Featuring integrated sensors and precise valve control, the OVEH joins Festo’s growing portfolio of EOAT technologies, which are engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing environments.

The OVEH vacuum generator combines a compact design with advanced functionality, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including handling printed circuit boards, machine loading and unloading, packaging assembly and picking finished items from 3D printers. Its universal robot interface, compliant with ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6, ensures compatibility with a variety of cobots and robots, enabling seamless integration into existing systems.

Peter Potters, Festo’s EOAT Product Manager, explains: “The OVEH vacuum generator represents a significant step forward in EOAT technology. Its compact size, lightweight design and integrated sensors make it a highly dynamic and reliable solution. Offering both high vacuum and high suction volume options, the OVEH provides manufacturers with the flexibility to adapt to diverse applications while maintaining process reliability.”

The OVEH can be configured with a single suction cup or with up to nine suction cups on an adapter plate, offering a wide range of possible gripping positions. This flexibility allows manufacturers to create customised gripper units that can be easily retooled, adapting processes to meet demand. The OVEH’s low height and weight further contribute to its high dynamic response, making it well-suited for applications that require speed and precision.

Safe and reliable operation is assured with an integrated pressure sensor that continuously monitors vacuum levels. This feature is particularly valuable in applications where precision and consistency are critical. The OVEH vacuum generator also includes a valve-controlled ejector pulse, which enhances the secure handling of workpieces and supports efficient operation. Air quality is maintained using integral process air filters and an open silencer to reduce contamination of the suction nozzle.

Another standout feature of the OVEH is its plug-and-work capability. A mechanical robot interface enables quick and easy integration with various cobots, while control can be managed via digital I/O (PNP/NPN) or IO-Link. Clearly designed interfaces simplify the connection of pneumatic tubing and a single electrical connector, reducing setup time and streamlining deployment.

Festo’s OVEH vacuum generator is a testament to the company’s commitment to developing EOAT solutions that empower manufacturers to optimise efficiency, enhance safety, and embrace the possibilities of human-robot collaboration. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, the OVEH is poised to become a valuable asset in industries ranging from electronics and packaging to additive manufacturing.

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There are many reasons for the tremendous growth in demand for industrial robots, including labour shortages, rising energy costs and the need for higher flexibility and productivity. These commercial pressures are creating exciting opportunities to push the boundaries of end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) design, taking into account critical factors such as moving mass and surface form and texture, while improving accuracy and safety.

EOAT evolution

Traditionally, a vacuum generated by pumps or venturi nozzles and applied via flexible cups or porous plates has been used for most pick-and-place applications, with specialist Bernoulli non-contact grippers being specified for very delicate substrates. Mechanical grippers have emerged as an alternative. Usually two- or three-fingered, these devices move in a parallel or angled motion with the fingers and mechanically squeeze or engage with the profile of the component to be moved.

Vacuum-based EOAT has evolved to offer vacuum generators that are weight and cost optimised, and which can be mounted on highly dynamic robotic arms close to the vacuum cups, enabling faster evacuation times and increased operating cycles. Improvements in pneumatic valve technology, such as Festo’s VTUX valve terminal, are part of this evolution. The VTUX valve terminal addresses both the mechanics/pneumatics and the electrical connectivity requirements within a single platform. It enables a mix of standard valves and vacuum slices, or 100% vacuum, for reduced installation space and costs.

Developments in mechanical grippers have driven the technology in two directions. Design reviews have removed material, not only reducing cost but, more importantly, reducing moving mass. Higher technology grippers offer more flexible control over position and force using fieldbus protocols. One example is the Festo HEPP electric gripper, which features an integrated motor controller for easy integration into control architecture (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Ethercat). This powerful electric gripper is also highly flexible, offering precise control of positioning stroke, speed, acceleration and gripping force.

Another development in robotic end-effectors is the evolution of soft grippers or fingers. Festo has demonstrated several solutions for flexible grippers inspired by nature that wrap around the product more dextrously. These range from flexible gripper fingers that mount onto standard mechanical grippers or wholly soft devices more akin to a gecko’s tongue or an octopus’s tentacle. Compliant materials allow these grippers to adapt to non-uniform and differing work pieces, enabling reliable handling of complex components using automated systems.

A major influence on EOAT development is the desire for greater human-robot collaboration. ISO/TS 15066 provides guidelines for designing and implementing collaborative workspaces, focusing on risk assessment and control. It includes advice on limiting robot power and force, monitoring speed and separation, and implementing safety measures to protect workers from potential hazards.

