ABB has launched its Wizard Easy Programming software for its IRB 1100 industrial robot, allowing first time users to introduce robotic automation into their production lines without the need for specialist programming skills or any knowledge of RAPID code. Based on simple graphical blocks, Wizard Easy Programming makes it easy for non-specialists to automate their […]
Universal Robots (UR) has established a free online knowledge bank to ensure more organisations can maximise the potential of their collaborative robots (cobots). The content, containing on-demand webinars and articles created throughout 2020, means organisations can now automate processes more efficiently, effectively and with minimal investment. The library of webinars and articles covers subjects from […]
For more than 30 years — following an accident in his teens — Robert “Buz” Chmielewski has been a quadriplegic with minimal movement and feeling in his hands and fingers. But last month he was able to manipulate two prosthetic arms with his brain and feed himself dessert. Buz’s accomplishment marks a big step toward […]
The new partner network that EPLAN founded towards the end of 2020 pools the worldwide expertise of its cooperation partners to increase the benefits for customers. The EPLAN Partner Network (EPN) defines common binding goals for boosting integration along the value chain. Users profit from this increase in continuity and integration, particularly in the areas […]
Increased automation, adapting to new labour-saving manufacturing practices and the consequences of Covid-19 is accelerating the demand for effective robotic solutions. This is especially the case in industries where logistics are key such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics where there is increased urgency to improve efficiencies by automating the packing and stacking of individual products. […]
Omron has taken human-machine collaboration to a level it says is previously unseen on the factory floor, with its Intelligent Cell Production Line concept. Integrating sensing, vision and robotics, this example of an advanced production line control solution enhances the performance of both humans and robots as they learn from one another. Accelerated employee training […]
Brillopak is launching its award-winning UniPAKer robotic crate packer into the meat, fish and poultry sector following design enhancements that make the system both affordable and efficient in tray-sealed meat applications. The development of a new generation end-effector that offers increased suction and control when handling trays and skin packs coupled with a new dual-pick […]
Volkswagen provides a glimpse into the future in which the search for charging stations for electric cars comes to an end. Volkswagen Group Components’ mobile charging robot takes over this task – and drives to the electric car completely autonomously. After it is started via app or V2X communication, the mobile robot drives itself to […]
The pandemic has drastically changed consumer behaviour and has sped up what was already an upward trajectory for the adoption of online purchasing and digitalisation. In order to thrive, businesses need to ensure continuity of supply, the ability to implement remote staffing and social distancing and an agile supply chain with the capacity to meet […]
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
... Read More »
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, […]
Three-pronged approach to boosting productivity
2021 could be a pivotal year for industry in the UK, and the extent to which manufacturers adopt automation may determine its long-term success. Tom Bouchier, managing director at Fanuc UK, outlines the three areas manufacturers must focus on to bounce back in 2021. At a time when the impact of Covid-19 has presented significant […]