With four times as many as colour receptors as humans, the Mantis shrimp has the most impressive eyes in nature. Manufacturers have long relied on human vision for complex picking and assembly processes, but 3D vision systems are beginning to replicate the capability of human vision in robotics. Here, Nigel Smith, managing director of Toshiba […]
Scorpion Vision has announced a seminar highlighting its comprehensive range of Hikvision/Hikrobot machine vision cameras. Taking place on 25 January at Bristol Robotics Laboratories, delegates will be treated to presentations by industry leading professionals as well as the opportunity to see the cameras in action first hand, with a range of demonstrations throughout the day. […]
Sure, cobots are lightweight: the largest UR10 robot is under 29kg, so they’re easy to pick up and move from one process to another. But they’re no lightweights when it comes to heavy-duty processes like welding. In fact, there’s already a range of cobot welding systems to choose from. Surprised? Don’t be. It’s just one […]
With the aim of creating a more intuitive, easier and faster way to control industrial robots, Comau releases PickAPP, an Android application to perform “Pick and Place” operations in a completely new way. Until now, robot programmers were skilled technicians who used a teach pendant device (robot remote control) to interact with the robot. Comau […]
TM Robotics has assisted in the launch of Toshiba Machine’s THE400 SCARA robot, which was unveiled at the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) 2017. The biennial show was held on November 29 to December 2, at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. Alongside the new SCARA model, Toshiba Machine demonstrated its robot programming tool, 3D vision […]
New from RARUK Automation is ProFeeder, a compact, mobile and modular robot cell that can be easily moved between production and processing machines to increase productivity. It is designed to accept a robot arm – such as a Universal Robot; also from RARUK Automation – and can be systematically expanded to give manufacturers a growth path […]
With over 300 exhibitors spread across two halls, the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) is the largest robot trade show in the world. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan, the biennial event welcomes robot manufacturers from around the globe to introduce the latest robotic technology. Here, Nigel Smith, managing director at Toshiba Machine partner, […]
The free seminar programme for Southern Manufacturing 2018 has been announced. Running in two lecture theatres on all three days of the show, February 6th to 8th, the 2018 programme features an impressive line-up of presenters and topics, and is guaranteed to be of interest to anyone involved in any form of industrial or manufacturing […]
The longstanding industrial practice of outsourcing manufacturing operations to low-cost parts of the world to keep manufacturing costs down has recently taken a dramatic turn. With rapidly rising labour costs in countries such a China, the financial advantages of manufacturing overseas are being seriously eroded. When manufacturers also realise that offshoring also usually involves complex […]
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 […]
Fanuc says it’s now or never to bridge the skills gap
Coventry-based Fanuc UK is urging manufacturers across the country to prioritise skills and training for young people in 2018. Since launching its purpose-built training facility in Ansty Park last May, the company has seen overwhelming demand for its robotics, robo-machines and CNC programming courses, as well as its long-standing apprenticeship scheme. Anthony Bentham, customer services […]