Schmalz presented gripping systems—both automated and manual—and vacuum generators at Euroblech 2026 in Hanover. Among them were units being showcased in Germany for the first time.
One of the two vacuum generators is a compact pneumatic ejector with high suction power. In addition, there is an electric vacuum pump for mobile robots. It requires no compressed air connection and is designed for applications with minimal cabling requirements. This means that, depending on the application, both pneumatic and electric methods of vacuum generation are available. Both systems are on display at the booth.
© Schmalz
Automated Handling of Varied Sheet Metal Parts
The company showcased the Ivos Sheet Metal system for automated loading and unloading stations on grinding, deburring, straightening, and laser cutting machines. It combines AI software, 3D vision sensors, and grippers in a ready-to-connect package. The gripping system can be integrated with common robot platforms and is designed for varying part geometries and small batch sizes. A cobot version for small-part handling is also on display at the Q-Fin partner booth during the trade show.
The web-based Digital Engineering Service is designed for the automated design of gripping systems for various sheet metal parts. It is based on CAD data. According to the manufacturer, this can reduce design effort by up to 80%. The system calculates a large number of possible gripping points, compares the variants, and shows which workpieces can be handled with the proposed configuration. Based on this, a gripping system is designed for the respective range of parts. Using the FMG matrix area gripper, Schmalz will demonstrate at the trade show the impact of an application-specific design on costs and energy consumption.
Support for Manual Tasks
In addition to automated processes, the company also showcased technology for manual handling tasks. This includes the Nexo Pro trunk-flexion exoskeleton. It supports the back muscles during bending and is designed to reduce physical strain in workplaces where heavy or bulky sheet metal parts are moved.
The Gripster max vacuum lifter is designed for manually gripping and moving sheet metal parts. The device features a single-button control and enables the horizontal placement of workpieces weighing up to 120 kg.
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www.schmalz.com
