An example robot includes inks comprising a first link and a second link, together with joints among the links. A joint between the first link and the second link is configured to enable relative movement between the first link and the second link. An end effector is connected in series with one of the joints. A hose assembly is connected to the end effector. The hose assembly includes a hose having a first end for making connection to a vacuum source and a second end for making connection to the end effector. An elasticity of the hose assembly is greater along the length of the hose assembly than along the cross-section of the hose assembly.