It uses four levels to define the human-robot relationship. Level 1 (Coexistence) sees humans and robots operating in the same workspace, but without direct interaction. For example, a human might be working on one part of an assembly line while a robot works on another, without physical contact. Level 2 enables humans and robots to share a workspace, but not at the same time. Level 3 sees some cooperation, with humans and robots working on different tasks with some degree of interaction. Level 4 defines requirements for full collaboration, where humans and robots work together on the same task or product simultaneously, with a high degree of interaction and communication.

Level 4 requires sophisticated robot systems with advanced sensing, control and communication capabilities to ensure safety and coordination. In addition, grippers must limit the gripping force per jaw as well as meet compatible gripper and finger design.

Ease of deployment

While EOAT design is becoming increasingly sophisticated, automation manufacturers are working hard to ensure that the technology remains quick and simple to specify and deploy.

For example, the ability to optimise the sizing of mechanical or vacuum-based grippers is critical to energy-efficient operations. Over-sizing end-of-arm components not only costs more but results in considerably higher lifetime operating costs, which outweigh the purchase price many times over. Software that guides selection and considers all the key application criteria provides system designers and machine builders with assurance that the correct parts have been calculated and the right safety factor applied without waste.

For end-users, flexibility and responsiveness to fluctuations in demand are key considerations. But when the objects to be picked vary, it is challenging to provide a ‘one-size-fits-all’ gripper. Festo has developed a standalone software package called GripperAI that works with a vision system and deep learning algorithms to support blind bin picking operations. It determines the best gripper to use on a multi-headed tool, enabling fast, reliable, object-dependent gripper selection.

Gripped and sorted

The Würth Group, the global market leader in the development, manufacture and sale of assembly and fastening materials, was among the first to put Festo’s GripperAI software to the test. Würth wanted to comprehensively test the software at the Reinhold Würth Innovation Centre Curio, discuss it with employees and, if everything proved successful, implement it in its logistics centres worldwide.

The logistics centre at Würth’s headquarters in Künzelsau, Germany, includes final packaging stations where a wide variety of products arrive in trays on sorter conveyors. Employees remove the objects from the trays and pack them into shipping cartons. Würth has around 1,000,000 products in its portfolio – from small and light products to very heavy parts. Working with heavy parts is particularly demanding for the employees. As the proposed alternative to manual handling, the GripperAI needed to instruct a robot to handle parts weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Over two years, Festo built a copy of Würth’s sorter conveyors in its own research and development laboratory to develop the various capabilities of the robot: object-dependent gripper selection, gripping any objects from the trays, packing shipping cartons, and handling the cartons and trays. The robot cell is equipped with a special tool station, allowing the robot to use various suction cups and grippers. GripperAI determines which tool is most suitable depending on the type of object, its shape and surface finish. An integrated camera in the robot recognises the various objects, enabling precise selection. The Festo GripperAI solution can grip almost anything that is presented to it, for which the gripper and robot are designed. The grippers specially developed for this project set new standards in robot technology, while the suction cups come from Festo’s existing portfolio.

The customised AI robot solution enables Würth to handle heavy parts and other objects efficiently, which significantly reduces the workload for employees and increases operational efficiency. Importantly, it requires no teaching or training before deployment. It also works with any robot and vision system.

The robot cell has been in use at Würth since spring 2023 and can serve all the intended lanes. Further development work and optimisation steps have already been defined, such as higher speed, better packing, and optimisation of the overall process. Würth is convinced that this project will significantly improve their logistics processes, facilitate further growth, and support their employees.

Whether your application demands higher precision, faster cycle times, more flexibility, gentler touch, or lower costs, continuing new developments in EOAT mean there is likely to be a tool to meet your needs.

As the range of mechanical and vacuum EOAT options expands, correct selection will be even more important in delivering safe, efficient and optimised robotic solutions. Festo’s team of Grip-It application engineers supports customers by providing practical application advice and guidance, backed by powerful software tools and the well-equipped Customer Application Centre for proof-of-concept trials and backup to theoretical calculations. Online software sizing tools are also invaluable, allowing specifiers to simulate different gripping solutions before they buy.

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Vacuum cups are essential in many manufacturing and logistics processes. Operating through negative pressure, they create a secure grip between the cup and the object surface, allowing components to be lifted, transferred or positioned with minimal damage. The effectiveness of a vacuum cup depends on factors such as surface texture, suction pressure, and cup material.

