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Industrial manipulator: ergonomic handling solutions designed and manufactured in France

Since 2007, Neoditech has been designing and manufacturing industrial manipulators that transform the most physically demanding workstations into safe, ergonomic and productive environments. Our manipulator arm solutions allow your operators to lift, orient and position loads of 10 to 100 kg with minimal physical effort — eliminating the repetitive movements and awkward postures responsible for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs).

Based in Mouzillon, Loire-Atlantique, France, we support manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, agri-food, logistics and energy — delivering custom-engineered solutions that integrate seamlessly into your production environment.

Trusted by Airbus, Renault, Bosch, Safran, Michelin, Schneider Electric and over 500 industrial clients across Europe.

What is an industrial manipulator?

Definition and operating principle

An industrial manipulator is an operator-assisted handling device that enables a worker to move heavy, bulky, fragile or hazardous loads with minimal physical strain. Unlike a fully autonomous industrial robot, the manipulator arm remains under the operator’s control at all times: it amplifies human force and refines movement precision — without replacing the human operator.

The core principle is load compensation: once the part is gripped by the end effector — suction cup, clamp, magnet or custom tooling — the arm neutralises the weight of the load and allows the operator to guide movement freely in three dimensions, with a feeling of zero gravity on the load. The operator retains complete control of every movement while all risk of injury is eliminated.

Industrial manipulator vs. industrial robot: key differences

The distinction matters for buyers evaluating ergonomic solutions:

An industrial manipulator is always operator-controlled. The human guides the movement; the arm carries the load. It is a lift assist device — a tool that keeps people at the heart of the workstation, rather than replacing them.

An industrial robot — or cobot — is programmed to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, without continuous human input. It substitutes for the operator on specific, repeatable tasks.

Neoditech manipulators belong to the first category: every movement is initiated and directed by the operator. The machine serves the human — not the other way around.

SCARA TITAN manipulator arm by Neoditech with pneumatic expansion gripper for handling an 80 kg label roll - Industrial manipulator

Our manipulator arm ranges: four solutions for every handling challenge

Neoditech offers four complementary product families, each engineered to address a specific type of handling requirement. The right choice depends on the load, the workstation layout and the type of movement involved.

SCARA manipulator arm

Handles loads up to 100 kg with unmatched precision. Ideal for assembly operations or inserting parts into machine tools. Replicates the smooth and natural movement of the human arm.

Mobile jib crane

Handles bags, buckets, canisters, drums, and boxes up to 100 kg with smoothness and speed. Equipped with a mobile base, it can be moved anywhere in your workshop according to your handling needs.

Picking manipulator

Designed for logistics and order preparation for loads up to 100 kg. It can be mounted on all types of pallet trucks and moved throughout your warehouse.

ERGO360° ergonomic work positioner

Holds and positions parts up to 200 kg at any angle. Ideal for deburring, inspection, and assembly operations. Can be mounted on a mobile wheeled base.

Movement in space / Mobility / Fluidity / Compactness / Precision / Flexibility / 
Movement in space / Mobility / Fluidity / Compactness / Precision / Flexibility / 

Why invest in an industrial manipulator?

Eliminate WMSDs at the source

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) account for over 60% of all occupational diseases in the European Union (source: EU-OSHA). In the UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that over 470,000 workers suffer from WMSDs caused or worsened by their work — resulting in more than 6.6 million lost working days every year.

An operator who repetitively lifts, carries or places loads accumulates physical stress that leads, over time, to sick leave, long-term incapacity and significant direct and indirect costs for the business.

An industrial manipulator eliminates the root cause: no more manual load carrying, no more forced postures, no more repetitive traumatic movements. The operator guides — that is all.

Stabilise production output and improve cycle times

An operator assisted by an ergonomic manipulator arm works faster, for longer, and with greater consistency. Lift assistance eliminates end-of-shift slowdowns, recovery time between cycles and handling errors caused by fatigue. Cycle times stabilise; handling precision becomes consistent throughout the day.

Protect fragile, high-value or hazardous loads

Glass, ceramic, precision-finished components, chemical containers — certain loads cannot tolerate shock or uncontrolled movement. An industrial manipulator delivers consistent placement precision and deposit gentleness that human strength alone cannot guarantee reliably, particularly towards the end of a working shift.

Make your workstations more attractive to recruit and retain talent

In a context of growing recruitment pressure across manufacturing, ergonomic and safe workstations are a concrete competitive advantage. A manipulator arm opens roles to all profiles — men and women, junior and senior operators alike — and demonstrates a measurable commitment to workforce health.

Industry sectors we serve

Our industrial manipulators address handling challenges across a wide range of demanding sectors:

Aerospace

Avion en phase d'assemblage — secteur aéronautique et fabrication de structures aéronautiques

handling of structural components, precision subassemblies, composite parts, and wing elements on controlled-rate assembly lines.

Clients : Airbus, Ariane Group, Dassault, Safran, Lisi…

Defense

Canon automoteur CAESAR en action — secteur de la défense et de l'armement terrestre

handling of sensitive parts, weapon system components, optronic subassemblies, and complex system elements in secure environments.

Clients : DGA, Thales, KNDS, MBDA, Naval Group, Dassault…

Logistics

Opérateurs déchargeant une palette dans un entrepôt logistique

picking, sorting, order preparation, conveyor placement, palletizing, handling boxes and parts in storage racks and under rack beams.

Clients : U LOG, GXO, FM Logistic, Labrosse, Geodis, Raud…

Energy

Lignes à haute tension — secteur de l'industrie électrique et manutention de composants de puissance

handling of heavy components, operation in constrained or regulated environments (nuclear).

