Hydraulic or Pneumatic Industrial Manipulator Arms and Vertical Lifters
Manipulator arms help operators lift, position, and control heavy or awkward parts throughout the handling process. Ergonomic Partners designs and builds custom manipulator systems around the part, required movement, available workspace, and demands of each application.
Our solutions range from lightweight arms for fast-cycle assembly to heavy-duty systems for demanding industrial applications. Hydraulic and pneumatic designs are available, with end effectors, controls, reach, and mounting configurations tailored to the process. Explore the arm types below, or contact us to discuss your application.
See our manipulator arms in action—browse more than 35 build and application videos.
HMA - Hydraulic Manipulator Arm
The HMA is Ergonomic Partners' heavy-duty hydraulic manipulator arm, designed for precise handling of large, awkward loads. Its parallel arm articulates at three rotation points using precision bearings, allowing smooth, controlled movement throughout the work area. Operators position the load horizontally by moving the arm, while a hydraulic cylinder provides proportional vertical movement. Low-voltage variable-speed controls can be handheld, machine-mounted, or integrated into a dedicated control station.
HMA demonstrating the controlled handling and positioning of a large sheet-metal assembly.
HMA Standard Models and Specifications
| HMA - Hydraulic Manipulator Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Vertical Lift of Payload** |
Max. Radial Reach to Center |
| HMA-650 |
650 lbs. (295 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
120 in. (304 cm) |
| HMA-1000 |
1,000 lbs. (453 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
120 in. (304 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an HMA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
LMA - Lightweight Manipulator Arm
The LMA is Ergonomic Partners' lightweight pneumatic manipulator arm, designed for applications where speed and precision are key. Its articulating arm uses precision bearings at all rotation joints, helping the arm move smoothly as the operator positions the load. Vertical movement is controlled through precision-metered control valves, allowing accurate load positioning. Multiple handle designs are available for controlling vertical movement. An optional air brake can lock the arm in position when needed.
LMA demonstrating air-powered lifting with a lightweight arm designed for fast, easy movement.
LMA Standard Models and Specifications
| LMA - Lightweight Manipulator Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Max. Vertical Lift** |
Max. Reach |
| LMA-150 |
150 lbs. (68 kg) |
68 in. (172 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| LMA-275 |
275 lbs. (125 kg) |
68 in. (172 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an LMA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
ABA - Air Balancer Arm
The Air Balancer Arm (ABA) shown here was designed for handling boxes weighing up to 75 lbs. in a low-headroom application. Its extended handle includes two sets of controls, allowing the operator to control the arm when placing boxes at upper or lower levels. An interlocking control is intended to prevent the load from being released accidentally while suspended. This application-specific arm is less than 10 ft. tall and can place boxes at heights up to 73 in.
Application-specific ABA used for box handling in a low-headroom palletizing area.
Have a similar low-headroom handling application? Discuss your requirements with our engineering team.
SJM - Super Jib Manipulator
The Super Jib Manipulator (SJM) is a lightweight jib designed to provide extended vertical travel and reach for industrial handling applications. Depending on the application, vertical movement can be provided by an air balancer, VFD-controlled hoist, air hoist, or intelligent zero-gravity hoist. Its reach makes the SJM suitable for machine-access applications and paint-line loading and unloading. An optional high-speed hoist is also available for applications requiring faster vertical movement.
SJM configured for lifting and positioning a large industrial motor.
SJM Standard Models and Specifications
| SJM - Super Jib Manipulator |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Vertical Lift of Payload** |
Max. Radial Reach to Center |
| SUPERJIB-300 |
300 lbs. (136 kg) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
120 in. (304 cm) |
| SUPERJIB-500 |
500 lbs. (227 kg) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
120 in. (304 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an SJM? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
EMA - Easy Manipulator Arm
The Easy Manipulator Arm (EMA) is a pneumatic manipulator designed to provide smooth load movement with proportional operator control. Its lift cylinder uses compressed air for vertical movement, while a standard operator-controlled up/down metering valve supports precise positioning.
Multiple handle styles are available, including an extended handle for applications requiring a different operator position or reach. Precision bearings at each articulation point help minimize resistance during horizontal movement. The EMA can also be configured for drum-handling applications that require lifting, rotating, and pouring.
EMA configured with a grip tool for handling power-line insulators.
EMA Standard Models and Specifications
| EMA - Easy Manipulator Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Max. Vertical Lift** |
Max. Reach |
| EMA-450 |
450 lbs. (204 kg) |
68 in. (172 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| EMA-650 |
650 lbs. (295 kg) |
68 in. (172 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an EMA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
SVL/VLC - Straight Vertical Lift Cylinder
The standard SVL/VLC models shown below offer lifting capacities up to 850 lbs. for straight-line transfer, over-the-assembly-line handling, and reach-in operations when combined with an overhead rail system.
