Shortlisted in three categories at the Automate UK Awards – which is being held on the evening of the second day of the PPMA Show – Tekpak is renowned for solving complex packaging line challenges with its proven, modular automation solutions which are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing lines, fit constrained spaces and enable tool-less changeovers.

The centrepiece of the company’s stand this year will be the TD3/R Series – a dynamic 3-axis robotic pick-and-place cell suitable for loading or stacking products into trays, cases, cartons, a thermoformer or a flow-wrapper infeed.

This compact automated system is flexible, offers rapid size change capability and features a quick-change gripper for multiple formats. Ideal in cleanroom environments or where space is limited, it’s also highly accurate thanks to robot positional accuracy of ±0.1mm and position tracking using vision control. In addition, the system is easy to use thanks to accessible touch-screen displays and boasts gentle handling and optimal safety functions.

“The PPMA Show is the highlight of the UK’s processing and packaging calendar, showcasing the innovative and creative technologies on the market right now to help manufacturers address key challenges such as rising energy costs and staff shortages,” says Ian Marks, Tekpak Automation’s Head of UK Sales.

“At Tekpak, we strive to support customers in reducing their operational costs while improving their OEE with our range of reliable, modular automation solutions. We can’t wait to demonstrate this to visitors to our stand, where they can see a live example of one of our most popular pick-and-place cells in action.”

In further evidence of Tekpak’s excellence in automation, the company has been shortlisted in three separate categories at the Automate UK Awards 2026. Taking place at The Vox, Birmingham on night two of the PPMA Show (23 Sept), Tekpak will compete to be named the best of the best in the following areas thanks to an impressive pick-and-place cell they recently installed for a manufacturer of transdermal patches: Innovative Packaging Machinery; Innovative Robotics/Automation Solution; and Innovative Vision Solution.

“To be nominated in not just one but three categories against such an impressive line-up of OEMs is an honour in itself,” states Ian. “We are very much looking forward to celebrating the best of British automation technology at this year’s Automate UK Awards.”

The case concerns the alleged infringement of patents – both software and hardware – held by Teradyne Robotic and related to its business unit Universal Robots, the world’s leading producer of collaborative industrial robots. The alleged infringement involves a broad range of collaborative robot models marketed by JAKA in the EU.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, said: “This case is another clear demonstration that Teradyne Robotics will enforce its patents and intellectual property (IP) rights against what we consider to be illegal and unfair copying and infringement, across both hardware and software.

“We cannot and will not accept companies that unlawfully copy protected technologies, and we are resolute in safeguarding our IP so customers can continue to have innovative automation solutions that meet the highest standards for safety and compliance.”

Second IP infringement case in Europe this year

The patent infringement case at the UPC is Teradyne Robotics’ second IP infringement case in Europe in 2026, following a legal action filed earlier this year in Germany against the subsidiary of another robot company for copyright infringement of Universal Robots’ software.

A ruling in the ongoing patent infringement case could have effect across Europe within 17 of the current 18 EU Member States participating in the Unified Patent Court (UPC). In addition, certain countries outside the Unified Patent Court Agreement, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, are also included in the case.

Teradyne Robotics is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and as acts of patent infringement appear to have been committed in Denmark – as well as numerous other EU Member States – the case has been filed with the UPC’s Local Division in Copenhagen.

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Increasingly, capital decisions are evaluated in terms of ‘freeze, flee or build’. Under this model, there are three options: pausing or deferring a decision until key assumptions stabilise (freeze); redirecting capital away from an area of exposure (flee); and accelerating an investment to capture an opportunity or establish a competitive advantage (build).

All too often, automation projects end up being ‘frozen’ – not because the rationale is flawed but because they are deemed unaffordable or non-urgent at a time when cash is in short supply. This can lead to considerable inefficiencies and strategic disadvantages, putting manufacturing businesses in a vulnerable position.

Therefore, when constructing a justification for investing in automation, it is important to demonstrate why the project should be treated as a priority, and how it will be financed. By shifting the focus from well-worn arguments to reframing the economics of robotics – and showing why the cost of waiting is usually higher than the cost of taking a decision now – project managers can make the case for immediate investment irrefutable.

