OnRobot Gecko SP 1, SP 3 & SP 5 Adhesive Single-Pad Cobot Gripper, 1-5kg Payload, No-Mark, No Air
OnRobot
$1,143.81
OnRobot Gecko Gripper Series | Adhesive Single-Pad Gripper
No Air. No Vacuum. No Marks. Gecko-Inspired Adhesive Gripping for Flat, Smooth & Perforated Workpieces.
1–5 kg Payload · Three Models (SP 1 / SP 3 / SP 5) · No Compressed Air · No Electricity at the Pad · No-Mark Pickup · Handles Perforated Surfaces · IP42 · van der Waals Adhesion · 3-Year Warranty
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A Gripper That Works Where Vacuum & Mechanical Grippers Can't.
The OnRobot Gecko SP (Single Pad) Gripper is a compact, end-of-arm adhesive gripper that picks up flat, smooth, shiny, and even perforated workpieces — without compressed air, without vacuum, and without leaving a mark on the part. Originally developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for satellite and ISS applications, the technology uses millions of micro-scaled fibrillar stalks that adhere to a substrate via van der Waals forces — the same molecular attraction a gecko uses to climb a window.
The Gecko SP is available in three models — SP1, SP3, and SP5 — named after their maximum payload in kilograms (1 kg, 3 kg, and 5 kg respectively). All three share the same compact 69 × 71 mm footprint and identical mechanical interface; they differ only in pad size and corresponding preload force. This makes the family ideal for applications where a vacuum gripper struggles — perforated PCBs, mesh, head gaskets, glass, solar panels, polished metal sheets, and any surface where a vacuum cup would leave a residue requiring a downstream cleaning step.
With no air supply, no electrical wiring at the gripper, and minimal programming, the Gecko SP is a true plug-and-play end-effector. It mounts to any leading collaborative or light industrial robot through OnRobot's Quick Changer system. On power loss, the gripper holds the workpiece — for days, if the load is well-centered.
Why the Gecko SP
Picks Up Perforated Workpieces. Vacuum grippers cannot pull on a part with holes — there is no surface to seal against. The Gecko SP adheres to the solid material between the holes, making it the right choice for printed circuit boards, head gaskets, aluminum mesh, and perforated sheet metal.
No-Mark Gripping on Shiny Surfaces. Vacuum cups leave a ring. Mechanical grippers leave finger impressions. The Gecko SP uses a dry adhesive that leaves zero residue on glass, polished metal, solar panel surfaces, and decorative parts — eliminating a downstream cleaning step from your process.
No Compressed Air. No Electricity at the Pad. The Gecko SP requires no air supply and no electrical power at the gripper itself — eliminating air consumption costs, hose routing, and pneumatic maintenance. Power and signal pass through the OnRobot Quick Changer to the robot only.
Holds on Power Loss. Because the adhesion mechanism is passive (van der Waals forces, not active suction), the Gecko SP holds a well-centered workpiece even if the robot loses power — for days. Vacuum systems drop the part the moment the pump stops.
Pre-Integrated With Leading Cobots. The Gecko SP integrates through the OnRobot Quick Changer system with Universal Robots, Doosan, Techman, FANUC CRX, Yaskawa, Kawasaki, and other leading collaborative robot platforms. No custom integration kit required.
3-Year Warranty. Backed by OnRobot's 3-year warranty per the Partner Agreement terms. Pads are wear items and have a separate change-out interval (~200,000 cycles) — replacement pads are available as accessories.
Which Gecko SP Model Should I Buy?
The three Gecko SP models are not different gripper technologies — they are the same gripper sized to three payload tiers. Pick by maximum part weight, then verify the substrate is compatible (see the material compatibility section further down the page).
| Model | Max Payload | Pad Weight | Max Preload Force | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gecko SP 1 | 1 kg (2.2 lb) | 0.267 kg (0.587 lb) | 11 N | PCBs, electronics, small glass, lightweight sheet stock, lab automation |
| Gecko SP 3 | 3 kg (6.6 lb) | 0.297 kg (0.653 lb) | 32 N | Mid-size sheet metal, displays, mid-weight glass, polished panels |
| Gecko SP 5 | 5 kg (11 lb) | 0.318 kg (0.7 lb) | 46 N | Solar panels, larger sheet stock, head gaskets, decorative metal panels |
Sizing rule of thumb: The model number = the maximum payload in kg. If you are picking a 2 kg part, choose the SP3 (not the SP1). Always verify both weight and substrate compatibility before specifying. The maximum payload assumes the center of gravity is centered on the gripper pad and applies under the maximum preload force on a smooth surface.
