Hardware

Tool Changer

A tool changer is a coupling mechanism mounted between a robot's wrist flange and its end-effectors that allows tools to be swapped, either automatically under program control or manually with quick-release mechanics. Automatic tool changers lock a master plate to interchangeable tool plates while passing through electrical signals, pneumatics, fluids, and data, letting one arm alternate among grippers, welders, screwdrivers, and sanders within a single cycle.

Why it matters for physical AI

Multi-purpose robot cells depend on fast, repeatable tool exchange, and for learned manipulation systems the ability to switch end-effectors extends a single policy platform across tasks that no one gripper can cover.