Pneumatics & Vacuum Trends in Packaging Automation: What Pack Expo 2026 Tells Us

Pack Expo International, the world’s largest packaging and processing trade show, returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place this November with record attendance expected. For automation and fluid control professionals, packaging represents one of the largest application markets for pneumatic and vacuum technology — from filling-line pneumatic valves to palletizing-robot vacuum grippers, virtually every packaging motion involves pneumatics or vacuum.

Trend 1: All-Electric Vacuum Grippers in Collaborative Robots

Traditional robot grippers rely on compressed air to drive vacuum generators, requiring trailing air lines. All-electric vacuum pumps (e.g., Piab piCOBOT series) mount directly on the robot end effector and need no compressed air at all — a critical advantage for collaborative robots, where lightweight design and absence of trailing tubes directly impact safety. Operating on 24V DC power alone, they excel at handling sealed and slightly porous materials.

Trend 2: From “Does It Grip?” to “How Much Energy Does It Burn?”

Traditional packaging-line vacuum systems are crude — pumps run at full speed, with excess vacuum bled off through relief valves. New-generation intelligent vacuum systems auto-match vacuum level and flow rate to each workpiece, cutting energy consumption by over 50% compared to conventional approaches. On a 24/7 packaging line, that saving translates directly to the electricity bill.

Trend 3: Hygienic Design Driving Pneumatic Upgrades

Food packaging places increasingly stringent demands on pneumatic components: IP69K high-pressure washdown, FDA-compliant materials, crevice-free design for cleanability. Air preparation is upgrading in parallel — from basic FRL trios to complete air quality management controlling oil content, particulate levels, and dew point.

Trend 4: Diverse Packaging Materials Challenge Gripping Technology

Sustainable packaging trends are driving adoption of paper-based and biodegradable materials. These materials — porous, textured, flexible — challenge traditional vacuum gripping: flat suction cups may experience gradual leakage on such surfaces. Multi-stage vacuum generators and adaptive cup materials are filling this technology gap.

Doskee Automation specializes in industrial automation and fluid control, offering Piab, FESTO, SMC, and other leading-brand vacuum products, pneumatic grippers, and packaging automation solutions. For technical consultation, please contact us.

References: PneumaticTips “Pack Expo Chicago is ready for record numbers” | PMMI Packaging Trends Report