Elesa’s offering includes flat and bellows-style vacuum cups in various shapes, sizes and compounds – catering to both smooth and irregular surfaces. The flexibility of the product range allows seamless integration into both automated and manual systems.

In automation and robotics, vacuum cups enable accurate pick-and-place operations, supporting faster production cycles. In packaging environments, they are used to handle bottles, cartons and containers with reduced manual input. The logistics sector relies on vacuum systems for sorting and palletising, improving throughput in warehouses and distribution centres.

Elesa’s vacuum cups also address the needs of more specialised applications. In glass and sheet metal handling, they provide a firm hold without marking surfaces – particularly relevant for architectural fabrication and automotive assembly. For the food and pharmaceutical industries, Elesa offers options manufactured from FDA-compliant materials to meet stringent hygiene requirements.

In woodworking, vacuum cups support consistent positioning and movement of porous materials such as MDF and natural timber, contributing to precision during cutting and assembly stages.

Supporting efficiency: a case in application

A global packaging firm recently integrated Elesa’s vacuum cups into its robotic lines, resolving persistent issues with slippage and misalignment. Following the switch, the company reported a 20% improvement in handling speed and a reduction in product damage, attributed to the enhanced grip and stability of the new components.

Elesa’s vacuum cups conform to industrial safety and quality standards. Components used in food and pharmaceutical applications meet regulatory requirements for contamination control. All products undergo extensive material testing to ensure consistent performance in demanding environments.

When specifying vacuum cups, key factors include surface type, required suction force, and environmental resistance. Elesa supports engineers and maintenance teams with a versatile catalogue, ensuring compatibility with both existing and emerging automation technologies.

As industries continue to push for faster, safer, and more energy-efficient handling systems, Elesa’s vacuum cup portfolio stands ready to support next-generation manufacturing.

Sortation machines are still the go-to solution for moving incredibly high volumes of parcels, but if an operation doesn’t have this throughput or acres of available space, conveyors make less sense.

Conveyors are inherently static and inflexible. This means they can’t really expand with a business unless costly renovations are carried out – a handicap in markets such as e-commerce where rapid growth is the norm. When specifying conveyors, operators need to think years into the future regarding customer demand, as equipment can only be optimised once.

Space is another consideration. Conveyors are large, which when contending with limited real-estate, isn’t ideal. This problem is further exacerbated if there is a wide range of picking or sorting destinations. Moving parcels to all these areas with conveyors would result in a complex jumble of equipment that poses an obstacle to warehouse personnel during an emergency, hindering escape.

The final problem is the disproportionate effect conveyor downtime can have on a sorting operation. An unforeseen breakdown on any part of the system risks bringing the entire process to a grinding halt, resulting in late deliveries, lost revenue and dissatisfied customers.

A future alternative available today

Flexible and anything but static, robots are proving to be a new, versatile alternative to conveyors for a wide range of logistics operations. Take Prime Vision robots for an example. Standing 1 m high with an 80 x 60 cm loading surface for parcels, Prime Vision robots offer a 35 kg carrying capacity and the ability to detect items from 100 g. Consequently, they can handle most items encountered in the postal or e-commerce markets.

Guidance is achieved with onboard light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, which allow the robots to avoid obstacles and personnel. By mapping out the space that the robots will operate in beforehand, all units will seamlessly navigate within it.

By scanning the barcode on a parcel, the robot will identify the intended destination and calculate the best route to it. An overarching fleet management system plots the position of each unit, then deviates any that might crossover with another, reducing delays. Therefore, any robot can efficiently travel to any picking or sorting destination independently, ensuring exceptional flexibility.

Applying the benefits of robots

With this functionality, robots offer multiple benefits over static conveyors. Operational expansion can be achieved by simply introducing new units to the fleet. Therefore, periods of rapid growth or peak demand are more easily accommodated than with conveyors. Furthermore, if new picking or sorting destinations need to be added, robots can be quickly programmed to drive to them. Robots can handle growth and increased complexity simultaneously.

While they still need room to manoeuvre, robots require nowhere near as much space as conveyors. This means that they are highly suited for sorting operations in smaller facilities. Additionally, unlike conveyors, robots can be easily relocated. With these inherent qualities, they are ideal for localised or temporary facilities set up close to the point of delivery, allowing businesses to optimise last mile logistics.

