What rubber is used in robotics?

Many engineers worry that the wrong rubber choice will cause robotic parts to fail, break, or wear out fast. I often see robotic teams struggle with durability, flexibility, and performance issues when their materials can’t keep up.

Robotics uses specialized rubbers like EPDM, silicone, NBR, SBR, and custom blends. Each type offers unique advantages in sealing, shock absorption, grip, and resistance to oils or temperature. Choosing the right rubber depends on the robot’s application, required flexibility, and environmental demands.

When I help my clients select materials for robotic projects, I start by asking about the robot’s work environment. It makes a big difference if the robot faces high heat, needs food-safe parts, or operates outdoors. Keep reading to learn how each rubber works in real robotics, and how to avoid costly material mistakes.

Why do robots need rubber parts?

Robots can’t operate smoothly without parts that absorb shocks, keep out dust, or seal in vital fluids. Many teams face frequent failures because their gaskets, feet, or joints are made from the wrong material.

Robots rely on rubber for gaskets, seals, pads, feet, grips, and bushings. These parts prevent leaks, dampen vibrations, improve movement, and extend component life. Without the right rubber, robots risk breakdowns and extra maintenance.

Rubber is essential wherever a robot must seal, grip, cushion, or protect something. For example, I once worked on a robot that picked up glass vials. It kept breaking them until we switched the gripper pads to a softer silicone rubber. The robot’s error rate dropped, and the customer’s satisfaction soared.

Main Uses of Rubber in Robotics

Each use comes with its own requirements. For example, seals in a waterproof robot might need EPDM or fluorosilicone. Soft pads might use SBR or silicone for comfort and grip.

What types of rubber are most common in robotics?

Selecting the wrong type of rubber can turn a reliable robot into a maintenance nightmare. Not every rubber fits every need. Engineers must match the material to the environment, loads, and application.

The most used rubbers in robotics are EPDM, NBR, SBR, silicone, and sometimes FKM or PU. Each has distinct strengths: EPDM for weather resistance, NBR for oil, silicone for temperature and purity, SBR for cost and shock absorption.

When I design or source rubber parts, I focus on a few core materials because they cover most robotic needs:

Key Rubber Types for Robotics⁸

EPDM Rubber⁹

• Excellent resistance to weather, ozone, steam, and many chemicals.
• Used in outdoor robots, weather-exposed joints, and waterproof seals¹⁰.

Silicone Rubber¹¹

• Withstands high and low temperatures.
• Safe for food or medical robots.
• Soft, flexible, and non-toxic.

NBR (Nitrile) Rubber¹²

• Strong oil and fuel resistance.
• Used for robots in factories, vehicles, or oil-rich environments.

SBR (Styrene-Butadiene) Rubber¹³

• Great shock absorption.
• Budget-friendly for feet, pads, or bumpers.

FKM (Viton®) Rubber¹⁴

• Superior resistance to chemicals and high heat.
• Used in specialty environments.

Polyurethane (PU)¹⁵

• Durable, abrasion-resistant, good for wheels or high-wear pads.

Rubber Comparison Table for Robotics

Each project has its own “must have” property. When I worked with a robot integrator for food packaging, silicone rubber was the top choice for every seal and pad. For an outdoor inspection robot, EPDM gaskets lasted the longest.

How do you choose the right rubber for a robot’s application?

The wrong material can ruin a project. I have seen expensive robots fail tests because their seals swelled in oil or cracked from sunlight. To avoid these costly mistakes, I always start with the actual working conditions.

Choosing the right rubber for robotics means considering temperature, chemicals, loads, hardness, certification, and even color. Matching the rubber’s properties to the robot’s work environment and requirements is the only way to ensure long life and low maintenance.

I use a simple checklist with my customers to select rubber:

Selection Criteria Table

If a robot gripper must hold delicate electronics, I choose a soft, high-purity silicone. If it runs in a car plant, I select NBR for oil resistance. There’s no single answer. I always ask customers for specs, drawings, and even failed samples before I quote.

What are the latest trends for rubber parts in robotics?

Robotics evolves fast, and so do the rubber solutions. I keep an eye on new trends because my customers want longer life, more safety, and less maintenance.

The latest trends in robotics rubber include advanced blends for longer wear, antimicrobial rubbers for hygiene, colored rubbers for safety, and custom shapes for unique robot joints and sensors. Rapid prototyping with 3D-printed molds also speeds up new part development.

Robotic needs are shifting from just “working” to “outperforming.” Some of the most exciting developments I see:

Innovations in Robotic Rubber Parts

Custom Compounds and Blends²⁰

• Hybrid rubbers offer combined benefits (like oil resistance + weatherproofing).
• New polymers provide even longer life in harsh use.

Antimicrobial and Food-Grade Rubbers²¹

• Robots in kitchens, hospitals, or food plants need safe, bacteria-resistant parts.
• Colored silicone helps avoid mix-ups and shows contamination.

Smart and Conductive Rubbers

• Flexible sensors are being integrated right into rubber feet or joints.
• Conductive rubber can be used for touch sensors, making robots safer around humans.

Rapid Prototyping²² and Custom Molding²³

• 3D-printed molds allow fast trials of custom-shaped parts.²⁴
• Small batches, frequent design changes, and custom colors are easier than ever.

When one of my automotive customers needed a new seal for a robotic welder, I worked with them to test both traditional NBR and a modern hybrid. The new compound lasted 50% longer. They saved money, and I learned even more about next-generation materials.

How do certifications and testing standards impact rubber use in robotics?

Without proper certification or testing, a cheap part can cause catastrophic failure in high-value robots. I always remind my clients: Testing and certificates are not optional for safety-critical or regulated applications.

Rubber parts for robotics must meet relevant standards for performance, safety, and environment. Certifications like FDA, RoHS, REACH, UL, and automotive or food-grade compliance are critical. Testing confirms the material can handle the intended loads, temperatures, and exposure.

I always work with my factory’s QA team to verify every batch of rubber meets the specified standards. Here’s how it works:

Key Certifications & Tests

If a customer’s drawing lists “FDA grade,” I never substitute a lower grade material. It’s not worth the risk.

Can custom rubber parts really improve a robot’s performance?

Many customers think “standard” rubber parts are good enough. I have seen custom parts reduce downtime, cut noise, or make a robot usable in new ways. The benefits are often worth the extra effort.

Custom rubber parts let robots work in special environments, handle unique shapes, and last longer. With custom molding, designers can create seals, pads, or covers that fit perfectly, improve performance, and protect critical systems.

Whenever I work with an automation engineer or robotics startup, I encourage them to think about custom options. For example, one customer needed a robot to work in a freezer and handle oily food packs. We made a dual-material seal: one side oil-resistant, the other frost-tolerant. The robot ran longer without leaks.

Benefits of Custom Rubber Parts

Improved Fit and Function

• Exact dimensions ensure no leaks or slippage.
• Unique shapes can handle complex robotic arms or sensors.

Material Upgrades

• Combine different rubbers for dual properties (e.g., oil and cold resistance).
• Add colors, textures, or anti-static features.

Reduced Maintenance and Downtime

• Better materials mean less replacement and lower costs.

Competitive Edge

• Custom branding and color for OEMs.
• Proprietary shapes improve overall system performance.

I never assume one part fits all. That’s how I help my customers succeed.

Conclusion

Robotics demands careful rubber selection. Matching the right rubber to each application ensures reliable, safe, and long-lasting robots. Choose wisely for fewer failures and better results.