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New engineers for Pacepacker’s Technical Department

New engineers for Pacepacker’s Technical Department

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 […]

By May 12, 2014 Read More →
FANUC groups and rebrands UK operations under FANUC UK

FANUC groups and rebrands UK operations under FANUC UK

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 […]

By May 11, 2014 Read More →
Tiny gripper has fastest stroke to closing time ratio

Tiny gripper has fastest stroke to closing time ratio

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 […]

By May 8, 2014 Read More →
neuromate robot cleared for use by US FDA

neuromate robot cleared for use by US FDA

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 […]

By May 7, 2014 Read More →
Cartesian handling system compared with robots

Cartesian handling system compared with robots

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, […]

By April 30, 2014 Read More →
Robots equally suitable for low volume processes

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, […]

By April 28, 2014 Read More →
Working with robots simply as automation components

Working with robots simply as automation components

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 […]

By April 25, 2014 Read More →
Welding cell cuts production time by two-thirds

Welding cell cuts production time by two-thirds

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 […]

By April 14, 2014 Read More →
Robots increase capacity at aluminium casting company

Robots increase capacity at aluminium casting company

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 […]

By April 7, 2014 Read More →
Lingering reluctance to invest in robotic automation

Lingering reluctance to invest in robotic automation

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 […]

By April 2, 2014 Read More →