The SVL/VLC can be configured with a pneumatic lift cylinder or an electric chain hoist. The system provides smooth, controlled vertical movement and can accommodate off-center loading. Control circuits and auxiliary components mount on the cylinder case, helping keep the tooling area and operator sight lines clear. The vertical lifter can be mounted on a dual monorail or double-girder overhead crane. Ergonomic Partners fabricates manual push-pull crane systems as well as electrically powered systems with variable-frequency drives.
SVL/VLC demonstrating straight-line vertical lifting and controlled load positioning.
SVL/VLC Standard Models and Specifications
| SVL/VLC - Straight Vertical Lift Cylinder |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity |
Vertical Lift |
Max. Moment |
| SVL-250 |
250 lbs. (113 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
1,200 in-lbs. |
| SVL-500 |
500 lbs. (226 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
5,400 in-lbs. |
| SVL-850 |
850 lbs. (385 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
15,600 in-lbs. |
Need help selecting or configuring an SVL/VLC? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
ATA - Articulated Torque Arm
The Articulated Torque Arm (ATA) combines an Ergonomic Partners vertical lift cylinder with an articulated jib. It can support lightweight power-tool applications or handle offset loads positioned at the end of the arm. This combination provides straight vertical lift along with articulated horizontal reach. Optional air-operated brakes can hold the arm in position while the operator works with the suspended load.
ATA Standard Models and Specifications
| ATA - Articulated Torque Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Vertical Lift** |
Max. Reach |
| ATA-250 |
250 lbs. (113 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| ATA-500 |
500 lbs. (226 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an ATA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
TTA - Torque Tool Arm
The Torque Tool Arm (TTA) supports powered tools while absorbing shock, torsional forces, and impact generated during operation. A tool mounted on the TTA can be moved and positioned throughout the work cell while the arm carries its weight and helps manage the forces transferred during use.
The TTA is available in multiple styles, capacities, and mounting configurations for integration into different work areas and tool-support applications.
TTA Standard Models and Specifications
| TTA - Torque Tool Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity |
Vertical Lift |
Max. Moment |
| TTA-200 |
100 lbs. (45 kg) |
30 in. (76 cm) |
200 ft.-lbs. |
| TTA-300 |
100 lbs. (45 kg) |
30 in. (76 cm) |
300 ft.-lbs. |
Need help selecting or configuring a TTA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
RIA - Reach-In-Arm
The Reach-In-Arm (RIA) combines design elements of the EMA and LMA in a pneumatic manipulator developed for applications requiring extended reach under restricted overhead clearances. Its low-headroom configuration makes it suitable for CNC machine loading and other applications where the arm must reach beneath or into equipment.
The RIA can rotate up to 360 degrees and allows the operator to work from the side of the machine while positioning the load. This arrangement extends the operator's reach without requiring them to stand directly in front of the equipment.
RIA configured with an electromagnet gripper for a low-headroom handling application.
RIA Standard Models and Specifications
| RIA - Reach-In-Arm |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Vertical Lift** |
Max. Reach |
| RIA-150 |
150 lbs. (68 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| RIA-275 |
275 lbs. (125 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| RIA-450 |
450 lbs. (205 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
| RIA-650 |
650 lbs. (295 kg) |
60 in. (152 cm) |
144 in. (365 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring an RIA? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
TAM - Triple Articulated Manipulator
The Triple Articulated Manipulator Arm (TAM) is a pneumatic manipulator designed for applications in tight or restricted work areas. Similar to the RIA, its articulated design allows the arm to fold back on itself for compact storage and positioning. Multiple articulation points help the arm reach around corners and beneath restricted overhead clearances. Pneumatic power and precision controls allow the operator to position the load throughout the handling process.
TAM demonstrating a customizable triple-articulated arm for material handling in tight work areas.
TAM Standard Models and Specifications
| TAM - Triple Articulated Manipulator |
| Model |
Max. Lifting Capacity* |
Vertical Lift** |
Max. Reach |
| TAM-100 |
100 lbs. (45 kg) |
44 in. (111 cm) |
132 in. (335 cm) |
| TAM-200 |
200 lbs. (90 kg) |
44 in. (111 cm) |
132 in. (335 cm) |
Need help selecting or configuring a TAM? Discuss your application with our engineering team.
Ergonomic Partners manufactures, sells, and services hydraulic and pneumatic manipulator arms for customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and especially focused in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma.