
High-mix low-volume manufacturing
A working reference on specifying, choosing and integrating grippers for cobots and humanoid robots in high-mix, low-volume production. Written for the people who have to make the decision.
Maintained by the Apicoo Robotics engineering team · Last updated August 2026
Start here
Where should you start?
Pick the option that matches where you are today - each one leads straight to the right chapter.
Chapter 1
Foundation
What the categories mean, and where the boundaries actually fall.
What’s a Smart Gripper?
Have you ever wondered what a smart gripper is and how it can transform automation for high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing ? If you're constantly switchin
Updated: October 9, 2026
Top 5 Benefits Of Smart Gripper For SMEs
Introduction Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle with high automation costs and complex robotic integrations. Finding a cost-effective smar
Updated: October 15, 2026
Exploring Different Types Of Robotic Grippers In Manufacturing
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, robots are becoming essential for addressing labor shortages, rising costs, and the demand for efficient producti
Updated: October 4, 2026
Chapter 2
How grippers work
The mechanisms behind the specifications, and what each costs to achieve.
Guides for this chapter are coming soon.
Chapter 3
Choosing a gripper
Selection guides organised by the decision you are actually making.
How to Choose an Electric Gripper for High-Mix Low-Volume Manufacturing: The Technical Variables That Actually Matter
This article examines seven technical variables that help engineers identify an electric gripper for high-mix low-volume manufacturing environments.
Updated: October 15, 2026
Electric Vs. Pneumatic Gripper For High-Mix Machine Tending: What Actually Works?
Key Takeaway: In high-mix CNC machine tending, the gripper is configured once for a dedicated line - but must adapt continuously across part variants and job ch
Updated: October 15, 2026
Automating Machine Tending: Why the Right Cobot Gripper Matters
Machine tending, the process of loading and unloading parts from CNC machines, lathes, or milling centers, remains one of the most repetitive and time consuming
Updated: October 15, 2026
Chapter 4
Humanoid robots
Where humanoid robots are headed, and how the gripper fits in - especially for high-mix, low-volume production.
Chapter 5
Putting grippers to work
Control, integration and getting a cell running. For step-by-step install and wiring detail, see the full SusGrip Technical Guides ↗
Guides for this chapter are coming soon.
Collaboration
Have field experience worth sharing?
We welcome guest contributions from engineers working with grippers, cobots or humanoids.