Gecko SP 1 / SP 3 / SP 5 — Model Details
Gecko SP 1 — 1 kg Payload
The lightest model in the Gecko SP family. Best suited for picking small flat parts where a vacuum cup would leave a witness mark or where the workpiece is perforated and a vacuum cannot pull. Common applications include printed circuit board (PCB) handling, lab automation, lightweight glass slides, and small electronic components.
| Maximum Payload | 1 kg (2.2 lb) |
| Preload (Min / Med / Max) | 3 N / 7 N / 11 N |
| Weight | 0.267 kg (0.587 lb) |
| Best For | PCBs, lab samples, small glass, lightweight electronics |
Gecko SP 3 — 3 kg Payload
The mid-tier model. Covers most general-purpose flat-part handling where the part exceeds 1 kg but stays within the 3 kg envelope. Ideal for mid-size sheet metal panels, display assemblies, polished metal stock, and mid-weight glass. The most commonly specified model in the Gecko SP family.
| Maximum Payload | 3 kg (6.6 lb) |
| Preload (Min / Med / Max) | 8 N / 20 N / 32 N |
| Weight | 0.297 kg (0.653 lb) |
| Best For | Sheet metal panels, displays, polished stock, mid-weight glass |
Gecko SP 5 — 5 kg Payload
The highest-payload Gecko SP model. Used for solar panels, larger sheet stock, head gaskets, automotive trim panels, decorative metal, and any flat workpiece up to 5 kg. The larger pad delivers up to 46 N of preload force, which is also the configuration most likely to interact with cobot collision detection — see the integration note in the technical reference section below.
| Maximum Payload | 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Preload (Min / Med / Max) | 12 N / 29 N / 46 N |
| Weight | 0.318 kg (0.7 lb) |
| Best For | Solar panels, large sheet stock, head gaskets, decorative panels |
Common Applications
The Gecko SP solves problems where vacuum and mechanical grippers fail. The most common applications include:
- PCB & electronics assembly — picking populated and unpopulated printed circuit boards through perforated pallets and trays.
- Solar panel handling — high-shine glass surfaces where vacuum cups would leave a witness ring requiring downstream cleaning.
- Glass & display handling — automotive display glass, lens assemblies, optical components.
- Sheet metal pick & place — polished decorative panels, automotive trim, appliance facing.
- Head gasket handling — perforated gaskets that vacuum cannot grip.
- Aluminum mesh & perforated stock — filter media, ventilation panels, decorative mesh.
- Lab automation — slides, well plates, and small flat samples in research and clinical environments.
Gecko SP Model Configurations
Use the configuration dropdown above to select the model that matches your application's payload requirement. Each option is sold as a complete gripper unit ready to mount on the OnRobot Quick Changer.
| Configuration | Payload | Choose When… |
|---|---|---|
| Gecko SP 1 | Up to 1 kg | Picking PCBs, small electronics, lab samples, or any flat part under 1 kg. |
| Gecko SP 3 | Up to 3 kg | Picking sheet metal, displays, mid-weight glass, polished panels under 3 kg. The most commonly specified model. |
| Gecko SP 5 | Up to 5 kg | Picking solar panels, larger sheet stock, head gaskets, or any flat part up to 5 kg. |
Sizing reminder: Choose the model whose maximum payload exceeds your part weight, then verify substrate compatibility against the material chart in the technical reference section below. If your part weighs 2.5 kg, choose the SP3, not the SP1. If your part weighs 4 kg, choose the SP5.
Need a Quick Changer or tool flange? The Gecko SP requires an OnRobot Quick Changer and the appropriate Tool Mounting Flange for your robot model. Contact Automation Distribution for the complete configuration.
Technical Reference
Detailed specifications, material compatibility, integration notes, and resources for engineers and integrators specifying the Gecko SP for production deployment.
Common Specifications (All Models)
All three Gecko SP models share the same housing dimensions, environmental ratings, mechanical interface, and pad properties. The differences across models are limited to maximum payload, preload force range, and gripper weight (each tabulated in the model details section above).
| Detachment Time | 100–1000 ms (depending on robot speed) |
| IP Classification | IP42 |
| Dimensions (H × W) | 69 × 71 mm (2.7 × 2.8 in) |
| Holds on Power Loss? | Yes — for days, if well-centered |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C (32–122 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | −30 to 150 °C (−22 to 302 °F) |
| Pad Material | Proprietary silicone blend |
| Pad Change-Out Interval | ~200,000 cycles (depends on substrate roughness) |
| Pad Recovery (after cleaning) | 100% |
| Cleaning Methods | OnRobot cleaning station, silicone roller, or isopropyl alcohol with lint-free cloth |
| Surface Compatibility | Matte to highly polished — smoother surfaces require less preload force for a given payload |
| Warranty | 3 years per OnRobot Partner Agreement |
How the Gecko SP Picks & Releases a Part
Pick sequence:
- Position — robot moves the gripper into contact with the workpiece.
- Contact & Preload — robot applies preload force (within the model's preload range) to engage the adhesive pad.
- Lift — robot retracts; van der Waals forces hold the part to the pad.
Release options:
- Robot peeling motion — robot tilts the gripper to peel the part off at one edge (the standard release method).
