ABB has launched an online return on investment calculator to help UK small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) discover the cost and productivity benefits offered by industrial robots. Available here on the ABB website, the calculator demonstrates how companies can often recoup their outlay on robots within just two years through enhanced levels of performance […]
Honda UK Manufacturing’s Swindon site has recently invested in a Universal Robot from RA Rodriguez that is currently being assessed for a variety of applications. And clearly it attracted sufficient attention to command an important role in the opening ceremony at the company’s Technical Festival in December. Programming a brand new conventional robot to perform […]
A powerful, 6-axis hydraulic manipulator arm designed for use in the nuclear decommissioning industry relies on a motion control system from Moog. The company was approached by James Fisher Nuclear (JFN) for the hydraulic motion system, including modelling and simulating the product design. A manipulator arm is used to grasp and move materials without direct […]
Robotic handling systems and packing technology can help manufacturers to improve their competitive edge, improve product quality, reduce waste and increase throughput, with significant increases to the efficiency of packaging lines. Pacepacker Services recently held an open day event to show just that, demonstrating a 25m² bulk solids automated packing line featuring the latest sack, […]
Combining 3D vision technology with the latest in SCARA robots has solved a tricky cake decorating problem. But it also opens up the potential to bring a new level of automation across a huge spread of industries outside of food and beverage. Quasar Automation wanted to create a system that can neatly apply icing or […]
SICK UK says its new MPS magnetic position sensor and MPA magnetic position sensor promise unrivalled levels of accuracy and control, combined with the versatility to be used in robotics applications. The key to the high performance of these magnetic position sensor models is a continuous analogue output signal for precision non-contact detection at all […]
Ultrasonic Sciences Limited (USL) based in Aldershot, Hampshire, UK are leaders in the design and manufacture of automated and semi-automated ultrasonic testing systems. Many of their systems are in use around the world testing highly critical metallic and composite components mainly in the aerospace and metals industries. When USL decided to manufacture a fully automated […]
Robotics may conjure up the idea that the human workforce is on the decline. Nothing could be further from the truth. The latest study by the International Federation of Robotics forecasts that two million jobs are to be created worldwide in the next eight years because of the robotics industry. Engineering UK also insists a […]
In the automotive industry, engine and gearbox shafts, shock absorber rods, cylinder or exhaust tubes for example come in a variety of diameters. To manoeuvre these parts, m ajor European automotive components manufacturers use Lantec-designed and built automation systems equipped with the company’s pneumatic grippers and clamps. Thanks to their unique construction Lantec angular grippers […]
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 […]
Accelerated deployment of robots in UK food industry
Chris Sumner, Managing Director of FANUC UK and Vice President of FEC reckons the UK food industry is warming to robotics. And he is not alone in this view, which is backed up the latest figure from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The adoption of robotics […]