OnRobot is a Denmark-based robotics company specializing in end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for collaborative robots (cobots) and light industrial automation. The company positions itself as a one-stop shop for plug-and-play robotic grippers, sensors, and tool systems compatible with multiple major robot brands.
Rather than manufacturing robotic arms, OnRobot focuses on the critical interface between robot and task — the tool that enables manipulation, gripping, fastening, or inspection.
1) Corporate Background & Strategic Identity
Founded in Denmark, OnRobot emerged during the rapid expansion of collaborative robotics. The company pursued an ecosystem strategy by developing tools compatible with leading cobot manufacturers.
Strategic pillars include:
- Cross-brand compatibility
- Plug-and-play integration
- Simplified installation and programming
- SME-friendly automation solutions
This ecosystem approach allows OnRobot to serve customers regardless of the robot brand deployed.
2) Core Product Portfolio
Electric and Vacuum Grippers
OnRobot develops a range of grippers designed for collaborative robots, including:
- Two-finger electric grippers
- Adaptive three-finger grippers
- Soft grippers for delicate items
- Vacuum gripping systems
These tools are used in pick-and-place, packaging, machine tending, and light assembly operations.
Force/Torque Sensors
To enable precision tasks, OnRobot offers force/torque sensors that allow robots to:
- Perform delicate assembly
- Conduct quality testing
- Execute polishing and surface finishing
- Detect contact force during operations
Sensor integration enhances robot adaptability in collaborative environments.
Screwdriving & Specialized Tools
OnRobot also provides automation tools such as:
- Automated screwdriving systems
- Quick-change tool systems
- Application-specific end effectors
This diversification supports flexible manufacturing workflows.
3) Technology & Integration Approach
OnRobot emphasizes simplicity and rapid deployment. Key technical features include:
- Integrated software compatibility
- Minimal external cabling
- Direct robot controller communication
- Safety compliance for cobot use
The company’s goal is to reduce integration complexity and lower the barrier to entry for small and medium manufacturers.
4) Market Position & Competitive Landscape
OnRobot operates in the growing cobot tooling segment, serving manufacturers that require flexible automation.
Competitive strengths:
- Brand-agnostic compatibility
- Strong cobot ecosystem presence
- Plug-and-play simplicity
- Focus on SME adoption
Competitive pressures:
- Low-cost EOAT competitors
- Robot OEMs developing proprietary tooling
- Commoditization of basic grippers
- Need for AI-enhanced manipulation features
5) Industry Applications
OnRobot tools are widely used in:
- Electronics manufacturing
- Automotive components
- Food and packaging
- Medical device production
- General light industrial assembly
The company’s solutions are particularly relevant in high-mix, low-volume production environments.
6) Strategic Outlook (2026–2030)
The expansion of collaborative robotics globally supports long-term demand for modular tooling systems.
Future growth drivers include:
- Increased cobot penetration in SMEs
- Demand for flexible automation setups
- Integration of force-sensing and AI-driven control
- Expansion of global distributor networks
As robots become more adaptive and AI-enhanced, tooling systems will need to evolve accordingly.
7) Key Risks
- Hardware commoditization
- Competitive pricing pressure
- Dependence on cobot market growth
- Integration standardization reducing differentiation
8) Investment Exposure
OnRobot is privately held. There is no direct public stock listing. Investors seeking exposure to collaborative tooling often invest indirectly through broader robotics and automation portfolios.
9) Final Assessment
OnRobot represents a critical enabler within the collaborative robotics ecosystem. By focusing on flexible, cross-compatible end-of-arm tooling, the company benefits from growth in cobot adoption without being tied to a single robot manufacturer.
As collaborative automation continues expanding into new industries, modular tooling providers like OnRobot remain structurally important to robotics deployment success.
