As industrial robotics are used in new and alternative application areas in growing markets to meet increasing demand for automation, compound annual growth of over 5 percent is expected between 2013 and 2020, with the overall market growing from $26 billion in 2012 to over $41 billion in 2020. The forecast comes in a new […]
Programming robots to pick up particular objects and move them around is commonplace, but when those objects vary in size or shape, robots tend to get clumsy. But new robotic grasp technology developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham could help to change that. The research, which provides a way of ‘teaching’ robots to […]
Control of Europe’s most powerful non-military laser, plus a six-axis test piece handling robot and multiple points of distributed I/O at a new laser-based R&D centre is based on a Mitsubishi Electric iQ-controller. The laser-based research and development cell has been installed at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty, West Midlands, to help keep […]
Pacepacker Services is inviting anyone working in handling foods or packaging goods to join them for an educational event on 17 June to see a wide range of pick and place robots in action. Hosted at the company’s Essex facility, the event will highlight six different robots, including food grade systems, in real-world applications. Including […]
A workcell measuring just 0.8 by 1 metre, with an ABB IRB 120 robot hanging upside-down from the ceiling, is used at global contact lens manufacturer CooperVision’s R&D facility in Southampton. The cell provides a reduced cycle time of 30 percent by enabling the faster transfer of contact lenses between the moulding and curing processes. […]
Handling and assembly robots are continually pushing the performance envelope in terms of load, speed and reach, and that places particular requirements on cable management. To meet these requirements in self-supporting applications, Murrplastik has introduced a new range of cable drag chains, with a one-piece design that is robust, easy to install and inexpensive. Murrplastik […]
Using the Sydney Harbor Bridge as an example, Australian specialists have highlighted how service robots will soon revolutionize how steel structures are serviced. The robust lightweight robotic systems are planned to go into serial production at the end of 2014. At their core is a lightweight arm designed by SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping […]
Pacepacker Services has expanded its Technical Department to support the growing demand for robotics within the food, bulk solids and aggregate industries. The move comes hot on the heels of the company’s 20+ new pick and place robot option launch at Foodex 2014. The appointment of two new engineers increases Pacepacker’s engineering manpower and further solidifies their […]
FANUC has realigned its UK divisions under one brand – FANUC UK Limited. This move allows the company to deliver a more integrated approach to automation solutions while becoming a smarter and more efficient partner to its customers. The rebrand, effective immediately, integrates FANUC’s three core UK businesses – FANUC ROBOTICS, FANUC FA and FANUC […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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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 […]
Automation opens up job opportunities
By 2030, it is reckoned that a third of British jobs will be automated. With experts suggesting that we can expect change on a scale akin to the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the process of integrating robotics into the workplace has already begun and the next 10 to 20 years will see a major […]