With a maximum stroke of 3mm, the Schunk EGP 25-speed mechatronic gripper only takes 0.03 seconds for its fingers to close, which Schunk reckons gives it the fastest stroke to closing time ratio. This offers optimal pre-requisites for minimal cycle times. Claimed to be the smallest electric gripper with integrated electronics on the market, the […]
Renishaw has announced that the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) has issued clearance to market the neuromate frameless Gen II stereotactic robotic system. Dr Abed Hammoud, CEO of Renishaw Mayfield SA said: “We are excited to launch our newest generation neuromate robotic system in the US, which is the largest global market for medical […]
It is important to understand when to select a Cartesian handling system over kinematic and SCARA assembly and handling solutions, so Festo has produced a whitepaper which provides a technical comparison of the Cartesian handling system with these other technologies. The whitepaper gives a simple overview of the Cartesian handling system and kinematic handling system, […]
Machine builders facing ever increasing pressures to deliver machines that address requirements for increased productivity and reduced costs are coming to see the potential for robotic solutions. And the good news, says Omron’s Robert Brooks, is that today robots can be treated as standard automation components, easily integrated into production lines. When we think about […]
An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous […]
Implementing robotic loading and unloading has vastly increased capacity at Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK. Before automating the process, shift performances varied considerably, parts and tooling suffered damage and the bottom line was that the operator performance was setting the takt time, Now it is the robot that works to the programmed takt time. Ryobi Aluminium […]
A recent survey of UK manufacturers carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics has revealed that concerns over cost of ownership and lack of experience in implementing and using robots are preventing many companies from investing in robotic automation. The survey received responses from 221 companies of all sizes, including SMEs. Of these, 134 are […]
Following the start-up of its new production facility in Shanghai, KUKA celebrated its opening in the company of guests from China and abroad. At centre stage was one of the best-known Germans in China; table tennis star Timo Boll. The premiere of a film in which Boll competes against a KUKA robot was a highlight […]
A robot fibre-laser weld cell using what is believed to be the UK’s largest commercially operated power source, 10kW, has been installed at Graham Engineering (GEL) in Nelson, Lancashire. The System has been integrated by Cyber-Weld using a FANUC six axis robot at its heart. The fibre laser weld cell has increased production capacity and […]
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 […]
Robots equally suitable for low volume processes
A recent survey carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics UK reveals that many UK manufacturers have yet to be convinced about the suitability of robotic automation for low volume or bespoke production processes. Of the 221 companies that responded to the survey, 134 are not currently using robots. When asked to specify their reasons, […]