Festo has expanded its VTUX valve terminal platform with a series of new functions and connectivity options that give machine builders greater design freedom, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced digital capability. Building on the highly cost-effective VTUX base system, the latest additions include advanced communication via Festo AP, new smart vacuum and I/O options, and […]
PI (Physik Instrumente) announces a new addition to its line of high-performance gantry platforms. The X-365 Precision XY Gantry System is a modular, robust Cartesian gantry solution engineered for demanding industrial automation, semiconductor handling, laser processing, and laboratory automation applications requiring high throughput and exceptional accuracy. The X-365 is a modular, high-performance gantry platform that combines […]
Reactive robotics has delivered enormous efficiency gains for industry. But the technology is reaching its economic limits: systems that only respond to the current state scale speed – but not stability. As process complexity grows, small misjudgements lead to costly downtime. Stuttgart-based AI company Sereact is now introducing Cortex 2.0, a new generation of AI […]
IDEKO, a technology centre with extensive experience in developing advanced manufacturing solutions, is bringing the performance of industrial robots closer to that of precision machine tools for aero-structure manufacture. Composite aero-structures, primarily based on carbon fibre and epoxy resins, are essential in modern aerospace to reduce weight, increase strength, and improve fuel efficiency. Their use […]
AGVs and Robots are no longer the future – they’re the now. As these technologies become regular fixtures on factory floors, understanding the safety standards that govern their operation is no longer optional – it’s essential. Which is why Pilz is running two new expert-led AGV and robot courses. Safety Requirements and Integration of AGVs […]
With the Safety Distance Calculator, Pilz provides a free, browser-based software tool, making it much easier for users to calculate safety distances for safety light curtains. Calculations can now be carried out in accordance with the previous version of EN ISO 13855 as well as the revised EN ISO 13855:2024. What does EN ISO 13855 […]
Industrial automation specialist FANUC has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators 2026 by Clarivate, for the fifth consecutive year. Clarivate recognises and ranks the top 100 most innovative corporations and institutions in the world based on proprietary patent data. With AI technology rapidly gaining importance, this year’s listed companies represent 16% […]
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into […]
Rockwell Automation has announced that registration is open for ROKLive EMEA 2026, taking place 9-12 March at the Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel and Conference Centre, Spain. The company’s flagship technology and competency event in the EMEA region, ROKLive EMEA brings together professionals in operations, maintenance, engineering, digital transformation, and executive leadership for four days of […]
If control was the language of the 20th century, coexistence will define the 21st. The next wave of industrial progress will be built on a more sustainable, human and resilient way of creating value – and Europe has the potential to lead this progress globally, as Fernando Colás, chief executive officer at OMRON Industrial Automation […]
FANUC UK’s vice managing director, Andy Armstrong, has highlighted the importance of sustainability and automation in driving a resilient, smart and globally competitive UK manufacturing sector. Speaking on the first day of ‘The Future of Precision Engineering’ event – held at FANUC’s Coventry headquarters on 27-29 January 2026 to showcase the latest advances in injection […]
With Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 just around the corner, Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, argues that robotics innovation is key to productivity, resilience and long-term packaging sector growth – and why a cultural shift is long overdue. As the saying goes, if you’re not moving forwards – you’re going […]
As industrial AI moves from hype to infrastructure, five trends are emerging that will define real operational impact in 2026, revealing why success will depend on process redesign, domain-specific intelligence, and frontline trust. The adoption of AI in industrial contexts is still recent, with limited pilot implementations and proofs of concept despite high expectations. As […]
From small-scale food producers to tier-one automotive suppliers, a growing number of businesses are investing in robotics to boost efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, address labour shortages and enhance health and safety. Oliver Selby, head of sales at FANUC UK, highlights three key robotic trends for 2026 that are set to take industrial automation to […]
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into […]
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a new robotic assistant. Robotics researchers from the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) and designers from the Munich Design Institute (MDI) collaborated closely on this project. The research team presented the new robot to the public on the occasion of a visit to the […]
According to new research from cleaning manufacturer and distributor Robert Scott, the rising cost of doing business is the biggest challenge facing the UK’s cleaning industry – and robotics is set to have a much greater impact too. Nearly 90% of the cleaning professionals surveyed in the research stated that the rising cost of doing […]
Steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, continues to modernise its manufacturing processes with a new collaborative robot (cobot) at its facility in Coventry. After a successful trial period, the company is installing a FAIRINO FR10 on the induction hardening ball pin cell, where it works alongside existing team members to support production. Designed to work alongside […]
Cognibotics is contributing its motion software to the Vinnova-funded CAISA (Collaborative Artificial Intelligent Surgical Assistant) project as it enters the demonstrator phase. In CAISA, Cognibotics provides the motion layer between AI-based perception and path planning modules. In contrast to using the standard robot controller, Cognibotics solution enables the robot to be commanded in different ways […]
TM Robotics, the official European distribution partner of Japanese robot and injection moulding machine manufacturer Shibaura Machine, has been named the UK and European sales partner for automation specialist, Cornerstone Automation Systems (CASI). The announcement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two companies and marks a significant step in CASI’s expansion into the European market. […]
Comau introduces MATE-XT GO, the new wearable exoskeleton designed to support workers’ arms and shoulders during repetitive or overhead tasks. Weighing less than 3 kg and easy to use, it can be put on in 30 seconds and taken off in just 10 seconds, allowing for easy integration into daily activities without interrupting workflows. Certified […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
What role does AI play in art?
The River of Light festival in Liverpool showcased ‘Face Value’, a captivating installation co-created by PhD student Emma Brass from the University of Liverpool and Venya Krutikov, co-founder of The Kazimier and Invisible Wind Factory. Blending artificial intelligence, robotics, and visual art, Face Value invites visitors to confront how technology perceives and redefines reality. The […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
Powering the factories of the future
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into […]
Cobot installed at steering systems manufacturer
Steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, continues to modernise its manufacturing processes with a new collaborative robot (cobot) at its facility in Coventry. After a successful trial period, the company is installing a FAIRINO FR10 on the induction hardening ball pin cell, where it works alongside existing team members to support production. Designed to work alongside […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
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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Automating the food sector: efficiency in action
The food and beverage industry has been slower to adopt automation than some other areas of manufacturing. Short-term supplier contracts and a reliance on cheap labour have proved obstacles to investment for some food producers, limiting their ability to grow their production capabilities. Fortunately, automation systems incorporating robotics from leading suppliers such as FANUC are […]
Robotics and digitalisation in food manufacturing
In this workshop at Food Manufacturing Live, Dr Bhavnita Patel, business development manager at The MTC, explores how automation, robotics and digitalisation are reshaping food manufacturing, unlocking efficiency, improving quality and reducing waste. Bhavnita explains why companies must adopt these technologies now, despite barriers like cost and legacy systems. She looks at where these tools […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