In terms of safety, robots are preferable too. Single robots or the entire fleet can be deactivated at the touch of a button, and if an emergency should occur, personnel don’t have large conveyors blocking potential escape routes.

Robots are also more robust than conveyors. A single faulty robot can easily be replaced, or other units rerouted to cover for the shortfall, without halting the entire sorting operation. Maintenance can be carried out and the robot returned to service without any service interruptions, saving time and cost. Ultimately, choosing robots over conveyors makes an operation more resilient.

For sortation where high volume and complexity are both factors – robots can easily work together with conveyors, combining the benefits of each to overcome traditional pain points in the sorting process. More than overcoming its challenges, robots integrate with fixed infrastructure too.

Warehouses choose adoption

Warehouse operators are now recognising the benefits of robots. In a 2022 study, 23% of businesses surveyed said that they were currently using robots in their facilities, while a further 21% planned to within the next three years. Clearly, robots will continue to play an increasing role in future sorting operations.

Prime Vision not only provides customised robots for warehouse logistics, but the system design and training to smoothen adoption for e-commerce companies and postal services. Working on a case-by-case basis, the business creates environments where robots and employees can confidently and safely collaborate. Consequently, robots can become as much of an accepted part of the warehouse ecosystem as conveyors before them.

With some 25 years’ experience within the UK industrial automation industry, Neil’s key objectives include nurturing and securing new business opportunities and supporting the further development of the Schmalz brand of industrial segment product ranges within the UK market place. As a market leader in vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems, the Schmalz product range is in demand across a diverse range of industry sectors and applications including logistics, the automotive industry, the electronics sector and in furniture manufacture.

Robot, cobot and automation solutions

The Vacuum Automation business unit offers a comprehensive component portfolio targeted at the robotics and automation sectors, which includes suction pads, vacuum generators, complete gripping systems and clamping solutions for holding workpieces.

Neil Turnbull explains: “When using small and collaborative robots, the gripper must meet special requirements: it must be lightweight, universally usable, and quick to integrate. Our robotics solutions are used for loading and unloading machines, order picking, palletising, and de-palletising, or for bin-picking applications.

“The full product portfolio includes standard and configurable end effectors, gripper kits, vision and handling sets, electrical and pneumatic vacuum generators, all fully supported by communication interfaces for bidirectional data exchange, with diagnostic functions for the handling process.”

Making light work of material handling

The company’s Handling business unit provides advanced handling solutions for multiple industry sectors including automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, glass, wood, plastics, logistics, metal, solar and wind energy.

Neil Turnbull continues: “Our range of vacuum lifters and crane systems are at the heart of many different product handling systems. Tailored to suit specific market sectors, these solutions combine innovative product design, high quality, and performance with a comprehensive equipment specification.

“Our Vacuum lifters and crane systems also help address the ergonomics and health protection challenges faced by many companies, by making goods movement and transfer operations simpler, safer, and more efficient.”

Intuitive to operate and versatile in their application, the Schmalz Handling portfolio includes vacuum tube lifters for dynamic transfer of goods with high cycle frequency and chain hoist-based vacuum lifting devices for particularly heavy loads. Rope balancers are ideal aids for sensitive, precise positioning of loads.

Neil Turnbull concludes: “A key part of our offering to the UK industrial market is the engineering support available to our client base. Our UK based engineering team work with customers to specify and test products, ensuring that they meet the unique requirements of individual customers and their applications. The development of our unique, dedicated in-house test facility within the Manchester head office allows end customers to benefit from proven vacuum automation technology.”

Supported by the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA), this new event will showcase the latest industrial products and services, robots, robotic systems, systems integration, automation control parts and systems, sensors, and machine safety available in the UK today.

For Matara, the key product focus on its stand will be linear actuators which, along with the motor, are the driving force of a linear motion system. Linear motion systems are used extensively in industrial automation applications to move parts of a machine in a straight line – up and down or back and forth – in a pre-determined and controlled manner. Linear motion systems ensure smooth, accurate, reliable movement, and are simple and cost-effective to maintain.

Matara offers a substantial range of belt driven and ballscrew linear actuators, including the best-selling MTB and MTS series belt driven actuators, which will be on display at Automation UK, including a working version using a Gapp Automation control unit; Gapp Automation has recently joined Matara’s parent company, Rubix.

