Master’s in End-Effectors and Workholding Systems Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in end-effector and workholding systems engineering. 12 modules covering grip mechanics, mechanical and vacuum grippers, process tools, tool changers, fixtures, grip sensing and safety under ISO 9409-1, ISO 29262 and ISO 10218-2, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse gripping requirements based on the part and the process.
Calculate clamping forces taking the robot dynamics into account.
Design mechanical grippers, vacuum systems and other gripping technologies.
Select process tools, tool changers and accessories.
Design locating and workholding fixtures.
Apply safety requirements to end-effectors.
Develop a complete end-effector from calculation to prototype.
Who it's for
- End-effector designers.
- Tooling and fixture engineers.
- Robotic applications engineers.
- Automation mechanical engineers.
- Robotic cell integrators.
- Additive manufacturing engineers applying 3D printing to grippers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 9409-1 (robot mechanical interfaces – flanges)
- ISO 29262 (end-effector terminology and classification)
- ISO 10218-2 (safety of robot systems and integration)
- ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robot safety)
- ISO 12100 (risk assessment and risk reduction)
- ISO 4414 (pneumatic fluid power safety)
- ISO 13849-1 (safety-related parts of control systems)
- VDI 2740 (grippers and gripping systems)
- SolidWorks
- Siemens NX
- Ansys Mechanical
- RoboDK
- Schmalz Toolbox
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Role of the end-effector in the cell1.2Classification of end-effectors1.3Part and process requirements1.4Standardised mechanical interfaces1.5Influence on payload and cycle time1.6Cost of the end-effector versus the robot1.7Modular and reconfigurable design1.8Typical gripping failures1.9Suppliers and standard solutions1.10Case study: gripping requirements for a part family
2.1Form-fit and force-fit gripping2.2Friction coefficient and clamping force2.3Inertial forces during motion2.4Calculating the required gripping force2.5Moments and loads on the wrist2.6Finger stiffness and deformation2.7Centring and tolerances2.8Gripping deformable parts2.9Finite element analysis of fingers2.10Practical: gripping force calculation with accelerations
3.1Parallel and angular grippers3.2Three-finger grippers3.3Pneumatic gripper actuation3.4Electric grippers and force control3.5Hydraulic grippers for heavy loads3.6Custom finger design3.7Jaw position sensing3.8Underactuated adaptive grippers3.9Multi-fingered robotic hands3.10Lab: finger design for a machined part
4.1Principles of vacuum4.2Flat and bellows suction cups4.3Venturi generators and pumps4.4Calculating suction force4.5Leakage and porous parts4.6Zoned vacuum grippers4.7Vacuum for sheets and cardboard4.8Vacuum monitoring4.9Energy efficiency of vacuum4.10Practical: sizing a vacuum system for panels
5.1Magnetic gripping and electromagnets5.2Electroadhesion gripping5.3Needle gripping5.4Non-contact Bernoulli grippers5.5Soft grippers and soft robotics5.6Freeze gripping5.7Micro-gripping of small components5.8Food handling5.9Technology selection5.10Workshop: comparison of technologies for textile parts
6.1Welding torches6.2Spot welding guns6.3Machining and deburring spindles6.4Dispensing guns6.5Laser cutting heads6.6Robotic screwdrivers with feeding6.7Compliant polishing tools6.8Paint guns6.9Inspection tools6.10Case study: compliant deburring tool
7.1Automatic tool changers7.2Transmission of pneumatics, signals and power7.3Tool stands and magazines7.4Compensators and compliance elements7.5Collision protection7.6Rotary unions and swivels7.7Robot dress packs and hoses7.8Force and torque sensors7.9Tool identification7.10Lab: cell with automatic tool changing
8.1CAD design of end-effectors8.2Lightweight materials: aluminium and composites8.3Additive manufacturing of grippers8.4Topology optimisation of the end-effector8.5Design for maintenance8.6Standardisation of components8.7Fatigue life calculation8.8Prototype validation8.9End-effector documentation8.10Practical: topology optimisation of a 3D-printed end-effector
9.1Locating fixtures9.2Workholding for machining9.3Zero-point systems9.4Welding fixtures9.5Positioners and rotary tables9.63-2-1 locating principle9.7Modular and reconfigurable fixtures9.8Hydraulic and pneumatic clamping9.9Dimensional verification of fixtures9.10Workshop: designing a 3-2-1 welding fixture
10.1Presence and position sensors10.2Tactile sensors in fingers10.3Force control in gripping10.4Slip detection10.5Vision for grasp planning10.6Machine learning of grasps10.7Bin picking of randomly placed parts10.8Grasp planning in simulation10.9End-effector condition monitoring10.10Practical: grasp planning with a point cloud
11.1Hazards created by the end-effector11.2Loss of energy and part retention11.3Design for collaborative applications11.4Edges, pinch points and forces11.5Applicable safety standards11.6Validation of safety functions11.7Safety during tool changing11.8Signage and instructions11.9Periodic gripper inspection11.10Case study: safe redesign of a cobot gripper
12.1Analysis of the part and process12.2Selection of gripping technology12.3Gripping and load calculations12.4CAD design of the end-effector12.5Simulation and structural analysis12.6Prototyping and testing12.7Integration with the robot12.8Conclusions on the end-effector12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits alongside your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Ansys Mechanical, RoboDK and Schmalz Toolbox, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: calculating and testing gripping forces with real accelerations, designing and additively manufacturing gripper fingers, and validating vacuum systems for different surfaces. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 9409-1, ISO 29262, ISO 10218-2, ISO/TS 15066, ISO 12100, ISO 4414, ISO 13849-1, VDI 2740.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent proven professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Ansys Mechanical, RoboDK and Schmalz Toolbox, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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