Episode 138 - Aaron Royster, Group Manager – Automation, Schunk

Robots may get most of the attention, but what happens at the end of the arm often determines whether an automation project succeeds or fails. As manufacturers push for greater flexibility, faster changeovers, and more complex handling, the demands on grippers and end-of-arm tooling are evolving at least as quickly as the robots themselves.

In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Aaron Hand talks with Aaron Royster, group manager of automation at Schunk, about how end-of-arm tooling is shaping system design, enabling more adaptable automation, and unlocking new applications. They also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence, the balance between hardware and software innovation, and why some manufacturers are rethinking how they approach automation — from the gripper back.