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SMART NJ 650 robot combines strength with reach

SMART NJ 650 robot combines strength with reach

With a payload capability of up to 650kg and a maximum horizontal reach of 2.70m, the SMART NJ 650 robot from Comau has been designed to meet market requirements for robots that can efficiently manipulate components of significant size and weight. Surpassing the capabilities of the previous version, the SMART NJ 650 complete’s Comau’s range […]

By March 13, 2015 Read More →
Schunk expands its team in the North and Midlands

Schunk expands its team in the North and Midlands

To support growth and enhance customer experiences and service, Schunk has expanded its team with the addition of Mark Lister and Steve Hardwidge. Pictured right: Mark Lister is the latest addition to the Schunk team, covering the North East and Scotland Steve will be servicing the needs of customers in the North West whilst Mark […]

By March 12, 2015 Read More →
Social robot helps children with autism

Social robot helps children with autism

KASPAR, the University of Hertfordshire’s social robot, has been recognised as one of the most important university science research projects in the UK and is being showcased at a high profile science fair in London. KASPAR, who is the size of a small child, is a minimally-expressive humanoid robot designed as a therapeutic toy for […]

By March 11, 2015 Read More →
Robot grippers complement collaborative robot range

Robot grippers complement collaborative robot range

Robot grippers from Robotiq now complete the Universal Robots package available from RA Rodriguez. Known for their ease of configuration, this range of robot grippers now includes the 2-finger 85 which has been specifically designed for collaborative work, in terms of payload, flexibility and user-friendliness. RA Rodriguez says the addition of the robot grippers extends […]

By March 10, 2015 Read More →
People sceptical robots will improve quality of life

People sceptical robots will improve quality of life

New research shows that the majority of the UK public is yet to recognise the potential for robots to improve quality of life for themselves or their ageing relatives. A survey of 2,023 online GB adults aged 16-75 for the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) shows that, despite an ageing population and pressure on […]

By March 4, 2015 Read More →
Robot uptake will not be at the expense of people

Robot uptake will not be at the expense of people

The growth of robotics as a way to automate elements of the supply chain and improve efficiencies will not be at the expense of humans, states Jon Gibson, Head of Logistics, at global supply chain consultancy Crimson & Co, who believes that automation could actually lead to humans enhancing their skills, ultimately enabling them to […]

By March 4, 2015 Read More →
Why it pays UK food manufacturers to automate

Why it pays UK food manufacturers to automate

Food and drink manufacturers are this week backing calls to boost UK food production following reports that the nation’s self sufficiency is on the slide and within a generation over half of the UK’s food will be imported. Dennis Allison (pictured right), managing director of Pacepacker Services, explains why it pays UK food producers to […]

By February 26, 2015 Read More →
Robot safety functions mean homing once is enough

Robot safety functions mean homing once is enough

With SafeMOTION Release 1.9, B&R has updated the robot safety functions for the ACOPOSmulti servo drive family. In addition to two new functions – Remanent Safe Position (RSP) and Safely Limited Acceleration (SLA) – this update also introduces machine options for SafeMOTION parameters and improves both system availability and user-friendliness in applications where robot safety […]

By February 25, 2015 Read More →
New platform for Universal Robots accessories and peripherals

New platform for Universal Robots accessories and peripherals

Need a gripper, effector, accessory or peripheral for your Universal Robot? URCaps is a platform where distributors and integrators can present accessories that run successfully in UR robot applications at end users’ facilities. Universal Robots says that Caps are to robots, what apps are to smartphones: useful accessories, hardware and software extending the capabilities of UR […]

By February 24, 2015 Read More →
Food industry is at a robotics tipping point

Food industry is at a robotics tipping point

In the last 12 months there has been a noticeable uptake in robotics in the food processing sector. Although way behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, global food security, volatile commodity prices and the much reported grocery price wars are all driving manufacturers towards the same conclusion; efficiency […]

By February 24, 2015 Read More →