Blog : Robotics Update

By Editor June 8, 2015 Read More →

On the cusp of a robotics revolution

In this month’s podcast, we look at how new, low cost, safe robots are redefining the robotics market, heralding a new era in collaborative robotics. In particular, we look at the potential for low cost automation by examining the first £1000 industrial robot. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209326286" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

Posted in: Podcasts

By Editor June 8, 2015 Read More →

Robot masters skills through trial and error

UC Berkeley researchers have developed algorithms that enable robots to learn motor tasks through trial and error using a process that more closely approximates the way humans learn, marking a major milestone in the field of artificial intelligence. Pictured right: BRETT is shown learning how to screw a cap onto a water bottle (photo courtesy […]

Posted in: Web

By Editor June 6, 2015 Read More →

FANUC robot picks sweetcorn cobs quickly

A successful UK factory trial involving a FANUC M-10iA series robot and a novel vacuum gripper technology has proved that it is possible to pick and place sweetcorn cobs at speeds of 180 packs per minute. Besides providing proof of principle that robotics can be employed to handle this challenging product, the trial demonstrated that […]

Posted in: All News, Articulated Arm, Case studies, Companies D-F, FANUC Robotics, Food & Drink

By Editor June 5, 2015 Read More →

Gluing robot speeds up lawn mower production

Automation is no longer just the mainstay of manufacturing as more and more of our daily routines and tasks are assisted by computers or automation in some form or other. For example, the once tedious task of mowing the lawn can now be performed automatically using the Husqvarna Automower robotic lawn mowers. However, even robotic […]

Posted in: All News, Altec Engineering, Case studies, Companies A-C, Gluing, Videos

By Editor June 5, 2015 Read More →

Unlocking the potential of robotic automation

Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager at ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, comments on how starting small could be the key to unlocking the potential of robotic automation in the UK. As someone with over 30 years of experience in robotics, it’s a source of great personal frustration for me to see the […]

Posted in: ABB Robotics, All News, Comment, Companies A-C, Food & Drink, Laboratory

By Editor June 3, 2015 Read More →

Schunk opens new facility in China

At a formal ceremony, clamping and gripping systems specialist Schunk opened a new China Headquarters in Shanghai. Schunk wants to push ahead with its investment program and expand its local presence in China, something that was emphasised by the company’s managing partner Henrik Schunk at the opening ceremony. Since 2003, Schunk has been represented in […]

Posted in: All News, Companies S-U, Effectors, Schunk

By Editor June 1, 2015 Read More →

On the cusp of a revolution in collaborative robotics

Anyone looking at the robotics offerings at this year’s Hannover Fair can’t fail to have noticed all the activity surrounding collaborative robots – not least because two significant acquisitions happened at just about the same time. First ABB bought Gomtec, and then Universal Robots announced that it had agreed an acquisition by Teradyne. If we […]

Posted in: ABB Robotics, All News, Collaborative robots, Comment, Igus, KUKA, RA Rodriguez, Rethink Robotics

By Editor May 26, 2015 Read More →

B&R adds function blocks for robot kinematics

B&R is expanding its already extensive mapp technology portfolio to include function blocks for all the most commonly used robot kinematic systems. Not only does this allow users to commission robots much more quickly, it also makes maintenance and diagnostics substantially easier. The new robotic functions in mapp include both serial and parallel robot kinematics, […]

Posted in: All News, B&R, Companies A-C, Control

By Editor May 26, 2015 Read More →

HepcoAutomation builds partnership with KUKA

Automation systems provider HepcoAutomation and robot manufacturer KUKA have announced a partnership agreement that the companies believe will broaden the appeal of robots for a whole host of tasks, from heavy load lifting to light assembly operations. KUKA has a wide range of industrial robots and a worldwide reputation for innovation, the range of robots are used […]

Posted in: All News, Companies G-I, HepcoAutomation, Videos

By Editor May 20, 2015 Read More →

An ingrained resistance to investment?

Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager for ABB Robotics in the UK, explains why industry and Government need to work together more closely on building a more competitive manufacturing sector. As the manufacturer’s organisation EEF predicts 1.7 percent growth for 2015, things continue to look promising for the UK manufacturing sector. Yet there […]

Posted in: ABB Robotics, All News, Comment