Here are six points that manufacturers can draw on to build an automation investment proposal that stacks up:

1. Robots are more affordable than they’ve ever been

The cumulative inflation rate in the UK over the past 20 years (2006-2026) is approximately 70-80%, based on Consumer Prices Index (CPI) data. Yet over this same timeframe, the average purchase price of an industrial robot has only increased by 20%. Investing in equipment that has registered price growth lower than the general rate of inflation can be a strategic move, as it effectively makes it cheaper in real terms. If robot prices are rising by 1% whilst the overall inflation rate is 3%, you are purchasing a productive asset that is decreasing in relative cost compared to other investments.

2. Multiple options open up access to finance

Historically, most automation projects were funded via high street bank loans. Today, there are multiple financing options, some of which offer far more flexibility. Recent years have seen some robotics integrators partnering with finance providers to offer flexible funding options, such as staged payments and asset finance, to help manufacturers invest in technology without heavy upfront costs. Asset-based lending (ABL) has also become more common as a flexible alternative to traditional high-cost bank loans. This allows businesses to acquire new equipment or tech by using assets such as receivables or inventory as collateral. We would advise any company that is embarking on an automation project to speak to their integration partner or OEM supplier about what finance is available.

3. Assurance schemes build trust for lenders

Trust in robotic systems is growing, driven by a maturing assurance ecosystem, and this confidence is starting to filter through to lenders. Earlier this year, Automate UK launched the UK’s Robot Integrator Standard in association with BARA. Designed to ensure that integrators follow best practice, the standard provides assurance of safe, high quality and reliable robotic and vision solutions, thereby reducing the risk associated with automation projects.

FANUC UK has also built up its own network of trusted authorised system integrators – partners we have selected to work with for their ability to provide specialised, low-risk automation. It is expected that such schemes will translate into more favourable financing arrangements for borrowers through reduced risk for lenders.

4. Transfer of costs from CapEx to OpEx

Whilst robotics investments have traditionally been structured as CapEx – a large outright purchase of a piece of equipment – over time, service has become an increasingly critical element of these projects. As automation technology has advanced, service has gone from being a post-installation afterthought to a fundamental pillar of success; most installations today incorporate simulation, training (of AI systems as well as human operators) and ongoing servicing and support. From a financial perspective, this has created an opportunity to move some project costs from CapEx to OpEx, converting them into ongoing, manageable and flexible expenses. This strategic decision can help make automation more affordable by reducing the upfront investment, preserving cash flow and enabling costs to be apportioned to different cost centres.

5. Robots are moving to maintenance-free

Traditionally, it has been accepted that annual maintenance costs for an industrial robot will run to 3-10% of the original purchase price. This is dependent on the size of the robot, with maintenance costs for larger robots typically coming in at the lower end of this range. Finance providers have accounted for these costs by bundling them into monthly payments. However, technological advancements such as predictive maintenance, accelerated life testing and greaseless components are moving robots into a new ‘maintenance-free’ paradigm.

Among robot manufacturers, FANUC is leading the way here, with its renowned reliability and market-leading 8-year maintenance-free promise. This is making robots more affordable over their lifetime – a saving that will soon be reflected in the structure of finance deals as robots can be guaranteed to be maintenance-free for the duration of the financial agreement.

6. Automation helps reduce manufacturing overheads

The argument that investing in automation allows businesses to produce more with less has never been stronger. We are entering an era of precision manufacturing with technologies such as robotics, AI and sensors enabling real-time monitoring and optimisation of production parameters, quality metrics, material usage and energy consumption. The net result is that manufacturing has the potential to be leaner, more productive and more resource-efficient than ever before. These advancements are strengthening the economic case for automation. For example, FANUC’s systems feature AI-driven diagnostics, advanced power regeneration and IIoT solutions that enable intelligent energy recovery, reduce waste and improve uptime.

The right time to invest

With 2025-2006 the most expensive period on record for UK businesses, a growing number of manufacturers are turning to automation as a strategy for futureproofing against inflation and maintaining a competitive edge. Reduced risk for lenders is translating to more favourable packages from finance providers; technological advancements that have improved robot productivity, reliability and resource utilisation are driving a structural decline in cost per unit of output; and in real terms, robots are getting cheaper. For manufacturers, this makes automation an increasingly powerful lever for expanding margins and scaling production efficiently and flexibly.

