![](\"https:\/\/sw-machines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Smart_FMS-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Smart_FMS\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Waldm\u00f6ssingen, 09.02.2026. With Smart FMS (flexible manufacturing system), <\/strong>Schw\u00e4bische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH<\/strong> (SW) opened a new chapter in automation systems in 2025. The new manufacturing system enables flexible, resource-saving, and sustainable workpiece processing\u2014regardless of the number of pieces. Two core technologies, the automated clamping system Sfix <\/em>and the mobile robot cell S-cell, were presented for the first time at automatica in Munich and EMO in Hanover, where they were met with a positive response.<\/strong><\/p>\n While classic production lines are designed for fixed processes, the S<\/strong>mart FMS <\/strong>enables flexible machining of different workpiece types and batch sizes without time-consuming changeovers. This results in an approach that addresses both economic requirements\u2014such as higher utilization and shorter setup times\u2014and ecological goals aimed at reducing material and energy consumption. With its three core technologies – the S<\/strong>fix<\/em> system, the S<\/strong>-cell mobile robot cell, and the pallet changing system – the S<\/strong>mart FMS <\/strong>enables the transition from isolated machine concepts to adaptive manufacturing systems that can be dynamically adapted to changing production conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The Sfix<\/em> system for different workpiece variants and batch sizes<\/strong><\/p>\n The S<\/strong>fix<\/em> system greatly simplifies the clamping of workpieces. Until now, each workpiece required an individual clamping device that had to be designed and stored \u2013 an expense that was particularly significant for small series with many variants. In the S<\/strong>fix<\/em>-cell, a robot automatically assembles the required clamping device from standardized components in just a few minutes. The basis for this is the patented S<\/strong>fix <\/em>plate, on which the elements are precisely positioned using the CAD model of the workpiece.<\/p>\n “S<\/strong>fix <\/em>makes the clamping process plannable and reproducible,” explains Michael Kreuzberger, product manager at SW. “This significantly reduces setup and storage costs and increases process reliability \u2013 especially with frequently changing components.” The modular system can replace up to 150 conventional clamping devices. This reduces material consumption and storage needs while enabling economical, resource-saving production across a wide range of batch sizes.<\/p>\n The pallet changing system \u2013 also a component of the S<\/strong>mart FMS <\/strong>\u2013 further automates the production process: It acts as an interface between the S<\/strong>fix<\/em>-cell and the machine tool, enabling the quick and safe exchange of workpiece pallets without manual intervention. The pallet changing system can be moved flexibly via a floor axis or positioned by an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> S-cell system: Mobile automation for flexible manufacturing environments<\/strong><\/p>\n The S<\/strong>-cell system complements the S<\/strong>mart FMS <\/strong>with an intelligent automation solution. It enables flexible material flow between machining, cleaning, or assembly stations without rigid interlinking. The S<\/strong>-cell, a mobile platform with a permanently installed industrial robot, moves autonomously through the production facility via a driverless transport system. It docks precisely at the respective station, takes over the loading and unloading of workpieces, and moves on to the next task once the process is complete. The cell independently recognizes the type of station it is connected to and automatically adapts its processes. This eliminates the need for manual changeovers, which are usually associated with high costs in classic production lines. At the same time, the machines remain freely accessible, for example for maintenance or setup processes.<\/p>\n In combination with advanced orchestration software SmartFlow, the system ensures optimal efficiency and utilization of the entire plant. Thanks to AI-supported planning, it adapts dynamically and flexibly to changes in the production process \u2013 without any manual intervention. “This solution is highly cost-effective, as it enables step-by-step investment, high component reusability, and short amortization times,” says Michael Kreuzberger, summarizing the advantages. “Companies can implement the system gradually and expand it as needed, as it can be easily networked with SW machines and systems from other manufacturers thanks to open interfaces.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Introduction of Smart FMS generates great interest<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2025, SW presented the S<\/strong>mart FMS<\/strong> concept for the first time at automatica in Munich and EMO in Hanover. At automatica, the focus was on the S<\/strong>-cell mobile robot cell, which demonstrated how workpieces can be moved autonomously between different stations. The S<\/strong>fix<\/em> system was then officially unveiled at EMO, including a live demonstration of a clamping device made from standardized modules based on CAD data.<\/p>\n “The feedback at both trade fairs showed that companies are looking for solutions that are flexibly scalable and do not require long changeover times,” says Michael Kreuzberger. “The S<\/strong>mart FMS <\/strong>provides exactly this foundation \u2013 regardless of industry, batch size, or workpiece variant.” The trade fair appearances thus marked the next step in SW’s development as a system provider of integrated manufacturing solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Das](\"https:\/\/sw-machines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sfix_EMO_2025_SW.jpg\" "\\"Sfix_EMO_2025_SW\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/sw-machines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/S-Cell-Link.jpg\" "\\"S-Cell-Link\\"")
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