Author Archive: Editor

rss feed

New paint shop robots boost UK installed base

New paint shop robots boost UK installed base

Only twelve months after launching two new paint robots, FANUC reports that it has supplied 32 P-250i robots into three UK manufacturing sites. The figure exceeds the total of all paint robots installed in the UK over the last three years by 151%, based on BARA annual robot statistics. Driven by the technological demands of […]

By January 9, 2014 Read More →
Multiple-axis joints suit a host of robotic applications

Multiple-axis joints suit a host of robotic applications

With moving mass reduced to a minimum, the robolink range of articulated modules have been carefully designed by polymer specialist igus to provide robot developers and laboratories with a compact and light weight product. In addition, the actuators (drives, pneumatics and hydraulics) and the control module (DP, PC) have been separated from the movement mechanism […]

By January 8, 2014 Read More →
Controller is key to an effective robot solution

Controller is key to an effective robot solution

While it is often the robot that catches the headlines, it is important to consider what its controller can offer too, because the robot is nothing without its ‘brain’. Your chosen robot/controller package should have been developed from the ground up to work together. Typically, users will specify the controller and robot as a package […]

By January 6, 2014 Read More →
Vision technology expands food industry applications

Vision technology expands food industry applications

Adding ‘sight’ to a robot can expand its potential in food industry applications. FANUC can offer the perfect solution, iRVision, an integrated vision solution option for its robots – featuring both software and hardware components. Coming as an optional software module of the R-30iB controller, iRVision is perfect for use in food and packaging applications. […]

By December 9, 2013 Read More →
Stronger and faster palletising robot with long reach

Stronger and faster palletising robot with long reach

FANUC Robotics UK has launched a new universal palletising robot that it claims boasts best-in-class speed, payload, energy-efficiency and reach. The M410-iC/185 is the first of a new generation of palletising robots that combines FANUC’s proven 99.99% reliability with tangible improvements in performance, allowing users across a range of industries to palletise heavier loads faster […]

By November 27, 2013 Read More →
Growth in robot sales predicted to continue

Growth in robot sales predicted to continue

After strong recent growth in the number of UK robot installations, one company is predicting that the boom will continue for the rest of the year and beyond. Barry Weller, a robot and automation specialist with Mitsubishi Electric, says: “Mitsubishi sales are twice what they were this time last year and our forward orders are […]

By November 26, 2013 Read More →
Lightweight and reliable robot cable management

Lightweight and reliable robot cable management

As robot systems are becoming more and more advanced, plastic expert, igus is constantly developing innovative plastic components to reduce costs and increase service life. Amongst the company’s robotic solutions is the triflex Retraction System Pneumatic (RSP) for multi-axis robots. Light weight and space saving, the triflex RSP is a state-of-the-art adjustable retraction cable management […]

By November 25, 2013 Read More →
Robot safety boosted for collaborative robotics

Robot safety boosted for collaborative robotics

Industrial robots are seeing increasing use in automated production lines. Until now, however, they have been isolated in cells to ensure the safety of those working in their proximity. Using TÜV-certified function blocks, B&R has now boosted robot safety to a level that allows humans and robots to work hand-in-hand. Pictured right: Robot safety is […]

By November 19, 2013 Read More →
Robots boost capacity on airbag sensor production line

Robots boost capacity on airbag sensor production line

When a new production line for airbag control sensors was required, TRW turned to Stäubli and its system integration partners Grohmann and IPTE to provide the robots required at the heart of the automated sequence of cells. The new automated production line has allowed TRW to address increased demand and bring more of the supply […]

By November 19, 2013 Read More →
Robot arm rings the NASDAQ closing bell

Robot arm rings the NASDAQ closing bell

The UR5 robot arm from Universal Robots rang the NASDAQ closing bell on Tuesday, November 12 to mark the launch of the ROBO-STOX Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF. The robotic bell ringing marked the first time a non-human has performed this prestigious task. Chosen by ROBO-STOX to represent the burgeoning robotics industry, the UR5 […]

By November 13, 2013 Read More →