A demonstration robot cell on the FANUC stand at the PPMA show highlighted how packaging companies can enjoy the best of both worlds of optimised productivity combined with the highest levels of operator safety. Completely open on two sides, the cell combined FANUC’s Dual Check Safety (DCS) technology with a safety scanner and safety camera. […]
In response to rising retailer demand for mixed product trays, FANUC has collaborated with integrator Pacepacker Services to engineer a first-of-its-kind robotic pot swap tray loading system. A demonstration cell was on show at PPMA, swapping pots between cardboard trays and featuring FANUC’s fenceless DCS safety technology. The robotic pick and place unit combines FANUC’s […]
On paper, the concept of automating vertical tray packing sounds relatively straightforward. However, even if the packs are presented uniformly to a robot with a vacuum end-effector, the shortcoming will always be ‘how do you get the last pack into the tray?’ The Shingle Tray Loader (STL) designed by Pacepacker Services solves this problem. The […]
This year saw the return of the ABB stand at The PPMA Show. ABB shared its stand with packaging systems specialist RM Group, a member of ABB’s Authorised Value Provider (AVP) network. A highlight of the stand was a demonstration cell featuring ABB’s FlexPicker robots, which are ideal for high speed picking and placing applications […]
The Robotics Update team were at the PPMA Show at the NEC, Birmingham in September, looking at innovations in robotics and vision technologies for packaging and palletising applications. Over the next ten pages, we’ll present some of the most interesting and exciting of those innovations, and highlight the latest news from the key players. The modern […]
The engineers at Zen Putting Mechanics have been helping Today’s Golfer magazine to test 46 putter designs from several top manufacturers with specific parameters to determine the best buys. For one of the tests, the British golf innovator has developed a putting robot with Sheffield University’s AMRC – Boeing research centre that evaluates a putter’s […]
Scorpion Vision has announced the launch of a new, redesigned version of its website, www.scorpionvision.co.uk. Key features of the site include a cleaner and more attractive design, a more engaging user experience with enhanced search and navigation, and the capability to search for camera products using a new search tool that allows the user to […]
Omron reports that it has strengthened its industrial automation business with the acquisition of Adept Technology. Omron will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Adept common stock through an all cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger. For 30 years Adept has been an industry leader in the development of innovative and powerful […]
To eliminate tedious manual handling in the manufacturing process for water-testing swabs, manufacturing automation expert Secure Technologies Ltd has developed an efficient and cost-effective solution based on an Omron SCARA robot. This novel solution also makes extensive use of other Omron automation components, including laser sensors to accurately detect the position of the tiny swabs, […]
Battery designer and manufacturer Saft has made a strategic breakthrough into China’s fast growing industrial robot sector with its first order for STEP Electric Corporation, a public National High-Tech Enterprise specialising in industrial automation. STEP Electric Corporation is installing Saft’s primary lithium batteries in its new generation robots to back up the memory in their […]
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 […]
Teradyne Robotics launches patent case against JAKA
Teradyne Robotics has initiated a patent infringement case at the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Copenhagen against a German subsidiary of the Chinese robot company JAKA. The case concerns the alleged infringement of patents – both software and hardware – held by Teradyne Robotic and related to its business unit Universal Robots, the world’s leading […]
Greater reach and flexibility for industrial automation
With Thomson’s Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), Rodriguez is offering a collaborative reach extension for cobots for the first time. The solution extends the workspace by a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to be deployed at multiple stations within a production line. This allows production processes to be structured more flexibly and robot […]
Regal Rexnord announces collaboration with FANUC
Regal Rexnord has announced a strategic collaboration with robotics and automation leader FANUC to deliver a fully integrated collaborative robotics solution that combines expertise from many of its brands. The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson […]
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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Endoline appoints new engineering manager
Endoline Automation has appointed Christopher Tracey as engineering manager, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in its in-house expertise as demand grows for its end-of-line packaging systems in the UK and international markets. Christopher’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside […]
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 […]