Piab’s customer Sapho of Bilgram Group can palletize 9 bags per minute instead of 6 with the old system. This corresponds to up to 16 pallets or half a truck load more per day. Additionally, the process runs smoothly and without damaging the bags.
(video: Piab)
Robust and smart design with minimal maintenance
Created for both standard and custom configurations, all tools are designed to ensure safety of goods and more importantly, of humans. Due to the robust and smart design of the bag gripping tool, the operational efficiency will be streamlined and maintenance minimal. The EOAT tools are available with variety of options such as pallet handling, slip sheet systems, sensors, etc.
The bag grippers come in three versions:
- Fixed Bag Width (FBG);
- Adjustable Bag Width (ABG);
- Servo Adjustable Bag Width (SBG).

The Fixed Bag Width (FBG) model is ideal for when it is important to handle only a few bag sizes, the FBG can be re-adjusted within 4 minutes to fit the new bag size.
The Adjustable Bag Width (ABG) is for low to medium frequency of bag changes, it can be re-adjusted within 30 seconds to fit the new bag size.
The Servo Adjustable Bag Width (SBG) can be adjusted within seconds and is suitable for medium to high frequency of bag changes.
For all models, independent decking plates square-up and align the bag for precise and tight placement on the pallet. Top mounted clamps maintain the EOAT position during robot travel to the pallet which also allows for high speed and precision. Slip sheet and pallet hook options are available to increase the flexibility even further.
Virtual test for the bag gripping tool with all industrial robots
Piab created digital 3D models of each version, which can be tested virtually for compatibility with all industrial robots. To see the bag grippers in action, view the following video.

The Fixed Bag Width (FBG):
• Heavy-duty rails and bearings with double seals.
• Simple bag width adjustment by loosening 8 bolts.
• Solid stainless-steel Gripper Fingers, radiused ends to avoid damage to the bag.
• Adjustable Decking Plates are independent of Gripper Fingers which enables a very tight loading pattern and squared-up bags.
• Top-mounted bag clamps secure the bag, allows high speed traversing, faster load times.
• High-flow pneumatic solenoid valves for fast movements.
• Reliable ultrasonic bag presence sensor.
• Custom adaptor plate to accommodate any robot interface.
• Accessories options to the bag gripper:
• Slip Sheet includes: Stroking pneumatic cylinders equipped with Duraflex cups and 1 PIAB COAX vacuum generator with vacuum confirmation switch.
• Pallet Hook option includes*: Rotating pallet hooks that can pick up a pallet, equipped with an ultra-sonic pallet presence sensor. Hooks are controlled via one pneumatic cylinder.
• Valve Package Options: Discrete I/O – standard is the default option, though your bag gripper can be equipped with DeviceNet, Ethernet or Custom.
Adjustable Bag Width (ABG)

• Heavy-duty rails and bearings with double seals and grease ports. Less maintenance required.
• Hand wheel, opposing thread lead screw, bearing blocks and shaft locks for fast adjustment of bag size.
• Solid stainless-steel Gripper Fingers, radiused ends radiused ends to avoid damage to the bag.
• Adjustable Decking Plates are independent of Gripper Fingers which enables a very tight loading pattern and squared-up bags.
• Top-mounted bag clamps to secure the bag, allows high speed traversing, faster load times.
• High-flow pneumatic solenoid valves for fast movements.
• Reliable ultrasonic bag presence sensor.
• Custom adaptor plate to accommodate any robot interface.
• Accessories options to the bag gripper:
• Slip Sheet includes: Stroking pneumatic cylinders equipped with Duraflex cups and 1 PIAB COAX vacuum generator with vacuum confirmation switch.
• Pallet Hook option includes*: Rotating pallet hooks that can pick up a pallet, equipped with an ultra-sonic pallet presence sensor. Hooks are controlled via one pneumatic cylinder.
• Valve Package Options: Discrete I/O – standard is the default option, though your bag gripper can be equipped with DeviceNet, Ethernet or Custom.
Servo Adjustable Bag Width (SBG)

• Heavy-duty rails and bearings with double seals and grease ports. Less maintenance required.
• Solid stainless-steel Gripper Fingers, radiused ends radiused ends to avoid damage to the bag
• Adjustable Decking Plates are independent of Gripper Fingers which enables a very tight loading pattern and squared-up bags
• Top-mounted bag clamps to secure the bag, allows high speed traversing, faster load times.
• High-flow pneumatic solenoid valves for fast movements.
• Reliable ultrasonic bag presence sensor.
• Custom adaptor plate to accommodate any robot interface.
• Gearbox with pulley / belt drive system for.
• Accessories options to the bag gripper:
• Slip Sheet includes: Stroking pneumatic cylinders equipped with Duraflex cups and 1 PIAB COAX vacuum generator with vacuum confirmation switch.
• Pallet Hook option includes*: Rotating pallet hooks that can pick up a pallet, equipped with an ultra-sonic pallet presence sensor. Hooks are controlled via one pneumatic cylinder.
• Valve Package Options: Discrete I/O – standard is the default option, though your bag gripper can be equipped with DeviceNet, Ethernet or Custom.