Where new manufacturing processes emerge or production capacities need to be quickly scaled, high technical requirements meet strong time and cost pressure. At the same time, the framework conditions differ significantly: While in aerospace, demanding materials and certified processes determine manufacturing, in electronics, the highest precision and ESD compatibility are crucial. In strictly regulated medical and laboratory environments, automation solutions must ensure stable, contamination-free processes.
SCHUNK Engineering consolidates extensive expertise from various applications and industries and transfers proven technologies and principles to new, individual tasks. 'Our customers receive guidance and security throughout the entire project process – from the first conversation to concept validation and commissioning,' explains Sebastian Höpfl, Executive Vice President Business Unit Gripping Technology & Automation Technology at SCHUNK. 'We do not only consider the individual component but the entire process: cycle times, quality, component variants, and interfaces. This results in solutions that not only work but are also economical and future-proof.'
Individually does not mean starting from scratch!
SCHUNK Engineering can draw on a wealth of experience that is continuously growing: around 2,000 customer-specific solutions are created each year. Additionally, there is technological knowledge from a portfolio of more than 13,000 components. Customers benefit from multiple constructed, tested, and proven solutions. Instead of developing every special requirement from scratch, the engineering teams rely on validated designs, established processes, and industry-specific best practices. This shortens the path from briefing to a robust concept and helps reduce technical risks early in the project phase.
'Our broad industry expertise flows directly into the conceptual work,' emphasizes Höpfl. 'This allows us to work with best practices instead of experiments.' Even before the actual setup, concepts can be tested and optimized with digital twins, cycle time, and collision simulations. Clear milestones and a structured risk and change management additionally ensure transparency and predictability.
From the overall system to the special component
The range of services offered by SCHUNK Engineering extends from validated assemblies and systems to individually developed components. System integrators, machine builders, and manufacturing companies receive tested, coordinated solutions and a robust technical concept. This reduces interface risks, creates planning security, and minimizes the overall project risk.
SCHUNK accompanies the entire process – from requirements definition through project management, design, and validation to manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, and after-sales service.
The solutions from SCHUNK Systems Engineering are specifically tailored to the respective industrial environment and are as diverse as the industry itself: In e-mobility, for example, SCHUNK develops complex assemblies for battery cell handling, in energy technology compact assembly concepts, and in cutting manufacturing individual clamping solutions. Wherever possible, the engineering teams rely on proven standard components, validated designs, and established solution principles.
SCHUNK also masters highly specific tasks in special machines and systems with comprehensive technological expertise. In SCHUNK Component Engineering, individually adapted components are at the center. The range is reflected in various fields of application. It ranges from specially configured grippers for recycling or automotive applications to handling and clamping solutions for engine parts in aerospace to aseptic grippers and change systems in the pharmaceutical industry.
Global engineering, local proximity
Global engineering hubs ensure that SCHUNK remains close to customers even in international projects. At the same time, the teams work worldwide according to harmonized design guidelines as well as uniform quality and documentation standards. This allows solutions to be implemented regionally and scaled across multiple production sites if necessary.
For SCHUNK, engineering is therefore more than just the development of a special solution. It connects industry and application knowledge, technological competence, and structured processes to a common goal: to lead complex customer projects to a robust solution faster and minimize risks throughout the entire project process.
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