Abstract: The present invention provides a break-away clutch for a robot end-of-arm tooling device for placement between a robot and a tooling device. The break-away clutch comprises a housing having a forward surface, a stud member, and a top plate having an underside facing surface. The housing has one end closed to form a cavity. The cavity holds a compression spring, and a piston that encapsulates the spring. The stud member has a ball end at one end resting on the piston and a distal end attached to the end-of-arm tooling device. The piston moves axially within the cavity and reacts to movement of the stud member. Notches located on the stud member, and pins located on the underside facing surface of the top plate translate rotational movement of the stud member to axial movement of the piston. A sensing device senses axial movement of the piston when the piston compresses the spring, and send a signal to the robot or end-of-arm tooling device if movement is beyond a predetermined amount.