Clients : Framatome, CEA, Schneider, General Electric, Air Liquide…

Metalworking

Opérateur manipulant un rail - secteur de la métallurgie et de l'usinage

handling of billets, machined parts, metal sheets, and profiles between workstations, loading and unloading machine tools.

Clients : Arcelor Mittal, Walter, KS Tools, THK, ACB…

Automotive

Fabrication d'une voiture sur une ligne de montage - secteur automobile

handling of engine components, gearboxes, bodywork elements, and assembly of subassemblies on production lines.

Clients : PSA, Renault, Michelin, Toyota, Iveco, Man, Heuliez Bus, Fruehauf…

Pharmaceutical

Laboratoire pharmaceutique en environnement contrôlé — manipulation de contenants et équipements de conditionnement

handling of sterile containers, raw materials, and packaging equipment in clean rooms or controlled environments.

Clients : Sanofi, Pfizer, Unither, Aptar, Fareva, Merck…

Rail

Train en circulation — secteur ferroviaire et fabrication de matériel roulant

handling of bogie components, interior fittings, structural parts, and subassemblies for rolling stock.

Clients : Alstom, SNCF, Satys, RATP…


Food industry

Opérateur portant des bidons - secteur de l'industrie agroalimentaire

packaging and palletizing of containers, bags, and parcels, handling in humid and cold environments.

Clients : Barilla, Danone, Sodebo, Mars, Panzani, Tipiak…

Various industries

Usine moderne représentant le secteur des industries diverses

modular construction, building materials, agricultural machinery, household appliances, and various industrial components.

Clients : Cougnaud, Saint-Gobain, Liebherr, Claas, Bic, Bosch, Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique…

Our clientsThey trust us

NEODITECH SCARA PARTS manipulator arm handling an 18 kg metal part using a manual magnet equipped with a tilting function

French design and manufacturing: full-project support from assessment to installation

Neoditech is not a distributor. We are the designer and manufacturer of our solutions — with an in-house engineering team and production facility based in Mouzillon, Loire-Atlantique. 80% of our suppliers are located within 30 km of our site, ensuring full traceability, reactivity and consistent manufacturing quality.

Our support covers the complete project lifecycle:

  • Free workstation assessment
    Our engineers visit your facility to observe operator movements, measure physical constraints and identify the most appropriate solution for your actual production environment — before any commercial proposal.

  • Custom end-effector design
    Every load has its own geometry, surface texture and fragility profile. Our engineering team designs a purpose-built gripper (suction cup, clamp, magnet, or fully bespoke tooling) precisely matched to your components.

  • Manufacturing and on-site integration
    The manipulator and its end effector are built in our workshop, tested under real operating conditions, then installed at your facility with fine adjustment included.

  • Operator training and after-sales support
    We train your operators on-site at installation (typically 1 to 2 days to full operational confidence). Spare parts are stocked at our production site for rapid response.

All Neoditech solutions comply with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and carry CE marking.

How to choose the right manipulator arm for your production?

Four criteria determine the right configuration for your workstation:

Load weight and nature

Our ranges cover 10 to 200 kg. Beyond weight, the shape, rigidity and surface of the component determine the end effector type: pneumatic suction cup, mechanical clamp, electromagnet or bespoke tooling.

Type of movement required

Repetitive handling on a fixed workstation? The SCARA manipulator arm is the reference. Flexible deployment across multiple workstations? The mobile jib crane. Full-angle orientation for assembly or inspection? The ERGO360° positioner.

Gripper customization

Pneumatic for speed and high-cadence output; electronic for millimetre positioning accuracy and precise load control.

Frequently asked questions about industrial manipulators

  • What is the difference between an industrial manipulator and an industrial robot?

An industrial manipulator is operator-controlled: the human initiates and guides every movement, while the arm carries the load. It is a lift assist device — it amplifies human capability without replacing the operator. An industrial robot or cobot is programmed to work autonomously on defined, repeatable tasks. Neoditech manipulators always keep the operator in full control.

  • What is the maximum load capacity of a Neoditech manipulator arm?

Our ranges cover loads from 10 kg (SCARA PARTS, , Mobile Jib Crane and picking arm) to 200 kg (ERGO360° work positioner). For requirements outside this range, our engineering team can design a custom configuration matched to your specific production constraints.

  • Does an industrial manipulator require operator training?

Yes — guided familiarisation is essential to ensure safety and operational fluency. Neoditech provides integrated on-site training at installation. In practice, operators achieve full operational confidence within 1 to 2 days.

  • What return on investment can I expect from an industrial manipulator?

Our clients typically achieve ROI within 18 to 36 months, driven by reductions in WMSD-related sick leave, improved cycle time consistency and lower long-term occupational health costs.

  • Does Neoditech serve clients outside France?

Yes. Our teams travel across France and throughout Europe for workstation assessments, installation and training. We currently support over 575 industrial clients across France and Europe.

TestimonialsThey've taken the first step

Read the testimonials of our customers who have transformed their businesses thanks to our solutions. Improved productivity, optimized mobility: their success is now yours.

Strong values at the service of performance and well-being

At NEODITECH, we place ergonomics, innovation and safety at the heart of our solutions to improve your processes while preserving the health and comfort of your operators.

Improving operator safety

We design solutions that combine ergonomics and productivity. Our equipment enables manufacturers to improve operator safety while optimizing their production processes. NEODITECH is also :

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Customers supported in France and Europe
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