Greencore Prepared Meals, Warrington, has successfully implemented its first automated packaging line for its high output lasagne products without any disruption to production. The end of line system comprising two Kawasaki FD50 robots, conveyors and guarding was delivered, installed and made available for commissioning during a single weekly hygiene shift. Other than checkweighers and metal […]
Increased flexibility for shelf ready packaging lines is being offered by food packaging automation specialists Abar with its new LR-80TCR Loading System. A FANUC Robotics M10-iA robot is the core automation component of the LR-80TCR allowing loading speeds of thermo formed or top sealed rigid trays at speeds of up to 200 ppm. Each new […]
TM Robotics has launched Toshiba Machine’s THP550 SCARA, the first robot in a new range of machines set to compete with the flexipicker style devices already on the market. Its impressive speed and Ethernet connectivity make it ideal for robot synchronisation on a production line. As a result, two or more SCARAs can work together, […]
ABB is further enhancing its current palletizing market product line by introducing two new robots, three new grippers, and a comprehensive software program to complement its existing palletizing product range. “We are serious about serving this market,” says Klas Bengtsson, product manager at ABB Robotics. “The new complete range now addresses all integrator and customer […]
TM Robotics (Europe) has launched Toshiba Machine’s smallest ever SCARA robot, the compact and high speed TH180. The company says the robot is ideal for highly precise pick and place applications, like those found in the electronics, pharmaceutical and laboratory industries. The TH180 has a functional payload of 2kg, which is more than adequate for […]
TM Robotics (Europe) has launched the new Toshiba Machine TH1200A SCARA robot – the new robot is the largest in the Toshiba Machine family. The company says the new robot will find uses in heavy duty pick and place applications, such as packaging and heavy materials handling. The TH1200A has an impressive payload of 20kg […]
Ecotile, a manufacturer and distributor of interlocking floor tiles, has fully automated its manufacturing process using a single FANUC Robotics robot working between two Sumitomo (SHI) DEMAG injection moulding presses. Using advanced gripper design from systems integrator Hi-Tech Automation has allowed Ecotile to overcome handling issues associated with flexible PVC. Two years ago Ecotile made […]
Easy integration of B&R motion controllers with Staübli robots is assured thanks to the adoption of POWERLINK interfaces on Staübli’s uniVAL drives, enabling Generic Motion Control programs from B&R controllers to be transferred to the robots. In this way, robotics engineers can use the uniform programming and operating environment provided by B&R controllers. Robots are […]
Alan Shilton, managing director of Halesowen-based KUKA Automation + Robotics, believes greater use of robots will make it easier for UK manufacturers to become more competitive at home and abroad. His comments come as a new government grant is introduced, promoting the benefits of automation will help kick start a wave of long overdue investment […]
The high payload KUKA KR 100-2 PA model is being used at one of Britain’s oldest cheese makers as part of an automated packing line, designed by integration specialist Güdel to handle 250 cheese blocks an hour. The robot has turned the tricky, cumbersome task of palletising large 30kg boxes of cheese into a quick, […]
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 […]