Enabling robotics to achieve reliable identification of parts and objects, often in more unstructured and flexible arrangements, has long been a challenge, but the latest vision technologies are now making this possible, as Neil Sandhu of SICK UK explains. Glimpse into a not-too-distant future and it’s easy to imagine a world where robotics and automation […]
At the PPMA Total Show 2016, Omron will formally announce its acquisition of Adept Technologies, an established US-based manufacturer and global supplier of industrial robots. The takeover has added 49 best-in-class robots to Omron’s portfolio and enables the company to offer all three primary classes of robots together with an established global service infrastructure. Critically, […]
At the PPMA Total Exhibition, on the FANUC stand (C50), FANUC is taking robotic safety a further leap into the future. A collaborative robot, or cobot, designed for working safely with human colleagues, will be challenged to work alongside a caged cell containing a conventional robot. Over the last couple of years, the first generation […]
NEXCOM believes it can fuel the robot boom in manufacturing, stimulating the broad use of robotic systems and industrial robots, with the launch of its NexROBO control solution. This EtherCAT based robotic solution breaks robot systems into discrete modules to liberate system integrators and robotics engineers from specification lockdown. NEXCOM says the NexROBO EtherCAT robotic […]
Applied Automation (UK) has welcomed guests from around the world for the official opening of the new headquarters in Plymouth. The diverse nature of Applied’s work was reflected in the range of industry guests with representatives from sectors such as robotics, automotive, optical, medical and marine. Visitors toured the factory and were shown the bespoke […]
At the forthcoming Manufacturing & Engineering North East (MENE) exhibition on Stand D13, Schunk will be showing a multitude of new products alongside some of its established market favourites. At the Newcastle show, the innovator in workholding, toolholding and automation technology will be unveiling a host of new products for North East customers who didn’t […]
During this year’s MACH exhibition at the NEC, Igus formally celebrated its 25th anniversary in the UK. Managing director, Matthew Aldridge, has been with the company since its early days: “Over the last 25 years, Igus has grown considerably and been involved with many high-profile projects. Igus has enjoyed an eventful quarter of a century […]
The Filter Design Company (FDC) has boosted its volume filter manufacturing capabilities, applying its own automation expertise and sourcing robotic and linear motion technologies through RA Rodriguez. FDC’s automation, incorporating a Universal Robots UR3 table-top robot complete with Robotiq 2F85 gripper, has quadrupled output, reduced manning hours, increased consistency and reduced adhesive waste in glue […]
ABB has acquired SVIA, a leading provider in the fast-growing market of robot automation cells for machine tending. Swedish company SVIA builds automated solutions for machine tending processes, using robots to feed components to lathes and mills, and to secondary processes like assembly, washing and part marking. SVIA has a portfolio of over 800 machine […]
A new type of hydrostatic transmission that combines hydraulic and pneumatic lines can safely and precisely drive robot arms, giving them the delicacy necessary to pick up an egg without breaking it. This transmission has almost no friction or play, offering extreme precision for tasks such as threading a sewing needle. The hybrid transmission makes […]
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 […]