OnRobot 2FGP20 Fork Eliminates Need for Compressed Air
The new electric palletizing gripper handles 35.2-pound loads while removing the infrastructure requirements of pneumatic tools.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Robotics
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OnRobot has released the 2FGP20 Fork, an electric palletizing gripper capable of handling box payloads of up to 35.2 pounds. The system is designed to function across various industrial and collaborative robot platforms.
Why it matters
The 2FGP20 Fork automates palletizing tasks by removing the requirement for external compressed air, which is typically necessary for traditional pneumatic tooling. This shift simplifies integration for facilities looking to deploy palletizing robots without air infrastructure.
The system features four standard fork configurations and an integrated electric vacuum pump. It applies a top clamp holding force of 10 N to 40 N to stabilize packages.
The players
OnRobot
A manufacturer specializing in end-of-arm tooling and sensors for collaborative and industrial robotic applications.
The details
The gripper operates by lifting items from underneath while a top clamp secures the load from above, a process that ensures stability during palletizing. By integrating an electric vacuum pump directly into the assembly, the device handles interlayer slip sheets without requiring tool changes or external pneumatic lines. The gripper is engineered for compatibility with major industrial and collaborative robot brands.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: OnRobot launched the 2FGP20 Fork palletizing gripper.
The Tech Race
The 2FGP20 Fork marks a shift away from traditional pneumatic robotic tooling by prioritizing electric-driven mechanisms. This move positions OnRobot against legacy manufacturers who continue to rely on external air supplies for end-of-arm palletizing applications.
The gripper is now available globally for integration into existing robot workflows. Operators can replace existing pneumatic end-effectors to eliminate the need for compressed air maintenance and infrastructure.
The takeaway
The transition to electric-only palletizing simplifies system architecture by eliminating pneumatic requirements. Future developments to watch include the expansion of supported robotic communication protocols and the potential integration of AI-vision guidance for irregular box shapes.
Further reading
For more on the current state of industrial automation, visit Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supply and Demand Chain Executive.
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Would you choose electric automated tools over traditional pneumatic systems to improve your facility's operational efficiency?
