The ACU2-B is a compact active controller designed by Suzhou Rochu Robotics to actuate soft robotic end-effectors — including soft beak grippers, soft fingers, and suction cups — without requiring an external compressed air source. The integrated pneumatic pump generates both vacuum (down to -85 kPa) and positive pressure (up to +100 kPa), enabling a single unit to handle the full range of soft gripping actions: suction-based pick-up, inflation-driven finger closure, and controlled release. Measuring 158 × 120 × 74 mm and weighing 870 grams, the ACU2-B mounts directly on or near the robot arm, minimizing pneumatic line length and response time.

How does the built-in air source simplify pneumatic gripper deployment?

Traditional pneumatic grippers require a facility compressed air supply, external solenoid valves, regulators, and extensive tubing — adding cost, installation complexity, and maintenance burden. The ACU2-B integrates the pump, pressure regulation, and control electronics into a single IP54-rated enclosure. This self-contained architecture makes pneumatic soft gripping practical for mobile robots, collaborative robot (cobot) workcells without plant air infrastructure, and laboratory automation where running compressed air lines is impractical. The front-panel digital display and push buttons allow operators to adjust vacuum and positive pressure setpoints in real time and monitor the current output pressure at a glance.

What control interfaces does the ACU2-B offer?

The ACU2-B supports two control modes selectable by the user. In manual mode, operators control the gripper directly from the front-panel buttons — useful for setup, testing, and single-cycle operations. In automatic mode, the controller accepts I/O level signals from a robot arm controller or PLC, enabling fully integrated pick-and-place sequences where the robot program commands gripper actuation in sync with arm motion. The controller is compatible with multiple robot arm and PLC terminal interface standards, simplifying electrical integration into both new and retrofit automation cells. An intelligent alarm function monitors system status and alerts the operator to pressure anomalies or safety events.