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The CTU supports the flexible deployment of cobots in changing production environments without the need for time-consuming retooling. Cobots can reach various working positions along this path. This allows larger areas to be covered, for example along machine lines or between machining stations. Depending on the configuration, the operating radius can be up to 10 metres. Thanks to modular mounting options, the system is compatible with many standard cobots available on the market.

Autonomous collision detection

The Movotrak CTU is the only 7th axis available on the market to be equipped with collision detection, which detects collisions whilst the vehicle is in motion and automatically halts its movement as a result. This facilitates operation in environments with increased human-machine interaction. The function complements the safety architecture but does not replace safety functions required by standards.

The combination of a movable axis and safety functions for collaborative use enables:

• Use of a cobot at multiple stations
• Reduced changeover times
• More easily adaptable layout of machines and workstations
• Higher system utilisation

The flexible mounting options (horizontal, ceiling or wall mounting) allow for a variety of system configurations. In addition, the CTU features a Freedrive function, which enables the robot to be guided manually and positions to be saved directly.

Robust design, versatile applications

The Movotrak CTU is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque capacity and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Based on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motor, gearbox, switch cabinet and application-specific design.

Typical areas of application include inspection and testing of large components (quality assurance), machine tending, material handling (order picking, palletising, packaging), and large-area welding, soldering, grinding and dispensing.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, yet measuring just 80x80x95mm, it delivers reliable safety performance across a wide range of applications, including material handling, conveyor systems, robotics and system integration.

Hokuyo Automatic is a leading Japanese manufacturer of high-precision industrial sensors, safety laser scanners, and LiDAR technology. Since its founding in 1946, the company has built a global reputation for delivering reliable, innovative sensing solutions that power automation across a wide range of industries.

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Hokuyo develops advanced optical sensing technologies designed to improve safety, efficiency, and precision in modern industrial environments. Its products are trusted by OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders worldwide.

Designed for short to medium depth ranges with 50 mm and 95 mm baselines, the camera is available with USB 3.0, GigE, or future GMSL interfaces, depending on the model. Factory calibration and seamless integration via the Basler pylon SDK enable fast setup and reliable depth capture.

Basler and OEM Automatic also provide matching accessories, software and expert support, delivering a complete machine vision solution from a single source with long-term product availability.

Reliable depth sensing ensures robust object detection in complex environments and under varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Typical applications include navigation, obstacle detection and collision avoidance, pick-and-place operations, pallet and load carrier measurement, and inventory management.

Founded in 1988, Basler is a leading international provider of computer vision solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of vision hardware, software and customer-specific solutions.

The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.

Following rigorous compatibility testing with the FANUC CRX Series of collaborative robots, the Movotrak CTU was added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a co-developed plug-in interface, unlocking new levels of collaboration between humans and robotic systems. Certified FANUC integrators can now access Thomson configuration tools directly on their teach pendant, simplifying setup, extending cobot reach, leveraging groundbreaking collision detection programming and control, and accelerating deployment of external linear axis applications.

“Adding an external axis transport layer to a 6-axis cobot opens new avenues for productivity, innovation and profitability for our customers,” said Emily Kern, President of Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “We’ve worked closely with FANUC to deliver this capability for their CRX cobot line, and it is now ready for deployment. The Thomson Movotrak CTU brings together robotic innovations from across Regal Rexnord, including Thomson linear systems, Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software, allowing integrators to configure a fully integrated system directly within the FANUC engineering environment.”

The solution signifies Regal Rexnord’s ability to bring together complementary technologies from across its automation portfolio to solve complex customer challenges. By integrating linear motion, gearing, couplings, motors and software into a single engineered solution, Regal Rexnord simplifies adoption of advanced robotics while improving performance, reliability and speed to deployment.

“FANUC is a highly regarded leader in industrial robotic technology, ranging from compact systems to capable of handling the most demanding industrial payloads. We’re proud that the Thomson CTU is now approved for integration with their cobot platform, helping advance the next generation of human-robot collaboration and intelligent motion systems,” said Kevin Long, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU provides the following benefits:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative external linear axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First external linear axis solution with collision detection, stopping the external axis and cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring an external axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord robotics solutions, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
• Robustness and Durability: The Thomson external linear axis CTU can support even the largest FANUC cobots, including the CRX30iA, meeting the most demanding requirements for ruggedness and precision.

