Automated shop floors where cobots work alongside operators are no longer the future, but rather the present. Whether they are used in manufacturing packaging, warehousing, maintenance or training – collaborative solutions are already changing the way we operate and, ultimately, the industrial world we know. Easy to program and install, they are also ideal for […]
At this year’s Drives & Controls Exhibition, Mitsubishi Electric will showcase how Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) connectivity enables the creation of future-oriented Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. Outlining the advantages of this network technology, visitors to stand F100 will be invited to see how the company’s range of automation solutions can drive up productivity by […]
The last five decades have seen tremendous advances both in robotics and in CNC machining centre technology. In recent years manufacturers have begun reaping the benefits of bringing these two technologies together and robot tending of CNC machines is already helping to improve productivity for many businesses. However, there is more to come from these […]
The world created by Industry 4.0 technologies is all about flexible and agile just-in-time manufacturing. These technologies allow companies to effectively address market variability and customer demand by supporting a high level of complexity and customisation as well as delivering the right volume of products at all times. The latter being particularly beneficial to medical […]
Over the course of the last year, robots have helped manufacturers protect human operators by achieving social distancing whilst maintaining high throughput in the manufacturing process. However, robots and automated applications can do much more to create a highly efficient industrial environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of employees are prioritised. Barry Weller, robot […]
There are plenty of scenarios where robotics can be deployed to increase productivity and precision while removing people from the drudgery of repetitive tasks. Cobots take this a step further by being able to work alongside human operators in a truly collaborative way. Barry Weller, Robot Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, looks at five reasons […]
With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand. This carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of ‘high-mix, low-volume’ production. Cobots can enable manufacturers to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in […]
Industrial or collaborative? This is the question everyone is asking. We all want to get the most out of our production, however the demarcation line between the two options is not as clear as you might think. It all depends on the setting in which the machine operates, how operators need to interact with the […]
Mitsubishi Electric’s range of automation products helps to create the first fully automated Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved post-processing machine for 3D printed plastic parts. Sheffield-based Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has teamed up with Mitsubishi Electric to further advance its innovative chemical vapour smoothing machine, PostPro 3D, by developing an integrated automation solution. This is based […]
7th axis robot in a welding application
An Igus 7th axis on a collaborative robot working alongside staff at German screening machine manufacturer Rhewum is helping to increase the workspace from 1300 to 5500mm. Built around the drylin ZLW tooth belt linear system, the 7th axis is quick and easy to set up, low cost and resistant to heat and dirt. The […]
Igus removes old energy chains to ease recycling
Since 2019 Igus has given old energy chains a second life by recycling them under the chainge’ recycling program. Now the motion plastics specialist is going one step further: since an upgrade often means installing a whole new system, Igus removes old energy chains and recycles them. Ultimately, every machine and every component will reach […]
Video shows Igus drylin linear robot system in action
Linear robots are ideal to use in applications where various orientations are required. The Igus drylin linear robots are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free. Requiring zero lubrication, the Igus drylin linear robot systems are quiet running, ensuing minimal disruption within your machine. The gantry systems can be configured exactly to your requirement, or you can take […]
Making high-mix, low-volume automation viable
The latest easy-automation solution from RARUK Automation makes it viable for any SME, regardless of their size or level of experience, to introduce automatic parts loading in just 2-3 hours. The Robotiq Machine Tending Solution is the latest in a series of off-the-shelf kits that has allowed RARUK Automation – Robotiq’s current ‘Best Expert Partner […]
7th axis robot in a welding application
An Igus 7th axis on a collaborative robot working alongside staff at German screening machine manufacturer Rhewum is helping to increase the workspace from 1300 to 5500mm. Built around the drylin ZLW tooth belt linear system, the 7th axis is quick and easy to set up, low cost and resistant to heat and dirt. The […]
Entry level automation inspires investment confidence
UK manufacturers across all sectors continue to face significant challenges as they strive to achieve full operational capability following the worst of the pandemic, the changing business landscape, and an ever-increasing cost burden. In addition, labour shortages in many areas continue to exacerbate the problem as increasing numbers of individuals re-assess their work/life balance, and […]
Customised robotics and automation systems: Astech Projects is an award-winning provider of advanced automated solutions. We work with clients worldwide to design and build robotics and automation systems that meet
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ABB launches fast five axis Delta for product picking
ABB is expanding its FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio with the IRB 365. With five axes and 1.5kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and claimed to be the fastest in its class for reorientating packaged lightweight products. Responding to the rise in e-commerce and growing demand for shelf ready packaged goods, the IRB 365 […]
Omron demonstrates benefits of smart technology
A single demonstration line running on the Omron stand (B34) at this year’s PPMA Total Show will reveal how a dynamic manufacturing operation – in this case filling – can see dramatic efficiency and uptime improvements from the deployment of AI in at least two areas: intelligent machine control; and fault detection and remediation. Too […]
Omron adds new food-grade models to SCARA lineup
Omron has announced the additions of new food-grade robots to the i4H product line for safe handling in the food and beverage and packaging industry. Omron’s food-grade grease and oil are NSF H1 registered and ISO 21469 certified. The robots utilize high-performance extreme pressure lubricants specially developed for the grease lubrication of machinery in the […]
A place for every robot and every robot in its place
Robots are continuing to advance significantly, creating a diverse ecosystem of solutions, which support an increasing variety of industries and applications. As a result, future-oriented factories are able to select robotic systems that meet the requirements and goals of virtually any activity. Thanks to its comprehensive range of robots, Mitsubishi Electric can help companies build […]