Leading hydraulic engineering company Quick Hydraulics has been bought out of administration by Altec Engineering and the jobs of 19 employees saved. The acquisition was quick in more ways than one; the directors of Quick Hydraulics put the company in to administration on Monday, and within 24 hours the company was sold. Dan Butters and […]
Visitors to the recent Kawasaki Robotics UK open day were presented with an insight into the capabilities of its new robots. Over 100 manufacturing engineers from food, automotive and aerospace sectors attended the event at Kawasaki’s Warrington facilities. The BX and BA Series robots proved to be the star attractions amongst the automotive sector illustrating […]
An extremely small universal module Igus triflex RS is frequently used in packing systems. It mounts to preexisting fastening points on the robot and consists of a multi-axis energy supply, integrated spring rods and a cover for extra protection. Pictured right: The turnkey packaging plant employs a very compact Igus triflex RS universal module for […]
Robots have left their protective cage. They now work closely with people. AUTOMATICA (Munich 21-24 June, 2016) will highlight how the automation industry is facing the challenge of this new technology. Pictured right: Safe collaboration of humans and robots, without a safety barrier. The lightweight LBR iiwa from KUKA makes it possible. Clever, lightweight robot […]
An increasing number of robotic processes in production lines require synchronisation with conveyor belts. Ensuring the high levels of speed and precision needed to accomplish this used to require highly complex control solutions. Production lines with conveyor belt tracking have an advantage: since the production process never comes to a stop, they can achieve higher […]
Stewart Robinson of TUV SUD Product Service looks at standards relevant to collaborative robots. Collaborative Robots – sometimes referred to as ‘CoBots’ – are robots that are designed to work alongside humans in a collaborative work-space, an area where the robot and the human can perform tasks simultaneously. There are many sectors where collaborative operation […]
Safety aspects in robotic applications must always be considered on an individual basis and the appropriate safety solution implemented for each one. Safe sensor technology has a key role to play, but the experts at Pilz argue a modular approach is required in order to satisfy all applications with regard to safety. Pictured right: The […]
While camera based and other optoelectronic safety technologies are now viable options for some robot guarding applications, for a huge majority there is still little to beat a physical safeguard. For robot guarding, physical safeguards offer the dual function of keeping personnel out of dangerous environments, and keeping potentially hazardous, fast moving objects in. The […]
At this year’s Advanced Engineering UK, Igus will be showcasing a number of new products on its stand (Hall 5, K42) that may help engineers realise more innovative designs and technical solutions. One of the key highlights will be a small industrial robotic arm that has the new triflex RSE (retraction system electric) energy chain from Igus […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
What role does AI play in art?
The River of Light festival in Liverpool showcased ‘Face Value’, a captivating installation co-created by PhD student Emma Brass from the University of Liverpool and Venya Krutikov, co-founder of The Kazimier and Invisible Wind Factory. Blending artificial intelligence, robotics, and visual art, Face Value invites visitors to confront how technology perceives and redefines reality. The […]
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 […]
UR and Scale AI launch imitation learning system
Universal Robots (UR) unveiled the UR AI Trainer at GTC 2026 in Silicon Valley. Developed in collaboration with Scale AI, the AI Trainer marks a tectonic shift as robots move from pre-programmed applications to fully AI-driven tasks. These systems are powered by robust data generated in AI training cells where robots imitate humans. “Our customers, ranging from […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
ESAB simplifies robotic welding deployment
ESAB has introduced the ROBBI 360, an enclosed cobot welding cell with a manual turntable that is designed to increase productivity, improve weld quality and enhance operator safety in robotic MIG/MAG welding. Engineered for manufacturers seeking to quickly deploy an automated solution for medium- and high-volume applications, the ROBBI 360 cobot provides flexibility and user-friendly […]
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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The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
Robotics, vision and AI combine for dairy processes
Automation solutions provider Eberle Automatische Systeme has developed a breakthrough in quality control with a focus on the cheese-ripening process, combining AI with machine vision software from MVTec. The food industry is experiencing a transformative shift in quality control, due in part to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). When combined with rule-based machine vision, AI […]
Efficient palletising in the food industry
Intelligent automation with the Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system and Hitmark Robotics solutions is delivering efficient palletising solutions for the food industry. In the food industry, solutions are in demand that increase efficiency, meet strict hygiene and safety requirements, and enable gentle product transport. Therefore, manufacturers are increasingly investing in modern automation that […]
Collaborative robots could drive UK adoption
As a nation, for many years we’ve lamented the poor state of the UK robotics market. According to a 2014 report by the International federation of robotics (IFR), countries including China, Japan, the United States, Korea and Germany account for 70 per cent of global robot sales. Despite this global growth, sales of industrial robots […]