Enclosures are designed to enclose robots and other lab-automated processes by providing exhaust air systems or HEPA-filtered clean workstations. Robots are beneficial in many applications and are proven to increase efficiency and productivity. Robots integrated into existing facilities are shown to increase output and improve quality while providing additional flexibility in the production process.

Enclosures are built to protect robotic processes from contamination and personnel from hazardous fumes. Utilising a flexible, modular design, HEMCO enclosures are engineered and built to exact customer size and design requirements.

AI use continues to expand in the global workplace, but most businesses are still in the experimental or piloting stages, with just a small percentage actually deriving value from it . In industrial settings, mindset is proving a barrier to greater adoption. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that trust in AI is lowest in developed economies like the UK, Germany and the US. This represents a real challenge because trust is fundamental to achieving the support – from boardroom to factory floor – that is needed to integrate AI in a meaningful way.

Mistrust of new technology is something the automation sector is used to dealing with. For years, industrial robots faced resistance from human workers who perceived them as a threat to their livelihoods. However, over time it has been proven that these fears are unfounded. In 2022, the Institute of Labour Economics studied the effect of robots on the labour market in 16 European countries and concluded that robot adoption actually increased employment and reduced unemployment in most markets. So let’s debunk the five most common myths.

Myth #1: AI will take my job

Picture a world without Word or Excel – it’s unimaginable. Think of AI in a similar vein, as a tool that helps people to do their jobs more efficiently by automating repetitive and mundane tasks, generating insights and intelligence that can inform decision making, accelerating lengthy testing and design processes, and making predictions that can eliminate risks.

Faced with an ageing workforce and chronic labour shortages, the manufacturing sector can also harness AI to supplement and bolster scarce expertise. Difficult-to-fill roles that involve repetitive, manual and routine tasks will be replaced by more skilled jobs that require critical thinking and analysis; AI-augmented technicians, analysts who interpret data to optimise production schedules, and AI-model builders, for example.

It is worth remembering that AI is rarely a standalone solution. In fact, companies only really unlock its value when they enable employees with real-world domain experience to interact with AI at strategic points. The synergy between AI solutions, human judgement and workplace expertise is what creates hybrid intelligence superpowers and real value capture.

In robotics, for example, AI is expanding the opportunities for collaborative applications. By embedding AI, perception and real-time reasoning – components of physical AI – robots can interpret voice commands, respond to dynamic environments and work safely alongside human operators.

Myth #2: AI puts our company’s data at risk

As with any data-based technology, there is a requirement to protect AI models, the data they process, and the broader systems they integrate with against cyber threats, data interception and operational disruption.

Yes – information inputted into free AI models can become public training data, leading to corporate secrets or personal data being exposed. However, these are not the AI systems that are going to add value in industrial settings.

Keeping it local and using internal GPU (Graphics Processing Units) and servers to run AI models offers maximum data privacy, ensuring that no sensitive data is used for external training or leaked to third-party cloud providers. On-device AI is also a high security option, as the data is processed on user devices rather than in the cloud. Where companies are using established cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform for their AI applications, they can be sure their data is safe too, as both offer robust security. However, using a lesser known supplier, without thorough research, could be a risky move.

Security does become a potential issue when data is being shared with a third party such as a machine supplier, for diagnostics, troubleshooting and servicing. There are best practices that can be adopted for secure sharing, such as processing data through automated checkers to remove sensitive information. Ultimately though, it is a case of working with trusted suppliers, and of controlling what data goes into the AI system in the first place.

Going forwards, AI systems are only going to become more secure as legislation catches up with technological advancement. In 2027, the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) comes into force, imposing mandatory cybersecurity requirements on all software and hardware. AI products will have to be secure by design, with no known exploitable vulnerabilities, undergo risk assessments and offer lifecycle support, including security updates.

The new FANUC R50iA controller – based on the latest CNC hardware, FS500 – is already fully CRA compliant. Over the next two years, all our robots will feature this new controller as standard, while FANUC’s oIder controllers already provide a very high level of security. FANUC customers can rest assured that they will be ahead of the cyber resilience curve, with their machines futureproofed thanks to smart, safe and compliant equipment.

Myth #3: Any system will become obsolete very quickly

The pace of development in AI is rapid, but there are certain measures that companies can take to avoid obsolescence. Open ecosystems and standardised, open-source platforms are a crucial aspect of futureproofing, particularly with the shift from generative to agentic AI.

