OMC, a pioneer in optoelectronics design and manufacture, is investing to introduce cobot technology onto its fibre optic production line in Cornwall. Following a research project with a local robotics lab and trials at its production facility, OMC is now deploying the first of several collaborative robots (cobots), designed to work safely alongside human operators […]
Humanoids are considered to be the next big thing in robotics. The vision is to create general-purpose robots based on human motion mechanics. What are the trends, opportunities, and potential limitations of humanoids? The International Federation of Robotics has released a new positioning paper that provides valuable insights. “Futuristic humanoids working in homes, businesses, and […]
RARUK Automation has announced an exclusive partnership with GRIP. Based in Germany, GRIP is a specialist in intelligent tool changing systems for collaborative robots. This agreement will bring GRIP’s innovative solutions to UK manufacturers, enabling users to enhance the flexibility, safety and efficiency of their collaborative robot cells. RARUK Automation is a long-standing distributor of […]
Shibaura Machine is set to exhibit at K Show 2025, the world’s largest plastics and rubber trade fair. At Hall 15, Booth B21, visitors will get an exclusive look at the company’s robotic solutions for injection moulding applications, showcasing the latest in automated plastics manufacturing. A standout feature of Shibaura Machine’s exhibit will be a […]
Regal Rexnord Corporation has joined forces with automation leader ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson, one of Regal Rexnord’s linear motion brands. This collaboration makes the Thomson Movotrak CTU the first cobot 7th axis technology that ABB Robotics has certified for use in […]
FANUC Corporation has received a Platinum rating for sustainability by Ecovadis, placing them in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally. Achieving a score of 82/100, this recognition reflects FANUC’s commitment to responsible business conduct and sustainable innovation. EcoVadis, a leading global sustainability ratings platform, conducts its assessments using internationally recognised standards, including […]
PACE Mechanical Handling is guaranteeing fresh produce and potato packers using its robotic and automated end-of-line packing solutions complete peace of mind with the introduction of AI-powered functionality. As of this month, PACE is incorporating artificial intelligence and free performance monitoring into the HMI on all of its machines. The artificial intelligence within the ‘Gateway’ […]
Fortress Safety has worked with AIC – a provider of automation systems and mechatronic solutions for the steel industry – to help protect operators when access to the machines is required during the tagging of semi-finished or finished metal products. Automation plays an important role in modern industrial environments. Robots can handle large and heavy components and […]
Tom Bouchier, managing director of factory automation specialist FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, will additionally take on the role of Northern Europe Co-ordinator, Vice President FANUC Europe, from 1 September 2025. This strategic appointment demonstrates FANUC’s commitment to strengthening its European sales strategy and reinforcing collaboration across the region. In his expanded remit, Tom will […]
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 […]
Cobot completes one millionth PCB quality check
Hanover Displays, a UK-based manufacturer of passenger information systems for the public transport sector, has reached a major manufacturing milestone: the completion of its 1,000,000th automated quality test of printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Techman collaborative robots from LG Motion. The automation programme began in 2018, when Hanover introduced its first collaborative robot to improve […]
UR and Scale AI launch imitation learning system
Universal Robots (UR) unveiled the UR AI Trainer at GTC 2026 in Silicon Valley. Developed in collaboration with Scale AI, the AI Trainer marks a tectonic shift as robots move from pre-programmed applications to fully AI-driven tasks. These systems are powered by robust data generated in AI training cells where robots imitate humans. “Our customers, ranging from […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
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Universal adaptive gripper for faster, gentler picking
Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential. “In developing the HPSX, […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
Robotics, vision and AI combine for dairy processes
Automation solutions provider Eberle Automatische Systeme has developed a breakthrough in quality control with a focus on the cheese-ripening process, combining AI with machine vision software from MVTec. The food industry is experiencing a transformative shift in quality control, due in part to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). When combined with rule-based machine vision, AI […]
Technology adoption hubs and the future of UK manufacturing
Just over one month after the release of the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer and co-founder of the West Midlands Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Cluster, reflects on how significant funding commitments should be allocated to shape the future of UK industry. The West Midlands has long been at […]