An end effector of a wafer transfer system includes synchronously movable blades operable to hold and release wafers. The end effector comprises an end effector housing including a first blade mount coupled to a first blade, a second blade mount coupled to a second blade, and an actuator operable to move the blade mounts on respective linear rails. The actuator includes a longitudinally movable piston coupled to the respective blade mounts by respective actuator links. The actuator links are pivotally coupled to the longitudinally movable piston at respective first ends thereof and to the first and second blade mounts at respective second ends thereof wherein moving the piston towards a retracted position causes the blades to synchronously move laterally towards each other and moving the piston towards the retracted position causes the blades to synchronously move laterally away from each other so as to hold or release a wafer.