Abstract: A vacuum lifting device for lifting articles having curved surfaces comprises at least one suction cup having a vacuum chamber subdivided into a plurality of segments which are displaceable relative to one another to conform to the surface of the article and means to automatically lock the segments at this position. More specifically, as a vacuum is formed in a vacuum chamber on the upper side of the segments and lifting force is applied to the vacuum cup, the segments are automatically locked into position at the predetermined configuration corresponding to the curvature of the article being lifted. Upon release of the lifting force, a biasing means returns the segments from their locked configuration to a released position.