End Effectors

End effectors are the tools at the far end of a robot’s limb: the parts that make contact, perform work, and close the loop between intent and action. In humanoids, they’re often grippers or hands, but can also include screwdrivers, sensors, suction pads, or specialized instruments.

They define what a robot can actually do. Swapping a gripper for a welding torch, or a camera for a paintbrush, instantly transforms capabilities. In modular systems, end effectors can be interchanged mid-task or customized per workflow.

Design matters: the weight, torque limits, sensing, and compliance of an end effector all shape how well a robot handles real-world tasks.