- Custom fixturing — robot brings the gripper to a fixed forked tool that slides between the gripper and the part as the robot moves up; the fixture peels the part off. Used when peeling motion is impractical for the cell layout.
Material Compatibility
The Gecko SP works best on clean, smooth, dry, stiff surfaces. Performance depends on three substrate properties: stiffness, surface roughness, and cleanliness. The OnRobot datasheet rates substrate compatibility on a 1–10 scale for both stiffness and roughness, with examples below.
| Substrate Class | Examples | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff & Smooth | Polished metal, mirror-finish steel, glass, solar panel surface | Optimal |
| Stiff & Textured | Printed circuit board, glossy cardboard (cereal box) | Good |
| Stiff & Rough | Sandblasted aluminum, coarse machined surfaces | Marginal — test required |
| Flexible | Cling film, plastic film, fabric, loose Mylar | Marginal — flexibility limits payload |
| Contaminated | Dusty, oily, greasy, or wet surfaces | Not compatible |
Key principle: Smoother surfaces require less preload force to achieve a given payload. Rougher surfaces require more preload — and beyond a saturation point, additional preload no longer increases adhesion. Always validate with a sample of your actual production substrate before specifying.
Consult the OnRobot Gecko Gripper datasheet (linked in Resources below) for the full payload-vs-substrate-class chart specific to each model.
Cobot Integration & Collision Detection
The Gecko SP works with any leading collaborative or light industrial robot through the OnRobot Quick Changer system. Approximate maximum gripping force values for collision-detection planning:
- SP1: ~15 N max gripping force
- SP3: ~60 N max gripping force
- SP5: higher than SP3 (per the gripper's larger pad area)
Integration note: When the Gecko SP applies preload force during the pick phase, that force may register on the cobot's collision detection system and stop the program. When deploying the Gecko SP on Universal Robots or other position-controlled cobots, you may need to adjust collaborative force limits or collision-detection sensitivity for the gripping motion to prevent unintended protective stops. This is normal for adhesive grippers and is documented in the Gecko Gripper user manual.
When the Gecko SP Is Not the Right Gripper
The Gecko SP is purpose-built for flat, smooth, dry, stiff workpieces. It is not the right choice when:
- The part is curved or non-flat — consider a vacuum gripper (OnRobot VG10 / VGC10) or a parallel finger gripper (OnRobot 2FG7 / 2FG14).
- The part is oily, dusty, wet, or greasy — the pad will adhere to the contamination, not the substrate.
- The part is flexible or compliant (loose film, fabric) — the substrate cannot withstand the preload required to engage the pad.
- The center of gravity is far off-center from the pad — moments will reduce effective payload below the rated value.
- The part exceeds 5 kg — consider the original (larger) OnRobot Gecko Gripper or a different gripper technology.
What's in the Box
Each Gecko SP gripper ships from OnRobot with the gripper body, an adhesive pad, and standard documentation. The Gecko SP does not require an OnRobot Interface Kit — you only need the appropriate Tool Mounting Flange for your specific robot and an OnRobot Quick Changer. Replacement pads, the OnRobot pad cleaning station, and Quick Changer hardware are available as separate accessories — contact Automation Distribution for the right configuration.
Ecosystem & Support
OnRobot Quick Changer Ecosystem. The Gecko SP integrates through OnRobot's One System Solution — a unified mechanical and electrical interface across the entire OnRobot end-of-arm tooling range. The same Quick Changer that mounts the Gecko SP also mounts OnRobot vacuum grippers (VG10, VGC10), parallel grippers (RG2, RG6, 2FG7, 2FG14), force/torque sensors, screwdrivers, and sanders.
Compatible Robots. Universal Robots (UR3e, UR5e, UR7e, UR10e, UR12e, UR15, UR16e, UR20, UR30), Doosan, Techman, FANUC CRX, Yaskawa Motoman cobots, Kawasaki, and other leading collaborative robots — through the appropriate OnRobot Tool Mounting Flange.
Automation Distribution Support. As an authorized OnRobot distributor, Automation Distribution provides pre-sales application engineering, gripper selection guidance based on your substrate and payload, Quick Changer and tool flange configuration for your robot, and post-sale support. Contact us before ordering to verify the right configuration for your application.
Resources
- → OnRobot Gecko Gripper Datasheet (PDF)
- → OnRobot Gecko Gripper Product Page
- → Gecko SP Getting Started Guide (OnRobot Learn)
- → Gecko Gripper User Manual (PDF)
Gecko Gripper SP Series. Specifications sourced from the OnRobot Gecko Gripper Datasheet (v1.3) and OnRobot product documentation. Pad performance varies with substrate roughness, cleanliness, and load center of gravity — validate with a representative production sample before final specification. Verify all specifications against the latest OnRobot documentation before deployment. The OnRobot Quick Changer and an appropriate Tool Mounting Flange are required to mount the Gecko SP on a robot and are sold separately.
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