Dettenhausen & Glatten, Germany – June 2018
ARRTSM GmbH is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with J. Schmalz GmbH, the Black Forest–based global leader in vacuum automation and robotic gripping systems. This partnership integrates Schmalz’s advanced vacuum and gripping technologies with ARRTSM’s AI-driven autonomous CNC robotic cells.
Together, both companies are building the intelligent handling layer required for next-generation autonomous manufacturing.
What We’re Building
AI-Guided Vacuum Pads
Custom-designed suction pads equipped with smart sensors and controlled by ARRTSM Physical AI. The system dynamically optimizes pad placement, vacuum levels, and gripping sequences for precision positioning and handling.
Vacuum & Magnetic Grip Systems
Integration of Schmalz’s full gripping portfolio, including:
- Flat and bellows suction pads (SAF, SPB series)
- Area grippers and vacuum spiders
- Magnetic SGM-SV grippers
These solutions enable reliable handling across diverse materials and surface conditions.
Seamless Robot Integration
Using Schmalz’s modular systems such as PXT kits, ECBPi vacuum generators, and automated quick-change joints, the gripping solutions integrate seamlessly into ARRTSM’s multi-robot CNC cells.
Why It Matters
Precise, Smart Handling
AI-driven algorithms continuously adjust pad placement and vacuum activation, achieving sub-millimetre positioning accuracy and error-free workpiece handling.
Material-Agnostic Performance
From delicate carbon-fibre composites to porous, wet, or oily surfaces, the system automatically selects the optimal gripping strategy—flat pads, bellows, area suction, or magnetic gripping.
Modular, Future-Ready Platform
Schmalz’s plug-and-play vacuum kits enable rapid swapping of pads, sensors, and grippers—supporting scalable, upgradeable robotic fleets.
Use Cases & Benefits
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Load / Unload Autonomy:
AI-equipped vacuum pads enable robots to pick varied workpieces from bins or shelves without manual setup. -
Adaptive CNC Processing:
Irregular, wet, or oily parts are securely gripped and positioned before machining. -
Traceable Quality Control:
Vacuum pressure and sensor data are logged for every grip, ensuring full traceability and quality assurance.
Roadmap
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Q3 2018:
Finalization of AI interfaces with Schmalz vacuum pad hardware. -
Q4 2018:
Deployment of pilot systems in ARRTSM CNC-cell demonstration facilities. -
Early 2019:
Commercial rollout across industries including composites, woodworking, aerospace, and automotive.
About the Partners
ARRTSM GmbH
A pioneer in autonomous CNC robotic systems, combining Physical AI, digital twins, and precision engineering to redefine intelligent manufacturing.
J. Schmalz GmbH
Founded in 1910 in Glatten, Germany, Schmalz employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide and is a global leader in vacuum automation, gripping systems, magnetic handling, and clamping technology.
Together, ARRTSM and Schmalz are accelerating the evolution of autonomous factories—where AI-controlled vacuum pads and smart grippers deliver unmatched precision, adaptability, and reliability.