Automatic Robotic Interchangeable End Effector System (ARIES)

Department of Mechatronics Engineering, KCG College of Technology, Karapakkam, Chennai 600 036, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , manivannan.mtr@kcgcollege,com

Published online: 16 April 2026

Abstract

Robotic arms are increasingly used across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and research due to their precision, repeatability, and adaptability. However, their versatility is often limited by the need for manual intervention when changing end effectors (grippers, welders, screwdrivers, surgical tools, etc.). This creates downtime, reduces efficiency, and restricts adaptability across diverse tasks. The proposed project, introduces a universal connector system that allows robotic arms to automatically replace end effectors in real-time. With this design, the robotic arm and end effector remain seamlessly connected through a smart connector, allowing the arm to instantly switch between tools with minimal effort. This system transforms a single robotic arm into a multi-purpose all-in-one platform, suitable for applications in any field with just a change of end effector. By eliminating manual tool replacement, the proposed system reduces cycle time, minimizes human dependency, and improves overall system efficiency. The functionality and feasibility of the proposed system are validated through simulation using the Gazebo robotics simulator, enabling safe evaluation of tool-changing operations, motion control, and system performance prior to real-world implementation. Furthermore, its modular and scalable architecture allows compatibility with different robotic arm configurations and endeffector types, making it a cost-effective and future-ready solution for advanced automation environments.