Handling Technology

Timmer GmbH from Neuenkirchen has developed the "timbaseLIFT," a mobile vacuum lifting system that does not require heavy counterweights. Instead, the device uses an active vacuum anchoring on the hall floor. As a result, the weight of the base plate is reduced by about two-thirds compared to conventional mobile cranes with concrete bases. The system is designed for the ergonomic handling of loads up to 85 kilograms and can be used in production and logistics halls without structural modifications.

Both companies are working on a technology that allows robots to take into account the course of complex work processes. In the future, companies should be able to use the new models for their own applications via Neuraverse.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation has, on behalf of Jungheinrich Profishop and the exoskeleton manufacturer Hunic, investigated the ergonomic effects of an exoskeleton during lifting operations. In measurements conducted under practical industrial working conditions, the utilized exoskeleton "Hunic Softexo Lift" reduced the activity of individual back muscles by up to 41.5 percent. At the same time, the researchers documented less spinal curvature and reduced torso rotational movements under load. The study, presented in October 2026, thus provides measurement data on the mechanical support of physically demanding tasks in logistics.  

Schmalz has introduced the "GSP" intelligent vacuum pump, a fully electric vacuum generator designed for mobile robotics applications and intralogistics handling processes. The ready-to-connect pump operates with a supply voltage of 24 volts and achieves a suction capacity of 50 to 150 liters per minute. Thanks to demand-oriented power regulation and automatic leakage detection, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 90 percent compared to conventional electric vacuum generators. Since the pump operates without a compressed air supply, it is particularly suitable for decentralized automation solutions and retrofitting existing systems, according to the manufacturer.

Picking, transporting goods, and supplying packing stations: A company in Gütersloh wants to implement humanoid robotics on a larger scale. To do this, it is turning to a marketplace with 95 models from 35 manufacturers.

The Dutch robotics specialist Smart Robotics and the special machine builder Opitz Packaging Systems from Northeim have agreed on a strategic partnership. The plan is to combine expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and packaging technology. Initially, the focus is on robot-assisted palletizing and end-of-line processes. In the long term, the collaboration is also to be extended to automated single-item picking.

The INC Innovation Center plans to open the "Future Robotics Exploration Hub" in Stuttgart in January 2027, in collaboration with industrial companies. The proposed facility is intended to enable manufacturing companies to test, compare, and validate mobile and humanoid robotic systems as well as physical artificial intelligence (Physical AI) technologies using real industrial tasks. The project was presented on October 6, 2026, at the Future Robotics Summit in Stuttgart.

On October 1, 2026, Martina Gartner joined the management of Schmalz. With her extensive experience in corporate management, controlling, and organizational development, she is expected to contribute to the strategic advancement of the industrial company's commercial sector.

Schmalz presents two solutions for manual handling at the Arbeitsschutz Aktuell in Stuttgart (October 20 to 22, Hall 1, Stand J1.001): the torso-bending exoskeleton "Nexo Pro" and the battery-powered suction lifter "Gripster max". Both solutions relieve employees when lifting and carrying.

RK Rose+Krieger adapts tube connectors through machining to meet the requirements of a trolley construction. The solution is designed for loads weighing up to 30 kilograms.

No battery and no external power supply: The "Nexo Pro" uses a mechanical spring system to assist with bending and lifting movements and is designed, among other things, for warehouse logistics and order picking.

Stone wool is a sought-after insulation material in the flat roof sector. However, processing the material presents a challenge: the panels are heavy and unwieldy. They can only be moved with considerable effort. Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG from Sendenhorst-Albersloh has therefore introduced a custom lifting solution from Timmer for placing stone wool panels on a CNC cutting machine. Since August 2025, the "Heavylift" tube lifter has been assisting employees in placing and, depending on the cut, also in removing the finished panels.