As the life sciences industry looks to address today’s production challenges, Neal Welch of Mitsubishi Electric explains how in demanding applications such as the manipulating of live cultures, robots are in a league of their own. Robots have become an established technology within the industry for precise and efficient processing and packaging of drugs and […]
Early this month ABB, a supplier of robotics, process automation, and electrification components, acquired B&R Automation, an industrial software and automation hardware company. This is the latest acquisition that ABB has made in recent years. In 2012, ABB acquired Thomas & Betts for $3.9 billion, followed by Power-One Inc in 2013 for $1 billion. So […]
Despite ongoing fears and speculation that robots could steal British jobs, new data reveals that the majority of industry professionals (63.3%) have never witnessed job losses as a result of the introduction of robots or automated processes. Furthermore, over a third (36.7%) stated that robots have often resulted in job creation within their place of […]
One of the first attempts at humanoid robot design took place in 1495, when Leonardo Da Vinci developed the mechanical knight. The robot was designed to make several human-like motions, but it wasn’t until the 1990s, when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) invented Kismet, the world’s first sociable robot. The manufacturing industry took inspiration […]
This video is the third in a four-part series demonstrating how quick and easy it is to build your own versatile robotic systems using modular, low-cost and easy-to-assemble robolink kits from motion plastics specialist, Igus. As engineers continue to utilise robotics to increase productivity and safely automate all kinds of repetitive tasks, from automotive assembly […]
Industrial robots are automated moving devices with multiple axes. Motion paths, sequences and angles can be freely programmed and controlled by sensors. Robots can also be fitted with grippers and other tools, enabling them to manipulate objects and carry out production tasks. Robots are well suited to carry out many different automated tasks and make […]
The first Fanuc M410iC/185 universal palletising robot has been installed in the UK at pulse processor Askew & Barrett, where it has helped to boost productivity by 15-20% and eliminated a potential health and safety risk factor by automating a manual palletising operation. Askew & Barrett sources pulses from key agricultural merchants and then sorts, […]
Fanuc 3D Area Sensors enable robots to recognise and pick up randomly positioned objects. Capable of locating parts three dimensionally, the 3D Area Sensor adds flexibility and reliability to operations traditionally completed by humans or which otherwise require sophisticated and expensive dedicated machinery. Vision-guided robotics (VGR) is fast becoming an enabling technology for the automation […]
This video is the second in a four-part series demonstrating how quick and easy it is to build your own versatile robotic systems using modular, low-cost and easy-to-assemble robolink kits from motion plastics specialist, Igus. As engineers continue to utilise robotics to increase productivity and safely automate all kinds of repetitive tasks, robolink from Igus […]
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, […]
Granta Automation balances the robotic debate
If you’re considering introducing industrial robots into your production line, then you should consider both the advantages and disadvantages of industrial robots, before making a decision. Advantages of Industrial Robots 1. Increased efficiency: Industrial robots are able to complete certain tasks faster and better than people, as they are designed to perform these tasks with […]