Piab piSMART Vacuum Intelligence Layer Review: Specs, Price and Applications
Piab piSMART is a control layer for Industry 4.0 that builds on intelligent features in Piab vacuum equipment. It collects vacuum-level data and compares it with cloud-accessible data to support leakage warnings, and counts cycles to detect falling picks per minute caused by dirt or blocked filters.
It builds on existing functions such as Automatic Level Determination, Automatic Condition Monitoring, Intelligent Blow-Off, Self-Adhesion Control and Energy Saving, and uses IO-Link for fieldbus-independent interoperability, starting with piCOMPACT ejectors.
Quick Verdict
A data layer that turns vacuum grippers into monitored assets, helping packaging and palletizing lines catch problems before downtime.
Piab piSMART Vacuum Intelligence Layer at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Product type | Vacuum system intelligence layer |
Interface | IO-Link |
Data functions | Leakage warnings, cycle counting |
Analytics | Auto tuning, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, simulation |
Built on | ALD, ACM, IBO, SAC, ES |
First platform | piCOMPACT ejectors |
Applications | Packaging, palletizing |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Vacuum failures are often gradual: cups wear, filters clog and leakage rises until parts drop. piSMART tracks vacuum levels and pick rates to flag these trends early.
IO-Link provides a standard point-to-point connection that works with any fieldbus, making the data available to PLCs and higher-level systems.
Building on functions like ACM and IBO, piSMART adds analysis such as auto tuning and predictive maintenance.
Integration and Selection
Deploy on IO-Link capable Piab equipment like piCOMPACT, connect to an IO-Link master and integrate data into plant systems.
Define alarm thresholds for leakage and pick rate.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Packaging | Monitoring vacuum grippers |
Palletizing | Predictive maintenance |
Logistics | Pick rate tracking |
Food | Line uptime improvement |
Functional Uses
Leakage warnings
Cycle counting
Predictive maintenance
Auto tuning
Pros and Cons
Advantages
IO-Link interoperability
Builds on proven Piab functions
Early failure detection
Data-driven tuning
Limitations
Requires compatible equipment
Availability expanding over time
IT integration effort
Who Should Consider the Piab piSMART Vacuum Intelligence Layer?
piSMART suits packaging and palletizing plants pursuing Industry 4.0 maintenance.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Piab prices piSMART-enabled equipment by configuration, options and quantity. Budget for the complete solution, including mounting, vacuum or air supply, valves, sensors and commissioning, rather than the component alone.
Further Reading
Piab piSMART Vacuum Intelligence Layer FAQ
What is piSMART?
An Industry 4.0 control layer for Piab vacuum equipment.
What interface does it use?
IO-Link.
What problems does it detect?
Leakage and declining picks per minute from dirt or blocked filters.
Which equipment supports it first?
The piCOMPACT ejector series.
What functions does it build on?
ALD, ACM, IBO, SAC and ES.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Piab.
