NOVELTY - The end effector comprises: a base (101); fingers (103, 104, 105, 106) extending from the base, where each of the fingers comprises a carbon fiber material, and tapers from a first diameter and first wall thickness proximate the base to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and second wall thickness smaller than the first wall thickness distal the base; and pads (107) disposed on the fingers to support a substrate. Each of the fingers has a circular cross section. The base comprises: top and bottom plates positioned opposite to one another; and ribs disposed between the plates.    USE - The end effector is useful in substrate handling systems including ion implantation systems, deposition systems, etching systems, lithography systems and vacuum systems, to process solar cells, semiconductor wafers and LEDs.    ADVANTAGE - The end effector has reduced weight and increased stiffness, so that the speed, acceleration and overall throughput of the end effector are increased, and the deflection or movement of the wafers transported by the end effector is prevented.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The end effector comprises: a base (101); fingers (103, 104, 105, 106) extending from the base, where each of the fingers comprises a carbon fiber material, and tapers from a first diameter and first wall thickness proximate the base to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and second wall thickness smaller than the first wall thickness distal the base; and pads (107) disposed on each of the fingers to support a substrate. Each of the fingers has a circular cross section. The base comprises: top and bottom plates positioned opposite to one another; and ribs disposed between the top and bottom plates, where the top and bottom plates comprise carbon fiber material. Each of the fingers tapers along an entirety of a length of each of the fingers. The end effector further comprises: a wrist plate (102) coupled to one end of the base, where the wrist plate has first protrusions for engaging the fingers and second protrusions for engaging ribs within the base; a spar member; a hub; and an end effector interface coupled between the spar member and the base. The spar member is coupled to the hub, and comprises a carbon fiber composite. The end effector interface has a set of protrusions configured to engage protrusions in the base to a position of the base with respect to the spar member. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method for making an end effector.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic isometric view of an end effector.    Base (101)    Wrist plate (102)    Fingers (103, 104, 105, 106)    Pads (107)    Aperture. (110)