Industrial manipulators are machines designed to assist workers by lifting, moving and placing heavy or awkwardly shaped materials with precision. While many terms like pneumatic manipulators, ergonomic lift assists and vacuum lifts are used interchangeably, the term “industrial manipulator” typically refers to a machine with a rigid arm that allows complex tilts and rotations, even when handling products outside their center of mass.
At Fine Handling, we understand that choosing the right equipment for your workflow will add better productivity. Whether you’re upgrading your current equipment or making a new purchase, it’s important to know how an industrial manipulator works and how it can integrate into your operational needs.
What Does an Industrial Manipulator Do?
An industrial manipulator utilizes a rigid arm that can perform pneumatic tilts and rotations, allowing human operators to move heavy and awkwardly shaped objects safely and efficiently. These manipulators are ideal for situations where:
- The product is too heavy to be moved manually.
- The item must be transported to an area that is difficult to reach.
- The risk of injury is high from manual handling.
- There is a need for precise and controlled movement of materials.
- Large volumes of products need to be handled quickly.
The ability of manipulators to move materials outside their center of mass makes them especially valuable when working with heavier, irregularly shaped items, something other equipment like cable balancers may struggle with.
Key Differences Between Industrial Manipulators and Balancers
While manipulators and balancers might seem similar, there are significant differences between the two:
Industrial Manipulator: An industrial manipulator, like the FineLift from Fine Handling, is highly flexible and features articulating joints that allow for easy reach in various directions. These machines can move materials outside their center of mass and handle objects with unconventional shapes or uneven weight distribution.
Air Balancer: In contrast, an air balancer uses air pressure as its power source and relies on wires to lift objects. It excels at zero-gravity balancing for quick pick-and-place operations but is generally limited to lightweight and standardized objects. Fine Handling’s air balancer features twin ropes for added safety and is ideal for compact spaces.
Take a look at the table below to gauge the difference between the two units
| Industrial manipulator | Balancer |
| Arm can move in multiple defections, including up/down, horizontal, and rotational | Uses wires to only move objects vertically, up or down |
| Built to handle objects with heavy, irregularly shaped objects | Designed only for lightweight standard objects |
| Can move objects outside its center of mass | Objects have to be centered properly to be lifted without trouble |
| No cables involved in lifting | Fine Handling Air Balancer has two instead of one wire for added safety |
Benefits of using an industrial manipulator
1. Improved Worker Safety and Comfort
Industrial manipulators not only speed up the handling of heavy or awkwardly shaped items but also contribute to a safer and more comfortable working environment. Repetitive tasks like lifting boxes or heavy equipment can lead to injuries such as back and joint pain over time, affecting workers’ health and productivity.
By reducing the physical strain on workers, industrial manipulators lower the risk of workplace injuries and insurance claims related to such injuries. With a manipulator, employees can handle heavier loads with less effort, creating a healthier and more efficient workplace.
2. Reduced Labor Costs
Manual lifting and material handling often require multiple workers, which increases labor costs and accident risks. Industrial manipulators enable one operator to perform tasks that would otherwise require several people, thereby reducing the number of employees needed for heavy lifting jobs. Additionally, tasks traditionally dominated by male workers due to the physical demands can now be handled by women, promoting workplace inclusivity.
3. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
Mechanizing lifting operations with industrial manipulators leads to increased productivity, as employees can move more items with less fatigue. This reduces delays in the workflow and improves overall operational efficiency.
How to Select the Right Industrial Manipulator
When choosing an industrial manipulator, consider the following key factors:
1. Material Properties
The weight, shape, and sensitivity of the materials you plan to move are critical considerations. For example, sectors like food and beverage require hygiene standards to be met, while chemical drums pose unique safety risks. Fine Handling offers manipulators that cater to various material properties, with lifting capacities ranging from 80 kg to 250 kg.
2. Workspace Dimensions
Industrial manipulators have varying working radii, depending on the model. It’s important to choose a machine that fits within the spatial constraints of your workspace, such as aisle width, ceiling height, and rack placement. Fine Handling offers customizable mounting options to ensure a perfect fit for your work environment.
3. Power Supply
The type of power supply—hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or manual—determines the machine’s speed, accuracy, and ergonomics. For sensitive environments, pneumatic manipulators are often preferred due to their precision and safety.
4. Types of Grippers
The right gripper is crucial for handling specific materials. Fine Handling offers custom-designed grippers to match your application’s needs. Options include vacuum lifters, suction cups, pliers, hooks, magnets, and chucks. Each gripper is tailored to handle objects securely and efficiently.
Who Uses Industrial Manipulators and Cable Balancers?
Industrial manipulators are used globally across various industries to improve efficiency, safety and worker comfort. Common industries include:
- Automotive
- Packaging
- Textiles
- Food processing
- Electronics
- Manufacturing
Fine Handling: Leading Manufacturer of Industrial Manipulator in India
With over 15 years of expertise, Fine Handling is a trusted provider of world-class industrial manipulators. Our state-of-the-art R&D facility in Pune is dedicated to developing products that enhance safety and productivity. With over 1200 installations across industries, Fine Handling offers comprehensive solutions for all your material handling needs.
Ready to Improve Your Workplace Efficiency?
Our team is here to guide you through selecting the right manipulator for your needs. Contact us at sales@fine-handling.com for expert advice.