Portfolio expanded: Schmalz acquires finger grippers from Soft Robotics Inc.

Image 2: The mGrip grippers are particularly suitable for direct food handling, including meat and fish. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Dr. Kurt Schmalz, Managing Partner of the Schmalz Group, presents one of the new finger grippers from the mGrip product family. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The high hygiene compatibility of the mGrip product family allows for application, among other things, in handling fruit and vegetables. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The vacuum specialist Schmalz is expanding its gripper portfolio: On August 5th, the family-owned company from Glatten will acquire the mGrip product family from the American company Soft Robotics (SRI), including all configurations of the finger grippers, patents, and the associated know-how. This further strengthens Schmalz's market position in the food handling sector.

"The food industry is a growth market," says Dr. Kurt Schmalz, Managing Partner of the Schmalz Group. "With our new portfolio of finger grippers, we now offer our customers, in addition to an extensive range of vacuum grippers, finger grippers for automated food handling."

Thanks to their modular design, the gripping systems are particularly flexible and easy and quick to adapt to customer requirements. They are the most robust and versatile option for the precise handling of delicate objects and items that are difficult to grip due to their changing shape. Additionally, they are characterized by high hygiene suitability, which is crucial for the food industry. Typical application areas include direct handling of baked goods, fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and fish. Due to their high quality, the mGrip product family fits perfectly into Schmalz's portfolio, which also stands for technologically advanced products in the field of automation with vacuum.

With the acquisition of the mGrip product family, Schmalz also continues to operate the existing site in Boston, Massachusetts. "By maintaining the existing infrastructure in Boston, we gain quick access to the market and continue to ensure reliable delivery to our customers," says Dr. Volker Schmitz, Managing Director of Schmalz USA, who will also lead the Boston location. "The acquisition of these grippers is further evidence that Schmalz, as a globally leading provider of vacuum solutions for industrial automation, continues to grow."