Schmalz Builds Smarter Grippers to Power Lightweight Robot Future

Post by : Armust Desk

When we think about robots in factories, we often imagine large machines that move heavy parts. But modern industries are changing. Today, smaller and smarter robots are becoming popular. These lightweight robots can lift to 25 kilograms and are easier to use, even for small and medium businesses. But here’s the challenge: a robot without the right gripper is like a hand without fingers. It cannot hold, move, or place objects properly.

This is where Schmalz, a company known for its vacuum technology, plays a key role. Schmalz designs special grippers that make robots useful, flexible, and safe to work with. The company also helps users choose the right parts and configure them for their tasks. As production batches get smaller and product types increase, flexible gripping systems are more important than ever.

Lightweight Robots for Everyone

Lightweight robots are becoming popular not only in big industries but also among smaller companies. These robots are affordable, easy to program, and can perform many manufacturing and logistics tasks without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Dr. Kurt Schmalz, Managing Director of J. Schmalz GmbH, explains:

"The right gripping system is the foundation for economical use of these robots. We provide customers with systems and components that are easy to configure and adapt to different needs."

This shows that while robots provide power and movement, grippers provide the intelligence and safety needed to make them work in real factories.

Key Requirements for Grippers

For a gripper to work well with lightweight robots, it must meet certain conditions.

• Weight: The gripper must be as light as possible so that the robot can lift more.

• Safety: Grippers need to have smooth, round shapes and meet ISO TS 15066 standards, which ensure safe collaboration between humans and robots.

• Easy Integration: Operators must be able to attach and set up grippers quickly.

• Condition Monitoring: Modern grippers should provide data for predictive maintenance and reliability.

Schmalz designs all of its vacuum grippers with these principles in mind.

The Smart Vacuum Generators: ECBPi and ECBPM

One of Schmalz’s key products is the CobotPump ECBPi, an intelligent vacuum generator. Unlike traditional pumps, it does not need compressed air or long hoses. This makes the robot flexible, mobile, and easy to use.

The ECBPi also sends important data through IO-Link, allowing operators to monitor conditions and carry out predictive maintenance. This means the system is not only more reliable but also safer and more cost-effective.

The CobotPump ECBPM, a smaller version, was introduced for lightweight robots with a capacity of under 4 kilograms. It is compact, lightweight, and perfect for handling small parts in tight spaces. Like the ECBPi, it requires no external air supply and is very easy to integrate.

Area Grippers for All Shapes and Sizes

Not all products have flat surfaces. Some are irregular, have holes, or are soft. To handle these, Schmalz created the FXCB/FMCB area grippers.

These grippers can handle objects of different sizes and shapes, such as cardboard boxes, structured parts, or 3D components weighing up to 8 kilograms. The large surface and low impact force make them safe for human collaboration.

The FXCB/FMCB can be equipped with foam or suction cups and is available with or without built-in vacuum generation. With IO-Link technology and smartphone control through the Schmalz ControlRoom app, users can easily set up and monitor these systems.

Modular Solutions with VEE System

Sometimes, businesses need a gripper that is unique to their products. For this, Schmalz offers the VEE modular system. It is made of different parts that users can combine using software to create a gripper that perfectly fits their needs.

Customers can build their own systems immediately, or Schmalz can provide pre-assembled units upon request. This saves time and ensures flexibility for different industries.

Innovation with 3D Printing: The SLG Gripper

One of Schmalz’s most innovative solutions is the SLG lightweight gripper. It is designed using a digital platform where users can select and configure the gripper online. The design is then produced through 3D printing, making it very light, strong, and available quickly.

This use of additive manufacturing allows businesses to get customized grippers in less time, ensuring fast adoption of automation.

Complete Packages for Easy Setup

Schmalz also offers complete gripper packages that are compatible with different robot models. These sets may include the ECBPi vacuum generator, the FXCB area gripper, or the VEE modular system. Each package has all the parts needed, including a flange for mounting. This makes it possible to set up a working robot system very quickly.

Why It Matters for Small and Medium Businesses

For many smaller businesses, investing in large industrial robots has been too costly and complex. But lightweight robots, combined with Schmalz’s smart grippers, are changing that. Now, companies can automate tasks affordably, safely, and without needing deep technical knowledge.

As Dr. Kurt Schmalz explains:

"The right gripping system transforms a bare robot arm into a complete solution that can move, hold, and process parts."

This means more businesses can benefit from automation, leading to higher efficiency, better safety, and more flexibility in production.

Building the Future of Automation

The story of Schmalz’s gripping systems shows us how important the “hand” of a robot is. Without a gripper, even the most advanced robot is incomplete. By focusing on lightweight design, safety, easy integration, and smart digital features, Schmalz is helping shape the future of automation.

With flexible systems like ECBPi, ECBPM, FXCB/FMCB, VEE, and SLG, the company is making robots more useful for industries of all sizes. The goal is simple: make automation easier, safer, and faster to adopt.

Schmalz, lightweight robots, grippers, vacuum generator, ECBPi, ECBPM, FXCB