SMC Corporation :: Pneumatic Automation Components & Solutions

SMC Corporation (SMC株式会社) is a global leader in pneumatic automation components and solutions, founded in 1959 in Tokyo, Japan. Originally established as Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd. for sintered metal filters, the company expanded into pneumatic control equipment and has grown into one of the world’s largest providers of automated control technologies. With headquarters in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, SMC employs over 23,000 people consolidated, generates approximately 792 billion yen in annual sales (as of March 2025), and operates around 500 sales offices in about 80 countries, with production facilities in roughly 30 countries. Its mission centers on advancing industrial automation through high-quality, innovative components that enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability across manufacturing sectors.

SMC does not manufacture complete industrial or humanoid robots. Instead, it specializes in critical enabling components and End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) that power robotic systems worldwide. Its products are widely used in collaborative robots (cobots), industrial robots, AGVs/AMRs, and automated assembly lines. The company emphasizes lightweight, compact, energy-efficient designs suitable for modern robotics applications.

Key Robot-Based and Robotics-Enabling Products

• Grippers for Collaborative Robots: SMC offers a comprehensive lineup of pneumatic and electric grippers optimized for cobots. The RMH Series Air Gripper Units are “Plug & Play” solutions compatible with major platforms including Universal Robots, FANUC, YASKAWA, Mitsubishi, KUKA, ABB, and others. These feature built-in manual tool changers, single air/electrical connections, and high rigidity. Additional series include MHZ (parallel), MHS (high holding force), MHF (low profile), and MHL models.
• Electric Grippers: The LEHR Series provides electric actuation with universal mounting (ISO 9409-1 compliant), integrated controllers, and compatibility with UR, FANUC, and OMRON/Techman cobots. They support precise force control, safety features for human collaboration, and reduced energy consumption.
• Vacuum Grippers and Units: ZXP Series vacuum grippers and pads for delicate or irregular objects, often integrated with cobot-specific configurations.
• Actuators and Rotary Solutions: Electric actuators, compact air cylinders (e.g., CQ2, MGP), rotary tables (MSQ), and rack-and-pinion actuators for precise motion control in robotic arms and positioning systems.
• Supporting Technologies: Compact compressors (CRP Series) for onboard air/vacuum on mobile robots, Air Management Systems for energy efficiency, solenoid valves, sensors, and fieldbus solutions for seamless robot integration. SMC also supplies FRL units, impact blow valves, and IoT-ready components.

SMC’s robotics portfolio focuses on flexibility, lightweight construction, plug-and-play integration, and sustainability (e.g., reduced CO₂ emissions). Its solutions are deployed in automotive, electronics, packaging, food processing, and logistics automation. The company actively participates in robotics exhibitions and offers training systems for Industry 4.0 skills development.

In summary, SMC Corporation serves as a foundational enabler in the robotics ecosystem, delivering reliable pneumatic, electric, and vacuum components that make modern robots more capable, efficient, and safe. Its global scale, technical expertise, and continuous innovation position it as a key partner for robot integrators and manufacturers advancing factory automation.