An end effector is the device attached to the end of a robot arm that interacts directly with objects or materials. Common end effectors include grippers, suction cups, welding tools, and cutting devices. The choice of end effector determines what tasks a robot can perform. End effectors are used in manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and inspection. They are essential for turning robotic movement into useful work.
UBTECH Robotics and Hitachi China have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to deploy Walker S2 humanoid robots across Hitachi’s manufacturing operations, with elevator production already in active testing at Hitachi Elevator’s facility.
The Seoul Welfare Foundation has selected six nursing facilities to receive AI and robotics technology under a pilot program targeting the physical burden of caregiving, as South Korea’s demographic shift accelerates pressure on its senior care workforce.
A Morgan Stanley report argues that China’s early investment in humanoid robotics mirrors its EV strategy a decade ago, and projects the country’s share of global manufacturing will rise from 15% to 16.5% by 2030 as robotics deployment and supply chain dominance accelerate.