ABB is embedding extended safety I/Os within its series of robot controllers to improve the flexibility, safety and reliability of collaboration between robots and people. The shift to low volume, high mix production in shorter cycles means that people need to work more frequently in closer proximity to robots – changing materials and programs, and […]
Fanuc UK has unveiled its latest industrial robot developed specifically for industrial washing applications. The robust and flexible R-2000iC/210WE is capable of withstanding high pressure loads and forces, with a maximum payload of 210kg. Its outer coating and oil-equipped reducers prevent corrosion from water, detergent or mechanical stress, and the robot is waterproof to IP67 […]
Schunk has developed its modularly designed Schunk ECM controller for electrically driven gripping and rotary modules. With an input voltage of 24V or 48V and equipped with robust M12 standard plug connectors, it can be connected quickly and easily. Control can be provided via Profinet, Profibus (up to 12Mbit/s) or CAN (up to 1Mbit/s). The […]
This T-Rex looks as if it is smiling, just about to say, “Boo!” However, if we were to strip away the skeletal pieces, underneath are modular parts from motion plastics specialist Igus. The main body of the dinosaur is a robolink D articulated arm made with self-lubricating joints incorporating a gearbox with tribopolymer gear wheels […]
Rapid and accurate handling of injection moulds for prototyping and short-run manufacturing relieve injection-moulding machinery operators from physically demanding, repetitive work and eliminate the risk of injuries. Universal Robots (UR) can be used across all areas of plastic and polymer production, including injection moulding applications. They are able to run most applications autonomously, allowing your […]
Aerotech’s HEX RC is a 6-axis motion controller ideal for controlling robotic systems like hexapods. The HEX RC is 4U rack-mountable and compatible with the Automation 3200 (A3200) motion platform. A high-performance processor provides the intense computing power needed to run up to 32 axes, perform complex, synchronized motion trajectories, manipulate I/O, and collect data […]
Renishaw’s neuromate stereotactic robot recently featured in an episode of the BBC drama Holby City. During the episode, neuromate assists with the treatment of an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patient who undergoes a stereotactic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure. In the storyline, neurosurgeons use advanced MRI technology and Renishaw’s neuroinspire software to identify the region of […]
Further growth in demand for Omron’s robotics business has been the key driver to install two new production lines at its European state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Den Bosch, Netherlands. The company says local production of parallel robots will enable it to focus on improved productivity, rapid response and shorter lead times. Pictured: Tom Mathias (right), […]
A team of UK maintenance engineers has developed a new automated cartridge refill cell built around a Mitsubishi Electric articulated arm robot. The cell quickly and accurately refills printer cartridges, making the company’s recycling programme more cost effective to operate. The solution has proved so successful that it is now being rolled-out to other plants […]
For automation specialists RARUK Automation; Universal Robots and Robotiq grippers & sensors provide the perfect combination for off-the-shelf, customised automation solutions. To widen the scope of this partnership, RARUK Automation has just announced the availability of the new Robotiq Dual Gripper. It is designed specifically for machine tending applications where the robot is required to […]
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 […]