For any actuator to perform consistently at its optimum level it needs the correctly specified motor, gearbox coupling and control system. Matara will therefore also be exhibiting its linear motors, servo motors, stepper systems, gearboxes and automation solutions.

Other Matara products and services aimed at the automation and robotics sector include aluminium profile safety guard frames, pneumatic grippers, linear rail and guides, rolled ballscrews and ballscrew nuts, linear motors.

Commenting on the company’s decision to exhibit at Automation UK, Japh Humphries, Matara’s UK sales and commercial manager, said: “The robotics and automation markets are a growth area for Matara. We have experience in this sector and we have the products. Automation UK will provide us with the opportunity to showcase these to the right people. We are excited to be involved in this new event and are looking forward to welcoming visitors on to our stand.”

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Designed specifically to be able to work safely alongside humans, collaborative robots generally feature an aesthetically pleasing smooth rounded design, with no sharp edges which could cause injury if the robot accidentally comes into contact with an operator during its cycle. In addition, the arm joints are usually encapsulated to ensure that there are no pinch or trap points for human fingers or hands.

Just as these robots have evolved in recent years to provide greater reach and payload capabilities, so too have the gripper technologies they use, not only to cater for the wider range of applications where these robots are being applied, but also to ensure that the gripper design and functionality complies with ISO TS 15066, which provides guidance for collaborative robot use. In addition, to maximise the Cobot’s potential for operational performance and flexibility, the gripper systems themselves need to exhibit characteristics which promote ease of integration and use across a diverse range of applications.

Collaborative vacuum gripper technology

There has been a significant uptake in the use of collaborative robots for product handling, palletising, and de-palletising applications in recent years. This has been the catalyst for the development by Schmalz of a comprehensive range of gripper systems targeted at collaborative robot applications.

To maximise the performance and payload capabilities of the collaborative robot, the weight of the gripper system should be optimised and, in keeping with the ease-of-use concept promoted by suppliers of collaborative robots, ideally the pneumatic vacuum generation technology should be integrated within the gripper unit to simplify integration and operation.

New additions to the Schmalz range include the FXCB / FMCB area grippers, which are designed to support handling tasks with collaborative robots. These gripper systems will be a valuable asset for a wide range of applications within intralogistics, such as end-of-line packaging, and pick-and-place applications. The design of these gripper systems, which uses 3D printing as part of the manufacturing process, complies with ISO TS 15066, and the FXCB variant also includes integrated vacuum generation. Additional features of this range include innovative communication technology via IO-Link, and an integrated NFC (near field communications) chip.

The Schmalz FQE range also offers flexible handling of workpieces, regardless of size and geometry from different pick-up positions. Also designed for use with collaborative robots, these gripper systems provide solutions to handling applications across multiple sectors such as the automotive, glass or electronics industry, in addition to end of line packaging and intralogistics tasks.

The ‘X-variant’ of this area gripping system comes compete with a particularly energy-efficient, fully integrated pneumatic vacuum generation system, with the alternative ‘M variant’ designed for operation with an external vacuum generator. With their low weight and low noise levels, together with their smooth rounded design, these grippers are also suitable for human-robot-collaboration applications, meeting the ISO TS 15066 standard.

The design of these gripper systems from Schmalz promotes and supports the safe environment requirements for employees when working alongside collaborative robots. In addition, the low weight and dynamic geometry of these compact and energy efficient grippers, ensure optimum operational robot cycles, whilst the process and condition analysis functionality which is also available, provides useful information for maintenance personnel and which can be accessed using a smart-phone.

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The enhanced partnership recognises Thorite’s expertise in the sales and servicing of vacuum pumps, ejectors and accessories. It will strengthen collaboration between the Bradford-based company and Piab, which is headquartered in Sweden, to stimulate growth for both companies.

Thorite is the only company in the UK to have achieved Tier B partnership status with Piab – the highest in its business category – which is based on success in sales revenue, growth ambition, marketing support and workforce education.

Thorite’s sales director, Mark Yates, said: “We place enormous value on this recognition from our key suppliers. Vacuum is a key area identified for growth as part of our future development and our investment in training and education on its market applications is delivering some great opportunities.

“The award of Pro-Partner status cements our relationship with the Piab brand and will deliver benefits for both companies and, most importantly, for our customers.”

The International Federation of Robotics reports that there are now 3.5 million operational robots globally. And the total value of robot installations worldwide has reached an estimated $15.7 billion, according to the IFR’s February release ‘Top 5 Global Robotics Trends in 2023’.

