Motion control equipment manufacturer Stober has further developed its One Cable Solution (OCS) so that users can now connect motors and drive controllers at distances of up to 100m. Designed in collaboration with encoder expert Heidenhain, this new single cable connection means that machine builders no longer need to use two cables to power the […]
As a world leading manufacturer of connectors and industrial robots, Stäubli is recognised internationally as a trusted partner across a diverse range of industry sectors. Also credited as one of the pioneers in the development of robotic tool changing systems, Stäubli already offers a comprehensive product range up to 1530 kg robot payload capacity. Five […]
Industrial automation expert Omron and high-tech machine builder AWL have joined forces to launch Qube, a flexible cobot welding cell. This cell makes it easier for companies to automate the welding of small batches; to introduce new products easily; and to allow people and machines to work together safely. The cobot welding cell resembles a […]
Exploring the benefits of using robotic systems across a wider range of manufacturing applications has accelerated recently where investment in the most up-to-date systems is making a significant contribution to maximising efficiency. Welding applications are a good example and the availability of new, highly flexible, space-saving systems is helping manufacturers to integrate robotics into their […]
Sick has launched the first multibeam safety scanner in the world to use safe, solid-state LiDAR technology to enable small autonomous vehicles and line-guided shuttle systems to operate more quickly and productively. With the SICK scanGrid2, small transport vehicles like Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) can operate safely at higher speeds and with higher payloads for […]
Stäubli reports that five new sizes have been launched to expand the existing MPS tool changer range, covering payload capacities from 15kg to 80kg, enabling Stäubli to offer a robotic tool change solution for virtually all robots and payloads. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of ±1.5 µm and a wide […]
According to a recent report from the World Economic Forum, 85 million jobs could be lost and displaced by new technologies in the next five years. It’s no surprise that workers, particularly in manufacturing, worry how these developments will affect their jobs. Here, Nigel Smith, President and CEO of TM Robotics, explains why humans workers […]
Schneider Electric has announced that BPX, the distributor of industrial automation components has been appointed as a UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor (IAD). The appointment is recognition of the level of expertise BPX holds in the industrial integration of Schneider Electric systems. BPX has the proven industrial automation solution knowledge, experience and capabilities to […]
The latest in the Igus video of the week series shows how a range of the company’s products are utilised in the production of disposable face masks. Unfortunately, facemasks have become a staple in our lives. So much so, manufacturers have now recognised the benefits of Igus products within this manufacturing sector. The face masks […]
Motion plastics and low-cost automation at MACH 2026
igus returns to MACH with a comprehensive range of engineering innovations designed to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime and deliver long‑term cost savings for manufacturers across all industry. With the UK operation based in Northampton, igus develops lubrication‑free motion plastics that replace traditional metal components, increasing performance while eliminating the need for grease and maintenance. […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
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 […]
Annual robot shipments to top 760k units in 2030
The industrial robot industry saw 5.1% growth in 2025, following a contraction of -2% in 2024, Interact Analysis reports. The market is now forecast to record steady growth out to 2030, at an average annual rate of 6.7%, rising from 549,555 units in 2025 to 761,303 units in 2030. The latest industrial robots report from […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
Cobot shipments will more than double by 2030
The collaborative robot market is entering a phase of sustained but uneven growth. Interact Analysis‘ latest Collaborative Robots – 2026 report points to a market that is maturing in some respects, particularly pricing, but volatile in terms of regional and application demand. Collaborative robot shipments reached nearly 58,000 units in 2025, having grown 14.5% over […]
Customised robotics and automation systems: Astech Projects is an award-winning provider of advanced automated solutions. We work with clients worldwide to design and build robotics and automation systems that meet
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Gourmet-food-maker automates packaging process
Rockwell Automation has announced that Cranswick, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics. Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
Universal adaptive gripper for faster, gentler picking
Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential. “In developing the HPSX, […]
Assembly challenges demand flexible capabilities
Success in manufacturing is a moving target. Planners routinely face demands to reduce cycle time, increase capacity, introduce new products more quickly, and utilise available floorspace efficiently. The methods employed to move workpieces between the various production processes can significantly influence the extent to which these goals are achieved. 1. Scale production when factory floorspace […]