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April 15, 2026

German technology remains highly regarded when it comes to rapid material handling, the elimination of weaknesses, and service quality. Following successful projects in Oklahoma and Texas, the steel trader " Steel and Pipe Supply " once again relied on saws and storage systems from the Rhine Valley in Kansas City.

April 15, 2026

Bito is launching an offensive with an economical alternative for companies that want to re-equip, expand, or temporarily supplement their warehouse and production areas, but don't want to tie up their capital long-term: renting instead of buying is the motto. The advantages – especially in " dynamic times " – are obvious.

April 15, 2026

Logistics provider Yusen is presenting an expanded global platform for the healthcare sector at LogiPharma in Vienna, where companies such as Novartis, Bayer, Takeda, and hospital supplier UCB are currently participating. The platform focuses on the professional delivery of specialized healthcare solutions.

April 15, 2026

Coop's own rail connection for urban logistics in Zurich, streamlined logistics vehicles and the outsourcing of all operating room logistics in a cooperation between the Seeschau Clinic and the Swiss Post are the projects that are entering the final sprint for this year's Swiss Logistics Award from GS1.

April 14, 2026

Compressed air has traditionally been used primarily for fixed installations. Schmalz's vacuum grippers also mainly operate with lines that often have to run across halls and facilities. However, mobile robotics increasingly requires flexible solutions – a need that Schmalz now intends to address more effectively.

April 13, 2026

Safelog, the specialists for software for controlling intralogistics processes, have entered into a cooperation with the drive experts from SEW Eurodrive at LogiMAT in order to jointly develop a high-performance software for controlling mobile and stationary processes in intralogistics. 

April 10, 2026

“Never walk alone” could be the motto of a networking event hosted by the consulting experts from “Adnovum”, where the Digital Product Passport (DPP), cybersecurity and IT opportunities with Petra Merino (GS1 Switzerland) and security expert Andreas Achterholt are on the agenda on May 7th in Zurich.

April 10, 2026

With a new workshop in Obersiebenbrunn near Vienna, rail manufacturer Stadler is expanding its capacity for the commissioning, approval, and servicing of modern rail vehicles in Austria. The workshop has been used to maintain Westbahn's high-speed trains since March 2026.

April 10, 2026

Idealworks, part of the Munich-based Agile Robots Group, with more than 1,700 AMRs and AGVs worldwide and one of the pioneers in industrial automation through AI in robot-controlled logistics processes, has founded a US company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

April 9, 2026

At LogiMAT, conveyor technology provider Interroll attracted attention with a new chain-belt sorting system developed after the acquisition of Sortteq. Together with MCP Play, this creates a material flow ecosystem that combines single-item transport with intelligent sorting.



Vacuum technology makes mobility possible



WAGNER Switzerland AG






Vacuum technology makes mobility possible

April 14, 2026

Compressed air has traditionally been used primarily for fixed installations. Schmalz's vacuum grippers also mainly operate with lines that often have to run across halls and facilities. However, mobile robotics increasingly requires flexible solutions – a need that Schmalz now intends to address more effectively.

Schmalz Vacuum1 310


Vacuum technology grips, holds, and moves workpieces in electronics manufacturing, logistics processes, and the automotive industry. Traditionally, ejectors generate the vacuum using compressed air. This technology is well-established and continues to form the backbone of many systems. However, new production concepts require additional systems.

New requirements

Modular factories, mobile robotics, and rising energy prices are changing automation. AMRs and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) move freely through the factory. They cannot carry stationary utility connections. Collaborative robots (cobots) also follow a different principle than traditional industrial robots. They are lightweight, flexible in their deployment, and can change their workstation.

Schmalz Vakuum4 185

The strengths of external compressed air lie elsewhere. Michael Pojtinger, Head of Business Development Process Vacuum Automation (Components) at Schmalz in Glatten, explains Schmalz's new electric vacuum generators. They operate without a central compressed air supply; a power connection is all that's needed.

Integrated electric motor

An integrated electric motor drives a pump or blower. The system generates the necessary vacuum directly at the point of use. Energy is supplied by the power grid or the robot's vehicle battery. The vacuum is created directly at the end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). This makes the gripping unit a self-contained system that operates independently of stationary connection points.

Schmalz Vacuum2 310 Photos: Schmalz

This opens up new possibilities for AMR and AGV applications. The robots move through production without hose connections and do not require a fixed media supply. This approach also has an impact on cobots. Since they often operate in changing environments, every interface saved counts. Electric vacuum generators do not require external air preparation, thus simplifying integration and commissioning.

The power grid is eliminated

Electric vacuum generators produce the required negative pressure directly at the point of use and do not require a central compressed air infrastructure. " Handling remains powerful and reliable, even without the need for a piping network " Michael Pojtinger succinctly explains. Advantages are also evident in factory planning, as production cells can be easily relocated when compressed air lines do not need to be re-laid. Electricity is generally available throughout the entire facility. This reduces
planning effort and downtime during modifications.

www.schmalz.de




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