The drive for increased productivity, the automation of manual tasks and insurance against a less reliable labour market is behind this rapid growth, and this is especially important in countries with high labour costs, such as the UK. Every factory manager and engineer knows that they need to automate parts of their operation, but it can be difficult to know where to start. As well as the basic robot units, an automation system requires other components including an end-effector such as a gripper, a control system, vision system, cable management, guarding – the list goes on.

The added frustration is that components are not always compatible with each other, so building a robot to perform even a simple task becomes an engineering design project – and often companies are not confident in their skills for such work.

This problem is exactly what RBTX is designed to tackle. Launched in 2020 in Germany and in late 2022 in the UK, RBTX.com is an online platform that allows engineers and buyers to configure a robot to precisely meet his or her needs, for the first time. The first step is to select the most appropriate robot for the task, using a simple selection tool that shows capabilities including payload, axes, reach and cost. The platform is semi-agnostic, in that several different manufacturers are represented here, including Igus, Epson, Variobotic and Universal Robots.

Live technical support

Companies and users can also schedule a trial operation of their system physically or virtually, by testing the robots reach, its end effector operation and other features online – giving you confidence that the system can do what you want it to do. Igus robot engineers support the platform, and provide users with live advice and troubleshooting, to again ensure the equipment will fulfil their needs.

After choosing the most suitable robot for the job, the user is then guided through the rest of the selection process, choosing the suitable end-effector or gripper, vision system, safety systems and any material handling and conveyors required to move parts to and from the work zone. The RBTX tool has in-built intelligence that prevents certain parts which are incompatible from being selected. Any adapter plates or brackets which are required to fix the robot are added automatically so users do not forget these.

The price of the package you’ve built is shown, and users can change equipment if it does not fit their budget. The complete system can be ordered, all parts will be delivered together, will fit together, and will work together.

RBTX allows anyone to implement automation and robotics in their factory, assembly area, pharmaceutical or science lab or processing facility.  The design and selection process is simplified, and de-risks the complete process.

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IB develops and builds customer-specific, turnkey systems for filling, emptying, metering, and conveying bulk materials. IB is also a well-known partner in the additive manufacturing industry, where they provide ultra-sonic sieving and reclaim machines.

The IB product portfolio completes the Piab additive manufacturing offering and enables Piab Group to offer full powder handling solutions, particularly in the Food, Pharma, and Chemical industries. The acquisition is planned to be finalised shortly, with the transaction fully funded through internal sources.

“The offering, the competence, and the know-how that IB brings, is a game changer for our vacuum conveying division. With this addition, we will be able to serve both our existing and new customers even better and create robust growth opportunities. IB and Piab share the same company culture and values. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new colleagues,” said Floris Rouw, president of Piab’s vacuum conveying division.

Frank Scholz, owner and managing director of IB Verfahrens- und Anlagentechnik, said: “IB Verfahrens- und Anlagentechnik was founded in 2006 as an engineering company and today has around 30 employees. Together with Piab Group – who is known as a world market leader in vacuum transport solutions – a strong team comes into being for a strong future. We are convinced that both companies will profit from this acquisition and look forward to our journey with great confidence.”

The acquisition of Coval, meanwhile, adds a solid portfolio of premium products, highly experienced and skilled employees, a strong brand known for the highest quality standards and many new customers to Piab Group. Through the acquisition, Piab Group is evolving automation by strengthening its position as a world leading automation company. The transaction is fully funded through a combination of external and internal sources.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing the Coval team into the Piab family and we see a great culture fit routed in a strong passion for the future of robotics and automation. With this strategic move, we are confident in our ability to provide our customers with cutting-edge automation solutions, while strengthening our competitive advantage in the market,” said Peter Laurin, CEO of Piab Group

Gustav Falconer, president of Piab’s vacuum automation division, added: “Coval has a perfect strategic fit for our business. The market for industrial automation is growing rapidly and we foresee very strong growth opportunities with the addition of Coval’s competitive portfolio and highly skilled employees, whom I would like to take the opportunity to welcome to Piab Group.”

Michel Cecchin, owner and CEO of Coval, said: “Piab Group’s long history of innovation in vacuum technology and global presence will allow for Coval to further develop and provide a long-term home for our family business and its employees. By joining the Piab Group, Coval joins an excellent global company, a leading innovator in the vacuum technology market and together we will strengthen our leading position in the automation industry.”

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