MCP (an open-source protocol that allows AI assistants to interact with external data sources and software tools) is one standard interface of such systems. OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is another secure, open-source and platform-independent IEC62541 standard for industrial communication.

FANUC is actively collaborating with AI-trailblazer NVIDIA to bring physical AI into mainstream manufacturing. A key step in this journey is our support for the open-source robotics platform ROS 2, which enables programming via Python. By lowering the barrier to entry, this allows developers, researchers and companies to build AI-driven robotics applications on FANUC’s proven industrial hardware.

Myth #4: It won’t really improve our factory automation

AI can add value to production lines in more ways than we can currently imagine. Already, predictive maintenance is using sensor data to forecast equipment failures before they happen, vision systems are detecting defects in non-uniform products and diagnostics are dramatically reducing downtime.

AI is transforming industrial automation too, making robots smarter, safer and faster to deploy, through voice-controlled operation, adaptive motion control, safety-aware human-robot collaboration, and virtual commissioning via digital twins.

One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to accelerate deployment. By assisting with code generation, AI makes it easier and quicker for companies to implement robotic systems. AI-enabled robots also allow existing production lines to be retrofitted without extensive modifications, further speeding up the rollout of automation.

Myth #5: We’re not AI-ready – it’s going to cost us a fortune!

To utilise AI in manufacturing, a company does not need to be fully digitised, but it does need a solid data foundation, as ultimately, AI without data is pointless. AI requires data to be structured, contextualised and available in real-time to drive applications like predictive maintenance, quality control and line optimisation. While not every machine needs to be ‘smart’, critical equipment requires sensors to monitor performance and feed data to digital twins.

With regard to cost, one of the benefits of AI is that it is quantifiable – companies should be able to understand what their return on investment is going to be from the start and gauge at a very early stage whether a project is going to work or not.

That said, the more deeply companies commit to AI, the more they will likely get out of it. McKinsey reported that organisations with the most ambitious AI agendas are seeing the greatest benefit. These firms are often aiming to achieve more than just cost reductions; their objectives extend to driving growth and/or innovation through AI, which is where its real potential lies.

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Christopher’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside Trevor King, who has been part of Endoline since its early days in the 1980s.

With more than 40 years’ service, Trevor has played an instrumental role in shaping Endoline’s engineering expertise and reputation for quality. He will continue to support the business, ensuring his extensive technical knowledge and experience remain an integral part of Endoline’s future as the company continues to grow.

Working alongside Endoline’s experienced team of mechanical, electrical and automation engineers, Christopher will oversee the design and development of the company’s end-of-line packaging machinery. His role will focus on driving continuous improvement, supporting new product development and ensuring customers continue to benefit from innovative, reliable engineering solutions.

“What attracted me to Endoline was the opportunity to join a highly specialised engineering business that’s genuinely committed to delivering bespoke solutions for its customers,” said Christopher. “There’s a real sense of pride throughout the company, and every machine is designed with a clear focus on meeting the customer’s specific requirements.

“The complexity behind many of these projects is far greater than people realise, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that creates innovative solutions to meet those challenges. It’s also a privilege to be part of a business that champions British manufacturing excellence both here in the UK and internationally.”

For more than 45 years, Endoline has designed and manufactured robust, high-quality end-of-line packaging systems for customers across the food, beverage and consumer goods sectors.

A key strength of the business is its ability to engineer solutions around each customer’s exact operational requirements. Rather than supplying standard equipment, Endoline’s in-house team works closely with customers to understand their production environment, packaging formats and operational challenges before designing automation solutions tailored to their individual needs.

Andrew Yates, managing director of Endoline Automation, said: “Engineering has always been at the heart of Endoline. No two production lines are ever the same, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our engineers work closely with the sales team and every customer to develop solutions that are tailored to their exact operational requirements, whether that’s adapting an existing machine or creating something completely bespoke.

Christopher’s appointment strengthens that capability and reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the people and expertise that have underpinned our success for more than four decades.”

Looking ahead, Christopher is focused on supporting the engineering team as the business continues to expand.

He added: “Strong engineering is fundamental to successful automation. Customers invest in automation to improve efficiency and reliability, so it’s essential that every solution is robust, well-designed and fit for purpose. That all starts on the drawing board. My focus is on supporting our talented engineering team, driving continuous improvement and ensuring we continue to bring innovative, high-quality solutions to market as Endoline grows.”