At SPS 2026 in Nuremberg, SCHUNK will introduce two new members of its SLD family of linear direct axes, the SLD Mini and the SLD Midi. The German automation specialist will also show how it combines motion, gripping technology, sensors and engineering into complete solutions, from a single axis to a fully integrated application.
From individual components to production-ready systems
Automation only becomes truly productive when the technologies involved work together reliably and fit smoothly into existing processes. SCHUNK focuses on exactly this point. Its portfolio of axis systems, electrical components, grippers and sensors, together with its own engineering expertise, lets the company support customers from the first design concept to a solution ready for production. The offer covers standard components, validated assemblies and complete systems, as well as custom designs for specific industrial needs. At the show, visitors will see applications for electronics, e-mobility, automotive, life sciences, aerospace and defence.
According to Markus Hanselmann, Product Manager for Gripping Technology and Automation Technology at SCHUNK, the goal is to show how separate components turn into automation systems that run dependably in production. By bringing together motion, gripping, sensing and engineering, customers can move quickly from an initial idea to a working application.
Linear motion at the heart of the booth
At component level, SCHUNK’s linear direct axes are the highlight of the stand. They drive automated assembly and handling tasks and act as a modular base for many different setups, including single-axis solutions, pick-and-place units and pre-assembled multi-axis systems.
The new SLD Mini and SLD Midi expand the family of dynamic, high-load linear direct axes. Both integrate the drive and the position measuring system directly into a compact housing, allowing fast motion in tight spaces with no additional interfering contours. With accelerations of up to 100 m/s² and speeds of up to 5 m/s, the axes help shorten cycle times, making them a good fit for high-speed applications in electronics production, e-mobility and life sciences. You can find the technical data on the SCHUNK SLD-Mini product page.
Several frame and motor sizes are available, so each axis system can be matched to the required payload, dynamics and installation space. With this range, SCHUNK presents itself as a motion partner for a broad variety of industrial automation tasks.
Combining components into a complete application
SCHUNK will also show how motion becomes a finished solution when combined with other automation components. Electric grippers, rotary modules and force/torque sensors add functions such as gripping, rotating and process monitoring to the axis technology. Working together with SCHUNK Engineering, these elements become ready-to-integrate assemblies and systems tailored to each application.
Digital tools and AI for easier automation
Digital and AI-based tools also speed up automation projects. One example is the 2D Grasping Kit, an AI-powered solution that makes it easier to automatically pick unsorted parts, a field where AI vision is advancing quickly, as seen with KUKA iiQKA.AI Vision. Online tools such as the product finder and the linear axis and axis system configurator support users from the planning stage, helping them pick the right components and design axes for their specific use case.
Overall, SCHUNK’s message at the fair is clear: combining components, motion, sensors, digital tools and engineering into one package helps automation move faster from a technical idea to stable production.
Visit SCHUNK at SPS 2026 in Nuremberg: Hall 4, Booth 540. Read more trade fair previews such as SICK at SPS 2026.