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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 →
Table tennis star takes on fast, flexible KUKA robot

Table tennis star takes on fast, flexible KUKA robot

Following the start-up of its new production facility in Shanghai, KUKA celebrated its opening in the company of guests from China and abroad. At centre stage was one of the best-known Germans in China; table tennis star Timo Boll. The premiere of a film in which Boll competes against a KUKA robot was a highlight […]

By March 27, 2014 Read More →
Robot installation delivers pioneering laser weld capability

Robot installation delivers pioneering laser weld capability

A robot fibre-laser weld cell using what is believed to be the UK’s largest commercially operated power source, 10kW, has been installed at Graham Engineering (GEL) in Nelson, Lancashire. The System has been integrated by Cyber-Weld using a FANUC six axis robot at its heart. The fibre laser weld cell has increased production capacity and […]

By March 27, 2014 Read More →
Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

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 […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
Robot demonstrates how easy programming can be

Robot demonstrates how easy programming can be

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 […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →