Schneider Electric has appointed PWR, specialist in automated robotic packaging solutions, as its first ‘Master Robot Partner’. The announcement underlines the importance of the relationship, after many successful robotic packaging projects in the food industry. In recent years, the rise of high-speed, multi-robotic picking and packing lines has led to greater demand for more powerful […]
Where automation and robotic applications require high speed and accuracy the new robust, fast, horizontally articulated Yaskawa Motoman SG-Series Scara Robots are ideal. Features such as a wide range of motion, compact design and internal cabling bring important benefits for when high speed and accuracy is essential in applications such as picking, packing, dispensing and […]
At a time when all the pubs are shut, pouring that perfect pint can prove impossible. igus has solved this problem by providing an easy to use tool for programming its robolink DP robotic arm to ensure it is spot-on every time. With the new Robot Control system, you too can program any of Igus’ […]
ABB has simplified the use of its popular SCARA robots by giving users the ability to commission and control the robots from their PC through RobotStudio, ABB’s simulation and offline programming software. Robot Control Mate is an add-on to RobotStudio, enabling users to jog, teach and calibrate robots from their computer, making it easier than […]
Fanuc has collaborated with Birmingham-based RoboPod to launch the iTend, a turnkey machine-tending cell for its ROBODRILL vertical machining centres. The iTend is a low-footprint, cost-effective automation solution aimed specifically at subcontract manufacturers. At just 850mm x 2500mm, it comprises of a Fanuc M-10iD robot which uses bespoke tooling to automatically take workpieces from a […]
As a result of digitalisation, many everyday objects are able to collect data, analyse external information and communicate with each other. But what happens when this type of technology is applied to the factory, both large companies and SMEs? What elements will characterise the factory of the future? Industry 4.0 has a value creation potential […]
Metsä Wood UK’s head office in Boston, Lincolnshire is just one of many sites across the globe which specialise in providing sustainable, premium-quality wood products for many industries including the construction and industrial sectors. Metsä Wood employs around 1500 people and 2019 sales reached EUR 0.4 billion: its primary products are Kerto LVL (laminated veneer […]
Large swathes of industry are implementing powered and robotic applications to ensure high-quality repeatable processes. Hospital and medical professionals are also keen to implement these applications, especially with the current pressure on the medical system. Here, Stewart Goulding, managing director at precision drive system supplier EMS, discusses the rise of robotics in surgery. There are […]
Robotic arms are often tasked with picking items not presented in the same orientation, shape or size. To provide consistent positioning, manufacturers frequently add fixtures, bowl feeders and other hardware, adding cost and complexity to what ends up being rigid applications that lack the ability to easily pick different objects or achieve quick changeover times. […]
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 […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
High-payload collaborative robots from OMRON
OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies has expanded its TM S Series collaborative robot portfolio with three new models and a major software update, supporting manufacturers facing labour shortages and increasing requirements for flexible, high-mix production. The TM30S, TM20S and TM6S extend the series’ payload and reach capabilities for applications such as palletising, machine tending and […]
RARUK Automation demos cobot palletising solution
On 11-12 February 2026, Packaging Innovations and EMPACK will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham. RARUK Automation will be showcasing the PE10 Robotiq Palletising Solution designed specifically for Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Palletising is a repetitive and strenuous task that poses risk of injury to workers. For manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, palletising […]
New off-the-shelf and modular palletisers
End-of-line palletising is a task commonly automated across a range of industries, due to bottlenecks and the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to workers. RARUK Automation can now offer two simple approaches to palletising automation, from partner Robotiq. RARUK Automation is the exclusive UK representative for Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling 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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Automation and robotics in food manufacturing
At Food Manufacturing Live, Jake Norman, managing director at OAL, discusses applications for robotics in food factories to automate the likes of pick and place operations, palletising, case packing and other areas. He highlights the picking of fresh fruit, with a particular demonstration on the stand showing a robot picking up oranges. “We work with […]
Bridging the gap in food and beverage plants
Food and beverage plants increasingly operate with a blend of equipment generations: legacy machinery that has served reliably for years, and newer automation technologies designed to enhance efficiency, traceability and sustainability. This hybrid setup gives manufacturers flexibility to modernise gradually, but it also presents a growing challenge: how to maintain ageing assets while integrating more […]
FANUC robot pairs hygiene with high performance
To meet the growing demand for food and cleanroom applications, FANUC has unveiled the latest model in its LR Mate industrial robot range. The compact and powerful LR Mate 10-11A Food/Clean has a 10kg payload and is compliant with ISO 4 Class cleanrooms. This makes it ideal for use in highly controlled environments across sectors […]
The future role of robots in manufacturing
With the Covid crisis bringing a greater focus on jobs, there is increased speculation about the future role of robotics in the manufacturing industry, as Martin Walder, VP of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, explains. “Over the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in the demands for robots, and indeed cobots. As […]