Abstract: A vacuum manipulator having a spool valve mounted in a sliding fashion in a guide channel at the bottom of which are two holes in communication with two duct segments with one segment intended to be connected to a suction source, and a longitudinal guide channel connected to the spool valve for placing the holes in communication with the atmosphere, and a bearing surface of the spool valve with the bottom of the guide channel being limited to three zones which provide a high specific vacuum while also providing a large seating and guide area, and the spool valve being movable against the pressure applied by a spring between a front span and a back stop which may also define a third locking position.