Schmalz :: Vacuum Automation, Ergonomic Handling Systems & Clamping Technology

Schmalz (J. Schmalz GmbH) is a leading global manufacturer of vacuum automation, ergonomic handling systems, and clamping technology. Founded in 1910 and still family-owned, the company is headquartered in Glatten in Germany’s Black Forest region. With more than 1,500 employees and subsidiaries in over 30 countries, Schmalz has established itself as a trusted partner for industrial automation, particularly in the robotics sector. The company specializes in developing innovative vacuum components and complete systems that enable reliable, efficient, and gentle handling of workpieces across diverse industries including automotive, logistics, packaging, electronics, woodworking, and food processing.

Schmalz’s robot-based products focus primarily on End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) and vacuum gripping solutions optimized for both traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots). Their flagship offerings include the CobotPump series — compact, intelligent vacuum generators designed specifically for cobots. These units combine a vacuum generator, control electronics, and monitoring sensors in one lightweight package, making them ideal for direct mounting on robot arms from manufacturers such as Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB, and KUKA. The company’s comprehensive line of area grippers (FXP, FMP, and FM series) uses flexible foam pads or suction cups to securely grip objects with irregular surfaces, porous materials, or varying sizes — a common challenge in bin picking, palletizing, and packaging applications.

Additional key robotic products include an extensive range of suction cups in different materials, shapes, and sizes, high-performance vacuum generators (ejectors), and modular gripping systems with integrated sensors. Many of these components are Industry 4.0-ready, featuring IO-Link communication for real-time data on grip verification, vacuum level, and predictive maintenance. Schmalz also offers ready-to-connect gripper kits that significantly reduce engineering and integration time for system builders. Their solutions emphasize energy efficiency, with products designed to minimize compressed air consumption while maintaining powerful holding force.

A major strength of Schmalz is its ability to combine mechanical vacuum technology with smart digital features. Their sensors and controllers can detect workpiece presence, measure leakage, and communicate directly with robot controllers, enabling adaptive gripping strategies. This makes their products particularly valuable in flexible manufacturing environments where robots must handle a wide variety of parts without manual reconfiguration. The company also provides ergonomic handling devices such as vacuum tube lifters and crane systems that often serve as complementary tools alongside robotic automation.

Schmalz continues to invest heavily in research and development, with a strong emphasis on lightweight construction, artificial intelligence-enhanced gripping, and sustainability. Their products are known for exceptional quality, durability, and global technical support. By providing critical “hands” for robots through superior vacuum technology, Schmalz plays an essential role in advancing flexible automation worldwide. As demand grows for adaptable, efficient, and safe robotic material handling, Schmalz is well positioned as a key technology partner helping manufacturers increase productivity while reducing physical workload and operational costs.