SNAP, an Innovative Project Redefining Responsible Automation
The result of a partnership between Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Imec, BruBotics and FYSC, the SNAP project has developed a revolutionary technology that not only makes industrial automation more sustainable, but also more efficient and reliable. By combining self-healing materials and intelligent robotics, it has created industrial vacuum suction cups that are stronger and much more energy-efficient. An advance that is fully consistent with the rationale of the circular economy.
Intelligent and Sustainable Suction Cups
In industry, suction cups are used by a range of organisations, from pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Puurs to logistics providers like CHEP, to move boxes and spare parts of varying sizes on a daily basis. However, conventional suction cups wear out quickly, frequently leak and lead to production losses, maintenance costs and high energy consumption.
The SNAP solution solves this problem with a twofold innovation:
self-sealing suction cups that automatically prevent air leakage;
recyclable, self-healing polymers that considerably extend service life.
This reduces the energy consumption of vacuum systems by 60%, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of no fewer than 46,500 Belgian households.
From Laboratory to Factory
Developed by an interdisciplinary team, the technology has been rigorously tested in industrial environments. In partnership with Pfizer, the universal clip with self-sealing suction cups was first tested on the Pfizer Puurs production lines. The creation of Valence Technologies, a spin-off which markets the technology, is a key step towards large-scale application. Within five years, the company plans to create at least seven new jobs and produce hundreds, if not thousands, of suction cups.
Contributing to the Circular Economy
The project doesn't just save energy: it also reduces the consumption of raw materials. The materials are fully recyclable, reducing dependence on virgin plastics. The project is therefore making a significant contribution to Belgium's circular economy objectives.
Sustainable Thinking From the Outset
The SNAP team chose to integrate sustainability right from the design stage. The aim was to develop innovative technology while meeting growing expectations in terms of social responsibility and collective added value.
This positioning aligns with European policies such as the Green Deal, but also with a broader trend; today's circular economy is not limited to reducing waste and emissions, but also offering opportunities for new jobs and specialised skills. In the short term, this brings new challenges such as additional training and knowledge acquisition, but in the long term, this innovation strengthens industrial resilience, stimulates sustainable growth and prepares a new generation of workers for smart, sustainable technologies.
It is in this context that the SNAP project is supported by the Belgium Builds Back Circular (BBBC) programme. Funded by the European Recovery Plan, this programme is coordinated by the FPS Public Health and encourages initiatives that optimise the use of materials and components throughout their life cycle.
Outlook
Over the next few years, the technology will be presented at international trade fairs and the AI Experience Centre in Brussels. At the same time, work is underway to extend its use to other applications, such as self-healing tires and new components for flexible robotics.
The SNAP project demonstrates that sustainability and industrial efficiency are not mutually exclusive. It even illustrates how Belgian innovation can become a European benchmark.
