Announcement of the “2026 Good Design Award” Win

The Schmalz Group’s “NEO30 Electric Balancer” has been awarded the “2026 Good Design Award,” organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, a public interest incorporated foundation. This award is a joint achievement by Schmalz K.K. (Japan) and Binar Handling AB (Headquarters: Sweden).

Moving forward, the Schmalz Group will continue to uphold its mission of “Beyond Gravity—Transcending Gravity and Freeing People from Physical Strain”—pursuing designs that minimize physical strain while maximizing human potential, and contributing to the realization of sustainable manufacturing environments where everyone can work with peace of mind.

Award-Winning Product Name: Electric Balancer NEO30

Overview of the Award-Winning Product:
The “Electric Balancer NEO30” is a portable assistive device developed in response to labor shortages caused by Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population, as well as the growing need for workplace environments where a diverse workforce can thrive. With intuitive operation that leverages human senses and judgment, combined with high mobility, it helps reduce the workload on the job site and improve productivity.

Design Highlights:
① A compact design that integrates power supply, control, and drive functions, combined with a simple and sophisticated aesthetic inspired by Scandinavian design
② High-performance sensors enable the transport of workpieces weighing up to 30 kg with a light touch, similar to that of a fingertip
③ Easy to use regardless of age, physique, or experience, contributing to the creation of a work environment where a diverse workforce can thrive
④ Battery-powered operation eliminates the need for electrical wiring or air piping, enabling high mobility and flexibility in installation and layout changes

Evaluation Comments from Good Design Award Judges (*Full text quoted)
This product features a compact, integrated configuration combining a hoisting mechanism, battery, and control handle, allowing it to be carried and suspended from beams or rails for use anywhere. Thanks to its plug-in battery system, no wiring is required, and with a charged spare battery on hand, it can be swapped out immediately for uninterrupted use.Rather than relying on remote control buttons, the system automatically amplifies the force generated by the user’s natural motion of gripping the handle to lift or lower the load, making it intuitive for anyone to use. It is highly commendable as a design that prioritizes ease of use, suitable for any location and any user.

The Good Design Award is Japan’s only comprehensive design award, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, a public interest incorporated foundation. Originating from the “Good Design Product Selection System” established in 1957 by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), it has been carried out for over half a century as a movement to enhance Japanese industry and culture, and is widely recognized today.

Schmalz Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Masafumi Ono) is the Japanese subsidiary of J. Schmalz GmbH, a long-established German manufacturer founded in 1910.The company provides vacuum equipment and vacuum grippers for automated material handling, manual handling systems, and vacuum clamping systems for machine tools, contributing to labor savings, automation, and increased productivity on the manufacturing floor through vacuum technology.

Binar Handling AB is the core company of the Binar Handling Group, headquartered in Trollhättan, Sweden. It became part of the Schmalz Group in March 2022 and provides material handling solutions—including electric balancers, cranes, and various end effectors—for material handling operations that require precise balance control.